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poisoned their own cat.”
    “What? Okay. Will someone please explain to me exactly what ethylene glycol is and where the family would have gotten it?” Honestly, I’m so frustrated I could scream!
    Maggie looks at me like I haven’t got a brain in my head. “Ethylene glycol. It’s most often used as antifreeze for cars. Puff probably licked it up from their own garage floor or driveway.”
    I look to Gran to see if this is true. She nods and says, “It’s dangerous, attractive, and sweet. Even a little can cause death to household pets. Sometimes it drips from the car and puddles on the garage floor or driveway.”
    Maggie takes the plates and bowls to the sink. “I’m tired,” she says. “I’m heading to bed.”
    Gran nods. She looks tired, too. Then she yelps, “Oh!”
    “What?” I can’t imagine what Gran has just thought of.
    “I can’t wait until morning to call. They have young children.”
    “So, wouldn’t they be in bed by now?” I ask and glance at the clock. “I’m sure their mom wouldn’t wake them up to tell them how Puff died.”
    “Children can also be poisoned from antifreeze. Remember, I told you it’s sweet. I can’t take the chance that those kids are in bed now or that they won’t be up early tomorrow. I wouldn’t be able to sleep if I didn’t call that mother and tell her. She can take a flashlight and look for a leak tonight.” Gran goes to the phone and dials. I hear her explaining things to the mother as I run some water in the sink to soak the dishes.
    As I’m cleaning up, I start to wonder if I can help in some way. There is a tickling of an idea at the back of my brain. I know if I sleep on it, I’ll figure it out. At least, I hope so. I write a few notes to myself about research for tomorrow and tumble into bed, exhausted.

Chapter Five

    D espite my late bedtime, I’m on the computer researching antifreeze facts before Gran is even up. My thoughts were churning so much, I woke up earlier than usual. There’s a ton of information about antifreeze online, but more people need to know about it. I think the Vet Volunteers could be the ones to get the word out to as many people in Ambler as possible. I wonder what the best way to do that would be. I should discuss it with Maggie. Wait—I look at the clock. It’s not even six a.m. yet. I better not bother Maggie. She’s such a grouch in the morning, and she went to bed late, too. I decide to check my email while I’m waiting. Maybe Mom has written. It’s been four days sinceshe checked in. Not that I’m counting or anything.
    She has! I click on the email.
    Six lines.
    Hi, Zoe,
    Lots of late nights and early calls here. The weather has been interfering with shooting, but the week ahead promises to be better. At least the cast is fabulous, especially my new friend, James. Say hello to Maggie and Mom for me.
    We’ll talk soon. Love you!
    Mom
    I feel deflated. She didn’t even ask anything about me. I know she knows I’m safe with Gran, but come on! Isn’t she curious to know what I’m up to? Doesn’t she worry about whether or not I’m happy? And why doesn’t she give me more details? This independent movie in Vancouver should be the biggest thing that’s ever happened to her. Well, except for having me. She should be telling me about the production. The set. The costumes. She should be sharing silly actor gossip with me, not just telling me she has a friend James. She should be wishing I was there with her.
    I don’t hit reply. I’m too angry. I print out my research notes and turn off the computer. I’lldeal with Mom’s less-than-an-email later. First I’ll make breakfast for everyone. Quiche. I have a great recipe that uses spinach and low-fat cottage cheese. It’s bound to make me feel better, and then I won’t have to watch Gran and Maggie chomping on Pop-Tarts.
    As I whisk the eggs and chop the spinach, I start to feel a little calmer. While the quiche bakes, I scrub the kitchen until it