Chapter 12 - The Missing Dogs
Rebecca photographed every kennel.
Elena contacted animal control.
Officers arrived and searched the property.
The records suggested at least twenty-three dogs had passed through the gravel yard.
Only Grace had been found.
Some were stolen pets.
Others came from shelters under false adoption names.
Dale bred them, sold the puppies, and discarded animals that became sick or unprofitable.
Grace’s puppies were not valuable enough for his buyers.
Their father was probably another dog kept at the yard.
When freezing rain damaged the building roof, Dale decided to remove Grace and the puppies before Charles inspected the site.
He tied them beside Old Mill Road.
The knot was designed to tighten whenever Grace pulled away.
Dale expected the storm to erase the evidence.
Walter heard the explanation in silence.
Then he looked at Charles.
“You knew the man was dangerous.”
Charles lowered his eyes.
May you like
“I did not know this.”
“You knew enough to stay quiet.”
