A Shot in the Bark: A Dog Park Mystery

Friday, May 13

Lia grimaced at the plans on her drawing table. Bailey leaned over, her Cleopatra haircut swinging with the motion. She indicated an area alongside the path. "I was thinking lavender along here."

"Won't it crowd the path once it gets going?" Lia asked.

"Not if we widen the path"

"Maybe. We'll have the same problem with the mint. We want it to fill in but not take over."

"That means digging out the pathway, then pounding sand into the bed. We'll need to fill in the spaces around the pavers with crushed limestone. We'll also need a plastic border along the edge to keep plants from encroaching."

"Catherine's not going to like that."

"She will once she sees the price for brick edging."

Lia nodded, "You make an excellent point, Bailey."

They continued to pore over the drawings for a free-form, paved labyrinth landscaped with herbs to provide aromatherapy. Round pavers would depict oriental symbols for peace, joy, love, harmony, abundance, and energy.

"Does she know Chinese?" Lia asked.

"Doubtful, but it's awfully fashionable, isn't it?"

"Bailey, you're such a cynic."

"I'm a pragmatist and you love me for it. That's what it takes to keep a straight face around some of these so-called arts mavens."

"This project isn't so bad, is it? Lia asked.

"No, it's better than most. We may have a tough time making a profit, though."

"Why do you say that?"

Bailey listed her reasons, "One, I can tell she's going to be insanely particular. Two, she seems obsessed with impressing her friends. Three, this seems to be a case of 'she may know art, but she sure doesn't know what she likes.' Expect materials to be rejected and for her to change her mind a few dozen times. Remind me why we took this job again?"

"Because it's an opportunity to show off our talents. And because we love pain and suffering. Want to see some tile samples?"

"Sure. So what is Dame Catherine's story, anyway?" Bailey asked.

"She's on her second husband. First husband died years ago. Current husband is a recent addition, don't know much about him. She got him through her other friends. Lia emphasized the word just enough for Bailey to notice.

"Other friends? Who are her other friends?"

"You know, the society folks she hangs with when she's not slumming at the dog park."

"Is that what she's doing?"

"Feels like it sometimes, don't you think?" Lia responded.

"I'm not sure what to think of her. The one time I had a conversation with her, she told me I had a certain poise that commanded her attention. But she wasn't sure if anyone else would look past my unfortunate features to notice."

Lia snickered. "You gotta admire a creative backhanded compliment. She really means well, though."

"I guess."

A knock interrupted their mutual eye-rolling. Lia glanced out the window. "We speak, and Madame Devil appears." Lia put on her game face and invited Catherine in.

"Lia, Darling. I'm so glad to see you working." Catherine paused to give Lia air kisses. "I was afraid that awful business with Luthor was going to derail our little project. I can't wait to see what you have for me. Tell me the drawings are finished. Oh, hello, Bailey."