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sharing it with the police. What if Cicely found out about it? It could frighten her unnecessarily.
    I let Janet know I’d be gone for a while. Although she wouldn’t admit it, I was convinced she’d been staying home in case I needed her. I appreciated it, but I knew how busy she was at the Sanctuary Animal Clinic. There were a lot of animals in Sanctuary. Not just pets but also many larger animals from nearby farms. Several other small towns in our area were without veterinarians, so they relied on Janet to help them. The woman who used to run the clinic had been sent to prison months earlier. Janet had been her helper, but since Rae’s arrest, Janet had taken over the duties full time. Even though she loved animals, I knew she wasn’t thrilled to be working so many hours.
    I changed clothes three times. Maybe it was vain and silly, but for some reason I wanted to look nice for Paul. “This is just stupid. Paul Gleason isn’t the least bit interested in you,” I said to my reflection after finally picking out black slacks and a teal sweater that Janet had given me for Christmas. I usually wore subtle colors, especially at school. This was a daring choice for me, but Janet was right. The sweater looked nice with my red hair. Even though I’d tried to hide my freckles under some foundation and powder, they still peeked through. I’d nevercome close to being as pretty as Hannah, but I had to admit I didn’t look half bad by the time I finished.
    I decided to walk to The Whistle Stop, since it was only a few blocks away. It was cold outside so I bundled up. I actually found the winter temperatures invigorating. By the time I reached the restaurant, Paul’s cruiser was already parked outside. I went in and found him sitting at a table in the corner. As I started toward him, someone tapped me on the shoulder. I turned to find Mary Gessner, the café owner, standing behind me.
    â€œI’m so glad to see you, Sarah,” she said. “Rosey and I are praying for you.”
    Although Sanctuary was full of good people, Mary and her daughter were special to me. Mary’s gentle and loving nature not only drew people to her, but she was also known for her love of animals. Sanctuary’s title applied to all of its residents, including all the unwanted pets that had been dumped off in the country by unfeeling, heartless owners. Mary never met an animal she didn’t love. Her house was a happy, noisy, exuberant zoo, full of dogs and cats. From time to time, other animals had also taken up residence with her. Injured rabbits, squirrels, raccoons, deer, birds, frogs, and even possums had spent time recovering in her makeshift animal hospital. Janet used Mary as a foster home for abandoned animals that needed a place to live until they could be adopted. Somehow, Mary and Janet always found homes for their domesticated animal friends, while the injured wild animals were treated and released when they were well.
    â€œThank you so much,” I said, giving her a hug. “It means more than I can say to know I have friends who are praying for me and for Cicely.”
    â€œYou certainly have that. And if you need anything, please just let us know.”
    â€œI will. Right now, one of your fabulous breakfasts will certainly make me feel better.”
    She chuckled. “Well, I can’t guarantee my food will cure everything, but at least today we can warm you up a bit. I’ll give you and the deputy some time to decide what you want, and then I’ll come and take your order.”
    â€œSounds great, but on the way over here, all I could think about was a stack of your fabulous pecan pancakes.”
    Mary smiled. “Not a problem. They’re very popular today. Must be something about pancakes and cold weather.”
    â€œWell, don’t sell out before I get some.”
    â€œIt won’t happen. We have lots of batter and gobs of