Page 40 of Shenanigans

“Eventually.” I climbed out of the car and waved at Tinkerbell.

The Yorkie watched me through the glass door. Arf. Arf. Arf. Arf.

“I did not abandon you. I told you I had to meet with the detective.”Taking my keys out, I opened the door and bent down to pet her.

Tinkerbell skittered away. Woof.

“I stink?”

She wrinkled her snout and yipped.

“I told you I was going to talk with Maria’s spirit.”

Arf. Arf. Arf. Arf.

“I did not roll in her stinky remains.”

Woof.

“Are you calling me a liar?”

Jana shut the door. “What’s wrong?”

“Tinkerbell says I stink.”

“You do. It’s a good thing your grandmother put in that shower.”

“It is. We need to hurry. I’m sure Dutch is going to have a patrol officer swing by to see if we’re here.”

“I get first dibbs on the shower. I stink too,” Jana called and sprinted for the bathroom.

Chapter Thirteen

Papago Park is a desert oasis sandwiched between Phoenix and Tempe, Arizona. Its distinctive red sandstone buttes, tranquil blue lagoons, giant saguaro cactus and scenic hiking paths made it a popular destination. For humans, indigenous wildlife and alligators too.

I drove around the park closed signs and pulled into the parking lot. A tall, older man in khakis stood by a white truck with a harpoon pole in one hand.

Jana peered at him. “Is Ralph going to harpoon Elvis?”

“If necessary.” I parked next to the truck.

“But, he’s the zoo’s vet! He’s supposed to save animals, not kill them,” Jana protested.

“There’s a tranquilizer dart built into the tip of the harpoon.”

“Oh.”

“Relax, we won’t need it.”

“I should hope not.” Jana looked around. “How long will it take you to corral Elvis?”

“Not long.” I got out of the van.

Tinkerbell barked crazily from the back seat.

“No. You have to stay. Elvis would eat you.”

Arf. Arf. Arf.

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