right?”
Liam let his sigh last longer than usual and figured even an angel would get it. And it seemed he was right, by the cheeky grin he picked up through the rearview mirror.
“You want to know about the puppies?”
“Yes. The owners aren’t the only ones upset with their disappearance. Sadie is heartbroken, and I want to help. Only I have no idea where to start.”
As the phantom started to fade, he left behind the message, “Stan is your man. He can find out what you need to know. And Liam, your first guess was right about puppy mills. And Oklahoma is a puppy mill Mecca. One more thing…follow the money.”
Just then Sadie approached the back door and waited for Liam to come and help her settle the golden retriever in his doggy seat. “Who were you talking to?”
“Me? I wasn’t talking to anyone.” Damn if his cheeks didn’t feel hot.
“Oh, I get it! You’re one of those weirdos who carry on conversations with themselves.” She giggled, and he loved the sound.
“You got me!” He winked in the wicked way he knew turned the girls on, guided her to her seat, and helped her inside.
***
“So you think there’s a dog-theft ring branching out all over the city?”
Stan finished chewing his pizza and nodded. “Sure, we’ve been on to them for a while but haven’t been able to find out where they’re taking the dogs. As you know, the police department doesn’t get involved with this type of crime as much as we’d like to. There just isn’t enough manpower. But when it comes to the elite victims who’ve been hit recently, we’ve had to give up some time and start digging.”
Sadie, who listened to every word, spoke up before Liam. “And, what did they find?”
“We think it’s the Bradford brothers, mean-hearted sons of bitches—s’cuse my language—who are behind it all. They have high-class puppy boutiques and sell to the very rich. Unfortunately, whenever the S.P.C.A. searched their breeding premises, everything seems in order. The dogs look well cared for and healthy, with veterinarians available and all their papers up to date.” He stood up to get another glass of wine, then returned to his seat and carried on with his explanation.
“Thing is—they have a never-ending supply of puppies. Must be from outside this state. And we can’t get the other officials to care very much about following up on that paperwork. The local humane society has helped some, but they can’t trespass and so their hands are tied. Let me tell you, it’s damn frustrating.”
Liam asked, “If you knew which state to look in, would it help?”
“Depends on their laws. Why? Do you have an idea?”
“Oklahoma.”
“Man! That would be the worst possibility. It’s the perfect location for dishonest dog breeders. Without proper state regulations, they’re rampant with puppy mills. What made you select that area?”
“Just a bit of info I picked up from a friend who had some inside knowledge. He said to follow the money.”
Stan’s expression took on a look of interest. He pulled out his cell, got to his feet, and excused himself.
Liam checked Sadie to see how she was taking in the disturbing discussion. She looked so downhearted. An ache began forming in his chest and promised to choke him if he didn’t do something.
Greta shot him a wink and rose to clear the table. “I think we’ll leave you guys now, cause Hotshot promised to take me to a movie tonight and it’s my turn to choose. Chick flick, here we come.”
As Stan flipped his phone closed, she slipped her arm through his and led him towards the back door.
“Whaddaya mean chick flick? No way!” He stopped and turned to where Liam and Sadie lounged on the couch. “I’ll get back to you if I hear anything.”
As soon as the bickerers closed the patio screen, Liam gently slapped at Sadie’s hand to stop her picking at the pepperoni left on the piece of pizza she’d nearly demolished without eating a bite. She threw
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