When a Scruffy Little Dog Refused to Let an Old Woman Disappear

that looked like it had never quite figured out smiling.

“Morning,” I said. “Booth or counter?”

“I’m not here to eat,” he replied, flashing a badge. “I’m with the county health department.”

The room went still.

“This about the pie?” Mike asked from his stool. “Because—”

“This is about the dog,” the inspector said.

We all looked at Barnaby, curled up on his continue reading …