Penned

By Eileen Brady

"Veterinarian Brady imbues this page-turner with authentic details about a vet and the critters she treats." —Kirkus Review

Dr. Kate Turner, DVM, is seven months into her one-year contract to cover for a Hudson Valley vet taking a year-long world cruise. She's getting used to the hospital and house-call workload but not to the sometimes dangerous, if not deadly, critters—animal and human—she meets.

Eighty-something-year-old Gloria LaGuardia has been installed at an assisted living center by her niece. They bump into Kate at the Oak Falls annual Halloween street bash. And while Gloria's conversation indicates some mental confusion—she asks a couple dressed as rabbits if they are real or not—she's still sharp. And she says, "Someone evil is here. I saw him."

Saw who? Will this chance meeting draw Kate into the path of Carl Wolf, a notorious fugitive twenty-one years on the FBI's Most Wanted List? Is Wolf hiding in plain sight in or around Oak Falls?

When Gloria, once an artist endowed with a sharp eye, is murdered, Kate doesn't know what to think. But author Tucker Weinstein approaches her at Gloria's funeral and indicates he believes the old woman. Further, he's devoting a chapter in his book to Carl Wolf.

The FBI doesn't appear interested. Gloria's family just wants to move on. But publicity-hungry Tucker mentions Kate in a newspaper interview that goes viral. She's overloaded with new clients like Billy, a Nubian stud goat living penned up with alpaca, llamas, and more goats on a local farm producing milk, wool, and cheese, and a grumpy Chihuahua dressed up like a Thanksgiving turkey. Yet she senses someone is now following her. An undercover FBI agent? Carl Wolf on the prowl?

Determined not to be a victim, Kate digs deep into the arson/murder Wolf committed long ago. Are the clues to unmasking him hidden in the past, or closer than she thinks?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Open Road Integrated Media
• Release date: Oct 9, 2018
• ISBN: 9781464210822

Eileen Brady

Eileen Brady is a veterinarian and author. A wife and mother of two daughters, she often has to chase her six cats and two dogs away from her laptop keyboard. She currently resides in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Book preview

Prologue

The killer envisioned the old woman lying in bed sleeping, a slight smile on her face. That smile would disappear when their eyes met.

It’s not that he disliked her. On the contrary, she hadn’t annoyed him that much, not like the other idiots who fluttered in and out of his life. So many weak people living useless lives, constantly getting in his way. Their overwhelming stupidity forced him to take control—sometimes in a subtle, manipulative way, sometimes not.

Fate’s odd sense of humor had brought the old lady, one of the few people alive who might recognize him, to this tiny town in the Hudson Valley. One of them had to go.

He’d decided to stage the murder as a burglary gone wrong with dresser drawers opened, possessions scattered on the floor. Elderly women always hid their good stuff in the same places. All her jewelry and other valuables would disappear, including the gold wedding ring on her finger.

Strangling her would be fun for one of them.

It should take twenty minutes, flat. Too bad killing wasn’t an Olympic event. No need to worry about cameras in the small older complex she lived in. Management had never gotten around to updating their security. Why should they? Oak Falls was as safe as safe could be.

It would be a perfect murder on a perfect winter’s night performed by a perfect killer.

Chapter One

Blood dripped from the zombie’s brown cracked lips. He staggered toward me. I dodged right only to spy a pair of vampires closing in on my left, their yellowed fangs bared and ready.

Oops. Sorry, said the tiny Cinderella in a blond wig who collided with my leg.

It was Halloween night in the Hudson Valley, and the residents of Oak Falls had come out to play. With Main Street closed to traffic, kids of all ages could safely trick-or-treat. Even the shops got into the act with employees dressed as ghosts or elves or whatever, handing out samples and gift certificates to the crowd.

Kate, isn’t this great? asked Mari, my friend and veterinary assistant. Dressed as Harpo Marx to take full advantage of her natural halo of curly hair, she’d dragged me out to experience this annual spooky celebration, which the town was famous for.

