that their lives can be changed with a little bit of help—and exposure to something better than the crack houses they grew up in. Oh, and our old chaperones will be there—Loretta Oster and Frank Peters. Those two are still taking kids on field trips out to the Glades. I’m not sure who and how many, but I know we have representatives from both tribes—Seminole and Miccosukee—coming, too. Once it’s up and running, I’m imagining airboat rides, ecology and Native culture will be involved in the programs and events offered.”
“And you and Titan...perform?”
“I talk about the positive approach to training. And also about the fact that if you haven’t read up on big snakes and don’t want a pet who will grow to be many feet long, you shouldn’t get one. The Everglades is not a good place to dump pets. Then I talk about my work with dogs, and Titan does a little math, a few tricks, interacts with a guest and sings. We lighten up the mood—make people happy to give money.”
“Well, that sounds great. I’m glad I’m going to get to see it.”
“Do you have a dog?”
“I did once.” He glanced her way. “You might remember him. Great animal. My folks watched him while I was in the service.”
“You don’t have him anymore?”
“He made it to almost eighteen years old. Then he passed away.”
“And you don’t have a dog now?”
“I would love to have a dog. Right now, I don’t. I have a cat. Friends—coworkers—look after him when I’m traveling. It works with a cat. I travel too much to have a dog.”
“A cat,” she repeated, amused.
“Cats are funny?”
“Cats are great,” she said with a laugh. “Just—big, tall guy, FBI. I pictured you with a bull mastiff or a Great Dane or some such pet, not a kitten.”
“Sheila’s not a kitten. Full grown, very old cat. She’s a Hemingway cat—you know, six toes. I adopted her before college. Someone had thrown her out on the Tamiami Trail. She was a kitten then, so I’m thinking she’s about fourteen or so now. Still healthy.”
Raina couldn’t help but smile.
“Hey! There’s nothing wrong with a rescue kitten!”
“I’m a huge believer in rescuing pets. I think it’s great that you rescued her.”
“So what are you smirking at?”
“I’m not smirking!”
“You are.”
“No, no. I’m just smiling. Sheila—it just seems a bit odd for a pet. I mean, I’ve heard odder. I just didn’t think you’d own a cat. Named Sheila.”
“Hey. I had named her Sheena. You know, like a jungle cat. ‘Sheena, Queen of the Jungle.’ A lot of the little kids kept coming out with Sheila. I gave up and called her Sheila.”
“I like it. Great cat name. What was your dog’s name?”
“Timothy. Fantastic animal. He had belonged to a tribal member who was moving, and I always loved the dog, so at that time, my dad was still alive and he and my mom were in the area... Anyway, it’s not important. The food here was great. Thank you for stopping with me.”
“Thank you. It was great to eat. I’m happy to get the check—”
“No. My unit thanks you. I’ve got it, and I’ll get you home.”
He rose, seeking their server, who quickly saw them. In a minute, they were back out in his car, and soon they reached South Miami.
He didn’t just leave her but hopped out of the car and came around. He stood there, thanking her again for all that she had done.
“I’ve probably ruined any chance of you seeing anyone at the dress shop. They close at nine and it’s just after now.”
“That’s all right. I’ll go by tomorrow if they haven’t gotten anything yet from fingerprints or dental work. People call in missing persons. They might already have something. I’m going to get some sleep.” He seemed to hesitate. “I’ll call you tomorrow, and if you think of anything—”
“I really hope I don’t.”
“I understand. But if you do...”
“I’ll call. I promise.”
“Thank you.”
He lingered; she thought he was about to say something else. Something he didn’t want to say—or something awkward.
“I...well, it won’t matter tomorrow. It might later.”
“What?”
“You don’t need to see an autopsy.”
“No, I don’t,” she assured him.
“But maybe...”
“Maybe?”
“I might have you come to the morgue with me. If you’re willing.”
“I—I’d help in any way I could. But I don’t see how. I don’t believe I knew her. I really think I would know if I did. So...”
“Seems to me it’s all in the touch,” he said, and he hesitated again and then added softly, “All