snowdrift. But as if deciding the big, scary man who had no food on him was more inviting than the chest-deep cold and wet, he came charging back to the sidewalk, shaking the snow off his skinny frame before sitting down and staring up at Trent.
âWhat are you saying to me?â Trent laughed again when the dog tilted his head to one side, as though making an effort to understand him. âIâm Trent Dixon, KCPD. Iâd like to ask you a few questions.â The more he talked, the more the dog seemed to quiet. He thumbed over his shoulder toward the auditorium. âYou know what happened here? Have you seen a curvy brunette and a little boy about yea high?â When he raised his hand to gesture to Tylerâs height, the dogâs dark brown eyes followed the movement. Interesting. Maybe heâd had a little training before running away or getting tossed out onto the street. Or maybe the dog was just smart enough to know where a friendly snack usually came from. âYour feet arenât big enough to make those tracks on the other side of the bridge. And Iâm guessing you spend a lot of time around here. What do you know that I donât?â
The dog scooted forward a couple inches and butted his nose against Trentâs knee. When he got up close like that, Trent could see that the dog was shivering. With his stomach doing a compassionate flip-flop, he decided there was only one thing he could do. Katie Rinaldi might not need rescuing tonight, but this knee-high bag of bones did.
âEasy, boy. Thatâs it. Iâm your big buddy now.â Extending one hand for the dog to sniff, Trent petted him around the jowls and ears with the other. When the dog started licking his glove, desperate for something to eat, he grabbed him by the scruff of the neck. Other than jumping to his feet, the dog showed no signs of fear or aggression. Maybe the mutt had made friends with enough college students that he didnât view people as a threat.
âIâm afraid Iâm going to have to take you in,â Trent teased, standing and lifting the dog into his arms. Craving either warmth or companionship, the dog snuggled in, resting his head over Trentâs arm and letting himself be carried up the hill to Trentâs truck. âIâll get you warmed up and get some food in you. Maybe youâll be willing to tell me what you saw or heard then.â
The dog was perfectly cooperative as Trent loaded him into the cab of his truck and pulled an old blanket and an energy bar from his emergency kit behind the seat. âItâs mostly granola and peanut butter but...okay.â
Taking the bar as soon as it was offered, the dog made quick work of the protein snack. âTomorrow Iâll get you to the vet for a checkup and have her scan to see if thereâs an ID chip in you.â He got a whiff of the dogâs wet, matted fur when he leaned over to wrap the blanket around him. âMaybe they can give you a bath, too.â
Trent shook his head as the dog settled into the passenger seat, making himself at home. âThis is temporary, you know,â Trent reminded him, starting the engine and cranking up the heat. âIâm a cop, remember? Iâll have to report you.â
Stinky McPooch raised his head and looked at Trent, as though translating the conversation into dogspeak. His pink tongue darted out to lick his nose and muzzle and he whined a response that sounded a little like a protest.
âDonât try to sweet-talk your way out of this. You owe me some answers. So whatâs your story? No warm place for the night? Anybody looking for you?â The dog tilted his head and an ear flopped over, giving his face a sad expression. Trent turned on the wipers and shifted the truck into gear before driving toward the street. âSorry to hear that. Iâm a bachelor on my own, too. You can call me Trent or Detective. What should I call you?â When he