Page 38 of Last Date

By the time we returned to Patsy’s home, Bruno was mildly winded while I was more so. I made him sit before ringing the bell, and when Patsy opened the door, I corrected him when he started to lunge at her joyfully. I made him sit again.

“Let’s have a conversation while he sits here, okay?” I addressed Patsy.

“Oh, uh… okay.” She gave a nervous laugh. “Uh, what should we talk about?”

“Anything is fine. I just want him to sit here and calm down. Once he’s more serene, we’ll go inside, but I want you to ignore him. Okay? If he stays calm, then you can pet him. But if he gets all jumpy and hyper again, we’ll discipline him.”

“Right.” She flicked her gaze down to the dog. “He’s being very good.”

“Don’t look at him, look at me.”

She met my gaze. “Sorry. I guess I’m in shock that he is acting like a normal dog.”

I smiled. “So, how’s work?”

She laughed nervously. “It’s great.”

“How long have you worked for Chief Dawson?” I asked politely. I didn’t actually want to talk about Merrick, but I had to talk about something, and the job was always an easy go-to conversation starter.

“Only a year. Mrs. Hawthorne was his PA before me, but she retired last year. Let me tell you, those were some big shoes to fill.” She sighed. “But Chief Dawson has been wonderful. He’s been very patient while I learn the job.”

“Great.” I was regretting the conversation now. I really didn’t want to stand here and talk about how amazing Merrick was. I didn’t feel charitable toward him at the moment.

Do I ever?

I cleared my throat. “So, have you always lived in Pearl Cove?”

“No. I moved here about a year and a half ago. My mom lives here. She’s actually the one who suggested I apply for the position with Chief Dawson. She said the city was having trouble finding a suitable replacement for Mrs. Hawthorne. I’m new to the job, but I’m not new to the type of job, if that makes sense.” She smiled. “I was a PA for the head of a big law firm in LA for three years.”

“I see.” I glanced down at Bruno. His pink tongue lolled, and he looked almost sleepy. I smiled. “Look, he’s doing great.”

“I’m so surprised.” She bit her lip. “This gives me hope.”

“Let’s give him another minute or so, then we’ll come inside.”

She nodded. “Okay. Should we keep talking?”

“Sure.”

She sighed. “Terrible business about Allister Green, wasn’t it?”

I stiffened. “Yes. Dreadful.”

“I saw your picture in the paper after… it… happened.” She grimaced. “I’m sorry for your loss.”

“Oh, uh, thanks. I didn’t know him that well, but it was still shocking and horrible.”

She shivered. “That poor family. They’ve really been through the wringer.”

“Yes.”

“Do you think it was Elon’s kidnappers who murdered Allister?”

Uneasiness shifted through me. “I’m sorry?”

Blinking at me, she said, “Didn’t you read the exclusive storySpilling the Teaprinted this morning?”

My chest tightened with anxiety. “No. I… I didn’t have time.”