Fantastic! I yelled my reply over the lyrics of the Monster Mash blasted from speakers set up in the town square. A pair of tinfoil-wrapped robots broke into an impromptu dance. Passersby clapped and joined in. Everyday troubles faded for one night as young and old cavorted in the street.

She eyed my Halloween outfit. I still think you should have gone with the Meryl Streep look. You’d look great with a pile of awards in your arms.

Mari was referring to the superficial resemblance I had to the famous actress. My straight blond hair, longish nose, and blue eyes were to blame, I supposed. Despite her suggestion I went to the costume school of throw-some-stuff-on-and-pretend-it-works.

My last-minute outfit consisted of an old pair of surgical scrubs smeared with clotted catsup blood. A greasy black wig provided by Mari paired with a stained surgical mask across my face made me unrecognizable as the local veterinarian from Oak Falls Animal Hospital. I’d insulated myself from the October cold with two pairs of long johns and tall green rubber boots, lightly sprinkled with more catsup. With my absentee boyfriend Jeremy’s big tweed jacket pulled over everything, I’d morphed into an androgynous mad scientist.

This was my first Halloween in the village since being hired to run the Oak Falls Animal Hospital, while the owner, Doc Anderson, took an around-the-world cruise. Known as an artistic community, the town vigorously cultivated an eccentric and carefree vibe, making it particularly attractive to residents of nearby New York City. Only a two-hour drive away, but light years from the city’s noise and pollution, Oak Falls attracted visitors, many of them ending up as weekend residents.

I’d been unprepared for the hectic workload of house calls and hospital appointments at an animal hospital. Although rewarding, being the only veterinarian on staff had proved quite stressful. My coping strategy of reckless pie-consumption and amateur sleuthing didn’t help solve that problem, resulting only in tighter-fitting pants and alienating the chief of police. I hoped the coming winter might bring a sense of calm into my life.

I was wrong.

Very, very, wrong.

Ten minutes later the lively crowd around us appeared to have doubled. Live music blared from the loudspeakers as a local group calling themselves the Ghouls performed classic hits. Parents hoisted kids on their shoulders and the costumed audience rocked to the music. Mari called out something inaudible and disappeared. I walked onto a side street to check my phone only to discover its battery was low.

A harried Marilyn Monroe stepped out of the throng, a confused-looking elderly woman in tow. Now wait here, Aunt Gloria, she said, gently guiding the woman toward the brick wall of a storefront a few feet from me, stroking her white hair to soothe any fear. I’ve got to track down the kids.

Is this a party? Gloria asked. Where’s my drink? I’d like a martini, please.

No drinks, Aunt Gloria. Please. Please just stay here for a few minutes. While the younger woman talked, her eyes anxiously searched the crowd.

Excuse me. I lowered my bloody surgical mask. If you like, I can wait here with your aunt until you get back. My name is Kate Turner. I’m a veterinarian at Oak Falls Animal Hospital.

Suspicion turned to relief at the magic word, veterinarian.

Oh, Dr. Turner. Yes, I recognize you now. I’m Irene Zeidman. We brought our cat Picasso in to see you a few months ago.

Her face looked familiar, but like most vets, I remembered the cat better.

If you could help keep my Aunt Gloria company that would be great. My teenagers are running around here somewhere and deliberately not answering my texts. They’re in big trouble, let me tell you. A frustrated scowl clashed with her iconic Marilyn Monroe get-up.

Don’t worry, I’ve gotten separated from my friend too. I’d expected Mari to pop up by now. After you get back, could I text her from your phone?

Sure. Without a backward glance she secured her wig and disappeared into the crowd.

I took a closer look at my charge. Gloria appeared to be in her early eighties, her sweet face surrounded by a thin cloud of white hair. The top of her head barely came up to my shoulder.

You look familiar, dear. Don’t I know you? Watery blue eyes stared into mine.

I’m Picasso’s doctor, I explained.

She patted my hand and shook her head. You’re much too young for that.

For what?

For Pablo Picasso. He was before my time and I’m much older than you.

Feeling we were talking at cross-purposes I leaned in closer so she could hear me above the noise. I mean Picasso, the cat.

