I Kissed a Dog

chapter 21

Taking a tour of the recent murder scenes was not my idea of a relaxing Saturday afternoon, especially after last night’s stress-inducing wedding reception. I agreed with Zane’s plan to launch our own investigation because I wasn’t going to relax until we solved these murders and I cleared my name of wrong doing and my head of everything but Zane.

Could he be God’s will for my life?

I don’t understand why I can communicate with animals, but I have accepted that gift. Was Zane another puzzling gift? My stomach’s insistent growls overrode my questions, for now, anyway. After recovering from our homemade Breakfast of Champions, and seeing the two M’s off to work, we decided to snoop, or, in Zane’s case, sniff around the crime scenes, starting with the oldest first.

I discovered Zane, being a purebred werewolf, had two options for shifting shapes. He could manifest into the wolfy, humanoid form I’d seen that first night behind the bar. In that formable shape, he appeared more closely related to the mutants. But, unlike his malformed counterparts, he could function on all fours too, making him a versatile killing machine.

Today, he’d morphed into an enormous, black wolf with bright amber eyes that mirrored intelligence not typical for any animal. His intimidating size made him significantly larger than any wolf I’d seen, giving me pause when he first emerged from the brush.

Before his change, he’d made sure to explain that his sense of smell was sharper when he was in his most natural form. Also, should anyone stumble upon us, he’d pass as an ordinary wolf.

“You think you are an ordinary wolf?” I laughed.

After watching me watch him, he padded over to my side, inclining his massive head. Yes, you can pet me.

That was the encouragement I needed. Dropping to my knees, I buried my face into the thick, mane-like fur around his neck. He pressed himself against me, allowing me to explore his supple coat. I ran my hands down his back and hugged him closer. He made as a happy growl. Being with him in his wolf form put me at ease. There was gentleness under the wildness. Gentleness I’d detected in his human form, but was too afraid of being vulnerable to acknowledge.

Despite my fear of emotional exposure, I allowed myself the luxury of praising his magnificence. “You are incredible,” I cooed, scratching behind his ears.

He nudged me playfully with his muzzle. Losing my balance, I toppled over. “Hey! We’ve got work to do.”

Scrambling to my feet I brushed a few stray leaves off my backside, noticing the way his eyes traveled over me. Even in wolf form he was still a flirt. I was relieved to see his new hands-off-policy didn’t stop his appreciative glances.

I was enjoying being checked out by an animal. Something I’d never admit.

Okay, Miss Bossy, he teased silently. What do you know about our first victim?

Prior to our excursion, I’d spent a good hour on the Internet searching for any information. Victim number one — Jordon Smart — had been a part time dad; he’d just turned twenty-nine. As a special education aide, he’d worked in the fifth-grade classroom at the local grade school. Nothing about him appeared out of the ordinary, at first glance.

I had developed a whole new regard for first impressions. Just because Mr. Smart appeared normal, didn’t mean he had been. I wasn’t even sure how to define normal anymore.

His son, a sixth grader, had alternated between both parent’s homes. Mom also worked in the education field, at the nearby administrative building.

The boy had discovered the grisly remains of his father. So traumatized, he was now residing in one of Portland’s psychiatric facilities for youth. According to news’ sources, he hadn’t said a word since the gruesome discovery. Getting him to speak was my personal project. Only Zane didn’t know it yet. I wasn’t sure why I felt compelled to help the kid, but I did. I’d figure out how later.

After explaining what I’d discovered, we hiked through the overgrown grass and circled around the ranch style home. Nothing seemed out of place. The yellow tape was long gone and everything appeared peaceful.

Zane raised his muzzle. He closed his eyes, sniffing, before lowering his snout to the ground. Alert, he slunk toward the back door.

By the way, Princess, I have a few extra abilities I haven’t told you about. Instead of elaborating, the doorknob turned as if gripped by an invisible hand. A click followed and it cracked open.

When were you planning to tell me what else you can do, Wolfman? Awed and angry, I fired the thought into his mind, recalling why he aggravated me ¯ too many secrets.

He lifted his front paw and cocked his enormous head. Each shape I take includes a few extra perks. That little trick makes up for the lack of hands. He wiggled his paw.

Seeing his display of such human antics dissolved my anger. How could an animal be so damn charming!

Too late, I realized I’d sent my thought right into his furry head, officially making Zane the first wolf I’d seen grin. His tail wagged enthusiastically.

A crash from inside warned us that we weren’t alone and whatever was inside probably wasn’t friendly.

Zane’s fur stood on end and his gums receded, revealing a set of fangs any vampire would envy. He crouched, ready to spring.

