webnovel

Chapter 31

When Jon and Trewe entered the Perrin's Point police station, Jon recognized Harold Sonders, the barman from the Spider's Web, by his flame-red hair and familiar apron. In the light, the yellowed cloth looked as if its better days were long past. He reeked of cigarette smoke and fried fish as he intercepted Trewe, almost jumping in his path.

"Sir! Have you seen Tavy?" he asked.

"No. But we were on our way to see him."

Jon could see the man was near panic. "Why are you concerned, Mr. Sonders?"

"Chelsea, Tavy's Newfoundland. Sech a loyal, smart dog. Watches out fer him, if you were t' ask me." He leaned toward Jon and whispered, "Sump'n's happened to Tavy!" The man wrung his hands and rocked back and forth on his feet.

"Explain yourself, man!" Trewe demanded.

"Chelsea comes to the pub. When I comes close, her takes off," Harold swung his arm in an arch, "higgledy-piggledy."

"Look! Not biting anyone, is she?"