Girl's Best Friend Page 15

  “What’s that?” I asked.

  “Here, it’s for you, too,” said Finn, handing it over.

  It was from Isabel and written in fancy calligraphy.

  Please join me downstairs for cocktails and light hors d’oeuvres at half past seven tonight. I’ve had tenants living under my roof for almost fifteen years and I’ve never had you all over. I’d like to change that. And please arrive promptly. I’m sorry for the short notice, but I have some very big news …

  Ciao,

  Isabel Rose Franini

  “She’s having a party?” I asked.

  “It looks that way,” Mom said. “Which is so nice.”

  “As long as she doesn’t talk about Nathan Lane the whole time,” said Dad.

  “Or how she turned down that big role on Charlie’s Angels because television was beneath her,” Finn added.

  “I’ve never heard that one,” said Mom.

  “Really?” we all asked.

  She grinned and shook her head. “Man, are you all gullible.”

  I stared at the invitation, tracing the calligraphy with one finger. It seemed so elegant, so reminiscent of how Isabel used to live. When she had a ton of money. Before she had to carve up her house into rental apartments.

  And that’s when this horrible thought occurred to me. Isabel was rich again, which meant she didn’t need us as tenants. Because once more, she could afford to live in her brownstone by herself.

  What if this party was just an excuse to gather us all together and tell us in one fell swoop that we had to move out immediately?

  Could she do that? Would she do that?

  Isabel was so nice. Reasonable, too. Well, reasonable in some respects. So I was sure she’d give us notice. But how much? And more importantly, where were we going to live?

  As much as I wanted to run downstairs and ask Isabel what was up, I couldn’t. There were more important things to take care of. So I headed to my room and called the number on the flyer.

  “Boutique Breeds by Brenda,” the woman who answered the phone said in a singsongy and familiar voice.

  “Can I speak to, um, Brenda, please?”

  “This is she. Who’s calling?”

  Good question. One that threw me more than it should have. I coughed to stall, and then I blurted out the first name I came up with. “Um, my name is Kir—Kirsten. And I’m calling about a dog.”

  “Oh good. What kind would you like?” Brenda asked.

  “What kinds do you have?” I asked.

  “Lots of breeds. Tell me what you’re interested in and I’m sure we can arrange something.” It was just like Cassie had said.

  “Well, I’m not really sure what I want. I think I’d rather pick out a dog in person, so if you give me your address I can drop by.”

  “Oh no. We don’t work that way,” Brenda explained. “I’m more like a broker who works with many different breeders. All our pets can be delivered to your doorstep. No fuss, no muss. Do you have an idea of what you want, because I might have it in stock. If not, I’ll find it for you within days.”

  “Days?”

  “Sometimes sooner,” said Brenda. “It depends on what’s around.”

  I gulped. “And you can get any dog?”

  “Pretty much. It’s just a question of time.”

  “That’s amazing. How do you do it?”

  The woman ignored my question. “We seem to have a lot of large dogs in stock right now. There’s a gorgeous collie, a cute little Lab puppy, and a Rhodesian ridgeback who’s almost fully grown. Also, I’m expecting a French bulldog any day now.”

  I covered my mouth to keep from gasping out loud. The breeds she was referring to all had gone missing. And if she was expecting a French bulldog, well, that meant she must be plotting her next crime …

  “Hello?” she asked.

  I almost said I’d like all three. If I bought everything she had, I could return the animals to their rightful owners. But that would probably get expensive. I didn’t know if I even had enough money for one dog. Plus, this didn’t solve the biggest problem. It wouldn’t stop Brenda from stealing again.

  “What if I’m not looking for a pure breed? What if I’m looking for a mutt?” I took a deep breath, almost scared to say what I said next. But this was my only chance. So I described Kermit. “Do you have a black-and-white Lab-Dalmatian mix? Something big, with scruffy fur and a few spots? Maybe not even a puppy. Do you have a dog that’s a few years old? That’s what I’m really looking for.”

  My question was met with silence.

  “Hello?” I asked.

  “Who is this?” Brenda demanded.

