Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained Read online

  “Are you now? Then what were you and Ethel doing? Must have been something wrong if you won’t tell me.” Ed enjoyed watching her squirm.

  “All right. If you must know, we were investigating Mabel’s son-in-law.” Finally, she broke down and confessed.

  “So much for you not nosing around. That didn’t last long.”

  “This was different, Ed. I was doing a favor. Besides Mabel asked me to, so technically I wasn’t being a busy body or nosing around.”

  He couldn’t argue with that. “What did you do with the bread, honey pot?” Ed opened the pantry and looked on all the shelves. “And the peanut butter? I want to make a sandwich.”

  “Oh, for heaven sake.” Bea came in the kitchen, nudged Ed out of the way and moved things around on the shelf. “I swear you can never find anything.”

  She moved the same items he’d just moved. He stood and waited. Usually Bea was right and whatever he was looking for was right under his nose, but not this time. Nope. No bread or peanut butter in that cupboard on any shelf. “Well…”

  “The peanut butter was here yesterday. Did you use it and put it someplace else?”

  “No, and where’s the bread?”

  “On the counter like always.”

  “No, it’s not, that’s why I’m asking.”

  Bea looked around the kitchen and shrugged. “Darned if I know.”

  “Mighty strange both the peanut butter and bread are gone.” Ed opened the refrigerator. “What happened to the leftover roast?”

  “On the second shelf.”

  “It’s not here.”

  “Of course, it’s there, you couldn’t find the nose on your face.” Bea pushed him out of the way. “What the heck? Did you finish it off after I went to bed last night?”

  “I went to bed the same time as you, remember?”

  Bea scratched her head. “Where the heck did it go?”

  “If I knew I wouldn’t be asking you. I’ll stop at the store and pick up some bread and peanut butter on the way to pick up Timmy. Do we have enough milk?”

  “We should have, I just bought a gallon.” Bea opened the refrigerator. “Edgar Eberhardt, you didn’t drink a whole gallon of milk, did you?”

  “I don’t drink milk, remember.”

  Bea crossed her arms over her chest. “It’s gone. The whole gallon, gone, disappeared. You been walking and eating in your sleep?”

  “I don’t think so. I’ll pick up some milk also.” Ed kissed Bea’s cheek and went to pick up his nephew, Timmy. To help take Bea’s mind off Jess, he’d invited Timmy to spend the weekend. Surely a nine-year-old would divert her attention.

  ***

  “Bea, for cripe sake, give the boy a break. Good grief, isn’t it enough you made him help make spaghetti sauce and cookies?”

  Unfortunately for Timmy, Bea’s maternal instincts kicked in. Ed felt sorry for the boy. Every time he picked up his iPod or iPad, or whatever the heck it’s called, Bea found something else for him to do. Now she wanted to build a puzzle.

  “Timmy doesn’t mind, do you, Timmy” She handed him a cookie fresh from the oven. “We’re going to make homemade pasta, too.”

  A quick look at Timmy said it all. Making homemade pasta was the farthest thing from his mind. “Come on Bea, let him have some free time. I bet he’d like to watch a movie or play a video game.”

  Fortunately, the phone rang and Bea hurried to answer, so Ed turned on the TV for Timmy. From the gist of the conversation, it didn’t sound good. He waited until she hung up.

  Her face turned pale, lips and chin trembled. She sank onto the chair. “That was Callie. Butch Buckler escaped.”

  “Wasn’t he the ring leader of that car theft ring?”

  Bea nodded. “Callie doesn’t think he’ll come back here, but they’re doubling up their patrols and watching for anything or anyone suspicious just in case.”

  “Are you okay? I can cancel my appointment.”

  “No, no, I’ll be okay. You go on.”

  “Are you sure?” He didn’t like leaving her. What if that jerk did come back? What if he wanted revenge?

  Before she had a chance to answer, the phone rang again. Bea ran to answer it. Probably Ethel. No surprise there. He couldn’t make heads or tails out of their conversation. Something about dogs getting sick. Didn’t make much sense to him. Bea didn’t like dogs of any kind, not big ones, not medium-sized, and not even small ones. She felt the same way about gerbils and birds. In her opinion all dogs stank, even the non-shedding hypoallergenic ones. Her cat, Floozy, on the other hand, ruled the roost.

