“Hold on.” Keys clacked, then Teri answered, “Right. Do you want me to give you the address?”
“Address?”
“For the dog. They found it two days ago at the Seattle Animal Shelter. It’s on hold to be adopted.”
Jane checked the time. “Thanks. I owe you.”
“You truly do.” Teri disconnected.
Grabbing her keys, Jane hustled to her car. With any luck, she could make it to the shelter before it closed.
Chapter 10
“You’re surea kid brought the dog in?” Jane asked the receptionist who’d received the Coatneys’ pet.
“Positive, Agent Cannon. Christian often brings us animals he finds on the street.”
“He’s how old?”
“Just turned twelve. He’s tall for his age, short brown hair, big blue eyes. A cute kid if a little scruffy.” The woman’s expression softened. “I think he’s homeless. I’ve seen him hanging around on the streets, but he looks well-fed, and his clothes are clean if not the nicest.” She paused. “He didn’t steal the dog, did he?”
“No, not at all. But it belonged to a family who passed away. I’d like to talk to Christian if you can tell me where I can find him.”
The woman grabbed a business card from a drawer. On one side, it had the animal shelter’s information, and on the other, a hand-scrawled phone number with CHRISTIAN above it in all caps.
She handed it to Jane and smiled. “We pay him when we have a special case that needs attention. Christian volunteers here a lot, and he’s a wonder with our more abused animals. The kid’s got a gift.” The woman nodded at a sketch of a dog that looked just like thecanine sitting on a cushion on the floor behind her. “He drew this for me as a present. Looks just like my Bosco, doesn’t it?”
“It does.” Jane smiled. The boy reminded her of Nora, a young woman who also had an artistic bent. Which reminded Jane to call and check in on the girl.
Jane typed Christian’s phone number into her phone and handed back the card. Then she pushed her own card across the counter. “Please, if he comes back, have him call me.”
“Will do. Say, you’re not in the market for a pet, are you?”
“Unfortunately, no. I’m never at home.”
“I’m not either.” The woman glanced at the pit mix over her shoulder, who watched with his tongue hanging out. “But Bosco doesn’t mind.”
“Yeah, well, your bosses probably encourage pets in the workplace. Mine aren’t so nice.”
The woman laughed. “Good luck, Agent Cannon.”
Out of ideas, Jane left the shelter and drove a few blocks. She spotted a young boy matching Christian’s description near the Whole Foods parking lot, so she hurried to park and catch up to him.
“Is your name Christian?”
He gave her a wary look. “Maybe.”
“I’m Agent Jane Cannon.” She showed him her badge, and he blinked in surprise. “I just came from the animal shelter. I have a few questions for you.” What had the receptionist’s name been? “Gloria said you could tell me about the black lab you just brought in.”
He stopped on the sidewalk. “You mean Bandit?”
“Is that his name?” Jane still saw a hint of apprehension in his eyes. “I know you shouldn’t talk to strangers, but I need help.” As the receptionist had said, Christian appeared clean and healthy, though his clothes had a few holes and his shoes were worn. But didn’t children typically look that way? “I’m even willing to pay.”
That eased some of his tension. He hooked his thumbs in his ragged jeans and cocked back. “What’s it worth to you?”
Jane rubbed her chin. “Hmm. How about whatever you want toeat at Whole Foods?” She nodded to the grocery store behind her. “And you’d be doing a favor for the feds, so I’d owe you one. I think Bandit might know something about a case I’m working.”
“Seriously?”
