Page 90 of Backwater Justice
“I think you may have uncovered a major clue. But I’ll know more later. Thanks again.” Myra signed off.Foxglove. She phoned Milton.
“Mill? Sorry to bother you, but I want to duplicate the hedges you have separating the pool area. Can you give me the name of your landscaper? I want to find out what it is.”
“We’ve been using Guaranteed Plants and Landscaping for years. I can give you their number. Hang on.” A few seconds later, he ticked off the phone number.
“Thanks, Mill.”
“Myra? Sorry if I unloaded a dumpster on you and Annie today. I just didn’t know who else to turn to.”
“No worries, Mill. That’s what friends are for. See you tomorrow. Try to relax.”
* * *
Annie spotted a handsome man in his early forties standing on the tarmac. Next to him was a German shepherd wearing a K-9 vest. She jumped out of her vehicle and waved. “Chris?”
The man had thick black hair with a touch of gray at the temples and smoky eyes. He had an exotic look and could almost pass as the actor Jay Hernandez onMagnum P.I.His long stride carried a toned body. Chandler had no trouble keeping up with him. Annie extended her hand. “Thank you so much for coming all the way out here.”
“And miss a chance to fly on a private jet?” He shook Annie’s hand. Chandler sat and extended his paw.
Annie bent over. “Nice to meet you, Chandler.” He gave a happy yelp in return.
Chris secured Chandler in the back seat and then climbed in the front. “I must warn you. I’m a lead foot.” Annie raised her eyebrows.
“Don’t scare me,” he joked.
On the way to the cabin, Annie brought Chris up to speed on the suspicious delivery. She also mentioned the ski mask Eileen had spotted in Dickie’s van. When they arrived, there was no one in sight. They parked on the opposite side of the street. Chris took off Chandler’s vest to avoid curiosity in case anyone spotted him. Chris let Chandler sniff the pouch, and then the three walked up the driveway as if they were going to pay Dickie a visit. Chandler got in a downward dog position. “What does that mean?” Annie said.
“He’s got nothing.”
“According to Eileen, the box went through the back door, so let’s start there.”
The dog showed a little interest when they reached the back steps but then made his way toward the shed. Chandler gave a slightwoof. Not overwhelming enthusiasm, but something. Chandler continued to sniff.
“We have to see what’s in the shed,” Annie said.
“We don’t have a warrant,” Chris reminded her.
“No, but we have these.” She pulled out her lock-picking kit.
“You can’t be serious.” Chris almost laughed, but his instincts told him the woman was serious. “I can’t be any part of this. You do understand?”
“Of course. You can go round to the front of the house so you can honestly say you did not see me do anything illegal.”
Chris shook his head. He understood, and he moved quickly to the other side of the house.
Picking a padlock was a piece of cake for Annie. She had become quite adept at breaking and entering. But only when necessary. At that moment, it was necessary. She unlatched the door and slid it open. Chandler pounced on the cardboard. “Good boy!” Annie petted him. She called out to Chris. “We got a hit!” Chris jogged over to the open shed. The flattened box was on the floor, and Chandler was on top of it.
“According to Eileen . . .”
“Who is Eileen again?” Chris asked.
“She works for a P.I. agency we use.”
“You find a need for a P.I. often?” He smirked.
“Pretty much.” Annie placed her hands on her hips. “Anyway, Eileen spotted Dickie moving the box into the house, and later brought the flattened box back here.” She pointed to the cardboard dog bed. “The woman must be in the house.” Annie dashed to the back door.
Chris was concerned they were going to find a dead woman. “Are you planning to use your same B-and-E technique? Otherwise, I’ll . . .”