  But whatever they were talking about would keep Bea occupied, which suited Ed fine, since he couldn’t take Timmy with him. He felt bad about leaving them, but there wasn’t any choice. Now that Ethel called, it would keep Bea busy for at least an hour if not more. Those phone calls sometimes lasted for hours. Timmy was free to watch TV, play his games or whatever he wanted away from Bea’s control.

  Ed put in a quick call to Callie on his cell phone. “Bea said that guy escaped. Are you sure he won’t be coming after her?”

  “I’m not sure about anything, but he must know we’ll be watching Aunt Beatrice Lulu’s house. I doubt he’ll even come to this area, knowing we’ll be watching his mother’s and sister’s houses also.”

  “I noticed the police have gone past several times in the last half hour.”

  “Just between you and me, there’s an undercover car staking your place out also.”

  “Great, thanks, Callie. I need to leave for a while, and was worried about leaving her alone. Knowing the police are watching the house makes me feel better.” Butch would be a fool to come after Bea. He was probably long gone in the other direction.

  “Hey bud, I have to leave for a while, okay?”

  “Okay.” Timmy didn’t even look up from his game.

  Ed kissed Bea’s cheek, not that she noticed, and motioned he was leaving. She finally shook her head and he left.

  An hour later, Ed came home to find Timmy standing at the stove, stirring a big pot of pasta, and Bea still on the phone. “Hey bud, what’re you doing?”

  “I wanted to surprise everyone and make dinner. That’s okay, isn’t it?” The pride on his face melted Ed’s heart.

  “Okay, but I’ll drain it. Is it almost done?” He’d never been a fan of young kids cooking, but the kid seemed to know what he was doing. Still, Ed wasn’t about to let the boy carry a pot of scalding water to the sink.

  “The package says seven minutes.”

  Ed started a salad and motioned Bea to get off the phone, not that she paid him any mind.

  Timmy sat proud as a peacock at the dinner table.

  Bea took a bite and spit it out. “What did you do to this?”

  Timmy’s lips quivered. “I cooked it for seven minutes like the directions said.

  “Was the water boiling when you put the spaghetti in the pan?” Ed had a pretty good idea what happened.

  He shook his head. “I don’t know what that means.”

  “I did the same thing the first time I made spaghetti.” Ed laughed to lighten the mood. Too bad Bea hadn’t been paying attention to the boy. He wouldn’t have made that mistake. Not that he was about to say anything. He knew better and no reason to start an argument in front of Timmy. The boy felt bad enough.

  “Oh, dear. I’ll make some more.” Bea got up from the table. “I’ll never forget the first time Mama let me make spaghetti. I didn’t read the directions and they turned out sticky just like this. Even the dog next door wouldn’t eat it.”

  “I’m sorry.” Timmy brushed away a tear.

  “It’s okay. I’ll whip up some more in no time.” Bea set a pot of water to boil.

  Poor Timmy. “Come on, bud, let’s get rid of this stuff and watch TV for a while. At least you tried.”

  After Timmy was in bed for the night, Bea curled up next to Ed on the couch. “I talked to Ethel today.”

  It was the perfect opening to bri
ng up the matter of her not watching Timmy. Not that he got the chance. She was off and running before he could open his mouth.

  “The dogs at the rescue place are getting sick and no one knows why.” Bea snuggled up against him.

  “Now, honey pot, don’t be getting involved in something that’s none of your business. Besides, you don’t even like dogs.”

  “I’m not involved, Ethel is. She thought maybe we could check it out. You know, see what’s going on.”

  “What do you mean what’s going on? Let the kennel handle it. I’m sure they’ll figure it out.”

  “That’s just it, they’re not.” Bea pushed away from Ed. “We need your help.”

  “My help! What am I supposed to do?”

  “Just come with us. Ethel will go inside to adopt a dog, and we’ll look around outside.”