  “Who’s this?” I replied.

  “You’ll never know,” she said before hanging up.

  We’ll see about that, I thought as I pressed redial. Brenda didn’t pick up—not that this shocked me.

  As I listened to the phone ring and ring and ring, I realized I’d finally figured it out. Brenda had stolen Kermit and the other dogs, too.

  And I was pretty sure I knew where she kept them.

  Chapter 27

  ♦ ♦ ♦

  I called Lucy as soon as I finished dinner that night. “Ever knit a doggie sweater?” I asked.

  “Um, no. How come?”

  “I think I found you a client.”

  “Cool, thanks!”

  “Well, don’t get too excited. You might feel differently once you actually meet this woman’s dog.”

  “Any customer who’s not my grandma is definitely someone I want to work with,” said Lucy.

  “Hey, how hard would it be for you to sneak out of your house at ten thirty tonight?” I asked.

  “Not very hard. My parents will both be at the Manhattan restaurant and the babysitter is usually asleep on the couch by nine.”

  “Perfect! Do you mind helping me out? I think I know where Kermit is, but I can’t spring him by myself.”

  “Sounds like an adventure,” said Lucy. “I’m in!”

  “Great. I’ll see you tonight.”

  “Wait, where are we going?”

  “You’ll see,” I replied.

  As soon as I hung up I glanced at my watch. It was seven thirty—way too early for the second phone call I had to make. But just in time to hear Isabel’s news …

  I headed into the living room. “Is everyone ready to go?” I asked.

  “The kitchen still needs to be cleaned up,” said Mom. “But you and Finn go downstairs. Your father and I will take care of that.”

  “We will?” asked Dad, looking up from his book.

  “We will,” she told him.

  “Cool, let’s go,” said Finn.

  Feeling slightly sick to my stomach, I followed him downstairs. Some peppy jazz music blared from Isabel’s apartment, and since the door was already open, we let ourselves in.

  Isabel stood in her entryway, wearing the ring I’d found for her last week and a long baggy dress that could only be described as loud and peacocklike. It even had feathers on it. She’d gotten a sleek haircut, had dyed her hair a deeper shade of purple, and had traded in her simple wire-framed glasses for some cute chunky ones with bright red frames.

  “Finn and Maggie, so lovely to see you. Come in, come in!”

  Isabel raised the pink drink in her hand. “This is the most scrumptious watermelon margarita I’ve ever tasted. Would you like one? I mean, without the alcohol, of course.”

  “Have any soda?” Finn asked.

  “In the kitchen. Help yourself.” Isabel pointed. “And what about you, Maggie?”

  “What’s the big news?” I asked, even though I was fairly certain I knew. I just needed to hear it from Isabel herself.

  But rather than tell me, she laughed and put her arm around me. “My, aren’t you an anxious one tonight.”

  “A little,” I admitted. “So what is it?”

  “I’d prefer to wait until everyone gets here,” said Isabel. “So relax, have some food.”

  “I’ll pa
ss.” I felt too nervous to eat. At least until I saw the delicious-looking spread in the dining room. Three trays piled high with cheese, crackers, fruit, hummus, pita bread, quesadillas, empanadas, and guacamole. It was the chocolate cupcakes that made me change my mind, though. “I guess a small bite won’t kill me,” I said as I headed to the dessert end of the table.

  Just then Glen knocked and walked inside. He was dressed in his cycling gear again, and he had his bike propped up in the hallway outside. “Hello, Ms. Franini,” he said with mock formality and a real bow.

  “Oh hi, Glen,” Isabel said dryly, looking him up and down with a not-exactly-thrilled expression on her face. “I suppose I didn’t mention anything about a dress code for tonight.”

  Glen smiled. “Just be glad I didn’t come over after my ride.”

  “Good point,” said Isabel. “And what do I care! Why, you should’ve seen some of the outfits my old friends used to wear. Come in, come in, and have some food.”

  He walked inside and Chloe followed him.

  My parents showed up just a minute later. That meant everyone was here. I wished she’d just tell us the news already. The suspense was killing me!

