Canines and Crime: A Dog Detective Series Novel, #3

By Sandra Baublitz

Watch out amateur sleuths, A Dog Detective is on the case.

 

Life is ruff.

Tranquil Valley's park committee is hosting a fundraiser to restore the town's beloved gazebo. At the event, aspiring author Clarissa Hayes and her pet detective Saint Bernard meet David Tanner, a fellow town resident who admits to a troubled past that he has worked hard to rectify. He seems like a nice guy.

Then he's murdered.

Now Clarissa and Paw, dog detective, along with their human and animal friends are on the trail of a killer. Could it be Tanner's estranged wife who scratched out his existence? Her artist boyfriend? The local cafe owner who makes pawsome treats and was dating Tanner? Or someone seeking revenge from his past?

As the gang hunts for clues, will they find the killer? Or will the murderer unleash a trap from which even Paw can't dig out?

 

Canines and Crime is the third novel in the A Dog Detective Series. If you love a furry sleuth and a barking good cozy mystery, then
this entertaining whodunnit is for you.

Buy Canines and Crime and solve the mystery with Paw.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sandra Baublitz
• Release date: Apr 21, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201834715

Sandra Baublitz

Sandra Baublitz is a lover of all animals. She has always loved dogs and cats. A Dog Detective series originally began as a contest entry. Paw’s creation was influenced by the Beethoven movies and the author’s desire to own a Saint Bernard. The author never got the opportunity to own a St. Bernard and her current cats will not allow a new edition. Ms. Baublitz expresses her love of the breed by continuing to write about Clarissa and Paw and their mystery adventures. She hopes her readers enjoy reading them as much as she enjoys writing them.

Book preview

Chapter 1

W hen you murder someone, do you feel guilty?

I paused with a fork of cake halfway to my mouth and smiled at the man sitting next to me.

David Tanner drummed his fingers on the cloth-covered table. He was a tall, broad shouldered man in his late fifties with a full head of salt and pepper hair.

That depends. I grinned then popped the cake in my mouth and chewed. Once I swallowed, I said, In my book, no. In real life, probably. Of course, I’ve never murdered anyone. I sent a wicked grin his way. At least, not that I would admit.

David guffawed, drawing curious glances our way. Clarissa Hayes, you are too much.

David and I were table mates at an outdoor tea party to celebrate Tranquil Valley’s first park fundraiser. Tranquil Valley, the small town in southern Pennsylvania where I lived with my faithful Saint Bernard, Paw, had a lovely park for its residents. Recently the town council had deemed it necessary to refurbish several of the park features including the wooden gazebo and duck pond. To raise funds, the town was hosting a tea party in the park.

Paw woofed and wagged his tail. He had taken an immediate liking to David when we sat down together an hour ago.

David smiled down at Paw, who was stretched out by my feet. Since the park allowed dogs, the council had invited owners to bring their pets. I wished my friends, Shelbee and Jac, could be here, but Jac had to work and Shelbee was out of town. So was my boyfriend, Bruce.

Robert Roberts, our local famed actor, was here and had brought his parrot, Pedro. Kathleen, Robert’s gray Tabby twined in and out of people’s legs.

David, I said, why did you ask about guilt and murder?

He sighed and ran his hand over his face. Because I feel guilt.

I gaped at him.

He nodded. Guess you didn’t hear the gossip. Everyone’s talking about my past.

Your past?

Yeah. He stared at his plate.

David, if you don’t want to discuss it, that’s fine with me.

He turned to look me in the eyes. Thank you. That’s the nicest thing anyone has said to me in a while. He paused then nodded his head. No. I want to tell you. I used to drink - a lot. Too much. One night I drove home drunk from a bar and hit a guy. Killed him. Young man. Had his whole life ahead of him.

David stared off into space. Finally, he continued, Never drank a drop again. I put my past behind me when I got out. Now, he shook his head, someone’s told everyone about it.

He looked in my eyes. I feel the guilt every day, Clarissa. I don’t need to be reminded of it. I did my best to make amends for my careless actions.

I placed my hand on his arm. I’m sorry, David.

Paw sat up and leaned against David’s legs.

