Free Peggy Dulle - Liza Wilcox 01 - Death Is Clowning Around by Peggy Dulle Page B

bother to have me participate in any of that. Like the kids, I’d probably just be window dressing for the camp, but maybe I could find out a few things. If I could have a convers ation with Carl, Jessie’s uncle, it could help immensely.
    I sat down on the couch and called Justin on my cell phone. He answered immediately.
    “Hey, Teach. What did you think of the article?”
    I drew in a deep breath. “Scary stuff.”
    “Oh yeah. Did you pass the information on to your friend?”
    “Yes. Could you do me another favor?”
    “Sure.”
    “I’m going out of town for a few days and I can’t take Shelby. Can you come over, pick up the mail and stay with her for a little while?”
    “Of course. I love that yappy dog.”
    “Thanks Justin.”
    “Where are you going?”
    I thought quickly – I was always good at that. “I’m going to a teacher’s conference for four days. Some new reading program. It’s been a great success in New York and so they’re going to try it here.”
    “Do you think it’s any better than the way you teach already?”
    “If I learn one thing, it’ll be worth it.”
    “Always the optimist?”
    “What other way is there?”
    “Goodnight, Teach.”
    “Goodnight, Justin. And thanks.” I hung up the phone. It was still early. I wondered what Jordan was doing right now. I dialed her number and got her voice mail, then left a message. “It’s just me, Jordan. We haven’t talked in a while. I hope everything’s going well for you. I met a guy. Give me a call and I’ll tell you all about him. I think you’d like him. He’s in law enforcement. I’m going out of town for a few days. I’ll give you a call when I get back.”
    It’s strange that I decided to call my sister. I hadn’t talked to her in over a month. We aren’t that close. In fact, we disagree about almost everything. T ouc hing base with family members wasn’t a good sign. I hoped it wasn’t an omen of the next few days at clown camp.
    My phone rang and I picked it up. Hearing Tom’s voice made me smile.
    “Did you get home safe?”
    “Of course.”
    “Glad to be home?”
    I glanced around and sighed. “Always.”
    “Miss me.”
    “As a matter a fact, I do.” I sat back and put my feet up on the coffee table. “It’s weird.”
    “I miss you too. Anyway I could talk you out of going to that clown camp?”
    “Nope.”
    “When do you leave?”
    “Tomorrow morning. Check-in time is noon.”
    “Call me after you check in.”
    “If I can, I will. If not, I’ll call you in the afternoon or evening.”
    “What happened to my four calls a day?”
    “You’re going to be lucky to get two.”
    “But remember if I don’t get any, I’m coming in with the cavalry,” he said solemnly.
    It was time to change the subject. “How’s your face?”
    “It still hurts, but it’s getting better.
    “That’s good. I’m sorry I never got to meet Duke. Did you get him back from the vet?”
    “Tomorrow. He’ll be out of commission for a couple of weeks.”
    “No police work for him, huh?”
    “No. He’ll just hangout at the house and make sure the contractors are doing their job.”
    “Maybe your house will get done quicker.”
    “It will because I’m moving home. If they see me everyday maybe they’ll hurry and get out.”
    “But then they won’t leave me any chips to eat when I’m hungry.”
    “I’ll fill an entire cupboard with chips for you, okay?”
    “It’s a deal.”
    Shelby started barking at the door. “Shelby!” She kept on barking. “Tom, I’m going to go. Shelby’s barking and she won’t stop. I’ve got to see what she’s having a fit about.”
    “I can hear her. Pet her for me and I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
    “Okay.” I hung up the phone and opened the front door. Nothing was out there. “Shelby, what are you barking at?”
    Shelby ran out to the front of the driveway and barked. I walked out and looked up and down the street. A white van pull around the corner and I shook