When Maggie opened the door, the man in front of her shoved a piece of paper her way.
‘Have you seen my dog?’ The man’s head was down and he held his arm out, waving the missing dog poster about.
Maggie took the piece of paper from his hand and looked at the little shih-tzu staring at her with its bulging eyes. ‘Uh, no. Do you live around here?’
‘Why does that matter?’ He peered over her shoulder, but Maggie blocked his way.
She frowned. ‘Well, it doesn’t really, but if you don’t, what makes you think your dog has come to this neighbourhood?’
‘Oh, I see what you mean. It’s not my dog. I’m just helping a friend …’ He looked down and shuffled from foot to foot.
‘Well, I haven’t seen your dog.’ Maggie caught Kate looking through the curtains and, just as the man turned to go, Kate retreated. Weird.
‘If I see your friend’s dog, is there a number I should call?’
The man ignored her, turned, and walked back down the path, briefly glancing back at the house. Maggie closed the door and returned to the living room.
‘Did you know that man? Why was he here?’ Kate rubbed her arms.
Maggie shrugged. ‘No idea. Said he was looking for his dog. Are you OK? You seem a bit on edge.’
‘I thought I recognized his voice but when I peeked out of the window, I didn’t recognize him. I think my mind is just working overtime.’
Maggie squeezed Kate’s hand. ‘Hey, it’s OK. He’s gone now. He was definitely a bit of an oddball.’
Maggie and Kate waited for the food they’d ordered. Maggie brought some plates and cutlery from the kitchen and was just placing them down when another knock on the door made them both jump. Looking at each other, they laughed.
‘What are we like? That’ll be our dinner and, I don’t know about you, but I’m starving.’ Maggie stood and walked to the door to collect their meal.
Kate rubbed her stomach. ‘Me too.’
They filled their plates – Maggie wanted to talk about the stalker-turned-killer, but she wasn’t sure whether Kate would be up for a serious discussion.
Should I just wait for her to raise the subject? Her stomach grumbled. She’d wait until after they had eaten.