Thank you, he said to me. And thank you, boy. He pet Paw who delighted in the attention.

A bouquet of paper flowers appeared in front of my face.

Robert stood beside me, dressed in a cape and top hat. Hello, lovely lady and kind sir. Would one of you be kind enough to watch Pedro?

Woof. Paw stood up when he saw his friends.

David laughed. No, boy, Robert doesn’t mean you.

Robert, I said, I didn’t know you are a magician.

Neither did I, but I got roped into playing one.

David motioned to Pedro. Doesn’t he go with the act?

No. Pedro talks too much and bites the props.

Pedro voiced his opinion. Stupid tricks. Stupid tricks.

See.

David and I laughed while Paw woofed at Pedro.

David reached for Pedro. Come here you feathered fiend.

Pedro preened at his words.

Robert left and headed for the temporary stage assembled to the left side of the tea tables.

Across the park, Aunt Alma waved to me. David saw her too. Looks like Alma is waving for you.

You know her?

Yes. One of the nicest ladies I know.

I smiled. She is that and my aunt.

David twinkled at me. I know. She talks about you all the time.

I better go. I placed my hand on his shoulder. It was a pleasure meeting you, David.

You too.

Woof.

David scratched Paw’s ears, earning him a big grin from Paw and a grumble from Pedro. You too, boy.

See you around, David. You too, Pedro.

I stood up, grasped Paw’s leash, and weaved through the crowd to Alma’s side.

Alma hugged me then bent and caressed Paw’s ears while murmuring endearments to him.

Paw’s tongue lolled out in bliss at the attention of one of his favorite people.

I glanced around as Alma spoke to Paw. Robert was pulling a stuffed rabbit from his top hat to the delight of a crowd of children. Parents stood watching and laughing as well. I recognized friends throughout the milling crowd. Mr. And Mrs. Booksteen were conversing with Mrs. Carstairs and her nephew, Jason. More visitors were entering the park including a young couple who were headed our way.

Alma straightened. Quite a crowd. Between the ticket sales and the donations left at the Council booth, there should be plenty of money to fund park renovations.

I glanced over at the Council booth. A line with five men and women waited to offer a donation or buy t-shirts the park had printed for sale.

I agree, but I hate to see the old gazebo change.

True, Alma said, but the floor is weak. Someone is going to fall through one day and hurt themselves.

I hope the refurbished one retains the original character.

The young couple I had noticed strolled up to us and stopped by Alma. The young woman spoke first. She wore her long, blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail. A beautiful flowered sundress highlighted her tall, slim figure. I hope we aren’t interrupting.

Alma smiled. Not at all. Have you met my niece? She gestured to me. Clarissa, meet Sam and Laura Davis.

I extended my hand to Laura. Nice to meet you.

She took my hand in a gentle hold. Nice to meet you too. Is that your dog?

She gazed down at Paw in rapture.

Yes. This is Paw. You can pet him.

Laura reached out with a tentative hand and Paw nuzzled it. She giggled.

I extended my hand to Sam.

He grasped it in a firm grip. Nodding to Paw, he said, He’s a friendly one.

Yes. He is.

Alma waved to one of her friends. Sam, Laura, let me introduce you to Tammy Williams. She’s our local real estate agent.

To me, Alma said, Sam and Laura are on vacation but are thinking of moving here. She gestured to the couple. Sam, Laura, follow me. Glancing back, Alma said, I’ll be right back.

I nodded even though Alma was striding away with her back to me.

Sam strode after Alma while Laura followed, throwing wistful glances back at Paw.

He’s converted another one.

I turned around at the sound of my Uncle Harry’s voice. My uncle was chief of police of our small town. And Alma’s husband. Both were in their fifties and neither had been married before. I was happy to see them happy.

Paw has that effect.

Harry grunted. He’d make the perfect criminal. Too lovable to get caught.

Woof!

Alma joined us and leaned up to give Harry a kiss.

My uncle blushed. Alma! He admonished.

Oh, hush, she chided him. We’re married now.

Alma had been Harry’s secretary.

Harry grumbled. Playing matchmaker? He nodded to the young couple Alma had introduced to me.

