random page (9)

He pulled out his phone, dialed the number, and waited. “Hello?” a woman’s voice answered, sounding hopeful. “Hi,” Elliot said. “I think I found your dog.”

Twenty minutes later, a car pulled up to the curb, and a woman jumped out. She looked like she hadn’t slept in days, her hair a mess and her eyes red-rimmed.

“Lucky!” she cried, running toward them. The dog woke up and barked excitedly, wriggling out of Elliot’s arms and into hers. The woman hugged him tightly, tears streaming down her face.

“Thank you,” she said, looking at Elliot with genuine gratitude. “I don’t know how to thank you.” “It’s no problem,” Elliot said, shoving his hands in his pockets.