Pointer Club Cadaver (Mandy Bell DVM Series Book 3) Read online

  They went back outside, circling the rest of the buildings. The pathways were manicured with native grasses framing their edges. Since there were so many buildings that looked alike, someone had made signs at every junction of the paths so that newcomers would not get lost. It was almost like being at an amusement park. There was even a map in the center of a park-like area that showed the network of paths and had labeled depictions of all of the buildings.

  “You may as well incorporate this as its own township of O’Mally’s. This is impressive,” said Mandy.

  “O’Mally had a vision to make his own community. He has been adding to it over the years. He hosts all sorts of benefits and gatherings. His favorite is the GSP club. His adoptive father was a GSP breeder and O’Mally really took to all that the hobby entails. He is a major nature lover. He could afford to buy the biggest gun out there but opts instead for the thrill of the hunt using dogs and bow and arrows. He is quite traditional in his ways, respecting the land as much as possible,” said Dobs.

  “He sounds like a good man,” said Mandy.

  “You are welcome to explore on your own. I must get back to the hall to prepare for their arrival,” said Dobs.

  “Thanks. We will come up there shortly,” said Gillian.

  Chapter 9

  “This isn’t what I was expecting,” said Mandy. “This guy is a rare breed and I haven’t even met him.”

  “He is an odd duck. He answers to some noble causes with his unending wallet,” said Gillian.

  They meandered along the paths, with no destination in mind. It was a brisk day to be outside but it felt good to be in such a relaxing setting. There were even benches interspersed throughout the network of trails to ensure that if someone needed a break, they could take a load off to admire their surroundings. A few bronze statues were scattered to provide points of interest. Mandy found herself particularly intrigued by one of a covey of quail. She had heard stories of when this type of scene was commonplace in the plains of the Midwest. Through the urbanization and cultivation of the prairies, the quail had experienced a dramatic reduction in habitat resulting in a depletion of their population. Mandy decided to sit down on the conveniently located bench to study the sculpture among the native grasses.

  “Feeling OK?” asked Gillian.

  “I’m fine. I just really like this sculpture. I don’t think I will ever see this in real since quail are unlikely to return to the numbers they once were,” said Mandy. “In fact, I have yet to see one in the wild.”

  “Fair enough. It’s true. My grandparents told me stories of when the quail were so rampant that they were almost a pest. Now, it is a strange sighting if you see one,” said Gillian, sitting down on the bench to take in the scenery. “Imagine this scenery with antelope and buffalo roaming, an array of birds singing, badgers, foxes…”

  “Don’t even mention foxes,” said Mandy.

  “Ah, yes, forgive me. You have to admit though, humans have really changed the landscape. What did we expect would happen?” said Gillian. “The Midwest is where my family has always lived. We settled here so we helped change it from the scene described by the lyrics of ‘Home on the Range’ to some kind of flat, soulless plain.”

  “That’s a bit harsh. This area feeds most of the country with its crops. But I see what you mean. At least O’Mally has brought some of it back,” said Mandy.

  They sat in silence, pondering what this area used to look like. O’Mally returning a huge portion back to prairie provided a glimpse for the next generation. It was such a shame that it would only exist in sanctuaries and not on the grand scale that it once had.

  “I think I’ve soaked up enough for today. How about you?” asked Mandy.

  “I can move along. The cold is just about penetrating my derriere, too,” said Gillian.

  “Let’s see if the group is back at the hall,” said Mandy.

  They were able to take a different route back since they had studied the map before they started to explore. This route took them past a sculpture of a bobcat stalking a rodent. It was so realistic that Mandy was taken aback for a split second.

  “You on edge?” asked Gillian.

  “No, but you have to admit. That was made by someone rather talented,” said Mandy. “I’d like to take a picture but I have left my camera in the truck. I will come back if they haven’t returned when we get back,” said Mandy.

  “I don’t have my phone either. What are the odds?” asked Gillian.

