Dog Collar Crime

“I just want to say one more time, for the record, that this is the most ridiculous plan I have ever heard.” Rebecca hissed into the ear of her companion as they slowly walked the welcoming line.

Richard Dulash, a wealthy investment banker, was hosting a celebratory costume party for his daughter, Crystal, who had graduated from veterinary school. Dulash was a vicious businessman, negligent father, and a showman. Mainly he was a full-time jerk, which was why they were going to steal from him.

“I think it’s rather brilliant myself.” The gentleman introduced as Rambo whispered back. “We walk in through the front, and we walk out through the front. No problems.”

“Except the security guards roaming the halls and the surveillance cameras in every corner.”

Rebecca reflected on how she managed to get herself into her current situation.

“Lilliana is worth $50,000. Her diamond studded collar $800,000,” said Rambo. He had placed photos of Dulash’s prize winning German Shepherd and said he needed her help to kidnap it.

She balked, “I’m not a criminal, I’m a pet-sitter. Besides, there is no way. Most competitions don’t have cash rewards.”

“Richard Dulash only participates in competitions that have cash rewards. Lilliana is a blue-ribbon Best in Show winner multiple times over. Here and in other countries. Instead of placing all his money in the bank, he keeps a portion in jewels. In case of a market crash.” He looked at her expectantly.

“I’m still just a pet sitter,” Rebecca insisted. “You got a pet that you want me to watch while you do whatever, Rambo, then great. I’m your gal. But I can’t do this.” She shook her head and backed away.

“Lilliana is pregnant. She can’t and won’t compete ever again. Dulash will sell those puppies for a profit. He will kill this dog. I’m not asking you to be a criminal. I’m asking you to save a mother dog and her pups.”

Which is how Rebecca ended up at Dulash’s home dressed as a Victorian lady. “It’ll be easier to hide the pockets in the petticoats,” Rambo had told her.

Rebecca stepped up to her host and introduced herself.

“Ahh, Miss Griffith. I must admit I’m not entirely sure how you received an invitation. I understand you are simply a pet-sitter.” Richard Dulash made it sound like she handled feces for a living.

“I am a pet-sitter, but I would like to think my clients view me as family, like I do them.” Rebecca forced out, smiling at the man.

“Please, forgive my father for his rude manners,” stated the strikingly gorgeous Cleopatra beside Dulash. She gave him a severe glare before smiling at Rebecca and Rambo. “Crystal Dulash, and I invited you. I’m so happy you are here. You pet sat for a friend of mine. Nancy Sullivan?”

“Oh, yes,” Rebecca remembered. Nancy had not been an easy client to please, but she had managed. “Marigold is her cat. Special diet.”

Crystal Dulash winked at Rebecca. “Sure. Special diet. Anyway, she said you did a fantastic job, and I was hoping to discuss with you some ideas.”

“Yes, I would love that, and congratulations on your graduation.”

Before Crystal could say another word, Dulash interrupted. “Maybe you could continue this later, my dear. There is a line.”

“It was nice to meet you, Miss Dulash.” They shook hands once more before Rebecca and Rambo walked into the rest of the house.

She leaned into Rambo and whispered, “Is that how you got my name on the list? By using my clients?”

Rambo whispered back, “Sid can be very sweet to the fairer sex when needed.”

Rebecca wasn’t entirely sure what that meant but refused to ask anything further. She couldn’t resist the gasp when they entered the ball room.

Massive, brightly lit chandeliers hung from the ceiling. Candle holders lined the various columns on the sides of the floor, and the room was full of all kinds of costumed individuals. Rebecca saw many royalties, but there were also pirates, healthcare, and period pieces like hers. Some individuals wore masks, but the servers wore silver masquerade masks with red coats and carried trays of champagne.

“It’s beautiful.”

“It’s pretentious. Don’t forget why we are here.” Rambo grabbed a couple of glasses from a passing waiter and handed it to her. He spoke softly to the small, hidden communication device. “Sid, we’re in. Give about fifteen minutes, then proceed.”

“Are you planning on us standing here, drinking? Or are you going to ask me for dance?” Rebecca inquired.

“I wasn’t planning on it.”

“And you don’t think it would look suspicious. Two people just standing and not enjoying themselves?”

