Chihuahua of the Baskervilles by Esri Allbritten Read Free Book Online

funny little newsletter. Still, it was nothing that gave me more than some extra spending money and a hobby. Then came the movie that changed my life. Hollywood Chihuahua . Before that, canine fashion was the province of dotty old ladies, like me.” Charlotte smiled. “Turns out, I’d built up a big Web presence mostly by accident. When the media looked around for someone to interview on canine fashion, there I was.” She patted Lila. “Business boomed.”
    “But your husband wasn’t happy about your success?” Angus asked.
    Charlotte shook her head sadly. “He might have been, but in one of the first magazine articles about me, the reporter had the bad taste to imply that Thomas would be remembered for almost bankrupting the Baskervilles, while I was on my way to restoring the family fortune. The morning after that article appeared, Petey climbed across the bed to say good morning to each of us, as he always did.” She pressed her lips together for a moment. “Thomas pushed him away. I still remember the expression on Petey’s little face—confused and hurt, wondering what he’d done wrong.”
    A brief silence ensued, which was broken by a knock on the door.
    “Come in,” Charlotte called.
    Cheri opened the door and put her head around the corner. “Did you need me for anything more? It’s just that I have a date.”
    Angus looked at his watch. “I didn’t realize it was so late.”
    Charlotte stood. “I should eat something. I’d ask you to stay for dinner, but we’ve fallen into the habit of fending for ourselves.”
    “That’s fine.” Angus handed her the photo album. “We need to scout the local restaurants anyway.” He caught sight of Cheri’s expression. “Don’t worry, lass. We’re not going to invite ourselves on your date.”
    She smiled. “But you’ll be here tomorrow?”
    He nodded. “Through Saturday. We’re staying for the Emma Crawford Race.”
    “Cool. And if you’re looking for a restaurant, I like the Happy Mountaineer.” She pointed toward the front of the house. “Go to Manitou Avenue and head west. You can’t miss it.”
    “Can we walk?” Suki asked. “I’m jonesing for some exercise.”
    “You can walk to anything in Manitou.” Cheri sounded a little depressed by the fact. She left, closing the door behind her.
    “How about you?” Angus asked Charlotte. “Any recommendations on places to eat?”
    She stood and put the album back in the desk drawer. “Manitou Springs is too small for a bad restaurant to survive. Wherever you go will be fine.” She put a hand on his sleeve as he turned to go. “While I’m telling you all the family secrets, there’s one other thing you should know.”
    Angus raised his eyebrows.
    “It’s fine if you take Cheri out to interview her, but don’t buy her a drink.”
    “I wouldn’t anyway, seeing as how she’s underage.”
    “Thank you.” Charlotte looked at the floor. “Some people are more casual about the law than that, but Cheri is a recovering alcoholic. It’s not that I don’t trust her—I just don’t want temptation put in her way. You know.”
    “I do know,” Angus said. “The question is, does her date?”
    “That would be Jay, and he’s basically a good boy. The fact is, I can’t put Cheri on a leash.” She picked up Lila and smiled. “Or even dress her up. You’ll be back later this evening?”
    Angus nodded. “To see if Petey walks again.”

 
    Six
    A painted mountain scene decorated the front of the Happy Mountaineer, and the door handle was fashioned of braided climbing rope.
    Angus peered through the door. “It’s not my usual kind of place.”
    Michael shrugged. “It looks like a typical college-kid hangout. They probably have good burgers. Hey, there’s a jukebox!”
    Angus turned away. “We don’t have to decide this moment. Let’s get a feel for the town.”
    They walked the roughly two miles of main street, pausing frequently for Suki to take pictures.
    About halfway