A slow dawning of understanding spread across her face. Oh, that makes much more sense. Pablo was a great artist, you know, but he’s dead. A tut-tut sort of sound escaped her lips.

Frankenstein walked past and nodded in our direction, his dark eyes wide and weird.

He looks very familiar. Don’t I know him? Gloria stared at the departing back.

You might. Do you live here in town?

I live near my grandniece. She got me an apartment close to her family so they can keep an eye on me. Gloria’s moving hand, dotted with age spots, beckoned me closer. In a conspiratorial whisper she added, I’m getting older, you know.

We all are. I gave her a hug. She smelled vaguely of dried lilacs.

Twenty minutes later the crowd started to thin out and the band wrapped it up for the night. The air felt colder. I hoped Irene wouldn’t be too much longer. While I kept a watch out for Mari, Gloria rambled on.

I’ve always loved the Hudson Valley, but I haven’t lived here in many years. My husband and I sold our home to move to New Jersey to be closer to our daughter. Tears glistened for a moment in her faded blue eyes. You plan and plan but then things happen…why, who knows?…they’re all gone now…my husband, my daughter. Our grandsons are left, but one’s in Indiana and the other is living in New Mexico. Irene is my sister’s girl.

I wasn’t sure how to respond.

A tall man in a New York Yankees baseball uniform complete with cap walked quickly past, in work boots instead of sneakers, almost knocking into my elderly charge.

Excuse me. He reached out to steady her, his back toward me. Are you alright?

Don’t I know you? I heard her ask him.

I don’t think so. Happy Halloween, ladies.

I tried to thank him but he crossed the street, narrowly avoiding colliding with a police officer, before continuing on his way.

Why, I swear that’s…what’s his name? I haven’t seen him in years.

I followed her pointing finger. Walking along the sidewalk I saw someone dressed as a creepy clown, the kind that gives kids nightmares, talking to a teen-aged girl wearing devil horns and carrying a plastic pitchfork. Another, more friendly Frankenstein, lurched behind them. The baseball player disappeared into the crowd.

Gloria grabbed my sleeve. Of course I can’t be positive…my eyes aren’t what they used to be. I wonder what he’s doing at my party? And when is Irene coming back with my martini?

Obviously Gloria appeared able to focus on some things, but became confused about others. I started to explain that we were at the town Halloween party when she tilted her head and asked a familiar question, You look familiar. Don’t I know you?

Her smile revealed suspiciously perfect white teeth.

Yes, you do know me, I reassured her. I’m Kate.

I’m Gloria. Gloria LaGuardia.

That’s a famous name. Did you know…?

Mayor LaGuardia? No. But my husband swore he was his cousin, twice-removed. Her laughter reminded me of Glinda, the good witch of the North, tinkling like the top keys of a piano.

A couple dressed in full-length bunny costumes strolled by. Let’s stop for a second, honey, a muffled voice said. It’s stuffy in this thing. They leaned against the storefront across from us and removed their elaborate costume heads. The man, still wearing his pink rabbit nose, reached into a hidden pocket, pulled out cigarettes, and lit up.

Yuck. You promised you were going to quit. The female bunny began fanning the smoke away with an exaggerated sweep of her hand, barely missing her companion’s eye.

This is only my second cigarette today. After sliding the rabbit ears off, his handsome face leaned into hers. With strong black eyebrows and curly dark hair streaked with silver, the male bunny cut a dashing figure. I guessed he was in his late forties or early fifties. His well-maintained girlfriend appeared slightly older.

Gloria stared at them in disbelief. I’m confused. Are you really rabbits?

They both laughed. Don’t I wish, the woman replied. Life would be much more simple.

All I’d need to keep you happy would be some carrots, and I don’t mean diamonds, her boyfriend chimed in. He picked up her paw and kissed it.

You look familiar. Don’t I know you? Gloria’s attention now focused on the man with the cigarette.

I was beginning to realize that Gloria thought everyone looked familiar.

