Think Murder by Cassidy Salem Read Free Book Online Page B

investigation, he shouldn’t be flirting anyway.”
    “I suppose that’s true. I thought I sensed mutual interest at one point, and I even found myself warming to the idea. Maybe just because it’s been so long since I’ve had a man in my life.”
    “How about you? Any tall, dark, and handsome law students in your life?”
    Julie laughed, “I wish. The workload is so intense that there’s no time to contemplate dating, or even hook-ups for that matter.”
    “Then you must be busy.” One-night stands have never been my style. Julie, on the other hand, wasn’t averse to the idea when opportunity presented itself. More than once I had taken a cab home alone after a night out with Julie because she went home with a guy she had just met.
    “I wish I had more time to talk but I have to get back to studying. Let’s try and catch up again in a few days.”
    “It was great talking to you. Take care.”

Chapter 10    
    I once heard someone say “Happiness is a warm puppy.” My sentiments exactly. I can’t have a dog in my apartment, so I get my “warm puppy fix” by volunteering at an animal rescue center. After lunch with Duncan, I was more than ready for a distraction.
    The Cutie Pie Puppy Rescue Center takes in and cares for dogs that have been abandoned or abused, providing care until new homes can be found for them. The owner of the property donates the space, and the center is staffed by an eclectic group of volunteers who help out by walking the dogs, playing with them, and cleaning up after them.
    I discovered “Cutie Pie” last year, and pop by whenever I can. The last time I was there, Tuesday, they had gotten in an adorable chocolate lab we nicknamed Brandy. It was love at first sight. I couldn’t wait to see that playful puppy again.
    There are lots of volunteers most Saturdays, which is good because weekends are the most popular time for drop-in visits by people thinking to adopt a dog. When I got there, Joan was manning the reception table. Joan is a retired teacher who dedicates most of her time to volunteering for animal rights and other noble causes. She’s almost always there.
    Joan waved me over as soon as she saw me come in. “Hi, Adina. Glad to see you here today. It’s been a busy day.”
    “What’s up? Lots of adoptions?”
    “So far, lots of lookers – no takers. You know how it goes. Lots of people with questions about the different dogs.” Stacey and Evan, two other volunteers, were busy talking with visitors.
    The center can house up to 12 dogs at a time. The dogs are kept in enclosures of various sizes. We try to rotate through the roster so that everybody gets taken out as often as possible. Today, the center was home to only nine dogs, seven of which were up for adoption – including that chocolate lab. Two other dogs were being nursed back to health. They would become candidates for adoption after recovery and rehabilitation.
    “How can I help? Who’s next up for a walk?”
    “The adoption candidates have been getting lots of attention. It would be great if you’d take out the beagles first.”
    The beagles, nicknamed “Bread” and “Butter,” had been at the center for almost two weeks. A couple had found the puppies abandoned near a highway, dehydrated and on the verge of starvation. Since then, both dogs had gained weight and had begun to show interest in playing with other dogs and people.
    I grabbed a couple of leashes and plastic baggies from a nearby shelf, then headed for their enclosure. Both dogs were excited to see me open the gate. I attached the leashes and out we went.
    I tried to keep the two dogs’ leashes from tangling up while the beagles enthusiastically explored their surroundings. Beginning to doubt the wisdom of taking them out together, I decided it would be a short walk and started back for Cutie Pie.
    I had no sooner untangled the leashes again when Bread took off behind me on my right, with Butter taking a shortcut between my legs. They