TWENTY-TWO
In a hurry to get back, Alex fails to notice the cardboard box balanced precariously on the stairway leading into the Pitt Street police station. His foot clips the edge, and he only just maintains his balance to avoid falling over.
A high pitched “Yip” comes from the box. It is accompanied by Donny’s enquiry. “You okay, Boss?”
Alex leans down to identify the source of the sound. He raises a flap to discover a small puppy surrounded by a clump of rags, used as wadding to keep it warm and safe. Written by felt-tip pen in block capitals on the inside flap were the words, ‘GOOD HOME NEEDED, PLEASE RESCUE ME.’
Donny comes over to see why Alex had stopped. He reaches in and gently lifts the creature. It looks tiny, clasped in his meaty hands. “Oh, he’s so cute. Poor we fella. Now
