Page 37 of Whispers of Redemption

“Did my sweet, little Angel scare that mean man?” she cooed at the dog, and Nick laughed.

“Is she even allowed to have that mutt in here?” Brett whined to Howard, who had just returned from the parking lot.

“I just picked her up from the groomer at the end of my shift,” Cassie said quickly, forestalling any potential objection from Howard. “I’m heading home now.”

“Yes, I think that would be best,” Howard said sternly. But as Brett turned away, Howard gave her a quick wink before going back to his computer screen.

“You still cost Olga a fortune,” Brett tossed back over his shoulder before sauntering off.

Cassie watched him go—imagining all the different ways she’d like to take him out. Just before he disappeared through the door to the front office, a flash of red at his feet caught her attention. She looked closer. Brett was wearing a pair of black Nikes. They had a red Swoosh logo on the side and a unique column-style heel design.

That was where she’d seen those shoes before. On Brett’s stupid feet!

Her mind whirred, leaping to the inexorable conclusion. Brett? Brett was the thief!

CHAPTER 14

Cassie sat in her car in the PCS parking lot and dialed Wade’s number.

“Officer Riley, can I help you?”

“Wade? It’s Cassie,” she said.

“What is it?” he said. “Are you all right?” The concern in his voice touched something deep in her core. But she pushed it away. “I think I have a clue that may help the case. Can we meet somewhere to talk?”

“Sure, Hugo and I are at the station. Do you want to come in?”

“I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

When she arrived, Wade escorted Cassie back into the conference room they’d used before.

“Please don’t tell me you have that dog in there again,” he said, indicating the tote bag.

As if she knew he was talking about her, Angel’s head popped out of the bag, and Wade sighed deeply. But this time, he didn’t say anything.

“Where is Hugo?” Cassie asked, stroking the dog’s head.

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