Within minutes, Parker and two other officers—Rodriguez and Kelly—were outside with Eleanor and Sunny.
The golden retriever tugged at the leash, his body practically vibrating with purpose.
“Lead the way, boy,” Parker said with a chuckle.
Sunny barked once and began trotting down Main Street. They followed him past the bakery, past the post office, and into the quieter residential area. People on the sidewalks turned their heads, curious to see a pair of uniformed officers trailing behind an elderly woman and her overexcited dog.
Sunny made no stops. He moved with determination until they reached an old brick house at the end of Willow Lane. The house had been vacant for months, its shutters closed, paint peeling on the porch.
Sunny whined, pulling harder. He scratched at the gate and barked insistently.
Officer Rodriguez frowned. “No one’s supposed to be living here. Place has been empty since the Petersons moved away last year.”
