ppp cove 06 - criminals on vacation Read Online Free

and then headed back to his car. Martin had given him a small map with directions to their unit.
    When Poppy arrived home later, she asked if everything went smoothly. “It was craziness over there. I hope things were calm here.”
    “Yeah, no problems at all. Seems like a nice enough guy. Oh, and he has a pet, so I put a charge on the account for the cleaning fee.”
    “Sure, thanks,” she said, heading to the fridge. “I have no idea what I feel like making for dinner.”
    “It’s already handled. Panda is bringing crab legs. See if Reggie can pick up some corn and shrimp on the way home. Panda says he wants to talk to us, says he has some news.” Martin shrugged. “What do you think it is?”
    “I don’t know, Dad. I guess we’ll find out tonight.” She hoped it was good news, and not bad news.
    “Hey, know what I heard today. Our new guy asked if we had Freshen Up gum. I haven’t heard of that in ages. Remember that gum?” He laughed thinking back.
    Poppy’s ears perked up. “Did you say Freshen Up?”
    “Yeah, hey, remember the long, twisty Marathon bars? I don’t think you can get those anymore either. And milk in a glass bottle, those were the days…oh, and do Root Beer barrels still exist?”
    Poppy jolted to the counter, scanning the information on the card. “I need to check something. I’ll be right back.” She didn’t want to say anything else.
    “Sure thing, and don’t forget to call Reggie. See if he can get that stuff on the way home,” Martin called out behind her.
    Poppy waved as she ran out the door. She headed straight to the unit that was set aside for one Mike Donovan. She noted the basic blue family sedan parked in front of it. She drew a deep breath, turned on her best southern charm and knocked at the door to the camper.
    A big man popped his head out. He wasn’t expecting company. “Yeah?”
    “Hi there, I’m Poppy Pepper, one of the owners of the resort. My father mentioned you brought a family pet with you. Do you need anything? We don’t have a fenced in dog park, but the trails around the resort are nice for walking. Please just remember to use a leash. Welcome to the resort.” She smiled the best she was able.
    “Yeah, thanks, we’re good. We’ll be out of here in a day or two, we’re just passing through,” he said. He didn’t look like he was ready for a conversation and wanted this talk to be over.
    “Oh, what area are you visiting from?” Keep them talking. The dog started barking from inside. “Oh, can I see your dog, I just adore dogs. We have a stray cat we call Chopper that’s kind of adopted us, but I do love dogs.”
    The man groaned, not wanting to be bothered. He picked up the little white dog, not wanting to make her suspicious. A white dog is a white dog. They all looked alike.
    “Oh, she’s adorable. What’s her name? Is it a boy or girl? I’m thinking a girl with that adorable bow holding her hair up over her eyes.” She cooed appropriately.
    “Princess, lady, her name is Princess. Listen, I don’t mean to be rude, but I’m exhausted. I was just about to take a nap.” He made it clear he didn’t want to be disturbed.
    “Oh, right, so sorry. Enjoy your stay,” she said pumping up the charm. She gave him a sweet smile and then turned away. There was no doubt about it; she recognized that dog the instant the man held her up. She’d put a call in to the police department to report it right away. No need to call Carmella first, otherwise, she’d rush over and cause a scene. Better to secure the dog before getting her involved.
    When the police officers showed up, she filled them in on the details, what unit he was in, that she knew the dog in question, and that the owner had filed the report earlier in the day. It was some weird coincidence that they were staying there, but if it got Anastasia back to Carmella, she was thrilled it happened that way.
    She headed down the lane, just a few moments after the two police cars. She