  Everyone was having so much fun hanging out, talking and laughing, eating and drinking. No one had any idea we’d soon be turned out. No one, that is, but me.

  After ten minutes had passed, I couldn’t stand it any longer, so I pulled Isabel away from her conversation with Chloe and said, “Everyone’s here, so can you make your big announcement?”

  “Oh, there’s no rush,” said Isabel. “My plans aren’t definite and I still have plenty of things to iron out.”

  That made sense. She’d probably have to hire a whole construction crew to turn her brownstone back into a single house. Still, evicting all her tenants would have to happen early in the process. Our days were numbered …

  “Just promise me you’ll give us all plenty of notice, okay?”

  Isabel blinked at me in confusion. “Notice? Well, I don’t see why it should matter much to you.”

  I couldn’t believe she was being so heartless. “I’ve lived here my whole life,” I cried. “Of course it matters!”

  “But I’ll only be gone for half the year,” said Isabel.

  “Wait. What?”

  “I should ask you the same question,” she replied. “What are you talking about, dear?”

  “Aren’t you kicking us out so you can have this whole brownstone to yourself again?”

  Isabel gasped and clutched her chest, splashing her drink in the process. (Although she didn’t notice, and the stain got lost in the swirled pattern of her dress within seconds.) “Of course not! Why would I do that?”

  “Because you can afford to, and because you always complain about how you’re crammed into such a small apartment.”

  “I’m an old woman,” said Isabel. “Why ever would I need so much room?”

  I couldn’t answer that, but I still had so many questions. Namely, “Where are you going, then?”

  “Paris!” Isabel said, waving one hand through the air. “I’ve rented a lovely flat and I figure I’ll spend six months there and six months at home. That’s this year, anyway. Maybe I’ll try Rome next, or perhaps Buenos Aires. I’ve never even been to South America. And then there’s Bali. There are so many places I’d like to see and so little time … ”

  “But what about Preston?”

  “He’s coming, too.”

  “Oh.” I tried not to look disappointed. I knew this was good news for Isabel and for all of us tenants. But hiding my feelings was impossible.

  Isabel put her arm around me. “I’m sorry, Maggie. I know you’ll miss him. But you have other dogs to walk and a whole business to run. Not to mention school, your family, and your friends … ”

  “It’s true,” I said. “Just, will you promise to send me a postcard?”

  “Of course!” said Isabel.

  “And pictures of Preston eating croissants?”

  “It would be my pleasure,” she replied.

  I took a deep breath, hoping she’d still be agreeable when I brought up my next—and more urgent—request. “There’s one more thing. Do you think I could borrow Preston tonight? Just for an hour or so. Maybe at around … ten thirty?”

  “Well, I suppose so. But whatever for?” asked Isabel.

  “Um, I can’t really say, but it’s important. And he’ll be safe. I promise.”

  Isabel looked at me carefully. “So mysterious.”

  “I’ll tell you all about it later, okay?”

  “Okay, it’s a deal,” said Isabel. “On one condition. You’ve assured me that Preston will be safe, but can you say the same thing for yourself?”

  “Absolutely,” I said with a nod. My voice didn’t even waver.

  If only I felt as confident as I sounded …

  Chapter 28

  ♦ ♦ ♦

  The party had ended two hours ago but my night was just beginning. At twenty past ten I took the phone into the bathroom—the only place I could find some privacy—crossed my fingers, and dialed a number I hoped I’d never need again.

  “Is this Dr. Reese?” I asked as soon as someone picked up. I felt so legitimately panicked I didn’t even have to pretend to act scared.

  “Yes, who’s calling?” asked the doctor.

  “It’s me, Maggie Brooklyn. We spoke last week about Preston, my friend’s Irish wolfhound?”

  “Oh yes, of course, the dog that needs heart surgery. Is he okay? I never heard from you and I’ve been worried.”

  “That’s why I’m calling.” I gripped the phone tighter. “Preston isn’t doing so well and I think you were right. I think he needs surgery and I hope it’s not too late. Can I bring him by now?”

  “What time is it?” asked Dr. Reese.

