Read Online Doggie Day Care Murder by Laurien Berenson - Free Book Online Page A

be dropping Berkley off. We should be sure to ask Steve how long a wait to expect on an average day.”
    This time we’d called and made an appointment. Alice had spoken with the co-owner the previous afternoon, and he was expecting us. Indeed, as our wait to check in with Madison stretched from five minutes to ten, I was surprised that Steve didn’t come looking for us.
    A staff member entered the room through the back door to collect the Bichon. His owner handed over the leash and quickly disappeared. Dog and owner parted without much visible regret on either side. I figured that either boded well for the care offered by the facility or badly for the relationship between the Bichon and its owner.
    The line inched forward. Now the Airedale’s owner was leaning over the counter and talking to Madison.
    Realizing that his owner’s attention was occupied elsewhere, the big red-and-black terrier turned around and touched noses with the Springer behind him. The spaniel’s owner was talking on her cell phone and paying no attention to her charge. The Springer wagged its stumpy tail.
    An invitation had been offered and reciprocated. It didn’t take a dog person to know what was going to happen next.
    The Airedale lowered its front end to the ground, hindquarter high, thick tail whipping back and forth. The Springer jumped up on her hind legs, waving her front paws in the air. Dark eyes twinkling with mischief, the Airedale bounced up to join her.
    The terrier was big and strong. His first leap snatched the leash out of his owner’s hand. His second bound took him past the Springer and he landed on Alice’s feet. She lost her balance and tumbled into me as the Springer in front of us whirled around to continue the game.
    The spaniel’s owner gave a little cry of distress. Her cell phone went flying.
    I reached down and nabbed the Airedale’s leash before he could make a run for it. The Springer’s owner similarly tightened her grip.
    â€œCookie, settle down,” she said sternly as she retrieved her phone and tucked it into her purse.
    â€œGood catch,” said the Airedale’s owner. The man held out his hand and I placed the leash in it. “I hope Logan didn’t hurt you?”
    â€œNo, we’re fine.” I spoke for both of us. “Is it always this slow in here?”
    â€œNo,” he replied with a small frown. He had thin lips that were topped by a perfectly manicured moustache. “This is unusual. I don’t know what’s going on today.”
    â€œMr. Cavanaugh?” Madison said from behind the counter. “We’re ready for Logan now.”
    Another one of the kennel girls had appeared. Logan was delivered into her waiting hands and led away.
    Another couple minutes passed while the procedure was repeated with the Springer Spaniel. By the time Alice and I reached the front of the line, we were the only ones left in the office. It was nearly eight-fifty.
    â€œWe have an appointment with Steve Pine,” Alice said to Madison. She sounded as impatient as I felt.
    â€œTime?” the teenager inquired brightly.
    â€œTwenty minutes ago,” I said. I didn’t sound nearly as bright.
    â€œOh.”
    She glanced over at the clock on the wall. “I don’t know what’s keeping Steve. He should have been out here by now. Either he or Candy usually does the morning check-ins, but I haven’t seen either of them yet today. They must be here; I saw their cars when I pulled in. Let me call around for you and see what I can find out.”
    That involved more waiting. Madison buzzed the offices, then the Dog House, then somebody’s cell phone. And every time she spoke with someone, the conversation ended with her glancing over at us and shaking her head.
    A Collie arrived for the day, followed by a Cavalier King Charles. Alice and I took seats in the waiting area. And all the while, I kept watching the door in the