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“Look, we haven’t played hooky,” Uncle Alec repeated. “We’ve been working on a new project together. In our official capacities as chief of police and mayor—and not in some love nest but out in the field, overseeing construction.”

“What construction? What field?” asked Gran.

Uncle Alec directed a tender look at the Mayor.“Are you going to tell them or am I?”

Charlene smiled.“I never had the pleasure of having children,” she said. “And neither has Alec. It’s one of the things that has drawn us very close together indeed. Something we have in common.”

Odelia’s mom put her hands to her cheeks. “You’re having a baby! Oh, my God!”

“No, we’re not having a baby,” said Charlene. “Unfortunately I haven’t been blessed with the capacity to conceive, and besides, I’m too old now to have kids anyway.”

“Me, too,” Uncle Alec grunted.

“But what we also share is a love of dogs.”

“Dogs,” said Gran disgustedly. “Are you serious?”

Charlene nodded.“Probably because I could never have kids I’ve always loved dogs with a particular fervor, and I’ve adopted quite a few strays over the years.”

“I always wanted a dog,” said Uncle Alec mournfully. “Never got around to it.”

“So Alec and I decided to open a dog kennel. When people thought we were playing hooky we’ve been out inspecting buildings and looking for people who could run the kennel. This is going to be an official dog kennel, run by the town of Hampton Cove, and it’s going to be a shelter that’s going to offer a better life for our strays and dogs whose owners for whatever reason are not in the position to keep them anymore.”

“A dog kennel,” said Gran, looking stunned.

“But what about the pound?” asked Tex. “We already have a perfectly good pound.”

“There have been a number of complaints over the years,” said Charlene. “The animals haven’t been treated as well as they should have. So we’re closing down the pound and opening a kennel instead. Mostly it’s dogs that are kept at the pound anyway.”

“But what about stray cats?” asked Odelia. “What’s going to happen to them?”

“We’ve thought about that,” said Uncle Alec, “and we’re going to open a second building, adjacent to the dog kennel, where all other animals are kept in the same excellent conditions. It’s going to be called the Hampton Cove Animal Kennel, and it’s going to set a new benchmark for theway strays should be treated.” He expanded his chest with justifiable pride. “I’m going to volunteer there, and so will Charlene, and I hope you will do the same.”

“A dog kennel,” Gran muttered, plunking down on one of Uncle Alec’s leather couches.

“An animal shelter, if you will,” said Charlene, “but with an emphasis on dogs.”

“I don’t believe this,” Gran said, shaking her head and looking as if she was about to pass out.

“So no babies?” asked Mom, sounding disappointed.

“Fur babies,” Charlene specified.

Mom nodded, and Odelia gave her a rub across the back.“Fur babies,” she repeated. “That’s great, isn’t it, Mom?”

“Wonderful,” said Mom, but without much conviction.

“We’re finalizing our plans this week,” said Charlene. “The lease is signed and we’ve hired a manager so things are progressing nicely.”

“We were going to announce our plans to the world next week,” said Alec. “But you took us by surprise.” He directed a censorious look at his mother, who was still looking distraught. For a woman whose entire life has revolved around cats, to have a son who opens a dog kennel was clearly a big shock for the old lady.

“I’ll be a volunteer,” said Odelia. “I love dogs—and cats, of course.”

“Oh, I was hoping you’d say that, Odelia,” said Charlene. “You’ll love the place—it’s so big and airy. And we’re going to turn it into the most gorgeous shelter in the state.”

“I’ll volunteer, too,” said Mom. “I like cats, of course, but I don’t mind dogs.”

“That’s… the spirit,” said Charlene.

“And if you want my help, you’ve got it,” said Dad.

“I’ll lend a hand,” said Chase. “I love dogs. Used to have two great dogs as a kid. Loved those guys to death.”

All eyes now turned to Gran, but when the old lady became aware of the attention, she shook her head.“Oh, no. I’m not volunteering at no stinkin dog kennel. It’s cats for me—cats all the way. And cats and dogs,” she announced, her voice rising as she herself rose up from the couch, “don’t mix! And you!” she added, raking a fiery glance across Odelia and Mom’s faces, “Are both traitors!”

And with these words, she strode out and slammed the door behind her.

Chapter 41

I’d been pleasantly asleep when I became aware of the sound of footsteps approaching. Immediately I was wide awake.

“Dooley!” I hissed. “Someone’s coming!”

“It must be the thieves!” he said.

It stood to reason, though, that if we hadn’t been able to find the painting, the thieves wouldn’t either. Then again, never underestimate a highly motivated burglar. They will search until they find what they are looking for.

We sat absolutely still as the footsteps halted outside the garden shed, then the door crept open with a creaking sound.

“What do we do, Max?” asked Dooley.