Chapter 7 — The Recording

Three patrol cars were in the driveway within fifteen minutes, lights washing red and blue across the front windows. Two officers and an animal-control officer came into the dining room and took in the scene.

“He attacked us!” Martha wailed, clutching at a sleeve. “Arrest them both!”

“Is that what happened, ma’am?” Officer Lawson asked, looking at me.

“No, officer.” I put my phone in his gloved hand. “I recorded the whole conversation.”

He pressed play. Arthur’s voice filled the room — that’s what you do with an animal that’s outlived its use — and Martha’s right after it, a child’s comfort comes before an old dog’s.

The animal-control officer’s jaw tightened. Lawson stopped the playback and turned to Arthur.