Pippa rushed over to Ginger. ‘Ginger! Oh my days, you scared mommy so much. Thank goodness you are alright.’ Ginger barked, excited to see Pippa. She wrapped her arms around him and kissed the top of his head more times than she could count. Ginger wriggled in her arms enough to lift his snout and lick her face.
‘Well done.’ Oliver said as he looked down at Declan.
Pippa lifted her face from Ginger and beamed at Declan. ‘Yes, thank you Declan.’
Declan shook his head. ‘Anyone of us could have spotted him. I’m just glad he’s unhurt.’
Pippa’s hands flew to her cheeks. ‘Oh no, I should have grabbed his lead.’
‘Don’t worry, I got this.’ Oliver bent down and slid his hands underneath Ginger and lifted him with ease.
It was only then that Pippa noticed the for sale sign post outside Declan’s family home.
They walked down the hilly street, taking the long route. Pippa couldn’t keep the smile from off her face as she looked up at her beloved pet, but she also felt a little sad after seeing the sign.
***
Aunt Morgan was pacingoutside the pub with her walking stick tapping on the cobbles and a face wretched with worry lines. She turned to face them as they approached, but only a few of the lines disappeared with her small smile of relief when she saw Ginger safe and well in Oliver’s arms. Pippa’s gut tightened. She knew by her aunt’s diluted reaction to Ginger’s return there was something much greater troubling her.
‘What’s wrong Aunt?’
Morgan rushed forward. ‘It’s your father. He was muttering that Ginger’s disappearance was all his fault. He said he must have let him out to pee and forgot about him... He rushed out to go and look for him.’ Morgan grabbed Pippa’s hands and her eyes sought Pippa’s and her voice trembled. ‘He’s not good when he’s mithered like this, Pippa. His condition worsens. I’m so worried.’
‘Condition? His arthritis?’ asked Oliver.
Pippa turned to Oliver, her eyes going from him to Declan. She glanced back at her aunt and Morgan nodded, giving permission to tell all. Pippa looked at Oliver again. ‘He has dementia. He didn’t want anyone to know.’
Morgan piped in. ‘Emotions can become extremely heightened at times. So if he’s feeling guilty, the emotion will be amplified.’
‘Or if he’s scared,’ said Pippa, turning back to face her aunt with wide eyes.
‘I’ll call Ned. He might know where he’s gone,’ said Morgan.
Pippa reached forward and grabbed her aunt’s arm. ‘Ned knows, Aunt...I-I had to confide in someone.’
Morgan swapped her walking stick into her other hand so she could squeeze Pippa’s hand. ‘It’s okay. Brett was planning on telling you and Nile and his friends, anyway. It’s better if everyone knows.’ Pippa nodded. ‘I’ll go and make that call.’
Morgan went into the pub and Pippa turned to face Oliver and Declan. ‘Let’s get Ginger in the pub and then if you don’t mind. Can you help me search for dad?’
Oliver’s face softened. ‘Of course.’
Declan nodded. ‘I’ll go now. I’ll start on the south side of Seagull Bay.’
‘Thanks Declan.’
Declan turned around and ran off in that direction. Ginger whimpered in Oliver’s arms. ‘Come on Boy, let’s get you settled. I think you’ve had enough adventure for today,’ said Oliver.
‘Do you think he was trying to find Jess?’ asked Pippa.
‘He’s a smart fellow, so maybe.’
Pippa unlocked the side door and ran up the stairs ahead of Oliver to open the door leading into the house above the pub. She filled a fresh bowl of water and tipped some kibble in his bowl, and they both fussed over him for a few minutes.
Pippa turned to look at Oliver. ‘Shall we go and see what Ned’s said before we start our search?’
‘Good idea.’
***
