Caught and Collared

By Jackie Layton

Setting out for a day of fun on her town’s first-ever scavenger hunt, Low Country dog walker Andi Grace Scott is dismayed to find an unattended dog wandering the streets—but that’s nothing compared to the shock she gets when she finds a dead man floating in the swimming pool of the dog’s owner. What’s more, she’d seen the very same man having a very public altercation with his wife just the night before. Despite being warned off the case by the local sheriff, Andi Grace can’t help nosing around to find out who’s behind the foul deed.

It turns out the victim was a well-known radio personality who focused on cold-case investigations and was rumored to be breaking a huge story on his next show. As Andi Grace digs deeper to learn who may have wanted him dead, she’s faced with a suspect list that includes a cold-hearted widow who stands to inherit a bundle, a local country star with family demons to hide, and any number of unknown criminals who may have been the focus of the victim’s big reveal. Whether the motive was love gone bad, a career under duress, or a killer’s deadly secret, Andi Grace knows she’ll have to act fast before she becomes the next cold case herself . . .

Praise for the Books of Jackie Layton

“Andi Grace is adorable, resilient, and has a doggedly curious need to solve a murder. A pleasure to read.” —C. Hope Clark, award-winning author of Edisto Tidings

“Completely charming—and exactly what a cozy mystery should be. Amateur sleuth (and dog whisperer) Andi Grace Scott is wonderfully endearing, and her devotion to her pooches—and to justice—will have you rooting for her from the absolutely irresistible page one. Bow wow—What a terrific debut!” —Hank Phillippi Ryan, nationally best-selling and award-winning author of The Murder List

“I promptly fell head over heels for this cast of characters, and the dogs burrowed quickly into my heart. The plot of Bite the Dust was intriguing and complex, with plenty of surprising twists and turns. What impressed me the most, though, was the warm tone of the author’s writing voice . . . you just want to snuggle in and keep reading.” —MeezCarrie

About the Author:

Former Kentuckian Jackie Layton loves her new life in the Low Country. She enjoys time on the beach, despite one vacation that ended with cracked ribs from riding her boogie board with the kids and another trip that ended with a fish hook in her foot and a trip to the emergency room. There’s nothing like time at the beach, although she tends to be a bit more cautious these days. Jackie is the author of four Low Country Dog Walker Mysteries, including Bite the Dust, Dog-Gone Dead, Bag of Bones, and Caught and Collared.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Beyond the Page Publishing
• Release date: Feb 15, 2022
• ISBN: 9781954717695

Jackie Layton

Jackie Layton is the author of A Low Country Dog Walker Mystery series. She loves her life on the coast of South Carolina, and it inspired the setting for her series. Jackie also works as a compounding pharmacist. When she’s not writing, Jackie enjoys golf cart rides along the marsh and walks on the beach. She also enjoys traveling, especially to visit family in Kentucky and Texas.

Book preview

Chapter One

The white candle’s flame flickered and local attorney Marc Williams held my hand. We’d found a quiet corner table at Tuscan Tomato, Heyward Beach’s new hot spot for romantic dinners. Instead of sitting opposite of me, Marc sat to my right. On our left, couples occupied most of the tables. A few people might have been here on business, but there wasn’t a child in sight. Soft jazz music played in the background. The aroma of garlic, tomatoes, and fresh-baked bread stirred my appetite.

Andi Grace, how do you feel about setting a wedding date? Marc had proposed to me weeks earlier, but we’d never found time to pick a date for us to get married.

I’ve enjoyed being engaged to you, but I’m ready to set a date. My heart pitter-pattered. My life as dog walker Andi Grace Scott would change in amazing ways once we tied the knot. I bought a wedding magazine, and it suggests we start planning twelve to eighteen months ahead of time.

Whoa. Marc shook his head.

You know I’m pretty easygoing, and Heyward Beach is a small town. If you’re okay with an intimate wedding, I think we could get married this fall.

The smile that always turned my knees to mush appeared. Now we’re talking. I’d be okay if it was just the two of us.

I laughed. Nate and Lacey Jane would never forgive us if they weren’t included, but we can keep it simple. My siblings and I were tight. We’d survived our parents’ deaths, and I’d skipped college to raise them. It’d be unforgivable to exclude them from such an important event.

Su-weet. How much help do you want from me? His eyes sparkled in the candlelight.

Plenty if we’re going to get married in five or six months.

