Hostile Witness (Sanctuary, Inc. #1)

Chapter 14

14

T ia stopped short at the entrance to the grand ballroom. The country club had a reputation for stunning decor and refined taste. They’d outdone themselves today for Lieutenant Plante’s repast. The wafting scents of pink roses and eucalyptus blended with the aroma of the savory hors d'oeuvres the tuxedoed waitstaff served on silver trays. She’d never seen so many police brass in one place. The turnout for the repast was almost as large as the funeral’s. A string quartet played soft music in the far corner. Tia caught Casey’s short wave from a table across the room and briskly headed in her direction.

Casey rose, and after the two exchanged a quick hug, there were tears in Casey’s eyes. “We saved you a seat at this table.”

Tia looped her arm through Casey’s. “Thank you. Are you okay?”

Casey lifted a shoulder. “I’m no good at funerals. This one is more difficult because I knew Margie personally.” She took a sip of wine and swiped a tear from her cheek. “Flynn is sitting with Mrs. Stoddard, Margie’s aunt. They’re receiving condolences in the back of the room, away from the crowd. I’ll walk over with you.”

Tia’s stomach flip-flopped. The last thing she wanted to do today was say goodbye to Flynn. Straightening her shoulders, she followed Casey. No way could Flynn leave without her at least requesting to keep him. While she understood the police wanting him here today in case the lieutenant’s murderer had the gall to attend the service and repast, she couldn’t help wishing he were resting somewhere cozy and warm with his furry friends.

A dozen NYPD officers surrounded Mrs. Stoddard, expressing their sympathies. A few even gave Flynn a quick pat on the head. Detective Kelley stood to Mrs. Stoddard’s right, holding Flynn’s leash. Ethan’s dress blues accentuated his fine build, and really, she ought to stop noticing such trivial details about him. But he was so enticingly pleasant to look at even though she wasn’t the least bit interested. Call it bad timing. Maybe she could fix him up with Sarah, the kindergarten teacher? At least then he’d be off-limits and she’d stop thinking of him as sinfully male. Tia shook off the ridiculous thoughts and peered around the crowd to get a look at her favorite dog.

He was lying on a big faux-fur rug with his head resting on his paws, but when she approached him, he lifted his head and barked. She got down on one knee and was rewarded with a face full of dog kisses.

Mrs. Stoddard leaned forward. “You must be the vet who’s taken such great care of him.”

Casey, who stood a few feet away, chuckled. “No, I’m the vet. Flynn tolerates me, but he loves her.”

The older woman peered at Tia. “And who might you be, dear?”

“Tia O’Rourke.” She reached over and held the woman’s hand. “Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss, Mrs. Stoddard.”

“Thank you, dear. Did you know my Marjorie?” She dabbed a tissue at her swollen eyes.

“No, I didn’t. I was on a ride along with Detective Kelley when the disturbance call for Margie’s house came in. I’m sure you’re proud of everything Lieutenant Plante accomplished in her life, and I truly wish I had known her.”

“Thank you, Tia. I appreciate your kind words. Flynn here seems mighty fond of you.” She leaned over and gently rubbed the dog’s ears. “He’s almost as crazy about you as he was about my Margie, and that’s saying something, because he adored Margie. He would have done anything for her. They were inseparable.” She sighed wistfully. “They used to visit me all the time when she lived in New York... but enough of that. What do you do for a living?”

“I’m a third-grade schoolteacher and have been visiting Flynn after work. He’s made great progress with his recovery each day. You could say we’ve bonded a bit. He’s a brave animal, and I respect his service to your Margie and the citizens of New York. Are you taking him home with you tomorrow?”

“Oh, heavens no, dear, I’m eighty-six years old, and I moved into a retirement home a year ago. I’m still very active, but not active enough to take care of a seventy-pound German shepherd.” She smiled at Tia with the kindest blue eyes that crinkled at the corners. “I asked my two sons and their wives if they would like to have Flynn as a family pet, and they both declined. You see, my older son is allergic to most dogs—it’s a shame—and the younger son and his wife recently purchased two bichon puppies, so they have their hands full.”