  The remainder of their journey took them past a stand of woods. There were a variety of oak, walnut, and hickory. It was a gorgeous mature stand with lots of squirrel nests and birds flitting about. It was obvious that O’Mally’s attempt to make a sanctuary on this piece of land was working. He had tried to maintain a section of a variety of habitats to ensure that all of the native animals would have a place to be. The edge of the woods butted up to a pond that had been lined with non-invasive plants, something unusual in this area. Most ponds and woods, if not maintained, were eventually overcome by honeysuckle, kudzu, or the common reed.

  When they popped out the other side of the woods, they were nearly back where they had started, only on the North side of the main hall. There was a group congregating outside which meant that they were in time to meet everyone. They made their way to the line of people.

  “O’Mally isn’t here yet. Please, help yourselves to some lunch with everyone. Here is the veterinarian, Dr. Neptune. This is Dr. Bell. She owns the practice here in Crestview,” said Dobs, introducing the two vets.

  “Nice to meet you, Dr. Neptune. I would be glad to help if you need our clinic,” said Mandy.

  “Thanks. I hope we don’t have any injuries but you never know. It’s very nice of you to open your practice to us while we are here,” said Dr. Neptune.

  “No problem at all. If you’ll excuse me, I just wanted to snap a quick picture of a sculpture out in the gardens. This is Gillian. She helps run the clinic. You guys can get acquainted and I will be right back,” said Mandy.

  “Hi, Gillian. Tell me about the practice,” said Dr. Neptune. They were in line and moving at a fairly slow pace so they had plenty of time to exchange life stories.

  Mandy retrieved her camera from the truck and then consulted the map to find the shortest route to the bobcat sculpture. It would take her a different route yet again than she had taken earlier with Gillian. There was a sculpture of a coyote and its pup on the way that she could stop to look at. She would make a point of telling O’Mally how much she enjoyed the sculptures.

  A hawk flew over head which had Mandy totally engrossed as she walked. This was better than a national park. Just as she was trying to focus her camera on the hawk overhead, she tripped and fell. She wasn’t walking very fast so it wasn’t a hard fall. It did catch her off-guard and her head was the first thing to catch the fall. When she stood up, she looked back at what she had tripped on. It was an arm. She followed the arm up to the neck and head of a man. She checked for a pulse, finding nothing.

  “Really? It’s my first day back. Why do I keep finding myself in this situation?” asked Mandy to no one. Her heart was racing as the reality of the situation sank in. This was not simply a hiccup in her day’s activities. This was a person who would not get to see what tomorrow would bring for them. Another tragedy. Mandy abandoned her mission to photograph sculptures. She instead returned to the main hall to report her unexpected and disturbing finding.

  Chapter 10

  Gillian was still talking to Dr. Neptune when Mandy found them. Mandy nudged her and pulled her aside.

  “Are you OK?” asked Gillian. “Did you find the sculptures? Dr. Neptune is a very interesting person. This day is turning out to be a better day than I first anticipated.”

  “Not so much. I just tripped over a dead body,” said Mandy.

  “Excuse me. Did I just hear you right?” asked Gillian.

  “Indeed you did. There is a person, dead, in the tall grasses on the path. I’m not sure
what to do,” said Mandy.

  “Let me find Dobs so we can call it in to Larry, Gerry, and Doc Tom. We are still in their jurisdiction out here,” said Gillian.

  They excused themselves from Dr. Neptune without mentioning why. They spotted Dobs and singled him out from the crowd of people.

  “We need to use a phone. Dr. Bell, here, was walking on the paths over there and found someone who is unresponsive. We need an ambulance and the police,” said Gillian.

  “Pardon?” asked Dobs.

  “You heard right,” said Mandy. “Possible dead body, over yonder,” she said, pointing back down the trail to the sculptures.