  “Ethel’s going to adopt a dog?” These women were crazier than he thought. What Bea hoped to find out was beyond him. He shook his head. “I’m not taking part in your shenanigans. And if you’re smart you’ll mind your own business, too. Although I suppose that’s too much to ask.”

  “Harrumph.” Bea jumped off the couch. Okay not jumped, but she got up pretty quickly. She leaned over and kissed his cheek. “I’m going to bed.”

  The next day Ed took Timmy home, leaving Bea to her own devices. As if he didn’t know what they were. Once that woman set her mind to something, she wasn’t going to change it any time soon. Nope, stubborn didn’t begin to describe her. What she thought she’d find out or how was beyond him, but knowing his busybody wife, she’d figure a way to get inside that facility and snoop around. He just hoped she wouldn’t get arrested in the process.

  Right after Ed left, Bea picked up Ethel and headed to the rescue center. Didn’t matter that she promised Ed not to get involved, besides, there probably wasn’t anything criminal going on. At least she hoped not. She’d had enough of that to last a lifetime.

  Instead of going inside, Ethel decided they should look around outside instead. Bea wasn’t sure what Ethel expected to find, but you never knew. Too bad they didn’t know what to look for. She doubted they’d find out what was making the dogs sick from out there, but this was Ethel’s gig and Bea wasn’t about to question her. Not that it would do any good. Ethel had a stubborn streak worse than Beatrice Lulu, and once she set her mind to something no one could change it. Besides, Ethel always went along with her crazy escapades, the least Beatrice Lulu could reciprocate.

  Pine trees lined the path at the back of the building. Long dog runs separated each dog and provided a small door so the dogs could come outside at will. Only a few dogs were outside. Ethel went ahead as if she knew where she was going. Bea hated sneaking around, but followed her sister. Never a fan of dogs, Bea still felt sorry for them. Sure, they were better off than at the pound but it bothered her they were confined. Animals, wild or otherwise, weren’t meant to be confined. Memory of being tied up came back to her. Being held prisoner and not able to move was pretty much the same thing as being held captive. If she had her way, she’d let them all loose. Not a smart move, most of them would starve to death, not to mention the problem they’d cause running wild on the streets. At least here they were fed and cared for.

  Bea didn’t even like to see the animals at the zoo caged up. They were supposed to run free. Nature didn’t intend for them to be confined. One dog caught her eye. Tiny little thing, no bigger than a purse. He shook so badly he couldn’t stand up. Poor little thing was probably cold. Although he could go inside.

  Bea stopped outside his pen. “Hey little guy, how’re you doing?” She bent down to see him better. He cautiously made his way to her, stopping every few inches. Bea waited, and finally he came to her. She put her hand through the fence and pet him. He licked her fingers. Suddenly she lost her balance, fell backwards, and landed in a mud puddle. Hopefully, it was mud. From the smell around that place one couldn’t be sure. Unable to get up, she called Ethel who had moved on ahead.

  “What the hell did you do?” Ethel ran back. “Oh no, I think you just fell in a pile of poop.” She started laughing.

  “I’m glad you think it’s funny. Help me up.” All the rain lately had turned the poop runny like mud. Talk about smell. Worst part was Beatrice Lulu had to drive home. Luckily, she had an extra jacket in the car. This one was going straight in the garbage.

  Ethel reached down, put her hand under Beatrice Lulu’s elbow and pulled. Nothing. She slid farther into the muck. “You’re going to have to help.”

  “I’m trying but this stuff is slippery. Let me get to my knees.” Beatrice Lulu turned around, got to her knees, and slid chest down into the muck, stopping just short of her face hitting it. Yep, it was poop. Stunk to high heaven. She managed to get to her knees and pulled herself up on the kennel fence. By now the little dog had gone back into the far corner, whimpering. Her heart went out to him. She’d scared the heck out of the poor little guy.

  Ethel handed Beatrice Lulu her scarf. “Here, wipe your hands at least. I don’t relish the thought of driving home with you.”

  “You can always walk.” Cold as it was, Beatrice Lulu took off her jacket, turned it inside out and tried to wipe some of the muck off her jeans. “Help me, will you?” She handed the jacket to Ethel so she could wipe her backend.

