Page 86 of Caught in the Crossfire

“No.”

He waited a beat, then said, “That’s it?”

“You do understand what the word no means, right?”

He laughed. “You remind me of my wife. Do I have your permission to search your computer at home and here at the shop?”

“Have at it. I don’t have anything to hide.”

“You’re not going to fight me on this?”

“Why should I? I’ll lose the fight. Forcing you to obtain a search warrant makes me look guilty and ticks you off because of the delay.”

“Also true. I’ll start here in the shop if you don’t mind.”

“As long as Trent or Ryan can access the reservations software, go ahead.”

She rinsed Princess with the sprayer, then grabbed a towel to rub her fur before she turned Rod loose to troll through her computer. Nicole led the dog into the back room where she stood the Blue Heeler under the second dryer beside Pierre.

“Is Rod gone?” Dawn asked.

“He’s checking our computer.”

“Why?”

“Ivan said that I invited him to Otter Creek.”

“Why would you do that?”

“That’s the question of the day, isn’t it? This is starting to feel like a conspiracy.”

“Rod won’t find anything. I use the shop computer as much as you do, and I’m in the emails all the time. There’s nothing in there to incriminate you.”

“The detective plans to check my home computer as well.”

She shrugged. “Let him. He won’t find anything there, either.”

“I hope you’re still okay with all the intrigue and drama when it’s your turn to talk to Rod.”

“My turn?” She stared at Nicole. “I don’t have any information.”

“He’ll want to confirm that for himself.”

Trent walked in. “Roscoe and Rascal have arrived. You weren’t kidding about the size of the dogs. Those boys are enormous.”

Dawn stood. “I’ll take them to the holding cage after I put Pierre in his crate.”

“I’ll be there as soon as Princess is dry.” She grinned at Trent. “Get ready, buddy. We might need help wrestling those two into the tub.”

“Oh, joy.” His tone said he felt anything but that. Trent returned to the reception area.

With a laugh, Nicole finished drying Princess and escorted the dog to her holding crate. Dawn waited for her beside the cage with the two Great Danes inside, shaking like leaves in a stiff breeze.

The next hour was spent bathing the two dogs who had to be coaxed and bribed with doggy treats through every step of the process. By the time the boys were dry and resting in their holding cage from all the trauma, Dawn and Nicole were as exhausted as the dogs.

Nicole shoved her hair away from her hot face. “Who’s next?”

“Pixie.”

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