The next day was an idyllic summer morning. Annie and Mark chatted about the preceding day’s happenings, uncertain what the RCMP detachment in Victoria or Vancouver would order them to do. They had their own ideas, wildcats that they were.
A mound of golden fur stirred by Mark’s feet. A tail like a feather, a soft sleeping mouth. Mark rubbed his sock-covered foot into the dog’s belly.
“Woof,” Mark said. “Woof, Chuckles.”
“Don’t tease him,” Annie said.
“Not teasing. Loving my dog.” Mark wiggled his foot.
Soft brown eyes opened. Chuckles sprang to his feet and shook himself.
“Hey, whoa, big guy,” Mark said. “Think we can use you in our investigation?”
“He’s too lazy.” Annie laughed. “But he does have a good nose.”
“Yeah. He’s a police dog, aren’t you, pal?”
Annie snorted and rubbed
