You were on the right track, but the case had one final twist. Dottie’s well-meaning but misguided actions were behind Pepper’s disappearance, and her guilt ultimately gave her away. Keep reading to find out what really happened...

Max frowned, his sharp eyes scanning the park. Then, as if a lightbulb went off, his brows furrowed deeper. “Wait a minute,” he said slowly. “Dottie said something strange earlier when we were chatting by the truck.”

“What did she say?” Annie asked, clutching Pepper tighter.

Max hesitated, then repeated the words carefully. “‘If only someone would give that pup a little rest. Poor thing always looks so tired.’ At the time, I thought she just meant Pepper needed a nap, but now...”

Annie’s stomach twisted as she pieced the clues together. Dottie had been hovering nearby all morning, chatting with customers and commenting on how busy Annie had been. And the note…

“Max, did Dottie come near the truck after I left to look for Pepper?”

He nodded. “She was standing close, watching you leave. She even asked if you seemed ‘stressed.’”

Before Annie could respond, Dottie appeared at the edge of the clearing, Muffin trotting dutifully at her heels. When she spotted Pepper in Annie’s arms, her face lit up with exaggerated surprise.

“Oh, you found her! Thank goodness,” Dottie exclaimed, but her voice trembled. “I was so worried about poor little Pepper.”

Annie stepped forward, her voice firm. “Dottie, she wasn’t at that tree earlier. Someone tied her there after we searched. And I know it was you. You left the note, didn’t you?”

Dottie’s face paled. She opened her mouth to protest, but the words didn’t come. Finally, she sighed, her shoulders slumping. “Yes, it was me. But I didn’t mean any harm, Annie. I just wanted to help.”

“Help?” Annie’s voice rose in disbelief. “How is taking my dog and leaving a threatening note supposed to help?”

“I didn’t think you’d see it as a threat!” Dottie said quickly, her voice breaking. “I thought it might scare you into taking a break. You’re here every week, running yourself ragged. I see you rushing around, trying to keep everyone happy. I thought if you had to stop and take a breather, you’d realize how much you do for all of us.”

Annie stared at her, incredulous. “Dottie, you don’t get to make that decision for me. And Pepper isn’t just my dog—she’s my partner. You had no right to take her, no matter what your intentions were.”

Dottie wrung her hands, looking genuinely remorseful. “I’m sorry, Annie. I thought I was doing the right thing. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

Annie’s anger softened as she looked at Dottie’s tearful face. Despite everything, she could see that it had all come from a place of love. Dottie’s intentions, however misguided, were rooted in genuine concern.

Holding Pepper close, Annie felt a wave of relief wash over her. The earlier chaos melted away, replaced by the pure joy of having her little sidekick back in her arms, safe and sound. It was easy to forgive Dottie in that moment—because nothing mattered more than this.

She glanced down at Pepper, her tail wagging softly against Annie’s arm. It was a reminder that no amount of success with her business could ever compare to the value of what truly mattered. Pepper wasn’t just her partner—she was family.

As Annie walked back to her truck, the park seemed brighter, calmer. She made a silent promise to herself: she would watch Pepper more closely from now on. Nothing and no one would ever come between them again.

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