“The people here don’t enjoy anything. They come to be seen.”

Rebecca snorted and wandered away. Rambo was quick to catch up. “Where are you going?”

“To look at the decorations and everyone’s costumes.”

They made a circuit around, Rebecca complimenting many people, Rambo silently stalking her, when Sid’s voice started a count down. “5…4…3…2…1.”

From outside, they could hear an assortment of car alarms. Voices started shouting for news. They heard someone yelling about a small tremor, and then a stampede of feet looking for doorways to seek cover.

“Wait until the security man by the dining room leaves then through doors and up the back stairs.” Sid said into their ears. They watched as the man touched his earpiece before sprinting to towards the entry way. Then three minutes twelve seconds later, they were on the hallway landing. “Maureen will be waiting at the bottom with the trolley cart.”

According to Rambo, Dulash kept the hallway under constant surveillance. Sid, along with his getaway skills, was also a good hacker. If he had done his job right, then they had 2 minutes to get in and out with the dog, and no one the wiser. They sprinted to the room, but Rambo didn’t enter. “Get the dog. I have to do something else.” He shoved her in and closed the door before she could say anything.

She heard a soft growl and turned slowly. Lilliana was lying on a dog bed designed to look like a Victorian bed. “Hi, baby.” She raised her hands to show that she wasn’t threatening the dog. “It’s okay. We’re both okay.” Rebecca got down to her knees and slowly reached into one of her pockets for the treats stashed there. “Do you want something to eat, sweet girl?”

Lilliana slowly crept towards this stranger in her room. She sniffed the hand holding the treat before taking it gently with her teeth. Rebecca smiled, “Good girl. Do you want another?”

For a minute, Rebecca kept feeding and talking to the dog. She knew that Lilliana would follow her when she tried to climb into Rebecca’s lap. She cupped the dog’s face, gave her a soft kiss on the nose, and looked into her eyes. “Let’s get you out of here.”

Rebecca stood and clipped one of her lead leashes, from her other pocket to Lilliana’s collar and guided her out of the room. She looked around the hallway but didn’t see Rambo anywhere.

“Rambo, where are you? We have to go.” Lilliana gave a small whimper and Rebecca shushed her gently while petting her head. “It’s okay, sweetheart. It’s okay. I’ll get you out of here. Rambo!”

“Stop saying my name. I’m here.” Rambo’s voice came from behind Rebecca causing both woman and dog to give a little jump.

“Where were you?”

“Taking care of something.” He briefly glanced down at the dog before taking her arm. “Let’s go.”

They headed down the stairs where Maureen was waiting with a serving cart.

“Hurry up, Dolittle.” Maureen jeered as Rebecca coaxed Lilliana under the sheet. Rebecca shot her a venomous look but spoke gently to the dog.

“Be careful with her,” Rebecca stepped up into Maureen’s face. “Or you and I will have big problems.” Maureen made an exaggerated face of fear before pushing the cart towards the kitchen.

Rambo pulled Rebecca away and back through the dining room. They looked and thankfully one had noticed them. As they started back towards the front door, a hand shot out and grasped Rebecca’s elbow.

“Miss Maxson?” A pirate queen addressed her. “It’s Nancy Sullivan. My dear, you look gorgeous.”

“Oh, thank you, Miss Sullivan. You do as well.”

“Could I steal you away for a dance, please? Give these people something to really talk about.” Nancy grinned wickedly.

Rebecca glanced at her companion, but he nodded. “Go ahead, darling. I’ll find our hosts and say our goodbyes.” Rambo walked off and Nancy twirled her around the room. She saw people stopping to stare.

“You were right. Everyone’s staring.” Rebecca and Nancy laughed.

They spun around the whole floor, forcing others to move out of their way. Some people laughed while others gave exclamations of disgust and disbelief. By the time the song was over, both women were gasping for breath.

“Thank you. That was such fun.” Rebecca said.

“Thank me by telling that delightful Sid to come see me again. Okay?” Nancy winked at her before strolling back into the crowd. Rebecca’s heart throbbed in her throat, and she felt sweat on her brow. Then Rambo was at her side, escorting her out the door and into the car.

She shared her unease with Rambo and Sid about Nancy’s comment.