Mrs. Stoddard sipped at her tea. “I suppose there may be someone in the police department who would like to keep him and honor Margie’s memory, but I’d like to see Flynn with someone he likes.” She patted the seat next to her. “Please, sit with me a few minutes.”

Tia scooted over, and Flynn followed, resting his head on her lap.

Mrs. Stoddard chuckled. “Look at that. He moves when you move, like he can’t get enough of you. It’s kind of cute, what with him being such a big dog and all.” She leaned in as if she had a secret. “The detective who’s escorting me today has been very kind to Flynn and me. And he loves dogs. We talked about it, but he said that with his work schedule, he wouldn’t have the time to devote to an older animal. I’m not sure if I believe him, because he certainly has been attentive today.”

What? Tia rubbed her forehead. Omigod. Mrs. Stoddard was considering giving Flynn to Detective Kelley? To Ethan? Nooo way. The guy was nice, and seriously the best kisser, but she had been the one visiting Flynn for well over a week. Adopting a house-trained dog had been on her wish list for quite some time. For heaven’s sake, it was high time she started verbalizing the things she wanted in her life.

She turned to face Mrs. Stoddard. “I’ve been hoping for a chance to speak with you, because I’d really like to keep Flynn. I have a house with a backyard, and we’re already pretty good friends.”

The old woman patted Tia’s hand. “I’m delighted to hear that, but he’s an awfully big dog. Are you sure you could handle him?”

Tia smoothed her skirt and sat up. “Mrs. Stoddard, I teach, fix boo-boos, and encourage twenty-two third graders five days a week. If I can handle that responsibility, I’m sure I can handle Flynn.”

The elderly woman regarded her with an appraising gaze. “Well, dear, when you put it that way, you’re almost overqualified.” Folding her arms, she continued, “You’re about the same size as Margie, but my niece came across as bigger because she was so tough from the police work.”

Tia laughed. “I’m a shrinking waif?”

“Goodness, no. But Flynn reacts to commands from a trained officer, so to speak. I’ve seen my Margie bark orders at him until he settles down.”

Tia thought on the older woman’s words. She hadn’t seen the police-trained side of Flynn yet. “I’m willing to learn, and I’m sure I’d figure out how to take care of him.”

“You look like a smart girl,” the older woman commented thoughtfully.

“Mrs. Stoddard, as much as I would like to be Flynn’s new person, I also want you comfortable with your decision.” Okay. She’d said it. There was no point trying to convince the woman against her will. It would only bite Tia in the ass later.

“Yes, well, Flynn was incredibly important to Margie. But the fact that he’s bonded with you is noteworthy.” She gave Tia a wink and turned around. “Detective Kelley, would you please get the New York police commissioner for me?” Ethan nodded, passed the leash to another officer, and left.

The police commissioner shook a few hands on his way over and sat down at the table with a sincere expression on his face. “What can I do for you, Mrs. Stoddard?”

“Commissioner, I was just talking to Tia here, and she’s developed quite a rapport with our dear Flynn. I think we should let Tia have him as her pet. Do you know of anyone else who might have their heart set on keeping him?” She patted Tia’s arm gently.

The commissioner frowned at Tia and then Flynn. “Mrs. Stoddard, Flynn is a trained police dog, albeit retired. I was thinking he might come back with us tomorrow. Officer Pinkerton has expressed an interest in keeping him with the other two retired K9s under his care. Unless you strongly object, I think it would be a nice living situation for Flynn.”

The woman pursed her lips. “Does Flynn know Officer Pinkerton from when he worked with Margie in New York?”

“No, ma’am. Marjorie and Officer Pinkerton knew each other, but their dogs did not socialize or train together, because they served in different units.”

“Well, Commissioner, I think we should spread the wealth around a bit and allow Flynn to live with Tia. They are already acquainted, and Tia could take a crash course from one of the officers on how to work with him and any commands she will need to use or avoid.”

The commissioner shook his head doubtfully. “It’s a nice thought, but Flynn is not only a K9, but he’s also been deeply traumatized by Margie’s passing.”

