Shades of Earl Grey

Chapter 25

“Any injuries?” detective Burt Tidwell cocked an eye at the paramedic in his navy jumpsuit.

The paramedic, whose name tag read BENTLEY, shook his head, but the corners of his mouth kept twitching upward. It was obvious he was trying to remain professional. In other words, not burst out laughing completely.

“Slight puncture wounds,” responded Bentley. “Nothing that requires any serious medical treatment, even though your perp is complaining bitterly about what she refers to as dog bites.”

“The woman does seem quite unhinged,” offered Dray-ton. He had arrived home just minutes after the police cruiser arrived.

The police, at Theodosia’s urging, had contacted Detective Tidwell. And Drayton, of course, had immediately phoned Haley, who’d been trying to call Theodosia at home and was frantic to know what was going on. Not one to miss out on excitement, she immediately came dashing over.

Now they were all gathered in a conversational knot on the front walk of Drayton’s house, a few steps from where Burt Tidwell’s burgundy-colored Crown Victoria was parked at the curb.

“You say she’s unhinged,” said Tidwell to Drayton. “What a quaint assessment. So very Dr. Watson.”

“Hey,” piped up Haley as she stroked Earl Grey’s head. “Drayton is Dr. Watson. To Theodosia’s Sherlock, that is. Haven’t you figured that out by now?”

Tidwell smiled tolerantly.

“Your suspect’s hair condition is what’s really causing the problem,” continued the paramedic, Bentley. His eyes sought out Theodosia’s. “I don’t know what you squirted on her, lady, but it sure as heck is permanent. My partner and the other two officers are still trying to cut her off the pavement.”

Drayton’s eyes widened. “Cut her?”

“Well, her hair, anyway,” explained Bentley as he packed a roll of gauze and bottle of antiseptic back into his bag. “Looks like she’s gonna get a whole new look. Kind of patchy and choppy. That glue or whatever it was is pretty mean stuff.”

This time Drayton threw back his head and howled. “Don’t tell me you superglued Aerin Linley’s hair to my patio!” he exclaimed.

“How else could I subdue her?” said Theodosia. “She was thrashing around like a crazy woman. I certainly didn’t want to see Earl Grey get hurt.”

“God forbid,” said Tidwell as he rolled his eyes skyward. “And pray tell, while we’re on the subject, why exactly did you stage this elaborate little charade without benefit of any backup?”

Theodosia threw him a look that was pure innocence. “But I did have backup, Detective Tidwell. I had you. I always have you.”

“What she means is it’s comforting to know we can always count on our law enforcement professionals,” said Drayton, jumping into the fray and trying to derail Tidwell’s anger. “Thank you so very much, Detective Tidwell.”

Tidwell shook his head in bewilderment and gazed down at Earl Grey, who was sitting on his haunches and yawning contently, looking as though he’d just been through a typical, uneventful doggy evening. “I’m afraid the mayor doesn’t award certificates of appreciation to canines,” said Tidwell. “At least he hasn’t up until now. We’ll have to find some other way to honor the crime-fighting Earl Grey.”

“How about a free cup of Earl Grey tea to all our customers this week,” piped up Haley. “And we can put up his photo. With a big thank-you banner.”

“The dog that helped catch a cat burglar,” said Tidwell, and even he couldn’t resist a snicker.

“I’ve got a better idea,” said Theodosia. “Let’s all go in and have a cup of Earl Grey right now, instead of standing around shivering in the dark.”

“When you put it that way,” said Tidwell, “it sounds very inviting. The night is rather chilly.”

“Tea does sound nice,” said the paramedic, Bentley.

“You have Earl Grey in the house, don’t you?” Theodosia asked Drayton. “The tea, I mean, not the dog.”

“Of course,” said Drayton as he started for the door. “And some nice molasses spice cookies, too.” He glanced over at Bentley. “Does your partner drink tea?”

“I guess so,” said Bentley. “And we were due to go on break,” he said, suddenly showing genuine enthusiasm.

“By all means invite him in then,” said Drayton. “The other officers, too.”

“Hey, aren’t they still working on Aerin?” asked Haley.

“She’s not going anywhere for a while,” said Theodosia with a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

“That’s right,” chuckled Tidwell. “Let her wait. Let her wait.”