Billy Jo’s car was in the parking lot, and his cell phone still hadn’t rung.
As Mark yanked on the handle of his Jeep, he paused for a moment, taking in the panting dog. “Last stop, I promise, and then back to the station, where you can get some water, some kibbles, and some sleep.” He ran his hand over the dog’s head in the passenger seat and climbed out, then closed the door.
He pulled his phone from his pocket as he walked to the front door. Of course it would be locked, so he dialed the office number.
“DCFS. This is Pam…”
“Hey, Pam, it’s Mark again,” he said. “Is Billy Jo there?”
There was silence for a moment. He lifted his shades and settled them on top of his red hair, then cupped his hand, looking into the window.
“No, sorry, Mark. She had an emergency and had to go out.”
He
