Hounded to Death by Laurien Berenson Read Free Book Online

when he wants to be. He’s very aware of his position in the dog show world and not above using it to his advantage. I’d barely even gotten the question out before he totally dismissed me. He said he wouldn’t dream of spoiling the effect his speech was going to have by talking about it ahead of time.”
    That didn’t sound good.
    Aunt Peg frowned. “What about Caroline? What does she have to say?”
    â€œI’ve known Caroline for a hundred years,” said Margo. “She and I started out doing obedience together back in the Dark Ages. I wouldn’t say we’re best friends, but if she thought I needed a warning, I’d like to think I could count on her to pass one along.”
    â€œAnd?”
    â€œAnd nothing. Caroline says that Charles keeps certain things private, even from her. She has no idea what he’s planning.”
    We all stood there and considered that.
    â€œWe’ve been no help with your first problem,” Peg said after a minute. “You mentioned two. What’s the other?”
    Margo looked resigned. “More unsubstantiated rumor, I’m afraid. Apparently one of our esteemed judges has gotten himself caught with his hand in the cookie jar.”
    â€œTaking bribes in exchange for wins?” Aunt Peg elucidated just in case I hadn’t caught on.
    She needn’t have worried. A story like that wasn’t a new one. For as long as I’d been showing dogs, I’d heard similar rumors. An infraction of that sort was enough to end, or at least severely curtail, a career. But as long as the talk remained just that, nothing ever came of it.
    â€œJust so. I’ve heard that a disgruntled exhibitor is about to turn him in.”
    â€œWho’s the judge?” I asked, beating Aunt Peg to the punch.
    â€œUnfortunately, I haven’t a clue. If I did, perhaps I could put a lid on the scandal before it blows up in our faces. I’ve worked long and hard pulling this symposium together, and I have a great deal invested in its successful outcome. I have no intention of letting Charles Evans, or anyone else, ruin it for me.”
    â€œForewarned is forearmed,” said Aunt Peg.
    And wasn’t that a pleasantly cheerful thought on which to start the week?

5
    T he reception was beginning to wind down. That was fine by me because after two Shirley Temples, a slew of introductions to people whose faces I could barely remember, and more inane chatter than I usually heard in a week, I was worn out.
    Richard came back and collected Aunt Peg. Florence was nowhere to be seen; presumably Derek and Marshall had escorted her to dinner.
    Bertie and Alana had disappeared together while I’d been busy talking to Margo and Aunt Peg. I could have hunted them down but the prospect of food held little appeal, and the prospect of Alana’s company held even less.
    There was a granola bar in my purse upstairs that could double for dinner. Better still was the thought of stretching out on the bed and putting my feet up. Sad but true; it was eight-thirty on a Monday night and I was just about done for.
    As I walked up the wide staircase to the second floor of the inn, leaving the noise and the revelry behind, I ran my hand over my stomach. I felt the slight swell and imaged the tiny person nesting within. Life as I knew it had changed dramatically over the last few months. My breasts were tender, my ankles swollen, my energy level flagging.
    You better be worth it , I thought with a smile.
    I hadn’t expected a response and yet I wasn’t startled when one came.
    I am , said a voice in my head, clear as a bell. You know I am .
    No arguing with that.
    Â 
    Once in the room, I immediately kicked off my shoes and unbuttoned my waistband. A sigh of relief followed. That felt much better.
    Then I pulled out my cell phone and pushed the buttons to connect me with home. As I listened to it ringing, I piled up a nest of pillows on the bed and