Ginny Gold - Early Bird Café 02 - Deadly Surprise Read Online Free Page A

laughing.
    “Nope. Just that you’re good enough business to keep me out of eggs to sell anywhere else!”
    Kori and Nora, followed by Milo and Otis, made their way to the chicken coop and started checking the nesting boxes. Then they headed to the barn where more eggs were waiting for them in the fridge. Altogether, there were eight dozen—enough for about half the week. And Kori knew she could always just plan her menu accordingly. But with the late May air, she also knew the chickens would soon be at their peak productivity.
    “You have the farm stand open yet?” Kori asked once her arms were free and all of her fresh food was loaded into the car.
    “Planned for this week. I’m really excited about it. Come by for the opening Wednesday night.”
    “Great. I’ll see you then, if not sooner,” Kori said, and jumped in her car.
    She got back to The Early Bird, unloaded her produce into the walk-in fridge and, as promised, headed across the street to Furry Friends.
    “I’m so glad you came!” Vera exclaimed before the door was even closed behind Kori.
    Kori gave a sheepish smile. “I saw Nora,” she said simply.
    “I just know this will be the dog for you. Come.”
    Kori followed Vera obediently past cages of dogs. For a small town, Kori was always surprised how many dogs came and went through Furry Friends. They were mostly shipped north from states and cities that were overrun with mistreated pets and strays who were given a second chance in and around Hermit Cove.
    “Here she is.”
    Kori stopped next to Vera and looked into the cage. She saw a short haired white dog with a few black markings. She was the only dog not adding to the racket, but instead was sitting patiently, confident that she’d soon be taken to her new home.
    The dog looked up at Kori’s face and turned her head to the side like she knew Vera was trying to send her home with this new person.
    “Let me get a leash and you guys can meet outside.”
    Kori was unable to deny her this request. She wouldn’t admit it but the dog had already won her over.
    Vera led Kori to a small enclosed area outside and then left her alone to collect the dog. When she returned, the dog walked directly next to Vera, not pulling on the leash at all, and trotted straight to Kori.
    “She came in with the name Bella but she doesn’t seem to respond to it specifically,” Vera explained.
    Bella sat at Kori’s side and looked up at her face. Kori couldn’t keep her hand from stroking her head. “What kind is she?”
    “A good old fashioned mutt. We think some shepherd. Maybe some pitt. But don’t let that scare you off. Like I said, she used to regularly visit a retirement home.”
    “Why was she given up?” Kori asked, thinking there must be a dark spot in her past.
    “No idea. Could have been an elderly person’s pet and the kids didn’t want to keep her. Or someone moved. Or they just didn’t commit long term. Hard to say. But she’s going to go fast. So I knew I had to get you in today to see her.”
    As Vera spoke, Kori squatted down to Bella’s level and pett ed her more vigorously. Bella responded by nearly smiling.
    “You guys are right—it’s time I quit putting it off and adopt the dog I’ve been wanting.”
    “That’s great. You’ll take her home right now then?”
    Kori looked up from Bella’s face and nodded. “But I’m changing her name. She has the markings of a n Ibis. That’s what I’m going to call her.”
    “No problem. I can get you registered with the dog officer and everything right now. She’s up to date on shots. I’ll get all the paperwork for you.”
    Vera walked out of the kennel and back inside, leaving Kori with Ibis to bond. “What do you think?” Kori asked her new pet. “You think you’ll be a good welcoming dog at The Early Bird? I had to give you a bird name if that’s where you’re going to work.”
    Ibis wagged her tail in response.
    ***
    Kori brought Ibis home and then walked down Main Street