A tall woman entered our area of the restaurant. She wound her way around the tables looking at the people dining as if searching for somebody. After surveying each person, she left our section for the bigger dining area.

Curious, I leaned forward to see if she found her possible date. Do you know who that is?

No, I’d remember if I’d met her.

Our waiter appeared and obstructed my view of whatever was about to happen. He left a fresh basket of bread and two salads.

Marc passed the bread basket to me. One day your inquisitiveness is going to get you in hot water. And I mean hotter than ever before. When we get married, do you plan to quit investigating murders?

Smooth. I appreciate you aren’t telling me not to investigate any more suspicious deaths. I took a roll and dabbed Parmesan butter on it before taking a bite.

I know better. You look out for people in need, and I imagine you always will. Add to that your deep sense of justice, and you’ll most likely help others if the occasion arises.

A commotion from the other room interrupted our conversation.

Where’s my dog? a feminine voice shrilled.

All conversations around us ceased.

Copper’s at the house. Safe and sound. The masculine voice sounded amused.

Two waiters ran past us toward the uproar.

I glanced around the tables near us. Most all of the patrons were focused on the action. Soon the blonde zipped past us, red-faced and wearing a frown.

Whatcha gonna do? a man’s voice boomed, and people laughed.

A pale-faced Regina Houp entered our room and paused when her gaze met mine. Her eyes narrowed, and she disappeared the same way the blonde had gone.

Marc said, It appears Regina might be connected to the scene we overheard.

I swallowed hard. You may be right.

A balding, round-faced, husky man sauntered past our table.

Marc nodded at him, and when the coast was clear, he leaned close to me. That’s Dirk Cutter, the radio personality and podcaster.

Did you notice his shirt is wet?

Sure did. Almost like one of the women threw a drink on him.

Yeah. It’s too much of a coincidence the three of them just happened to leave right after the altercation if they weren’t involved.

Our waiter appeared. The owner apologizes for the scene. Dessert will be on us tonight, and your main course will be ready soon.

Thanks, Marc said, and the young man left us.

Let’s get back to planning our wedding. I stabbed a bite of salad and lifted it to my lips.

I’m proud of you, for not going outside to see if there’s a fight in the parking lot.

Hey, I’m not a complete busybody. I only snoop if there’s a dead body.

Good to know. He chuckled. So a fall wedding?

Yes. I know enough people who will be happy to pitch in. If we keep the guest list to under fifty people, it’s definitely doable.

We ate our lovely romantic dinner and only discussed wedding plans, but once I was home alone my thoughts returned to Regina Houp, Dirk Cutter, and the tall blonde.

How did Regina know Dirk? Were they dating? I yawned and headed upstairs to my bedroom where Sunny, my German shepherd, had already conked out. Who was the other woman, and why had she come to the restaurant believing Dirk knew where her dog was?

Chapter Two

Friday morning, my best friend, Juliet Reed, and I stood near the Heyward Beach Pier. The May sun warmed us like a cozy hug. Eighty degrees and only a touch of humidity. I studied the crinkled list of clues in my hands. We’re almost done. Only two items left. Take a picture of a pelican and take another photo of a swimming pool. When my comment was met with silence, I looked at Juliet. She’d been distracted all morning. Happy, but unfocused. More than once I’d caught her reading text messages or looking off and humming country love songs. Um, Juliet? Did you hear me?

Yeah. Take two pictures, then we go to the pier and turn in our clues and findings. She flashed me a radiant smile.

Right. Something was different about Juliet, and I’d discover the answer. Later. At the moment, we had more pressing matters to focus on. Heyward Beach’s first ever Beach Scavenger Hunt to promote tourism had brought a lot of people to the island. The grand prize was a week’s stay in one of the beachfront homes. Local business owners had pitched in to help defray the cost to the owner. The more people who chose to vacation here, the better it’d be for all of us.

Juliet and I had spent the morning going from one place to the next, gathering items on the list and solving clues. Some of the challenges were to take pictures of specific things, like a street sign, boat, or a bike. Other tasks required us visiting various businesses, like Daily Java, where our challenge was to get a receipt for a purchase. The coffee shop owner had cut all her prices in half for the contestants. In addition to the local merchants participating in the scavenger hunt, the church had a team providing free hot dogs and soft drinks to anybody who stopped by.

Excitement filled the air. People laughed and waved to each other. The event appeared to be a success.

My German shepherd stood at attention between Juliet and me, as I looked up and down the street. I know lots of homes have swimming pools, but which one has easy enough access to take a picture?

