Mark sat in his idling Jeep as he pulled up Lisa’s number and dialed. He slipped his cell phone in the dash mount before shifting the vehicle into reverse and backing out of the driveway. The trail of smoke rose from the chimney ahead, and he glanced into the empty back seat, missing Lucky, who had once gone everywhere with him. Then they had inherited Sarge, the light lab, and these days, knowing both dogs were always with Billy Jo let him breathe a little easier.
“This is Lisa.”
“Lisa, this is Chief Friessen,” Mark said. “You sent my wife a text this morning about a problem with a kid who was returned to her mother. I understand she’s at the hospital and there may be some trouble.” He took in the falling leaves as he turned onto the main road into town.
“Right, okay.” She hesitated. “