Tia inhaled a sharp breath. She’d identified with the dog’s physical wounds, but hadn’t stopped to think about the mental trauma. There was another thing she had in common with Flynn.

Not to be ignored, Mrs. Stoddard waved a crooked finger at the commissioner. “You know, Margie left me in charge of her will. God knows I never expected to be her executor considering our age difference, but I have the right as her next of kin to make the decision, don’t I?”

The commissioner set his lips in a grim line. “I suppose, but I need to make sure that whoever has Flynn is fully prepared for the responsibility.”

Mrs. Stoddard’s face lit up like a light bulb, and she gave Tia a conspiratorial wink. “Detective Kelley?” She pointed at him. “You can help Tia. That way, someone from the local police department will have their finger on Flynn’s welfare, and Tia will have help when she needs it.”

The commissioner nodded. “Since you put it that way, Mrs. Stoddard, I’d abide by that decision and would be more than happy to expedite the situation any way I can.”

Mrs. Stoddard peered at Tia and beamed. “See that, dear? The commissioner agrees with me. And it’s obvious that Flynn really likes you. You’re the perfect fit to be Flynn’s new owner, and with Detective Kelley’s help, you’ll do great. I think this was somehow meant to be since you and the detective were the first to know that my lovely Margie was gone. It’s as if she passed his leash to you.”

Tia’s mouth fell open. Oh, this would never work. The stunned look on Ethan’s face spoke volumes. She shook her head at him as subtly as possible.

He took the cue and jumped into the conversation. “Um, ma’am, I’m not a K9 officer, and like I explained earlier, my work schedule doesn’t allow me much time to devote to a dog.”

Chief Carson piped in. “You can take time off from your cases to help Tia, Detective.”

Tia wheeled around. When in the hell had her uncle joined the conversation? She nodded mutely and forced a strained smile. There had to be another solution that would appease the elderly woman and the commissioner. Sharing Flynn with the detective was preposterous. The very idea—blatantly absurd. She glanced at Ethan. He wasn’t smiling, either. Maybe she could think of a way to circumvent Mrs. Stoddard’s misguided plan later.

Detective Kelley didn’t even want a dog. He’d said so himself. And she didn’t want to be around him, because he was so freaking sexy. And the only reason he’d offered to help at the house was because her uncle had sent him over. The sooner she let Ethan know she didn’t need him involved in her or Flynn’s life, the better it would be for everyone. Her mind raced. Poor Flynn. All he really needed was a warm fireplace to soothe his bones and one person to love him.

Mrs. Stoddard reached for her cane and wobbled to her feet. She motioned to Tia and Ethan. “Don’t go anywhere. We’ll meet back here in a half hour to sign the papers and turn Flynn over to your care. My lawyer’s here.”

Tia’s eyebrows lifted. “Papers?”

“Yes, dear. Margie left Flynn a trust fund of sorts for his geriatric care. You and the detective will both need to sign for it.” She scrutinized each of them before stepping away. “I hope you don’t have a problem sharing a checking account with Flynn as the beneficiary.”

As soon as the older woman left, Ethan’s shoulders shook with mirth. He cleared his throat and leaned toward Tia. “I suppose we should get together for coffee tomorrow to discuss the care of our boy.”

She shot him a withering glance.

“You definitely need to call me Ethan now that we’re personally involved. We’re sort of joined at the fur.” He threw his head back and laughed. “I need more work like I need a hole in my head.” Wiping the fun from his eyes, he coaxed, “C’mon, Tia. You’ve got to laugh.”

She tapped a foot. “I really don’t want to share Flynn with you. We need to come up with some kind of mutual agreement.”

A teasing grin crossed his face. “Already trying to keep my boy away from me? Don’t make this a custody battle.”

She turned away to hide her smile. He was kind of funny, but honestly, this was no laughing matter.

Ethan stepped in close enough that his breath grazed her neck. “We’ll set up visitation times tomorrow. Don’t make me get my lawyer involved.”

Delicious chills tickled the length of her back. She longed to angle her neck so he’d do it again but squashed the urge.

God help her. She’d gone from the frying pan straight into the fire.