Chapter 3 — Andrew Follows the Sticky Trail Around the Kitchen Corner
Andrew crouched lower to get a better look at the sticky tracks.
The white frosting prints were surprisingly fresh.
They curved away from the base of the kitchen island in a deliberate arc.
The sweet berry filling had dripped off the edge of the counter and mixed into the white substance on the floor.
It left a distinct, sticky smear right beside the third paw print.
“Look at the direction,” Andrew said, gesturing to the path.
The tracks did not lead toward the front hallway or the living room.
Instead, they pointed straight toward the pantry.
Rebecca folded her arms across her chest and watched him investigate.
She stayed near the counter where Chloe was still sniffing back her tears.
“Just clean it up,” Rebecca said, her voice softening slightly but remaining stubborn.
“I’m not cleaning it up yet,” Andrew replied.
He stood up and followed the sticky trail around the corner of the kitchen.
The dark wooden floor showed a second set of smudges where something had dragged along the ground.
It looked like a tail had brushed against the baseboard.
More berry filling stained the white frosting tracks, creating a messy pink-and-white footprint.
Andrew took two slow steps down the short hallway leading to the pantry.
The trail turned sharply toward the dog’s usual resting nook near the back door.
He knelt down again to inspect the base of the pantry door.
There were fresh scratch marks near the bottom wooden panel.
Beside the scratches sat a clump of white frosting mixed with golden retriever hair.
Andrew reached out to touch the wooden panel.
It was sticky to the touch.
A muffled sound of contented chewing came from behind the pantry door.