“Well then.”Nora’s eyes gleamed with interest.“Lucky for you, Pamela volunteers at Sunset Ridge Senior Living each week.She’s in their library, for the most part, organizing book donations from the community.There’s an excellent chance she’ll be there right now.Completely coincidentally, of course.”
Sam gave Nora a suspicious look.“You planned this, didn’t you?”
“I simply planned to bring Edith her casserole.Of course, Ididknow Pamela volunteered there and that she was a book club member.The woman does love books.Anyway, what you do while you’re at the retirement home is completely up to you.”Nora called to Precious, who was now trying to climb onto Sam’s couch despite his stocky build.“Come on, you ridiculous animal.We’re leaving now, whether Sam comes or not.”
“Let me grab my purse,” said Sam.“Should I bring Arlo?For company?”
“Absolutely.The residents love seeing dogs.”Nora was already clipping Precious’s leash back on.“Besides, being accompanied by two dogs makes it look even less like you’re there to interrogate anyone.”
Chapter Eleven
Ten minutes later,Sam climbed into the back of Nora’s sedan with Arlo, while Precious took his usual spot in the front passenger seat, gazing out the window with what could only be described as regal bearing.The casserole dish sat secured in a carrier between Sam’s feet.
“I still think people should get precedence over dogs for the passenger seat,” Sam said mildly as she buckled her seatbelt.
“Precious has seniority.He also suffers from motion sickness in the back,” Nora replied, pulling out of Sam’s driveway.“Besides, he likes to supervise.”
Sam caught Precious’s eye in the side mirror.The pit bull looked entirely too smug about the arrangement.
The facility was a sprawling single-story building designed to look less institutional and more like a collection of connected cottages.Someone had planted cheerful mums along the walkway, though they looked a bit bedraggled from the recent rain.
Nora climbed from her vehicle with the casserole dish while Precious immediately began investigating a particularly interesting patch of grass.Sam clipped Arlo’s leash and joined them.
“Edith’s in the west wing, Room 229,” Nora announced.“The library is in the community room in the center building.That’s where Pamela will be, assuming she’s here today.”
They made their way through the automatic doors into a lobby that smelled faintly of coffee and lemon-scented cleaning products.A young woman at the reception desk looked up with a welcoming smile.
“Hi, Nora!And you brought friends?”She came around the desk to greet Precious and Arlo.“Oh, aren’t you both handsome boys?The residents are going to love seeing you.”
“Hi Kendra,” Nora said crisply.“I’m just dropping off dinner for Edith Marton.This is my neighbor, Sam Prescott.”
“Nice to meet you,” Sam said.
“Feel free to take the dogs around after you visit Edith,” Kendra said.“Just check with the nurses first to make sure the residents are up for visitors.”
They headed down the hallway, passing several residents in the common areas.A few called out greetings to Precious, who clearly was a regular visitor.In Room 229, they found Edith Martin sitting in a recliner with her leg elevated, watching a cooking show.
