The younger county officer cleared his throat. “Sir, we’ve had multiple reports. Neighbors claim you’ve been bringing dogs home from shelters, and the animals come in but are never seen again. Some believe money may be involved.”
Dad let out a short breath through his nose. “That’s the story now?”
Mrs. Donnelly snapped, “We all see the same thing, Walter.”
“Sir, we’ve had multiple reports.”
Mrs. Perez spoke up quietly. “I just said the barking would stop. I never said…” She trailed off when Mrs. Donnelly shot her a look.
I looked at Dad and found a flicker of doubt moving through me. I visited twice a year. I slept down the hall from that garage and never once opened the door.
The older county officer stepped forward. “Walter, we need access to the garage.”
“Do you have the paperwork?” Dad asked.
“I just said the barking would stop.”
The officer held up a folded sheet. “We do.”
