Page 34 of Caught in the Crossfire

“Ugh. I can only imagine how potent she was right after she was sprayed or how rank her owner’s vehicle is now.”

The grooming room had a faint skunk odor lingering in the air. Skunk scent hung around for a long time. “Gretchen took her SUV to be cleaned. Her ride home with Violet should be much more pleasant.”

The bell over the front door rang as another customer walked inside the salon. Nicole frowned. “Did another appointment book? I thought we were ahead by 30 minutes.” She’d been looking forward to a 20-minute power nap or an extra-large coffee or both.

Dawn shrugged. “Charlie is our next grooming appointment. Maybe Heidi is dropping him off early. Want me to check Charlie in?”

Uneasy for some reason, Nicole shook her head. “I’m finished with Violet if you want to put her in a holding crate. If we keep moving as fast as we are now, we might finish early today.”

“Hey, I won’t complain about that.” Dawn covered her yawn. “We didn’t sleep much last night. I’m glad we had Linc, Mason, and Trent on hand when the shooter showed up.” She crossed to Nicole’s side and attached a leash to Violet’s collar. “Come on, sweet girl. Mom should be here soon.”

Nicole opened the door to the reception area, thankful her part-time appointment setter had agreed to come in today to help out. Expecting to see Charlie, another Lab, and his owner, she came to an abrupt halt when she spotted a tall, dark-haired man in his late thirties, someone she’d never seen around town or in her shop. A new resident looking for a pet groomer? Pet Palace was the only business in town that fit the bill.

As she started forward, a furtive movement out on the street caught her eye. Her breath froze in her lungs. No. It couldn’t be. Pedestrians walked between her shop and the blast from her past. When the crowd had moved on, the man she thought she recognized was gone. She must have been mistaken. Ivan had no business in Otter Creek.

Linc was watching the stranger in the shop closely from the other side of the lobby while Nicole’s helper, Ryan, talked with him about their services. The shop assistant glanced her direction and smiled. “This is Nicole Copeland. She owns Pet Palace and can answer all your questions about the services we offer.”

She stepped behind the desk to stand beside Ryan after catching Linc’s warning glance. “May I help you?”

He studied her a moment, then appeared to come to a decision. “I’m here to help you.”

Was this man a salesman? “If you’re selling pet grooming supplies, leave me your contact information and website address. When I’m ready to order more product, I’ll take a look at what you’re offering.”

“I’m not selling anything, Ms. Copeland. I’m offering you a friendly warning.”

Linc moved closer to the stranger, ready to intervene if necessary.

Nicole glanced at Ryan. “Take a break. I’ll cover the desk for a few minutes.”

The college student glanced at Linc who gave him a slight nod.

Once Ryan was out of the room, Nicole turned back to the man staring at her with a wealth of sadness in his eyes. “Who are you?” she demanded.

“Todd Fitzgerald.”

“Well, Todd Fitzgerald, here’s the thing about advice. You can offer, but I’m free to accept or reject it. Say what you have to say and we’ll both move on.”

Fitzgerald glanced at Linc before refocusing on Nicole. “Is there a place where we can talk in private?”

“No,” Linc said. “Here or nowhere.”

“Say your piece, Mr. Fitzgerald.” Nicole’s hands fisted. “We’re slammed today.”

He shrugged. “Suit yourself.”

“I usually do. Talk or leave.”

“I understand you’re involved with Mason Kincaid.”

Her cheeks burned. She could understand friends and family expressing concern but not a total stranger. “We’re getting married soon.”

“You should rethink your decision.”

“Because?”

“He’s a murderer.”

Fury exploded in her gut. “Do you live in Otter Creek, Mr. Fitzgerald?”

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