Should we go back to the mainland to the community pool? Juliet’s blonde ponytail bounced as she moved.

No, the point is to promote tourism. Houses with swimming pools appeal to some vacationers, and the photos will go on social media promoting our beach.

Then it’ll probably be easier to take a picture of a second-row home with a pool. She pointed behind us, then quickly dropped her hand, but not before the sun sparkled on the familiar ring on her finger. The sight of my mother’s ring on a different hand surprised me.

Juliet! I squealed and snatched her hand. Are you and Nate engaged?

Her face bloomed bright red, and she nodded. We wanted to tell you together, but there was no way I’d take the ring off once Nate put it on my finger.

Juliet had been the poster child for patience, waiting on my brother to propose. I hugged her, and Sunny barked. I’m so happy for y’all! Can you believe we’re both engaged at the same time?

She stepped back. It’s a dream come true. Her smile wavered.

Is something wrong? Do you want to have your wedding first? It’d be understandable. I hadn’t waited years for Marc to pop the question. Still, after our discussion last night, my heart was set on a fall wedding.

Juliet placed both hands on her face and wiped away a few tears. Is it okay that Nate gave me your mother’s ring?

There were very few earthly items left from my parents, and as a little girl I’d imagined wearing the vintage ring with an oval-cut ruby nestled between two diamonds. I was an adult now and had come to understand I wouldn’t wear my mother’s ring. Marc had given me his deceased mother’s diamond ring, and Juliet deserved the one Nate had given her. I’m happy you want to wear it.

What about Lacey Jane? Will your sister mind?

Don’t worry about her. Years ago, the three of us kids discussed that Nate should have Mom’s ring in hopes his future wife would wear it every day. I plan to wear Marc’s ring forever, and one day my sister will be the same way with her own husband. If my parents hadn’t died so young, it wouldn’t be an issue. Mom would still be wearing her ring. Mom and Dad would’ve loved having you for a daughter, and now we will be family.

Juliet beamed. Life is good.

Yes, it is. There were so many times I’d worried Nate was going to ruin things with Juliet. Only a woman deeply in love would’ve waited over ten years from the beginning of her crush on my brother.

Sunny barked again, and I laughed. I guess we need to get back to the scavenger hunt, but it’s going to be so fun planning our weddings.

I know! But you’re right. We need to focus on solving the current clue. Let’s head that way. She pointed to Crab Street. It ran perpendicular to Ocean Drive and intersected with Sand Piper Way. There are plenty of homes to the south with pools.

Lead the way. We turned, and I followed Juliet while stuffing the list into the pocket of my khaki shorts.

Tires squealed and a car horn honked. I turned toward Ocean Drive, where the sound had come from.

A scraggly shih tzu shivered in the middle of the street.

My heart raced. Leaving Juliet and Sunny on the sidewalk, I ran to the frightened creature. Hey there. Whatcha doing in the middle of the street? I scooped the dog into my arms, waved at the driver, and rejoined Juliet and Sunny.

Juliet’s eyebrows lifted. Whose dog is that?

I don’t know, but he needs a bath. I checked the tag. Sandy paws and matted hair screamed of neglect. Unless he’d been playing in the ocean. Either way, the poor thing was in desperate need of grooming. The fancy dog tag says his name is Copper. He belongs to Olivia Caswell, and the address is here on the island.

Juliet looked at the tag, then gazed toward Ocean Drive. She pointed. It’s the house right over there.

How convenient. Let’s find the owner. Ms. Caswell better have a good reason for letting Copper run wild. I headed toward the raised periwinkle beach house. Allowing a dog to roam unattended was dangerous. Irresponsible pet owners grated on my nerves.

Sunny matched my pace. She was accustomed to me caring for other pets and never showed a bit of jealousy when I paid attention to another dog.

Juliet said, Andi Grace, you need to calm down. What if the owner had a stroke or something bad? Give the woman a chance to explain.

You’re right. I counted to ten in French and crossed the street. Giving myself time to calm down and thinking of something more pleasant like Paris was a strategy I often used to control anger.

The driveway of crushed clamshells led to a concrete pad that extended under the house. The open carport contained two vehicles, storage areas, an enclosed shower, and two sets of outdoor stairs. Let’s try the front door.

Look at the Porsche. It’s a Macan. Probably 2018. For some reason Juliet was passionate about vehicles.

Nice. Even I knew a Porsche was a fabulous car and expensive.

