Free Trick or Deadly Treat by Livia J. Washburn

dog treats and the cookies.
    The clinic’s parking lot was nearly full when they got there, which was the most crowded Phyllis had seen it. A large canopy was set up on metal poles next to the building. A folding table had been carried out and placed underneath it. A couple of ice chests with bottled water and soft drinks in them sat on the table, along with open boxes of assorted dog treats.
    More than a dozen boys and girls in an assortment of costumes ran around and played in the grassy area between the clinic building and the barn. A number of dogs dressed in Halloween outfits cavorted with them. As Phyllis got out ofthe pickup, she saw cheerleader dogs, Darth Vader dogs, pirate dogs, dinosaur dogs, gorilla dogs, and others she couldn’t even identify.
    There were a few cats, too, but their costumes consisted of little hats with earholes cut out of them. Judging by their expressions, the cats were already plotting revenge for this humiliation.
    Several bales of hay were stacked up in a pyramid to provide a photo backdrop where parents could take pictures of their costumed children and pets. Several families were waiting their turn to do that.
    Holly stood under the canopy, handing out drinks and talking to the visitors. Phyllis didn’t see Dr. Baxter or Tommy, the other assistant.
    She looked around for other familiar faces, thinking that Mike, Sarah, and Bobby might already be there, but she didn’t see them. As Carolyn pulled up, Phyllis went over to her car to help her with the cookies and dog treats.
    Sam set Buck on the ground and let him walk around. Some of the other dogs came up to him, and for a few moments there was a considerable amount of ritual sniffing going on. None of the dogs growled, though, so everything seemed to be friendly.
    Phyllis carried the plastic bags full of dog treats while Carolyn brought the containers of cookies to the table. Holly saw them coming and greeted them with a friendly grin.
    â€œHi, Mrs. Fletcher,” she said.
    â€œHello, Holly,” Phyllis replied.
    Carolyn said, “Are you ever going to set her straight about that?”
    Holly’s grin faltered a little. She said, “Set me straight about what?”
    â€œIt’s nothing, really,” Phyllis said. She wished that Carolyn hadn’t brought up the subject, but since she had, it might be best just to go ahead and settle it. “Actually, I’m not Mrs. Fletcher. Sam and I aren’t married. We’re just friends. My name is Phyllis Newsom.”
    â€œOh, dear, I’m sorry, Ms. Newsom! I just assumed since the two of you are always together . . .”
    â€œI’ve just been helping him out with Buck, that’s all.”
    â€œWell,” Carolyn added, “I’d hardly say that’s all. And the two of you are certainly more than just friends, too.”
    Holly held up her hands and said, “Hey, none of my business. I’m just sorry if I made anybody uncomfortable.”
    â€œNot at all,” Phyllis assured her. To change the subject, she asked, “Where are Dr. Baxter and Tommy today? I thought they would be here.”
    â€œThey’re here,” Holly said. She inclined her head toward the clinic building. “They’re inside dealing with an emergency that came in a little while ago. Just because it’s Halloween doesn’t mean pets stop having problems. In fact, it’s sort of a dangerous time of year for dogs and cats. There’s so much they can get into that can hurt them. This dog got into a candy stash and ate a bunch of chocolate.”
    â€œIs he going to be all right?” Phyllis asked.
    â€œI’m pretty sure he is. His folks got him here really quickly. But let’s not dwell on bad stuff. What have you got there?”
    â€œCookies—coconut cream pie and pumpkin oatmeal for the humans,” Phyllis said as she took the lids off the plastic containers and slid them underneath the