  Dobs acknowledged the situation with his facial expression, signaling to keep her voice down. He made sure not to make an obvious commotion as he escorted them to the nearest phone where they called Gerry and Larry who took the reins from there. Mandy had held herself together remarkably well considering what she had just seen. Now that the moment was over, the shock was starting to sink in. She began to feel lightheaded and unsteady. She was trying to communicate this to Gillian when her legs went out from under her. She fell to the ground for the second time today. She did not lose consciousness or at least not long enough to be confused when she was coherent again.

  “My goodness,” said Gillian. “I think this might be enough excitement for you for one day; I’d say you just whacked your head when you fell, to top it off. Let me see.” Gillian turned Mandy away from her and checked her head for any bumps. “You are already getting a goose-egg. Time to call it quits,” said Gillian.

  “We have to stay until the authorities get here,” said Mandy.

  “I think, under the circumstances, they will understand if I take you back home. They can interview you later, or tomorrow even,” said Gillian.

  “I guess I can’t argue with you,” said Mandy. “We didn’t get to meet O’Mally, though. Should we do that quickly before we head off?”

  “He’s finally come up to join the crowd. Yes, we can do that to save another trip here. Then we are going back to the clinic to fetch Lyle and Anna before it’s back home for you,” said Gillian.

  “You are not my mother,” said Mandy. “Point taken, though.”

  A short, bald man in an oil-skin vest, wool sweater, and tweed gray pants approached Mandy and Gillian. He had the air of elegance while still maintaining a rugged, outdoorsy tendency. His shoes were not scuffed but were bulky and functional to enable him to walk the trails in any weather conditions.

  “You must be Dr. Bell,” said the man. “I am Pat O’Mally.” They exchanged handshakes while O’Mally continued, “I am truly sorry that your visit out here has been marred by the discovery of a body. I assure you that this will be handled with utmost care. I can’t imagine what could have happened. I should like to invite you back on some other occasion so I can extend to you the hospitality I feel you deserve. We are grateful for your role in our meet this week. I hope you understand why we need to have a vet on site,” said O’Mally.

  “Sure. Now that I have been here, it makes perfect sense. It would be too much for me to relocate myself to your property for a week, particularly since I have been out for a bit on sick leave,” said Mandy.

  “I heard about that. You have had a rough go of things. They say that this is the third body you have discovered,” said O’Mally. “I don’t want to keep you. I’m sure you have official business to attend to now that the authorities are on their way. Naturally, I will be of service in any way that I can.”

  “Thanks. I’ll be in touch,” said Mandy. “I’m afraid I’m not terribly eloquent at the moment.”

  “I completely understand. Rain-check,” said O’Mally.

  “Thanks again for inviting us out. I will arrange for another meeting for Dr. Bell at a later date. I’ve already connected with Dr. Neptune. He has the necessary information to reach us should he need access to the clinic. Are you going ahead with the meet, despite, well you know,” said Gillian.

  “I’m not sure it will be up to me. As I understand it, the authorities will be here shortly. They will give me an indication of the parameters,” said O’Mally. “If we have to cancel everything, I will let you know so that you don’t have to be on call for anything.”

  “Thanks, here is my cell phone number. I better get Dr. Bell back to civilization,” said Gillian.

  They shook hands to say goodbye and parted ways. As Mandy and Gillian were approaching their vehicle, Doc Tom, Larry, and Gerry arrived.

  “The good doctor strikes again,” said Larry. “You certainly have a knack for finding bodies.”

  “What Larry is trying to say is, are you OK? This wasn’t quite the welcome back you were expecting I’m sure,” said Gerry.

  “I’m alright. I would stay to answer questions for you but my pitbull here has me on a tight rein,” said Mandy, pointing at Gillian.

  “I gave her strict orders to keep your duties light. Finding a dead body is not on the list of acceptable tasks,” said Doc Tom.

  “She fainted a little bit ago, too,” said Gillian.

  “Did you hit your head?” asked Doc Tom.

  “Possibly, I fell when I tripped over the body, too” said Mandy. “It hurts a little bit right here,” she said, pointing at the back of her head. “Gillian already had a look and said there was a bump.”

  Doc Tom had a look at the area where Mandy was pointing. There was no blood or obvious injury although it was definitely forming a swollen, tender area.