Sunny scooted past me, and I trailed her up the pricey composite stairs.

Juliet followed on my heels. This place is nicer up close than you imagine from a distance.

You’re right. The home was probably worth over a million dollars. Beachfront property near the pier added to its appeal. We reached the front porch with white furniture to match the white railing and trim on the house. Juliet, the door. Look. It’s open.

That explains how Copper got loose, but why is he such a mess?

I paused at the entry. Ms. Caswell. We’ve got your dog. My belly churned. Something felt wrong. Could the woman be sick?

Groups of people walked up and down the street, working on the scavenger hunt. Laughter and happy voices filled the air.

The little dog wiggled in my arms.

I reached in and knocked on the door. Ms. Caswell? I’ve got Copper. Are you okay?

My German shepherd entered the house, looked in both directions, then trotted up the carpeted stairs.

Sunny, wait. I hurried after her. Ms. Caswell, if you’re home, I’m here with your dog, Copper.

No reply.

From the top of the stairwell, I looked down at my friend. Juliet, maybe you should call the sheriff.

She’d remained standing in the doorway, but we could see each other. On it. And I’m keeping watch in case the owner returns. No need to get shot while doing a good deed.

Sunny turned from the upstairs family room to a bedroom, and I followed her.

The sight of a heavyset woman with long bleach-blonde hair sprawled across a king-size bed stopped me in my tracks.

Woof. Copper leapt from my arms and landed on the firm mattress. He licked the woman’s face.

It was the same lady who’d caused a scene at Tuscan Tomato the night before. No, if the dog collar was correct, this woman was Olivia Caswell. Not Olivia Cutter. Yet, it was the same woman. What was going on?

She lifted her head. There’s my sweet baby. Where have you been? Her groggy voice made me wonder how long she’d slept there.

Ms. Caswell?

Ack! She grabbed her dog and leapt from the bed. Who are you? What are you doing in my house?

I found your dog in the middle of the street and wanted to return him.

Why didn’t you ring the bell like a civilized person? Up close, I calculated the woman was over six feet tall. She was definitely the person who’d accused Dirk Cutter of having her dog.

I called out to you more than once. You didn’t answer. I clenched my hands. Your front door was wide open, and Copper almost got run over. I rescued your dog and brought him here. You should be more careful.

He’s been missing. Her eyes narrowed. Why is he such a mess?

I wondered the very same thing. The woman hadn’t even thanked me.

A dog frantically yapped nearby. Despite the muted sound, I could tell the animal was agitated.

Do you have two dogs?

She shook her head. No. Copper is mine, and Peanut belongs to my husband.

Where is Peanut? He sounds desperate. Chills swept up my back.

I put him in Dirk’s office. She breezed past Sunny and me.

Are you Dirk Cutter’s wife? I raised my voice, not wanting to be ignored.

Yes. The word came out like a snake’s hiss.

I followed, but at the top of the stairs waved to get Juliet’s attention. She’s alive. No need to call Wade.

Juliet jogged up the stairs. Good, because I had to leave a message on his voicemail. What’s going on?

May I present Mrs. Olivia Caswell. I pointed toward the blonde, who banged on a closed door.

Peanut, be quiet. When you quit barking, I’ll let you out.

To my shock, her threat worked. How often had she threatened the dog on the other side of the door?

Olivia pushed the door open with her empty hand and snuggled Copper to her ample bosom.

A brown, black, and white beagle appeared with his nose to the ground.

Sunny barked at the other dog, who didn’t give my German shepherd the time of day.

Interesting. A couple who each had their own dog, and they’d fought the previous night about one of the pets. Now Olivia had her dog, and Dirk’s pet seemed to be tracking something. His owner? Olivia, where’s your husband?

She shrugged. How should I know?

But you’re his wife, staying at his beach house. Er, your beach house? The woman had lost track of her beloved shih tzu and her husband. Based on the scene at Tuscan Tomato, I didn’t believe she was still in love with the man. How could she be with that much anger? If that was the case, it wasn’t surprising she didn’t know where Dirk was.

Olivia sighed. We’re separated. This is Dirk’s place, and I live up the coast.

The beagle brushed past me at rocket speed, as if on the scent of something important.

My stomach somersaulted. There was definitely something weird happening, but what? I met Juliet’s gaze. Let’s follow the dog.

Olivia didn’t try to stop us. In fact, she was so enamored with her beloved pet, she didn’t question our intentions.

