Secrets of Ugly Creek Read Free Page A

Von Furstenberg, maybe?
    I leaned closer and lowered my voice. “Liza, Abukcheech is in the woods. Hiding behind a tree.”
    Liza’s eyes widened. “I’ll pass the word to Steve, and make sure word gets to Abukcheech’s parents.”
    Ah, so Steve was part of the communication network. “The whole tribe needs to be extra careful.”
    “They will be. They’re used to hiding.” Liza put a hand on my arm.
    “They aren’t used to the likes of Gibson McFain. When he decides to find something out, he finds it out. And puts it on film.”
    The dog barked.
    “I’ll tell Steve.”
    “Thanks.” I saw a familiar head. “There’s Ace over there. Wanna give him back his mutt?”
    “Sure.”
    Just as Liza turned, cute and furry jumped out of her arms and right into mine. “Fine, I’ll take him.”
    Liza giggled as I headed toward Ace. I would have told her off, but the soft, warm feel of the little dog snuggled against me quickly calmed my temper. Yeah, he was getting fur on me, but that’s what my lint brush was for, right?
    I headed toward the photographer.
    He must have heard me coming, because he turned and looked my way. “Where did you find Gizmo?”
    “He was in the woods.” I reached to give Ace back his dog, but the fuzzy bundle scrambled up onto my shoulder.
    “So his name is Gizmo, huh?” The name fit with his brown coat and the stripe of white from his nose to his forehead, which made him look like the Gizmo character in the movie Gremlins .
    “I should change his name to Houdini. I have no idea how he gets out of the fence.” Ace tried to pick him off my shoulder, but Gizmo ducked away from his hands. “I’m so sorry. I don’t know what’s going on with that dog.”
    “It’s okay, he’s pretty cute and stuff.” I put on what I hoped was my best smile.
    “He is, isn’t he?” Ace scratched Gizmo’s head.
    “What kind of dog is he?” When have I ever been interested in dog breeds?
    “He’s a mini dachshund.”
    Gizmo licked my cheek, and I laughed in spite of myself. As I put a hand up to wipe at the spot, I caught a glimpse of my watch. “Crap, I gotta go. I have an interview with Mr. McFain.” I tried again to hand Cute Stuff to him, but Gizmo clung to me. I just didn’t have the heart to force him.
    Ace eyed the camera I had around my neck. “Did you ever get a photographer?”
    I looked at my shoes as I shook my head. “No.”
    “I’m not interested.”
    I met his eyes then. “I know. I just…well, you’re local. And Ugly Creek’s a little…different.”
    He sighed. “Look, how about I grab a couple of shots to go with your interview.” His gaze went hard. “Doesn’t mean anything.”
    “Thanks.”
    “Thanks for bringing me my dog. Speaking of which, I have a leash in my car. I’ll meet you.”
    My furry fashion accessory and I headed toward the filming area. McFain and a tall, dark-haired woman were having a discussion. From the body language, I’d say it was not the friendliest chat in the world. My interest button flashed, and I slowed my steps while pretending to be highly interested in a nearby pine tree. I soon edged near enough to them I could hear their conversation.
    “Kate, you work for me, not the other way around,” McFain said.
    “Good leaders listen to the people around them.” She turned and stomped away, right in my direction.
    The woman almost knocked me down, and I’m not sure she ever saw me at all. I remembered her from the welcome, Kate Stone, Gibson McFain’s assistant. I wondered what had wadded her thongs.
    Mr. McFain stepped toward me, his expression guarded. “Hello, Madison Clark, from Capitol Spy Weekly .”
    “Hello again, Mr. McFain.” I shifted Gizmo so I could hold out my hand. I was actually surprised when he was willing to shake hands.
    “I told you to call me Mac.” He held out his fingers so Gizmo could sniff him, then scratched the dog’s head. “Interesting partner you’ve got there.”
    “He’s not mine.”