No, sweetheart. They’re already married and thinking of moving here.

Humph. Better not be criminals.

Alma rolled her eyes. Sweetheart, not everyone is a criminal.

He humphed again.

Alma glanced at me. What did you think of David?

I stared at her in confusion then realized she meant David Tanner. I liked him.

Good. I do too. The man has tried to make amends for his mistakes. Did you know he sent money every month to the parents of the young man he killed? They spoke in his favor at his parole hearing. He doesn’t deserve the gossip going around town.

Who started it?

I don’t know, but I liked to find out and set them straight.

Harry wrapped his arm around her shoulders. Now, Alma, you can’t solve everyone’s problems.

This time Alma was the one to humph. Maybe not but gossiping irritates me.

Besides, that poor man has been through enough with that vile woman leaving him.

Harry chided, Now, Alma—

Don’t ‘now Alma’ me, Harry. You despise her too.

What woman?

Alma pinched her mouth. His wife. She left him.

Was that when he went to prison?

No. I mean his current wife, Charlotte. She left him a month ago for that new artist at the art center.

Ned Turner. Harry added, A sculptor.

That’s terrible. Poor David. I adjusted my grip on Paw’s leash. He had stood and was watching a Jac Russell playing with a French poodle. Why did she leave him?

Harry shrugged. Who knows? Word is she wants a divorce.

Harry pointed across the park. Mrs. Banks is waving to us. Best go talk to her.

Alma nodded and hugged me. See you later, sugar.

Harry slapped me on the back and strode away with her.

I watched them walk away then shifted my attention to the terrier and poodle. They were play fighting over a rope tug toy. I knew Paw would like to play with them, but the party would soon be over. A few yards away I heard Clara Wells cajoling a young woman into helping her clean up. I wasn’t opposed to helping, but I had helped on too many previous clean up jobs where all the work was left to me alone.

Tugging on Paw’s leash I strode away from Clara and headed out of the park. Paw gave one wistful glance back at the dogs then trotted beside me.

Woo! Woo!

I woke to Paw howling out my bedroom window. My bedside clock displayed the time. One in the morning. I sat up and watched as Paw stood with front paws on the windowsill.

Woof! Woof!

He glanced over his shoulder at me.

I heard answering barks from our next-door neighbor’s puppy and Mr. Chan’s Yorkshire Terrier across the street.

Paw jumped down and ran to the bedroom door as I got out of bed. Late night walks were normal, but Paw never howled and barked.

He whimpered at my slow progress.

Okay, okay. I’m coming. I threw on pants, shirt, and shoes and grabbed the flashlight by my bed.

Across the street, Mr. Chan yelled at his dog. Quiet, Peanut. You just went for a walk.

I opened my bedroom door, and as Paw rushed down the stairs, I grasped his leash from the hook by the door. I plodded down the stairs, picking up a scoop and bag along the way, to find Paw pacing by the front door.

After clipping on his leash, I opened the door and he dragged me down the steps. I barely managed to close the door and stay on my feet. I switched on my flashlight.

Once on the sidewalk, Paw set a brisk pace toward the park. It was his favorite place to do his business. Along the way, he woofed at intervals. His behavior was unusual as was the answering barks from different dogs throughout the neighborhood.

A chill went up my spine. What was going on?

Paw pulled me through the park entrance and headed toward the back where the pond was located. He didn’t sniff at the bushes or visit the trees. He was a dog on a mission.

We skirted around the old gazebo and took the left path, which was paved with stones broken from age. Weeds sprouted amongst the stones and flowers bloomed along the pathway. No night insects buzzed and the bullfrog in the pond was silent. It was as if every living creature was holding its breath in anticipation.

I tripped over a crooked paver and fell to one knee. My flashlight illuminated the pond ahead. Lilies bloomed on its surface and cattails stood sentinel along one side. Paw looked back at me with a disgruntled frown. As I got up, he pulled me toward the cattails.

Why here?

He ignored my question and continued to pull on the leash. As I beamed the flashlight around, I saw a pair of shoes, the soles turned up to face me. I scanned the light past the shoes to a pair of tan pants with legs in them.

I gasped. Someone’s lying there!

