Bunny looked around and sighed. “Isn’t it just beautiful? Fall is my favorite time of the year, especially with the Winter Prelude approaching.”
Sam smiled, inhaling deeply as if to absorb the essence of the season. “I love it too. The whole town seems to come alive.”
Their eyes met, holding a moment of shared contentment. Then Bunny brought them back to the task at hand. “Well, we didn’t get as many leads as I’d hoped. But we do have a hefty list of yard and estate sales from the classified sections of the old papers.”
Sam chuckled. “Yes. If only we could narrow it down to a specific year, it’d make our search a whole lot easier.”
Bunny’s eyes lit up, and she nudged him playfully. “Oh, I’m sure we’ll be able to figure it out. Remember how I brilliantlydeduced the identity of Jane’s mysterious guest a few weeks ago?”
Sam raised an eyebrow, looking amused. “Hmm, that’s one version of the story. My recollection is a little different.”
“Are you implying that you had a hand in that particular stroke of genius?” Bunny teased.
“Let’s call it a team effort,” Sam said, grinning. He patted Bunny’s hand gently. “But you are undeniably sharp and very good at investigating. It’s one of the many things I adore about you.”
The flattery made Bunny blush, but she didn’t mind one bit. “Well, thank you, Sam.”
Sam grew more serious. “Look, I have an idea. When I was on the force, we often had to sift through lots of information quickly. I think we should put everything we know into a spreadsheet and then look for patterns. It might help us zero in on the right yard sale.”
Bunny nodded enthusiastically. “Oh, I like that! Very organized, very systematic. It sounds perfect.”
Just then, they ran into Earl, an old friend who was busy setting up paper luminaries along Main Street. The lanterns were carefully placed to lead up to the entrances of various businesses. Battery-operated candles sat inside each, ensuring there was no fire risk.
“Earl! What are you up to?” Bunny greeted him warmly.
“Hey there, you two! Just setting up for the luminary walk tomorrow night.”
“It looks wonderful,” Bunny remarked.
“Thanks! Lucky thing that big storm brewing is staying down near New York City and not coming up this way. Rain would ruin all our hard work with these luminaries.”
Sam nodded. “Not to mention put a damper on the Prelude event.”
Just as they were about to continue their walk, Marie from the animal rescue came rushing up to them, her face flushed and her eyes filled with urgency.
“Sam, Bunny, I’m so glad I caught you!” she panted, trying to catch her breath.
“What’s the matter, Marie?” Sam asked, concern evident in his voice.
“It’s the storm down in New York City. It’s causing all kinds of problems, and many animals have been displaced. Shelters there are overwhelmed. We’re coordinating efforts to provide them with some relief. I might need fosters, but I have no idea how to get the animals in need up here.”
Bunny’s eyes widened at the gravity of the situation, but Marie immediately clarified, “Oh, no, I don’t want you guys to drive down. It’s too dangerous to go right into the storm. I just meant in general, we’re looking for volunteers.”
Sam looked conflicted. “I’m not sure about fostering another animal. I’ve already got Dooley, you know.”
Bunny gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. “Well, I could foster. You know I’ve been thinking about getting a pet anyway. This could be the perfect way to make a meaningful contribution.”
Marie’s eyes lit up. “Oh, Bunny, that would be such a big help. Fostering not only provides these animals with a temporary home but also makes room for other displaced animals in the shelter.”
Sam nodded, appreciative of Bunny’s willingness. “That sounds like a great idea. If you’re fostering, I can at least help out with supplies and maybe even offer some logistical support. Dooley might not appreciate a new roommate, but I bet he’d be okay with sharing his toys.”
Marie let out a sigh of relief. “You two are lifesavers. I’ll get everything set up and let you know if I need you to foster. I hopethere won’t be too many animals, in which case you guys are off the hook.”
Marie rushed off, and Sam and Bunny looked at each other. “Looks like we’re going to be very busy the next few days.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Sandee gripped the steering wheel tightly as she navigated the treacherous roads, rain pelting against the windshield like an unyielding drumbeat. Her wipers worked in overdrive, swiping away water just fast enough for her to catch fleeting glimpses of the road ahead.