Before the rabbits could answer, Irene appeared with a teenage boy and preteen girl in tow, neither looking happy. I wasn’t sure if the ripped jeans and dreadlocks the boy wore were a costume or his everyday look. On the other hand, the girl was definitely a witch.

Wait. Is that you, Peter? Gloria stared at her grandniece’s children. Her demeanor became more and more agitated.

The boy scowled while the girl checked messages on her phone.

Irene gave her daughter the evil eye. Put the phone away, Jillian.

Mom, the girl whined. Stop treating us like children.

Don’t press your luck, her mom snapped back.

Just in time, it was my turn to see a familiar face walking toward us. Mari/Harpo Marx and I waved to each other through the thinning crowd.

Thanks so much for taking care of Aunt Gloria. Sorry it took so long. Behind Irene’s back Jillian stuck her tongue out. Her brother slapped approval with a high-five.

Gloria started to mutter to herself.

I didn’t envy Irene, this poor woman, who had her hands full with two scowling siblings and a senior citizen expecting a martini.

Irene waved them along and said in her happy voice, Come on, everyone. Time to go home.

Gloria latched onto my arm. She stood on her tippy toes trying to whisper in my ear, eager to tell me something.

I leaned down.

Kate, the elderly woman said, I’m afraid.

Her eyes looked clear and focused even though her hands clenched and unclenched my arm. I felt her body tremble. What’s wrong?

It all came back to me just now. Someone evil is here. I saw him. She gestured to the costumed crowd streaming past.

I stared into the ghosts and goblins, witches and robots heading home. No one acted crazy or out-of-line. If evil walked in front of us, I didn’t see it. Perhaps my elderly friend had had enough Halloween partying for one night.

Who are you talking about?

Instead of answering she moved away from me and told her waiting niece in a plaintive voice to take her home.

Irene gathered her little group together then shepherded them toward the town parking area, holding her aunt’s arm while shooing the complaining kids along.

Bewildered by Gloria’s sudden fear, I didn’t know what to think. In the midst of the confusion Mari called out my name.

When I turned back toward the street the rabbits had disappeared.

Chapter Two

My patient wanted to kill me. I didn’t take it personally. Phil, the sulfur-crested cockatoo, wanted to kill anyone who dared enter his home and disrupt the interspecies bliss he enjoyed with his human mommy/girlfriend.

He definitely did not want to get his toenails trimmed.

Our eyes met, his a glittering black, versus my determined blue. He ruffled his snowy feathers, head bobbing up and down. I smoothed my pale blond hair and flexed all ten fingers. He laid his expressive crest flat down in anger. I wiggled my eyebrows.

Are we ready? Veronica Goell, Phil’s pretty mommy/girlfriend, asked. At the sound of her voice Phil turned on his perch, gently leaned over and nibbled on her hair. His neck curved in adoration.

I glanced down at my tools, spread out on the table. Two pair of nail clippers—one small, one usually used for cats—styptic pencils, styptic powder, and a metal nail file.

Ready?

Mari, my assistant, nodded back in confirmation.

Both of us watched as Veronica turned to Phil, explained it was time to trim his long nails, then expertly wrapped him up in a towel like a bird burrito. She was the perfect large bird owner, confident and completely bonded with her cockatoo. After many trial runs Phil had now become accustomed to the drill, which made it easy on everyone.

Make sure you don’t put pressure on his chest, I told his owner as we positioned the bird on the table. Mari held one leg with its impressive claws, and kept an eye out for the other. We didn’t want the second leg escaping and scratching the heck out of us.

Veronica laughed. How could I forget? You always remind me, Dr. Kate.

That was true, but due to their anatomy, birds can suffocate from too much pressure on their chests, especially small canaries and budgies.

She’s got you pegged, Mari agreed. But better to be safe than sorry.

As I stared down at Phil’s impressively curled talons I had to agree. Usually the pink quick in the nail where the blood supply ended was visible. Not so with our sulfur-crested cockatoo. His nails gleamed as black as his eyes. Slow and steady was the only way to safely trim the surprisingly thick nails. If I cut any too short, the styptic pencils and powder would stop the bleeding.