  “It’s almost ten thirty,” I squeaked, hoping this would work. Ivy’s parents would be home in the morning. Ivy said if I didn’t find her dog, she’d ask Milo out first thing. But that’s not why I needed to act now.

  I figured if I caught Dr. Reese off guard, really surprised her, I’d have a better chance of getting her to confess. And my plan seemed utterly foolproof, but the silence on the other end of the line made me nervous. “Dr. Reese? Are you still there? I wouldn’t be calling if this weren’t urgent. So can I bring him in?”

  “Yes, of course,” Dr. Reese said. “Meet me at my office. I must warn you, though, the fee for emergency surgery is higher.”

  “Isabel doesn’t have a problem with that,” I bluffed, amazed at the gall of this so-called doctor. “We’re just so worried about poor Preston. Do you think you can make him better?”

  “Well, I can’t make any promises, but I’ll see what I can do. Can you meet me at my office in ten minutes?”

  “Absolutely!” I cried. “Thank you. Thank you so much. We’ll be right there.”

  I hung up and crept back into my room.

  Finn was already asleep—or so I thought. After I tiptoed across the floor and stuffed some pillows under my quilt, he shot straight up in his bed and asked, “Is it time?”

  I jumped. “Oh, you scared me. I thought you were asleep.”

  “Nope.” Finn pulled back his covers and swung his feet to the ground. He was fully dressed—already in sneakers, even. “So, what’s the deal? Where are we going?”

  “We’re not going anywhere,” I said. “I have some important business to take care of and I was hoping you could be my cover.”

  Finn shook his head. “Forget it. I’m tired of being your cover. It’s boring. If you’re going to rescue Kermit, I want in.”

  “How did you know?”

  “I talked to Lucy,” said Finn.

  “When?”

  “We talk all the time.” Finn looked at his watch. “So let’s go. She’s probably outside already and we shouldn’t keep her waiting.”

  “Finn, you can’t come. You’re allergic to dogs.”

  “Hardly.”

  We both
knew this was a lie, but there wasn’t enough time to argue.

  “Fine, hold on a second.” I took my schoolbooks out of my backpack and loaded it with dog biscuits and spare leashes.

  “Ready?” asked Finn.

  I pointed to his bed. “What about your body double?”

  Finn lined up his pillows on his bed and tucked the blanket around them.

  “You’re skinnier than that.”

  “Either way, this would never fool them. If they come in, we’re caught,” he said, but he still tucked the blankets tighter and added a soccer ball in place of his head.

  Then we crept out through the dark and silent apartment.

  “We’ve gotta get Preston,” I whispered once we made it downstairs. I let myself into Isabel’s place using my key, and I leashed up her dog. Then the three of us walked to Lucy’s. As planned, she was waiting on her front stoop.

  “Finally,” she said, standing up and petting Preston.

  “I would’ve been here sooner, but someone blabbed to Finn!” I said.

  “Whoops, sorry!” Lucy raised one hand to her lips as if caught. Or was she merely trying to hide her smile? I couldn’t tell. “I figured we could use the backup. You’re not mad that I told him, are you?”

  “It’s fine,” I said. “Let’s go.”

  We headed for Sixth Avenue. By day, the sidewalks of Park Slope are crowded with kids and moms and dads and nannies and strollers. I figured they’d be empty now. The sun had set and the stores were closed. Why be out? But I was wrong. It seemed as if the daytime crowd had switched places with a whole new breed of humans. Now the sidewalks teemed with new life. People I’d never seen before went into bars and restaurants and hung out on street corners. But this put me at ease, because there’s nothing eerier than a deserted street.

  “So, will you finally fill us in? Why do you think this veterinarian has Kermit?” asked Lucy.

  “It’s not just Kermit,” I said. “It’s a bunch of other dogs, too. And I don’t even think she’s a real veterinarian.” I told them about my run-ins with Beckett and his mother. And how I suspected that their dog, Cookie, and Cassie’s dog, Bean, were one and the same.

  “So you think Dr. Reese pretended that Cookie died in surgery just so her sister could resell her to someone else?” asked Finn.