There, tied to the tree with a length of frayed rope, was Pepper.

“Pepper!” Annie cried, running to her dog. She knelt down, tears streaming as she untied the rope and scooped the trembling chihuahua into her arms. Pepper licked her face frantically, her little tail wagging as if to say, I knew you’d find me!

Annie turned to Max, her expression a mix of relief and suspicion. “She wasn’t here earlier. We searched this area. Someone must have brought her back.”

Max’s brows furrowed as he studied the scene, his expression unreadable. Annie tightened her hold on Pepper, her thoughts spiraling as she replayed the strange interactions from the morning. Each person had their quirks, but now every glance, every comment seemed suspicious.

Who would have gone this far? And why?

Who do you think took Pepper? Piece together the clues and click an option below to make your guess before the culprit is revealed.