“Don’t worry so much. Even if she tries to connect you and the missing dog, it’s not like she saw me at the party. There’s no connection outside of friendship.” Sid brushed aside her concern. “Tell me that you managed the swap.” Rambo swatted at Sid’s head and hissed for him to be quiet.

“What swap?” Rebecca asked him. He didn’t answer her.

They had agreed to meet with Maureen a few miles away from the house, where Rebecca would drive away with Lilliana. Maureen had been sitting on the bumper when they pulled up. Now she opened the van’s door and Lilliana jumped down. Her tail wagged when she saw Rebecca. Rebecca petted the dog, reassured that she was alright before turning to Rambo.

“What swap?”

“The collar, please.”

“What swap?”

Rambo sighed, “I swapped a far cheaper necklace inside Dulash’s house for the collar. That’s all you need to know.”

“You did all of this for money? You told me it was for the dog!”

“It was never about the money, though I won’t deny that it is a great bonus. This was about returning the favor of an old friend who stood by me many years ago.”

“Right,” Rebecca reached down and unclasped the collar. She handed it out to him. “For you and the rest. Please take it and leave.”

Rambo stared at it then at her. He gently closed his hand around Rebecca’s. “I hope you know what you are doing.”

She raised her head confidently. “I do. I wish all of you a safe journey.”

He nodded his head at her before getting into the car and driving away.

Rebecca looked at Lilliana who looked at her and she smiled. “Let’s go see your new home.”

Days later, Rebecca was reading an email from her sister about one of her dogs having delivered healthy puppies, when a town car pulled up outside her office.

Rebecca’s heart leaped into her throat as Crystal Dulash and Nancy Sullivan stepped out of the car. Were they here because of Lilliana? How could they know of Rebecca’s involvement?

Richard Dulash had reported the theft of his dog that same night, but an anonymous tip had also sent the police to search his study. Where he was allegedly in the process of breaking apart one of his clients stolen diamond necklace and placing the pieces on a new dog collar for his now stolen dog. Vet reports confirmed that Lilliana had been pregnant, and police were now speculating that Dulash had gotten rid of the dog for the pet insurance since she could no longer compete.

Rebecca swallowed and straightened. Since no one knew where Lilliana was, she really had nothing to fear. Crystal opened the office door, Nancy waved, and Rebecca painted on a strained smile, calling out, “Hello. How can I help you today?”

“Hello again,” Crystal sat in a visitor chair, and Nancy in the other. “I bet you’ve heard the news.”

“I have. I am so sorry for your loss.”

“Yes, well. It was probably for the best.” For a moment Crystal looked sad, but she shook it off before saying, “Anyway, I would like to adopt a new dog, obviously with the correct breeding. A male this time, and I was told you would be the best person to help me.”

Rebecca’s mouth opened and closed. “Umm…I…..I…” She finally closed her mouth and cleared her throat. “I don’t know anything about breeding, though.”

Crystal smiled at her. It was a beautiful smile and Rebecca knew she would do whatever this young woman wanted from her. “That may be true, but I have been told that you have amazing instincts. I can handle the breeding part, but I need someone who understands dogs. I would need your assistance with the training, grooming, etc.” Rebecca continued to hesitate. “If it’s about money, I can compensate you more than appropriately.”

Nancy leaned forward. “It would be a great opportunity to also meet some more of our friends. Get your name out there.”

“It’s not about the money. It’s about being the right person for the job. And my business.”

“Please just come to my house tomorrow? Think about it overnight, all the things you would want and need. And bring it all with you.”

“Sure. Yes, of course.” Rebecca nodded and, again, received that beautiful smile.

“Wonderful. Oh, I’m so excited.” Crystal clasped her hands to her chest. Nancy smiled approvingly.

When Crystal started to leave, Rebecca stopped her and asked, “May I ask who recommended me?”

Crystal and Nancy exchanged a smirk. Then Crystal said, “A friend that I helped many years ago. This was his way of returning the favor.”

Rebecca stared at Nancy and Crystal, at first uncomprehending, before it finally hit her. She took in a harsh breath, and Crystal gave her a wink before they both quickly left.

As Rebecca stared after the socialite, she smiled thinking of Rambo and tomorrow’s meeting. Maybe this would be a beautiful beginning to a new partnership.