Chihuahua of the Baskervilles Read Online Free

for Mr. Baskerville.”
    Michael shook his head in disbelief. “Talk about dirty laundry. Why is Charlotte Baskerville’s husband trying to sabotage her?”
    Angus shook his head. “We’re not here to unearth family skeletons. We’ll write up the ghost and the town—that’s it.”
    They turned as Charlotte Baskerville entered the room, followed by Ellen. Lila trotted at their heels.
    Angus strode forward and engulfed Charlotte’s small hand in both of his. “Angus MacGregor,” he said, his Scottish accent thickening. “It’s a pleasure to meet such an accomplished lady.”
    Charlotte’s smile strengthened. “Thank you, Mr. MacGregor. I’m so glad you could come.”
    “It must be very exciting to have seen your beloved Petey.”
    She let go of his hand and sat rather suddenly. “I’ve never given ghosts any thought, but not only did I see something, I heard Petey. He had a very distinctive bark, with a little yodel at the end.” She looked up at Ellen, who stood beside her. “You remember.”
    Ellen smiled. “We used to call him our little coyote.”
    “I’m sorry,” Angus said to Ellen, “but I didn’t get your name.”
    “Ellen Froehlich. I design the clothes for Petey’s Closet.”
    “Then compliments are in order. I particularly like the sweater with the leather elbow patches. It’s something I might wear myself.”
    She flushed slightly. “Thank you. I was one of the first designers to use patches. They’re actually Ultrasuede, so the dog’s joints aren’t restricted.”
    Angus nodded. “It’s all in the details.” He looked down at Lila, who stood at the bottom of Charlotte’s chair, wearing a periwinkle blue jacket with white piping. “This must be someone important.”
    “Lila, sit,” Charlotte said. The dog’s rump went down smartly. “Now be pretty.”
    Lila cocked her head at Angus and raised one paw.
    Angus chuckled. “Very sweet.”
    “She’ll stay that way until you shake hands,” Charlotte said.
    Angus squatted and gently clasped the tiny black paw. “Pleasure,” he said solemnly. He stood and gestured to Michael and Suki. “This is my staff, Michael Abernathy, writer, and Suki Oota, photographer. Perhaps we could have a look at where the apparition appeared?”
    “Of course.” Charlotte pushed herself to her feet and led the way out of the parlor, down the hall, and into the kitchen. “There’s always a pot of coffee on the counter, and cookies in the jar. Please feel free to help yourself.” She passed a large kitchen table and opened the door to the backyard.
    Lila rushed to the edge of the yard and began a circuit of the wooden fence, sniffing as she went.
    The rest of them walked across the flagstone patio. A weak autumn sun shone through the bare branches of an ash on the east side of the yard. The other side was taken up with an extensive agility course, complete with tube, ladder, and jumps.
    The stone workshop sat near the back of the lot. A man squatted next to the corner of the building, staring at the ground.
    Angus narrowed his eyes. “Is that someone from another publication?”
    “No, that’s Ivan Blotski, the dogs’ trainer,” Charlotte said.
    Ivan stood as they neared him. He wasn’t tall, but the black pullover sweater he wore accentuated powerful shoulders and gave the illusion of stature, as did his heeled Italian boots. He looked to be in his mid-thirties, though deep lines ran on either side of his mouth. A ponytail held his thick black hair away from his face.
    “Ivan, these are the people from Tripping magazine,” Charlotte said. She introduced each of them.
    When introduced to Suki, Ivan smiled, revealing yellowed teeth, one of them broken. “You look like Mongol princess.”
    “Not really, but thanks. Can I take your picture?”
    “Please. I could use new head shot.” He closed his mouth and looked moodily into the distance.
    “Are you an entertainer?” Suki snapped the picture and lowered the camera.
    “Not yet, but I