Dog Days Murderous Nights: Winnona Peaks Mysteries Book 1 by Emily Page Read Free Book Online

names and lanyards.
    “Well, hello Hailey.  We are all just devastated about J.W.  We weren’t even sure we were going to see you today.  We’d fully understand if you sat out this show.  Such a tragedy.” He said to Hailey as she approached. She smiled slightly and waved at Christy and Gregory. 
    “Yes, well I think it’s better if I try to stay busy at the moment.  There will be so much to plan with the family later.  Mr. Reynolds.  J.W. arranged with you yesterday to have a Christy Roberts as his guest in section three?”
    “Why yes, he did.  I have her pass right here.”  He picked up a lanyard with a laminated V.I.P. pass attached.  Christy put it around her neck.
    “Well, she is here also with a guest.  They were both at the house when J.W. died and I think he would have wanted―”
    “Why of course! And by the way, Hailey.  Those were some great shots you took of my Reginald earlier.” Mr. Reynolds quickly grabbed another V.I.P lanyard and handed it to Gregory.  “Any dog lover is welcome.  This day is really dedicated to J.W. so anything we can do to make it easier for you, Hailey, please just let us know.”  Hailey nodded and  turned quickly to find a tissues and dab her eyes, leaving Christy and Gregory with Mr. Reynolds.
    Christy asked, “Can you tell me when Mrs. Nori Deswood’s Skye Terrier Mable would be showing?” Mr. Reynolds shook his head, sadly, watching Hailey and glanced down at his roster and schedule.  “Well yes, Mable did well in the preliminaries so she will be showing in the second round.  You will be sitting in the judges’ circle so if you just take this schedule, you should be able to see a stunning view of the show.”  Someone else came up to the table and Christy and Gregory met up with Hailey as she tried to make a hasty exit out of the room. 
    “Hailey, wait. I didn’t know you were a photographer too,” Christy called, trying to set up a truce.
    “Look, I didn’t want to get you those passes, but J.W. would have wanted it.  I’ve kept up my end, now just leave me alone.”  Her lip was quivering again. 
    “We never meant to hurt you.”
    “I know.” An announcement came over the PA for the next class to come to the on-deck waiting area.  “It’s just a very busy day.  Enjoy the show but please don’t ask me for anything else about J.W.” She nodded and walked down the hallway.
    “Let’s go find our seats,” Gregory said.  Christy nodded.  “I had an aunt that used to do that.”
    “Do what?”
    “Hide hooch in her water bottle.  We all thought she was a health nut.”
    “Oh, I’m sure it was somebody’s mouthwash not quite working,” Christy answered as they made their way back into the fray.  Gregory let it go and pointed to their seats on the ground floor.  They settled in to one of the best views in the house.
    “I knew you were supposed to come with J.W.,” Gregory said as the crowd quietly clapped for a basset hound.
    “Oh, well, I think you misunderstood Hailey—” Christy looked down at her hands in her lap.”
    “No, I heard him invite you.  That lady with the little dog was stomping off the porch right as we walked up.  He even called himself a recovered Casanova.” Christy didn’t know what to say.
    Gregory looked back out at the dogs.  “Don’t worry.  I’m not applying for the job.  I’m just here to sell coffee, remember?” The music started and they settled in and started enjoying the show, despite the circumstances that brought them there.  Christy was glad to be rescued by the distraction.

Chapter 11
    Nori didn’t know what to do. What was the hostel owner doing sitting in the judges section!  It looked like a set-up and she was terrified that Ms. Roberts was going to sway the judges for sure. Why did she have to snap at her like she did yesterday?  She didn’t know that J.W. was talking to her because she was a judge!  But there she was sitting in the judges section with that