‘How long has he been like this?’ asked the nurse as she and Imogen eased the dog onto a stretcher.
Imogen flashed an accusatory look at Nancy.
‘I don’t know,’ said Nancy. ‘I found him in my garden and he was already collapsed on the ground.’
The nurse nodded and she and Imogen, the dog between them, disappeared into the surgery.
‘You’re welcome,’ Nancy said ruefully under her breath as the door slammed shut.
SEVENTY-EIGHT
Friday 19 February
RIPTON GAZETTE
CANINE KILLER STRIKES AGAIN!
By Editor-in-Chief, Erin Mackie
A dog was rescued, just hours from death, by its owner in what is believed to be another strike by the Canine Killer. Imogen Wood, owner of The Wood Oven in Ripton, found her dog severely ill and managed to transport him to the local veterinary practice. The vet, Stephanie Prosser, said the dog was suffering from liver failure as a result of being poisoned, much like the other animals found in the area.
The dog – Arthur – was discovered on land belonging to the individual believed to be the Canine Killer. This person cannot be named for legal reasons. The dog is currently undergoing treatment.
19 February
RIPTON PRIMARY, YEAR 6
Erin Mackie, Tilly’s mum
I can’t believe it – caught in her own garden! 10:08
Lorna Fielding, Phoenix’s mum
Maybe she’ll get that pool filled in now. 10:10
Nicole Wilson, Bella’s mum
Was she there when you found him? What did she do? Deny everything, I suppose? Wash her hands of him? 10:11
Imogen, Rosie’s mum.
She drove Arthur to the vet’s actually. 10:13
Cheryl, Aisha’s mum
What, shehelped? Don’t tell me it’s out of some sort of guilt complex. 10:13
Stacey, Fred’s mum
This gets sicker and sicker. 10:14
SEVENTY-NINE
Friday 19 February
There was no name in the article. Nancy scanned it for the third time but Erin Mackie, Editor-in-Chief, had not actually printed ‘Nancy Miller’ in the newspaper text.
It didn’t matter a damn.
