Page 100 of Last Chance Christmas

Interesting. “There was supposed to be an adopt-a-pet event tomorrow at the shelter, but it was canceled,” Cole added. “Maybe that’s where we start.”

“Why?” Basuto crossed his leg and steepled his fingers.

“Gives us a chance to talk to Benjamin without throngs of people. Find out more about this ‘canine currency.’”

“I’m with Cole.” Tazwell leaned forward in her chair. “Benjamin knows Mackey; he might be able to shed light on how the guy’s mind works.”

“What if Mackey needs to collect something at the shelter? Could money be hidden there?” Wilcox added.

Cole drummed his knuckles on the wood table. “If there is a payout for him there, with the event canceled, Mackey will show up at the shelter.”

“Let’s get two officers at the shelter, pronto. Thomas, Stuart, you good?” Basuto stood up. “I don’t want to take any more chances of missing this guy.”

Cole agreed. It might not be a solid lead, but it was time to explore every option for the sake of nabbing Mackey. Unfortunately, that meant Cole wasn’t going to get any shut-eye tonight. Good thing he was used to night shifts. Another jolt of caffeine would help. He downed the rest of the hot chocolate. “Lieutenant.” He nodded, then headed out to get Titan and fill up a thermos of coffee.

The German shepherd lay on the floor, his eyes closed, still near the food bowl. At least one of them had gotten a few moments of sleep.

“Tite.” Cole clapped his hands. “We’ve got work to do.”

His partner opened his eyes but didn’t make an effort to move just yet.

Cole put a cup in the Keurig and let it brew.

“C’mon, boy. Time to work.” Cole whistled.

Titan stood up and stretched.

Odd.

Cole bent over and rubbed the dog’s ears. When he straightened, he caught sight of a pool of vomit near the food bowl.

“What happened, Tite? Not feeling well.”

As if in response, the K-9 projectiled more.

“Aw, man, that’s nasty.” Thomas came over and held his fingers to his nose. “Titan, you can’t be sick. We’ve got a criminal to catch.”

The dog paid no attention to them. He whimpered and curled up on the floor.

Cole poured his coffee, then headed to the bathroom and grabbed a roll of paper towels.

He had to get Titan to the vet. He wasn’t about to take a risk with his partner’s life. No matter how badly Cole wanted to be staking out the animal shelter, his partner’s welfare came first.

“I can’t go with you, man,” Cole said to Thomas while he wiped up Titan’s vomit.

“I’ll go,” Tazwell piped up, sliding her arms into her coat. The overhead system crackled, and the alarm beeped. “Break-in at Tiny Paws.” The dispatcher spouted off the address.

Cole raised a brow.

“Looks like we’re onto something.” Thomas grabbed his jacket from the coat rack.

“Lieutenant, permission to go with Thomas?” Tazwell was fully expecting a positive response, because she already had her coat zipped up.

“Go catch the thief,” Basuto ordered.

Cole grabbed his phone and dialed Brett Filks’s number. The vet picked up on the third ring. “What’s up?” Grogginess filled the man’s voice.

“I know it’s late, but I’ve got an emergency with Titan. He’s throwing up and doesn’t want to move.”