It took us only twenty minutes to finish our task, thanks to Veronica’s expert handling skills. As we cleaned up she made nice with Phil and in a few minutes he became calm again, chuckling bird love songs to her.

Where is Rita? I asked as I packed up my gear. Rita was a fluffy mixed-breed rescue dog and Phil’s other loving companion.

She’s at the groomer. Next time you’ve got to see their new trick, playing fetch. Phil pushes the ball with his head or throws it with his foot and she runs after it. I’ve got the whole thing running on YouTube.

Another silly pet video to add to my expanding list of silly pet videos.

Did I tell you Phil is going for his therapy animal designation? I thought when he’s ready I would take him out so he could cheer up some of the seniors I look after.

I knew Veronica worked as a nurse but didn’t know much else.

She explained on our way down the hallway, Phil perched on her arm. I do my regular four-day shift at Kingston Hospital, then on Fridays I work at the Oak Falls Community Center at their adult daycare. It’s for independent geriatric patients who need daytime supervision and stimulation.

That’s a great idea. The socialization is also good for your bird. Phil danced back and forth in agreement. I idly wondered if a program like that might be helpful for someone like Gloria.

Mari cautiously opened the door and slipped out ahead of me. Even though the possibility of Phil flying out into the winter weather was small, it was one we didn’t want to take.

Say good-bye, Phil, Veronica told her feathered baby.

He raised his head, top feathers waving at me.

Good-bye, Phil, he squawked.

That’s a gorgeous bird, Mari commented in the truck as we headed back to the animal hospital.

But a lot of work. My stethoscope hanging off the rearview mirror swayed in time to the windshield wipers. Light snow was falling to welcome the month of November. Cockatoos need plenty of attention, an enriched environment so they don’t get bored, and space to spread their wings.

Phil’s a lucky bird in that respect. He’s got a whole room to himself and his own dog for company. Mari finished updating Veronica’s chart before closing down our laptop.

Warm enough? Our old F-150 truck had plenty of dings and scratches inside and out, but one heck of a heating system.

Sweltering. She fiddled with the controls and adjusted her vents. I hope we can go to the Halloween celebration again next year, maybe with Jeremy?

I knew Mari was fishing for an update on my love life but the Kate Turner stream of gossip was dammed up for tonight. She’d have to settle for an ambiguous grunt.

Back at my garage apartment, conveniently connected to the animal hospital, I poured a cold glass of white wine, my dog Buddy sprawled across my feet. As a veterinarian I’d been trained to have an analytical mind, but regarding my boyfriend, Jeremy, I’d been reacting with my heart, not my brain. We’d had an intense short relationship in college, followed by a lengthy friendship. After losing track of each other he’d bounded back into my life, a newer and improved version of his old self. After a passionate beginning we’d settled into a comfortable long-distance relationship, but I already felt our closeness fading due to our separate lives and goals.

Buddy twitched in his sleep, probably chasing squirrels in his dreams across a fragrant green meadow as the snow piled up outside.

Maybe this arrangement with Jeremy was enough for now.

Or maybe it was time to push for more.

Chapter Three

The rest of the week passed quickly. Our workload had dropped off a bit as the inclement winter weather forced pets and their owners to stay inside and stay out of trouble.

Your last client is in exam room two, our receptionist, Cindy, informed me. Ever-efficient, she had already begun straightening up the entryway and correlating the daily receipts in anticipation of closing the office for the day.

Thanks.

She caught me before I could make my getaway. Any weekend plans?

Rats, trapped again. Not yet.

Jeremy can’t make it up here?

I plucked a tuft of black hair off my white coat. We’re working on it. Maybe next Saturday. With a smile I tossed the fur into her wastepaper basket, then bolted for the safety of exam room two.

I knocked on the door and surprised a young couple passionately kissing. On the floor sat a brand new cat carrier with the price tag still on it.

Hi, I’m Dr. Kate Turner. What can I do for you today?

Still clinging to each other they introduced themselves. Ben and Holly Doston, like Boston but with a D, Holly said. We’re newlyweds. She held up a sparkling ring set for me to see, then gave her husband’s muscular arm a squeeze.

