Hydrants, DNA and best day ever by donalee Moulton

 

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My first Lotus Detective Agency mystery is also my first book to include a dog with a recurring role. Madoff, aptly named by his auditor owner, is a Westie. Not surprisingly, there is a West Highland Terrier Day. In honor of Madoff and all Westies, I thought I’d celebrate by sharing a few excerpts from Bind where Madoff takes centerstage.  

***

 Madoff, enters stage left

 It’s 5:30. Madoff is not pleased with being disturbed before the sun is up but graciously agrees to go for a quick walk and a pee. Well, several pees and a lot of sniffing. Madoff is surprised how many of his kinfolk are up and about this time of day. Charlene is less surprised, and more indifferent. She still has her pajama bottoms on. If anybody says anything, she’ll pull a Woo Woo and tell them they are tulip pants. Whatever the hell they are.

Madoff takes a little extra time at the last hydrant, perhaps sensing something is up and it may be a while before he is anywhere near a tree. Charlene has both worked herself up and calmed herself down. She gives Madoff a hug. (A little too tight he thinks.)

***

Madoff is frustrated. It’s 9:45 pm. He should be in bed. Charlene should be in bed with him. She would be reading. He would be snoring. Instead, they are here in front of the computer reading emails. Again.

The emails are unsettling. Madoff knows that. He also knows it has something to do with DNA. He saw the letters on the screen. He’s heard Mama C. talking to Dora about this. He’s seen her face when those letters are spoken.

Madoff doesn’t like DNA.

***

Madoff is confused. Suddenly the women are pushing back their chairs and clearing the table. There is a flurry of activity. Madoff was enjoying an after-gelato nap. He follows everyone into the kitchen. Perhaps the guests are leaving. Perhaps he will get to bed on time tonight.

Nope. The kettle is back on, the plate of pastries refreshed, and another plate and cup taken out of the cupboard. In the melee to clear the clutter, Lexie scrapes some leftovers onto a plate. Absently she puts the plate on the floor. Madoff nonchalantly walks toward the plate. Best day ever.

 Madoff exits stage right