Peanut raced down the stairs with Sunny on his heels. Juliet and I followed the dogs to the glass door at the back of the house.

An outstanding view of the wide beach and the Atlantic Ocean greeted us. A pod of pelicans flew by, skimming the waves with their wings and conserving their energy. The sight always gave me a sense of peace, and it did again today. At least until the beagle barked, and I glanced down at him.

Peanut nudged his nose against the door, so I opened it. He headed down the stairs and paused at the square landing. He looked toward the fenced-in grassy area at the bottom steps before turning his attention to the enclosed swimming pool area.

Sunny wagged her tail, then hurried to the gate leading to the pool.

I’d wrongly predicted Peanut needed to relieve himself. He joined Sunny, and I looked at the pool. From my vantage point, it was easy to see a man floating in the water. I gasped and ran to see if I could help.

Juliet had remained in the house but stepped outside when I entered the pool area. What are you doing?

I glanced back at her. Call Wade, again, and an ambulance. There could be a drowning victim.

My friend gasped but swiped at her phone.

My body buzzed, in a bad way. This was Dirk Cutter’s home, and the beagle barking at the pool gate was Dirk’s dog, so it made sense the man lying facedown in the water was the famous podcaster.

Chapter Three

Two kids appeared from the carport right as I opened the gate leading to Dirk’s swimming pool. The boys looked like middle-schoolers. One was skinny with a pale complexion, freckles, and red hair. The other kid was taller with cornrows.

My breathing hitched, and my fingers gripped the top of the four-foot-high gate as it swung a few inches open. The kids were too young to witness whatever was about to unfold between the victim and me. Guys, what are you doing?

The kid with cornrows frowned. Lady, we got here first.

Please go somewhere else. You don’t want to see this. My heart raced.

The boys whispered to each other.

The dogs pushed past me and ran to the deep end of the pool. Peanut stopped at the edge and howled. Seeing a dead stranger would be traumatic, but if the boys knew the victim, it’d be worse. Do y’all know Dirk Cutter?

Who? We’re here for the contest. You know. Picture of a swimming pool. The redhead shook his head like I was nuts.

Juliet joined us. The emergency dispatcher is sending an ambulance, and I left another message with Wade.

Handle these kids. I left her with the boys before heading to the body. Kicking off my shoes, I dropped my phone onto the nearest chair and dove into the deep water. Chilliness froze my limbs momentarily. Brr. Sunny barked from the edge of the water, no doubt telling me to move. I kicked and pulled the man to the shallow end using maneuvers I’d learned years ago during lifeguard lessons. His unbuttoned Hawaiian shirt floated on each side of his body, almost like angel wings. As soon as my feet touched the bottom, I flipped him over, hoping he might take a breath of air.

No such luck.

Peanut sat near the pool stairs and howled.

Screaming from the back porch drew my attention for a moment. Olivia. Then the kids hollered.

Juliet corralled the three hysterical people, and soon all was quiet except for Peanut.

I felt for a pulse. Nothing. His chest didn’t move, but I listened near his mouth and nose for breathing sounds. Zilch. Neither did I feel his breath against my cheek.

Juliet reappeared. Olivia is with the kids and watching for the ambulance or fire truck, whichever arrives first. Is he alive? Her voice trembled.

He’s not breathing. We need to start CPR. Help me get him onto the pool deck. I anchored my arms under the man’s shoulders. Juliet entered via the swimming pool steps. She secured Dirk’s legs, and we lugged his big-framed body out of the water and managed not to drop him as we laid him on the deck. Do you want to do the chest compressions, and I’ll perform mouth-to-mouth?

Yeah. She placed her hands on his chest and started compressions.

For drowning victims, rescue breaths were mandatory. I lost myself in trying to save the older man. He was tan and in the bright sunshine it was easy to see his scalp through thinning hair. His body was cool to the touch, but the water had been cold. I wasn’t ready to give up.

Two EMTs appeared and took over.

Juliet and I left them to the rescue attempt. We huddled together on an adjustable chaise lounge at the far end of the pool. Sunny lay at our feet panting, and Peanut watched the medics perform CPR.

Juliet folded her hands together. Dirk Cutter, right?

Afraid so. Goose bumps covered my arms. The sun beat down on us, but I still shivered.

Juliet wrapped her arm around my shoulders. We need to find a towel or something for you.

The cops won’t be happy if we leave. My teeth chattered.

Sunny paced from me to Peanut,