  Back at the car, Beatrice took an old blanket out of the trunk and spread it on the seat and put on the other jacket. “I’m glad Ed suggested keeping these items in the car for an emergency. Although I’m sure this wasn’t the disaster he had in mind.”

  Ethel sat there laughing. Be different if the shoe was on the other foot for sure. Ethel wouldn’t think it was so funny then. Beatrice Lulu drove home in silence, trying to ignore Ethel’s snickers of amusement. If they were going to investigate, they required help. Ed’s help. And they needed to investigate inside. Snooping around outside wouldn’t accomplish anything.

  Chapter 4

  “Ed, did you give the chocolate milk to Timmy?” Bea asked that evening while she set the table.

  “No, I was going to but forgot. Why?”

  She moved a few things around in the refrigerator. “It’s gone. You didn’t drink it, did you?”

  “You know I don’t like chocolate milk.”

  “Well that’s peculiar, it’s not in here.” Bea took out the white milk and poured a glass. She always liked milk with her dinner. Ed wasn’t a fan.

  Bea was exceptionally quiet at dinner that night. Ed was half afraid to ask about her day. Besides, he figured she’d bring it up eventually. He was right and didn’t have long to wait. Ed cleared the table while Bea loaded the dishwasher.

  “You have to go with us next time, Ed. We didn’t accomplish a darn thing today.”

  “Did Ethel adopt a dog?”

  “No.” Bea rinsed a plate and shook the water off before putting it in the dishwasher. “You just don’t understand. Those poor dogs are getting sick. I really need your help. You should see them, Ed. There’s so many and no one wants them.”

  He shook my head. “Now honey pot, I told you not to get involved. What do you think you’re going to find out anyway?”

  “Something’s making those dogs sick. No one seems to care. Just because they’re rescue dogs doesn’t mean they shouldn’t get the time and attention they need.”

  “When did you start caring so much about animals? Especially dogs.” Never in his wildest dreams did he think Bea would ever look at a dog, much less care about one. This might just work to his advantage. He pretended to think about it for a minute before he answered. “Just what is your plan? What part would I play in it?”

  If anyone would have told him six months ago, he’d be involved in one of his wife’s crazy schemes, he’d have laughed at them. He couldn’t wait to hear what crazy plan they cooked up this time.

  “First we’re going to volunteer our time. Simple things like feeding or walking the dogs. Maybe just being there will help us figure out what’s going on.”

&
nbsp; “You’re going to walk a dog? I thought you hated them.” He had to say it. Every time he brought up the idea of getting a dog, she reminded him how bad they stunk; besides, she already had a cat. In her opinion cats were independent and far superior to dogs. You didn’t have to worry about leaving them for any length of time if they had food, water, and a clean litter box. Dogs, on the other hand, required constant care and supervision.

  “I’m not heartless, Ed.” Bea got that squinty look in her eye – the one that said he’d better watch his step. “Besides, I can help in the office. I don’t hate dogs per se. I just don’t want to own one. And you know I hate seeing anything mistreated.”

  That was true, his compassionate wife even fed the birds all winter. He’d never forget the time she put the food out and the deer came along before she came back in the house. “Look at them, Ed,” she yelled. “They’re eating all the bird seed. We have to buy some corn or something for them so they leave the bird seed alone.”

  Just what he needed was to feed the wildlife, but of course he did. They found a feed store and stocked up all winter to make sure the birds, squirrels, and deer didn’t go hungry. Bea wasn’t too happy when the skunks came out in the spring and found the food, not to mention the raccoons, but if you fed one, you had to feed them all.

  “I just don’t think it’s a good idea. Why don’t you call Callie and have her check it out?”

  “Because there’s nothing criminal to report. Besides, Callie has other things to do. Come on, Ed, say you’ll help.”

  “I’ll think about it.”

  After a day of Bea begging, Ed gave into her pleas to volunteer at the rescue center. Not that he liked the idea. He didn’t mind volunteering, becoming involved in Bea’s adventures bothered him. He’d never been a snoop, never cared to investigate anything.

  ***

  “Where do you think you’re going dressed like that?” Ed let out a low whistle. It wasn’t that she didn’t look nice, she looked too nice.