The Dog Thief by Marta Acosta

Author:Marta Acosta
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: contemporary women, lbgtq, Aspergers Autism, dog novel, rescue dog, contemporary romance, romantic suspense, Marta Acosta, LBGT, Canine Search and Rescue, bisexual women, atypical, Asperger's Syndrome, Autism Spectrum, small town crime, sisters, twins, dog rescue
Publisher: Badinage Press
Published: 2018-01-15T05:00:00+00:00

I DIDN’T GIVE ANY FURTHER thought to Beryl’s caterer because I could barely keep up with all my consultations. The activity disturbed me and at dinner Kenzie said, “You’re fidgety tonight. I’m going to tie mittens to your hands, like mothers do with babies to keep them from scratching themselves. It’s your turn to do the dishes.”

“It’s always my turn to do the dishes.”

“Because you never cook.”

“Never is an absolute. It means without exception and I do cook, so never is not applicable.”

“Microwaving something I’ve prepared isn’t cooking so never is applicable.”

I was going to argue my point when her phone rang. She looked at the caller’s number and walked out of the room to answer it.

I dumped the dishes in a tub of water and left them to soak. I shoved a food-crusted cast-iron skillet in the oven, shut it, reconsidered, and took it out. I dunked the skillet under hot water, squirted it generously with soap, and scoured it.

Kenzie returned as I was drying the skillet with a towel and gave me a suspicious look before saying, “That was Raymond. He’s coming here this week.”

“Why?”

“He said he missed us.”

“He only misses us when he’s broke. Did you tell him we’re broke, too?”

“It’s been almost a year since we’ve seen him. I hope you didn’t use soap on the cast-iron skillet.”

“Kenzie, why would I use soap when I know it washes off the pan’s seasoning?” I hung the dish towel on a hook. “Call Mom and ask her to tell Raymond we’re too busy for a visit.”

“You call her. How long has it been than you talked to her? I mean, other than shouting ‘Hi, Mom,” while I’m on the line.”

“It’s the only way I can communicate with someone who thinks I’m the living embodiment of God’s punishment on her for having sex with El Professor Caliente Pantalones.”

“For heaven’s sake, stop feeling with the persecution complex.”

“It’s not a complex if people really are out to get me. Okay, I’ll call her.”

As I was staring at my phone, Ben called, saying how excited his family was that he was on TV.

“Maddie, I have something to tell you, and I’m worried you’ll be upset.”

Anxiety clouded over me. “What?”

“I broke my promise. I told my kids about Barking Mad Reviews. Are you angry?”

I laughed. “Furious. Did you swear them to confidentiality?”

“Of course, but they’re likely to blow the secret if someone offers them a juice box.”

“I guess I’ll have to live in eminent danger.”

“Also, the kids want to write reviews and Helen still confuses cartoon characters with real animal actors. She’s dictating her critiques. They’re rambling and incoherent.”

“Or maybe you’re unable to comprehend her genius. We can have a column for children’s contributions. What does Ava think?”

“She hopes we won’t limit our reviews to dogs and cats. She mentioned a movie she saw with a very moving role played by a chicken. A chicken.”

“I like chickens despite their intellectual limitations. I draw the line at insects because insects...” And my good mood vanished at the thought of flies rising like black mesh lifted off corpse.

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