Chapter 2: The Stranger at the Gate
Barnaby was crouched beneath a patio chair, trembling while Daphne’s boys argued over who got to pull his leash.
One had wrapped a tight plastic cord around his collar.
“Step away from him,” I said calmly.
Daphne rolled her eyes.
“Don’t be dramatic.
They’re only playing.”
I took out my phone and tapped the screen.
“Say it again, Daphne.
Tell me you entered my apartment and took Barnaby without permission.”
Her smile vanished.
“Why?”
“Because this call is being recorded, and the rescue center director is listening.”
Her coffee mug slipped from her hand and shattered on the patio.
“You wouldn’t report your own sister,” she whispered.
“I gave you five minutes to return him.
Instead, you frightened him and let your children treat him like a toy.”
Suddenly, the doorbell rang.
Daphne’s oldest boy looked toward the house and said, “Mom, is that the man who’s paying for the dog?”
I froze.
Daphne grabbed his arm.
“Be quiet!”
Then a stranger appeared at the backyard gate, holding an envelope.
“I’m here for Barnaby,” he said.
“Daphne promised he’d be ready—and I already paid her.”
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Daphne thought taking Barnaby was the worst secret she had to hide, but the stranger’s envelope exposed something even bigger.
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