Chapter 2

Iran to the person and knelt. Paw let out a mournful howl.

It was a man and he lay face down in the water. I struggled to turn him over. Paw nudged his big head under the man’s shoulder and helped me turn him onto his side.

David Tanner.

No! No! The poor man. I felt for a pulse. Nothing.

I attempted to clear his lungs of water then with Paw’s help, I turned David on his back. That’s when I saw the blood on my wet hands. I looked closer and saw a gash on David’s neck. Tears streamed down my face. I’d only met the man once, but I had liked him.

A rustling sounded to my left and a head poked through the bushes.

Saber peeked out. He was Lillian Hardcastle’s black cat.

Yowl!

Lillian’s voice answered. Where are you, baby?

Lillian?

Who’s that?

Lillian, it’s me Clarissa Hayes. Saber is here. I need your help.

Where is here?

By the pond.

More rustling and Lillian, my elderly friend, stepped out of the bushes a yard from where the cat had entered.

What’s going on? She grumbled then gasped when she saw me performing CPR on David. Is he dead?

Yes.

Wait here. I’ll get help.

Lillian turned, saying to her cat, Stay here, Saber. Guard.

Paw cocked his head on the side as if to say I’m the guard. Not a cat.

My mind wandered a moment considering if Saber ever listened to a command in his life. To my surprise, Saber sat down and waited with us.

I swung my flashlight around, noticing blood on the trampled, wet grass. What had happened here?

The EMTs arrived and nudged me out of the way.

Alma placed an arm around me and led me over to a nearby bench.

I stared over at David.

Alma turned my head so that I as looking into her eyes. I’m sorry, she said in a soft tone.

I nodded.

She hugged me.

New tears ran down my cheeks.

Alma sat down next to me. She enveloped me in her arms.

I guess Harry’s here too, I mumbled.

Of course.

Lillian walked over with Saber in her arms and Paw trailing behind her. She wore a stoic expression as she sat down on my other side and settled Saber in her lap. Paw placed his head on my knee and whined. I stretched out a hand and stroked him.

How long we sat there I don’t know. Eventually, Harry came over and stood looking down at us. He shook his head. Bad business. To Lillian he said, Mrs. Hardcastle, would you please give a statement to Heldman? Steven Heldman was one of Harry’s officers.

Lillian patted my arm, stood as she held Saber, and walked away without a comment or order.

She’s upset, I said.

Alma whispered, So are you.

I sighed. I liked the guy even though I just met him. Who could have killed him?

Harry grunted.

I looked up at my uncle. He was murdered.

He sat down next to us. Yes.

Alma shifted on the bench. How?

EMTs say he has a gash on his neck.

I saw that too. I said.

You stay out of this. Harry warned me.

I opened my mouth to protest. Alma hugged me tighter. Harry’s right. Let him handle it.

I need your statement, Clarissa. He nodded to Alma. Take her home with you. I’ll question her when I finish here.

Alma nodded and began to get up.

I resisted. Harry.

Go with Alma. His tone brooked no argument. I was too tired to argue anyway.

Alma stood up and put her arm around me once I stood as well. Paw trotted along on my other side. David’s body was gone as were the EMTs. Harry must have instructed the EMTs to remove it while he distracted me.

I plodded past police officers combing the area. My body felt leaden from all the stress and I leaned on Alma for support. We circled the gazebo, passed the meditation garden, and took a path that led straight to the main gates.

Alma’s car sat angled to the curb in front of the gates.

I looked down at my wet pants and shoes with blood on them from David’s body and the grass. I’ll mess up the car. I glanced at Paw. He was soaked from his legs to his belly with splashes of wet mud up his sides and traces of blood. We’ll walk home.

Nonsense. Alma opened the passenger door. Get in. You’re too exhausted to walk home.

Woof! Paw jumped into the car.

See, Alma said. He agrees.

I nodded and sat down on the seat.

Alma slammed the door, walked in front of the car, opened her door, and got in. She cranked the engine and flipped on the headlights then put the car in gear and we drove off.

Harry and Alma’s house was close to the park and we were there within minutes.

Once Alma was parked in their garage, she helped me out and into the house. I headed to the bathroom