  “Gillian, can you keep an eye on her for a while? We don’t want her to doze off unattended. I will be indisposed for a while here. You are right though, she has quite a knot where she hit her head,” said Doc Tom.

  “Sure thing. I’ll keep a good eye on her for you,” said Gillian. “Does anything else hurt?”

  “No, not really. I think I broke my fall without too much collateral damage,” said Mandy.

  “You can still use big words. That’s a good sign. We can interview you tomorrow at the clinic. For right now, you have not disturbed anything around the body, correct?” asked Gerry.

  “I know the drill. I tripped over the arm and found it was connected to an unresponsive individual. I did not find a pulse and the coloration of the body led me to believe it was too late for CPR. I headed up here to report it,” said Mandy.

  “That will do for now. We have your fingerprints on file from your previous involvements in matters of police concern,” said Larry.

  “Alright then, gentlemen. We are headed back to town. O’Mally is ready to be of any service to you. They are all in the main hall for a late lunch. He will keep them there until you inform him of what activities they can resume with given the location of the body,” said Gillian.

  “Thanks, ladies. We’ll connect with you soon,” said Gerry. “Take good care of her.”

  “You can rest assured on that front,” said Gillian.

  Chapter 11

  Safely in the truck, Mandy and Gillian headed back to the clinic. The truck still smelled of pot roast which made Mandy slightly hungry again. She reached for another chocolate chip cookie from the glove compartment, handing one to Gillian.

  “I can’t wait until my body is back to normal. I don’t like being this weak little girl that everyone has to take turns looking after,” said Mandy.

  “In due time. You nearly died not that long ago. Give your body time to recuperate,” said Gillian. “You'll be wrangling cows again before you know it.”

  “I hope so,” said Mandy. “For now, cookies make everything better.”

  “Speaking of, I’ll have another. Winter brings out the inner squirrel in me. I can’t help but eat a tad more than usual. Speaking of, do you need anything from town while we are out? They are predicting quite a gnarly winter. On any given day, you may be stranded at home so it pays to have any staples you might need or even comfort food.”

  “I think I have everything I might need. I have non-perishables in the cupboard. I have snack foods, milk, brea
d, coffee. What more can a girl need?” asked Mandy.

  “Have you ever been through a terrible winter storm?” asked Gillian.

  “No, I can’t say that I have. I went through a hurricane that left us without power for a few days when I was working down south. To me, it was more of a forced vacation. I was renting the house so I didn’t have a vested interest in whether it sustained any damage. I imagine a snowstorm to be similar, except this time I own the house and I don’t want any damage!” said Mandy.

  “You have more than the house to worry about. Now you have an entire flock of sheep and a group of chickens; what is a group of chickens called anyway?” asked Gillian.

  “A brood or a peep. Actually, Derek had the farm set up quite well. He had prepared for whatever winter we might get,” said Mandy.

  “Yes, but a blizzard can be deadly. You may need to put them all in the barn if it turns like they predict it might,” said Gillian. “I always put the horses up in the barn. Frostbite can be a serious issue and some farm animals are not blessed with the sense to pull themselves out of harm’s way. Chickens in particular seem to feel the need to test the circulation in their feet. I had a friend whose chickens all had frostbite one year. We tried to save their feet but some of them only managed to keep stumps. They still lived happy little lives. They just looked a little strange.”

  “Duly noted. I admit that I have a lot to learn. I can’t wait to be back into the swing of the clinic. Not only is my body not fully recovered but I want to be back in an environment where I feel on top of my game. The clinic is one place where I feel at home. I need to get back to a routine before I lose my mind,” said Mandy.

  “Soon. For now, you need to get over today and your knocks on the head. Knowing you, we need to get your strength back so you can run your farm, work at the clinic, and go full throttle into the police investigation,” said Gillian.

  “I think I might leave this one to them,” said Mandy.

  “You must have hit your head. That’s not like you at all,” said Gillian.