Page 49 of Puppy Love & Snowflake Kisses
The breeze picked up, grabbing the top layer of snow and tossing it around. The icy flakes smacked her in the face as the frigid air hit her lungs. It was so cold out and yet, she wasn’t going anywhere.
She turned her head left and right but she didn’t see anyone. No one wanted to be out on such a cold evening—except for the carolers. She couldn’t remember them mentioning coming to this part of town. Still, the sound of their voices gave her hope that somehow this mess was going to work out.
Her thoughts turned back to Parker. She was so appreciative of him for staying away. She knew he didn’t want to do it, but it was for the best. Secretly, as the time had dragged on, she started to think she was never going to be reunited with Odie. But then the dognapper had called, and now they were so close to being together again.
Belle rubbed her bare hands together. She couldn’t believe she’d forgotten her gloves. She was apparently more nervous about this meeting than she’d let on to herself.
If one good thing had to come out of this event, it was that she was able to see Parker in a different light. He was a really good guy—even if he clung to the rules a little too tightly. But give her some time, and she’d have him seeing shades of gray instead of everything being black and white.
Wee-oow. Wee-oow.
Belle’s head turned in the direction of the sirens and lights. Two police cars pulled to a stop at the edge of the park. What were they doing?
Her heart sank. The dognapper was never going to show with law enforcement there. More law enforcement vehicles rolled up on the scene. Whatever was going on was a big deal.
And then she realized she’d forgotten her phone in the car too. What if the guy had called her to change plans? A feeling of dread settled in her stomach.
She got up from the bench, grabbed the jewelry box, and headed back to her car. She was just steps from her car when Parker approached her.
She frowned at him. “What are you doing here? I told you to let me handle this.”
He straightened his shoulders. “We arrested him.”
“What?” Had she heard him correctly?
“We arrested the suspect.” He gestured toward all of the flashing lights. “You don’t have to worry anymore.”
“But how do you know it’s him?”
“When we ran the plates, there’s a BOLO (be-on-the-lookout) for the car and there’s a bench warrant out for him. Long story short, he was left out of his family’s will. Instead of settling it in court, he’s decided to take what he thinks he deserves.”
Her gaze searched his. “It’s really over?”
He smiled and nodded. “It is. And you’re safe.”
“And Odie? Is he in the car?” Her gaze searched his.
“I don’t know. I’m just about to go get briefed on everything.”
“Let’s go.” She turned to walk toward the commotion.
Parker reached out, catching her upper arm. “Not so fast.”
“I have to get to Odie.”
“First, we have to turn over the jewelry box for evidence.”
“Oh. Yes.” Her thoughts were utterly scattered.
Once the jewelry box was handed over to the deputy, they walked toward the scene. While Parker talked to his people, Belle wasn’t able to get close to the suspect’s car. It didn’t stop her from squinting to see if there was a dog inside. It didn’t appear that Odie was in the car. She glanced around to see if someone had gotten him out. She didn’t see any sign of Odie. But he had to be somewhere.
She approached a uniformed officer. “Excuse me. Was there a dog in the car?”
The older guy looked at her with sympathy in his eyes and shook his head. “I didn’t see one.”
She wasn’t willing to accept that answer, because if it were true—if Odie wasn’t there—then… She refused to continue that line of thought.
She moved to the next person and inquired about Odie. They hadn’t seen him either. She didn’t stop. She kept asking anyone and everyone. Someone had to have seen him, right?