Immobilized, I waited and forced my mind to tune into the intruder. What I latched on to was unlike any animal mind I’d ever explored. It wasn’t like any supe mind either, at least not the super naturals I’d met.

A swirling red and black mass of repugnant and jumbled thoughts poured into my mind. I pushed harder, urging myself to delve deeper. My efforts were rewarded by visions of blood stained walls, disemboweled men, and the redheaded woman screeching orders at men in medical scrubs.

An inhuman wail severed me from the images. Before I could reattach, a cloaked shape burst from the house.

Zane lunged. His teeth latched onto its robe, tearing a piece from its shriveled body. Bald and wrinkled, the thing looked like an elderly baby. It keened again and vanished.

“What the hell!” I stared at Zane. A long shred of material dangled from his mouth.

Possibly something from the Fae world. Another mutant life form …

I interrupted, “In other words, you don’t know.”

He shook his head. We still need to go in. There’s no one left here that I can sense.

Unwilling to trust his instincts, I scanned the area for additional energy sources. Zane waited for my assessment. Once satisfied, I snatched the burgundy material from his mouth. It was a rougher fabric than I’d expected, and touching it made me cringe. Disturbing images of the stooped, naked creature would haunt me for a long time.

When I looked up, Zane was already nudging the backdoor open with his nose. Not wanting to be left alone for even a second, I bounded up the stairs.

Just inside, he bristled. I waited behind him, following as he made his way across the kitchen. Glancing over my shoulder, I expected to see the creature reaching for what was left of his tattered robe. All I observed was a semi-sunny sky and grass bending in the breeze. Taking a deep breath through my nose and then exhaling, I continued behind Zane as he padded further into the house.

Accepting we were alone, Zane seemed to relax and darted around the room, his nose to the carpet.

I felt drawn to the master bedroom where the murder had taken place. Not sure what I’d find, I started down the hall trying to imagine what the Smart boy had experienced. He’d most likely entered his home expecting to find his father waiting with dinner on the table, eager to hear about the game.

The newspaper had described Joshua Smart as an outgoing boy who excelled at baseball. According to the press, Jordon Smart had died at approximately 4:30 PM. Joshua’s game finished up around 7:30 PM.

Joshua, expecting a warm welcome from his father, had been met with excruciating silence. There would have been a horrific odor. The metallic smell of blood combined with the pungent stench of death — it was no wonder the boy wasn’t talking.

My thoughts reverted to the gruesome scene Josh’s puppy had imprinted on my mind, and my soul. Queasy, I spun around prepared to escape.

How would I help Joshua Smart if I fled now?

Drawing a ragged breath, I prepared myself to enter the bedroom. Zane brushed against my leg and whimpered. Grateful for his support, even in wolf form, I rested my hand on his thick neck and let him lead the way.

It was evident that a crime scene clean up service had already performed their special brand of magic. The blood and gore had been removed, leaving the former murder scene spotless. An offensive odor remained, though mild, it still triggered my gag reflex.

Zane with his heightened senses prowled through the room.

No matter how long I live, I’ll never get used to the smell of death. I flashed to age thirteen. Our cat was locked in the car on a hundred-degree day. The car had to be sold. Nothing could rid it of the stench — or memories.

No doubt, Zane agreed. The cleaning people did well, but that lingering odor ... I’m sorry, maybe this wasn’t such a good idea.

Appreciative of his support, I patted his head. We’re here, so let’s look around.

Zane kept his muzzle glued to the carpet as he rounded the room. When he reached the corner, by the bed’s left side, he paused. Can you take a closer look at this plant?

The fake tree in the corner was one of several. Mr. Smart must’ve liked a green touch without watering. They were dust-free and shiny-green courtesy of whatever cleaning products the crew had used.

For one brief terrible moment, before pawing through the branches and leaves, I imagined the tree painted with blood. Blinking away the picture, I sifted through the fake moss.

Anything? Zane questioned.

Not that I can see. What did you smell? I didn’t know where else to look.

Something that shouldn’t be here, but I don’t recognize it.

I stared at the tree wishing it would speak. My eyes glided from top to bottom. Bottom! Ignoring Zane’s questioning look, I stood up and tugged the tree from its wicker container, yanking the moss out with it. I peered into the basket.

At first glance; nothing; but with closer examination I spotted a tarnished coin, five times the size of a quarter. It was covered with exotic symbols.

Gleeful, I shouted: “Ah ha!” Why not use a microphone? My wolfy husband shook his massive head.

Sorry. I didn’t expect to find anything.

I see; you doubted my tracking abilities?

Debating his tracking abilities, where a man had been shredded to pieces, wasn’t practical. Can we clean up and get out of here?

Zane turned and trotted toward the door leaving me to clean up the mess.

What a dog.