Death of a Dog Whisperer (9780758284570) by Laurien Berenson

also a blow to the local dog community. I want to see that his killer is brought to justice. And I can’t think of a better way to keep tabs on the investigation than to allow myself to continue as one of the suspects.”
    For a minute there was only silence in the room. I think the three of us were too stunned to speak. Even the Poodles looked surprised by this turn of events.
    Aunt Peg glanced in my direction. “Don’t bother to thank me. It’s the least I can do. You know I like to make myself useful.”
    â€œThank you?” I echoed. “For what?”
    â€œFor keeping you in the loop, of course. Your own investigation will proceed much more smoothly if you know what the police are doing.”
    Really, I shouldn’t have been surprised. Aunt Peg is the queen of ulterior motives. As soon as she appeared in the doorway, I should have known that she was up to something.
    â€œWhat a great idea,” Bob said enthusiastically. “Well done, Peg!”
    Somewhere pigs were taking flight. Or perhaps there was a blue moon in the offing. Those were the only explanations I could come up with for this apparent detente between my ex-husband and my aunt.
    â€œEveryone seems to have decided that I’m going to look into Nick’s death,” I said. “No one has bothered to ask my opinion. Doesn’t anybody want to hear what I think?”
    â€œNot particularly,” Aunt Peg informed me.
    To my surprise, it was Bob who took my question seriously. He reached his hands across the gap between us and placed them on top of mine. His eyes focused on mine with unnerving intensity.
    â€œHere’s what I need you to know,” he said. “Claire is devastated by Nick’s death. It’s not just that her brother is gone, but also that she can’t make sense of how or why it happened. She needs answers, and I’m betting you can find them.”
    I started to speak, but Bob didn’t let me. He squeezed my hands and kept talking. “If you’re willing to help me help Claire get through this, that’s great. And if you’re not . . . Then I guess I’ll just have to do whatever it takes to change your mind.”
    This time when Bob paused, I found I had nothing to say. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d seen my ex-husband so resolute about anything. This was a whole new side to him, one clearly prompted by his relationship with Claire. It looked like things might be more serious between them than I had initially thought.
    â€œLet me think about it,” I said. “Okay?”
    â€œSure. Just know that Claire will be very grateful for any help you can give us. And so will I.” Bob released my hand and stood. He looked at the door, then looked back at me and arched a brow. “Am I clear to go now?”
    â€œAll clear,” I agreed. “I’ll walk you out.”
    On the way, I asked him if the Morris family had returned from vacation yet.
    â€œNow that you mention it, they should be back in town by now. I’ll give them another call and see if I can set up a meeting. The sooner we get that ring back with its rightful owner, the sooner James will stop driving me crazy.”
    Aunt Peg has ears like a bat. “James?” she said, following us out into the hallway. “Is that the man who was in jail?”
    â€œHe wasn’t in jail,” Sam corrected. “He just traveled a lot.”
    â€œWell, I wish he’d start traveling again,” said Bob. “He comes over to my house every day now. Suddenly he’s dying to help with the renovations.”
    â€œWhat’s wrong with that?” asked Sam.
    â€œFor one thing, I don’t need his help—especially since what that really means is that he stands around and supervises. And when he’s not doing that, he wanders around the house poking into everything. I know he and Amber are short on funds. I’m guessing he thinks