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in big trouble, little miss.’ The dog drew back its muzzle to show its top teeth, its mouth hanging open. Clem giggled again, then said, ‘She looks like she’s laughing.’
    Mio peered at the dog. ‘She does a bit. Either that or she’s about to bite you.’
    ‘Never!’
    Mio stepped closer. She pulled the cord from her pocket and held it up, saying, ‘We’d better catch her.’ She jerked her head in the direction of the warehouse. ‘Before he does.’
    Bryce turned to Mio and asked, ‘And then what?’
    ‘I’m not giving her back!’ Although Clem smiled at the beagle her voice was like steel. ‘I’m not.’
    ‘Fine,’ said Mio, swinging the cord. ‘But we’ve still got to catch her.’
    Darcy looked down the alley, his face grim. ‘And we’d better be quick.’
    ‘Come to dadd-y-y-y.’ Bryce held out his hand but the dog stayed out of reach. Bryce’s sleeve rode up, revealing inked-on symbols and patterns.
    ‘Still doing body art?’ Darcy asked. ‘Hey! You could cover your whole body and go on Oprah !
    ‘Very funny!’ Bryce pulled back and covered his arm. ‘I was bored. That’s all.’ At the look of disbelief on Darcy’s face he added, ‘I’ve stopped doing that stuff.’
    ‘Close ranks,’ ordered Mio, pointing to the gap. ‘We’ll barricade the dog in. Darcy, you go there, and Bryce, you’re here.’ The dog lay on her belly, cleaning one paw, her pink tongue persistent in its licking. Every now and again she glanced up. Mio continued, ‘Clem, fill that gap.’
    ‘I know, I know.’ Clem raised an eyebrow as she moved in. ‘You don’t have to tell me. I’m not an idiot.’
    ‘Gomennasai,’ said Mio with a soft voice. ‘Sorry.’
    Step by step the kids closed the circle. The dog started on the other paw, but when the kids got too close she growled and scrambled to her feet.
    ‘Good doggie. Who’s a good doggie?’ Clem edged forwards, keeping her voice steady.
    The dog’s tail gave a tentative wag but her hackles went up. She stood on three legs, the front one raised, ready to bolt.
    ‘Here, girl.’ Clem edged closer and held out her hand, pretending to have food. ‘There’s a good girl.’ She kept talking, her voice low and soothing. The others watched, knowing not to make a sound. If anyone could catch this beagle, Clem could.
    ‘That’s right,’ said Clem, gently putting her hands on its back then sliding them down round its belly. ‘We’re not going to hurt you. Where’s your collar?’ She rubbed the dog’s neck and looked around. ‘Must’ve fallen off.’
    The dog stood stiff, its tail parallel to the ground, head tilted, nose twitching. Its front paw was still poised for flight.
    ‘Got you.’ With one hand Clem gripped the dog’s middle and with the other she fondled its head. ‘Such soft floppy ears,’ she said, then she lifted them up and peered inside. ‘Beagles are prone to ear infections,’ she informed the others. Then she scratched under its chin and laughed when the dog’s back legs collapsed and it had to sit down.
    The others clustered round, gooing like a gaggle of grandmas. They all patted the dog, including Mio, even though she preferred cats. Mio tried to compare the beagle to her beautiful Japanese bobtail cat, Yuki, but she couldn’t. Yuki was atreasured reminder of her old home. Nothing could come close.
    ‘Look,’ said Clem, pointing to a tan area on the dog’s snout. ‘Look at this mark. It’s the cutest thing. She looks like she’s been kissed by someone wearing lipstick.’
    All of a sudden the dog growled. Before it could run away a loop of chain was slipped over its head and pulled short.
    ‘Gotcha! Thank you very much.’ The man’s words hacked through the air. He straightened up, then pulled the chain tighter, making the dog’s throat rattle. She started to cough.
    Clem snatched for the lead, saying, ‘Don’t. You’re hurting her.’
    The man ducked out of Clem’s way and began to drag the dog towards