Congratulations, I replied.

There was a quick knock on the door and Mari stuck her head in. Need any help in here?

Sure. This is Mari, my veterinary technician. Mari, these are the Dostons.

We’re newlyweds. Holly’s face beamed with delight as she lifted her left hand to show Mari the ring.

Congrats. With a quick move Mari lifted the cat carrier on the stainless-steel exam table and swung open the wire door. The little silver cat inside didn’t budge.

Let’s leave her be for now. From the paperwork I knew the cat’s name was Lady Jane Grey but there was no age written down. Instead, Cindy had written in pen stray cat at the bottom of the page.

When did you find this kitty?

Almost a week ago. We named her Lady Jane Grey. Did you know she almost was the Queen of England?

They never would have let her rule, her husband interrupted, an intense look on his face. Mary and Elizabeth were direct descendents of Henry the Eighth, although their legitimacy had been…

What’s wrong with your cat? This time it was Mari who interrupted.

Well… Holly’s pretty face turned serious. …she’s in agony.

Yes, her husband agreed, terrible pain. We found her behind The Grill restaurant.

His tone assumed we’d figure out the diagnosis from that statement.

We Googled her symptoms and we’re pretty sure she has food poisoning and abdominal cramps. They solemnly nodded to each. Holly gazed at her hunky husband and blew him a kiss.

At the sound of Dr. Google’s name, Mari rolled her eyes.

Just then Lady Jane Grey let out a pitiful unladylike yowl.

Mari and I looked at each other. I had a pretty good idea what was wrong with Lady without even getting her out of the box. After taking a brief medical history, I prepared to meet my furry patient.

As soon as I touched the young female cat’s rear end, it shot way up in the air. This move was followed by seductive stretching and rolling on the table accompanied by loud purring. A quick glance at her teeth told me she was young, maybe eight or nine months old.

Is this your first kitty? I asked the couple.

Yes.

The most obvious thing I observed is, she’s in heat.

They stared at each other, then me, puzzled. I didn’t think the house was that hot, did you, honey? Holly asked.

No, but we aren’t running around the house in a fur coat like she is, Ben answered thoughtfully. Do we need to turn the thermostat down?

Exasperated, Mari said, She’s not hot. She’s got the hots.

I bit my lip. Lady Jane is in estrus.

More bewilderment.

She wants a boyfriend, I told them, making it as straightforward as possible.

Really, really bad, my assistant

Reviews for Penned

[cathyskye · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Kate may be up to her eyeballs in feathered and furry patients, but she finds herself drawn to this mystery. Could a notorious killer really be living in sleepy little Oak Falls? And if he is... who is he?I have to admit that I've been enjoying Eileen Brady's Kate Turner DVM series more for the anecdotal information about animals than for the mysteries, but that's all changed now with this fourth book, Penned. Something clicked into place and turned this book into a lean, mean Doberman of a mystery. (Don't worry, this particular Doberman still likes belly rubs and going for walkies.) There's only one thing about Penned that barked offkey, and that's the romantic triangle. Should Kate go for rich archaeologist Jeremy or for local lawman Luke? It's probably just me, but if there's one thing in a book that can have me rolling my eyes, it's the romantic triangle, and for that I can thank Janet Evanovich. (Stephanie Plum fans will know what I'm talking about even if they don't agree.)Other than that, I really enjoyed this book. There's plenty for animal lovers to like. Brady's background in veterinary medicine means she's got plenty of tales to share-- both good, solid informational ones as well as ones that can make readers laugh. This is the part of Brady's novels that I've come to look forward to. What surprised and delighted me was that the author has successfully woven together elements of the cozy mystery with a serial killer thriller and turned it into a compelling detective story. It's not scary; there's no graphic violence, but readers are hooked into finding out Carl Wolf's identity. A canine clue shortly before the reveal made me realize the man's Oak Falls persona, but-- whew-- it was hard work.Animal-loving mystery fans are going to find plenty to enjoy in Penned, and I know that I'm certainly looking forward to another visit with Kate Turner.