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break-ins?”
    “We’re still investigating. They’ve cleaned out some businesses in Perry and houses at Silver Lake. Hey, Jack, I’ll walk around the property one more time with Mr. Taylor. Why don’t you check out around the house with Mrs. Andersen and make sure she’s all set. We’ll get back to you in the next day or two if we have any developments.”
    “Thanks.” Gracie involuntarily shuddered at the thought the thieves might be in the shadow of her house.
    Deputy Williams pulled out a long flashlight and swept his arm signaling Gracie to go ahead. Gracie grabbed Haley’s dragging leash and carefully led her back through the trashed reception area.
    “I guess I’ve got my work cut out for me tomorrow.”
    “Yes , ma’am.” Deputy Williams was all business as he began walking the perimeter of the house, peering into bushes and checking windows.
    Gracie waited with Haley near the kitchen door for the deputy to finish. Her T-shirt was damp, but her throat was dry. Haley sniffed the night air and growled softly. Her hackles were raised.
    “It’s OK girl. We’re all right.” Gracie was not convinced, but she tried to sound sincere.
    “Looks like you’re clear to go in. Don’t see any signs of entry or footprints around windows.” The deputy was mopping his forehead again.
    “Thanks. I really appreciate your help. You’ll get me a copy of the report, won’t you?” She hoped her voice was steady, unlike her hands, which were still shaking. She needed to regain some control over her emotions and the sick fear roiling in her stomach.
    “Just call and request it from Administration tomorrow, ma’am. It should be ready. You’re pretty lucky tonight. Take care now and lock your doors.” He headed for the flashing lights of his cruiser.
    The night sounds were back to normal. The peepers were singing with enthusiasm. Her shoes were squishy from the heavy dew on the grass. The three men continued talking in low tones near the police cars as she unclipped the leash and stepped back into the bright kitchen. It looked like Jim could handle the rest. Haley immediately drank deeply from her water dish. With all the commotion, Gracie was glad the nearest neighbor was a half mile away. She didn’t feel like fielding any noise complaints. Lightning flashed in the distance.  It looked like a healthy thunderstorm was brewing. Maybe the rain would clear some of the humidity. She filled a small water glass at the kitchen sink and downed four ibuprofen tablets.
    Curling up on the sofa, she watched the storm move in from the west. Haley maneuvered onto the sofa and put her head on Gracie’s feet. A light knock on the kitchen door roused her. Jim stuck his head through the door.
    “Want me to sleep on the couch? Won’t be a problem.”
    “Go on home, Jim. I’m not going to sleep anyway. Haley’s on guard.”
    “OK, if you’re sure Chief. I boarded up the window and reset the alarm.”
    “Thanks, Jim. You’re the best.”
    Gracie heard the door shut and the Explorer’s disintegrating muffler start up. There was no more sleep for tonight. Dawn was just around the corner, and the workday would start. Lightning cut across the sky again, and the rumble of thunder followed as Gracie and Haley stared out the window.

Chapter 5
     
     
    A bleary-eyed Jim sat at the restaurant counter contemplating the stack of pancakes and three sausage patties that had just been put in front of him. It was exactly what he needed. Well, that and a gallon of coffee. He drained a second cup of coffee and then went to work on Midge’s famous buckwheat pancakes with real maple syrup. The village DPW workers were lined up on red vinyl stools for their early coffee break. Several dairy farmers were also among them with varying degrees of cow fragrance. Between the manure, coffee, bacon, and hot sweet roll smells, Midge’s was a veritable buffet for the nose.
    “Hey, Jim. What’s this about the kennel getting broken into last