the office and make copies of the flyer, and hand them out all over town before we get our day started.”
“You’re going to help me do that?”
“Yes. Yes, I am.” Her eyes shot wide. “And, I’ve got this.” She scrolled through her phone and showed Misty a picture she’d taken last night. “It’ll be perfect. I’ll print some four-by-sixes of this to put on the posters.”
“You really think he’s okay?”
She didn’t want to give her false hope. She considered the situation a moment. “You know, I really do. It’s Christmas. He’s probably snuggled up somewhere, or in someone else’s house doing a sleepover to see what kind of treats he can get out of them.” She quickly wrote out “LOST” across the top of the page. “And we’ll get him a collar tomorrow too. My treat.”
They made the flyer template and Misty seemed much more relaxed about the situation. “Would you like to come stay with me tonight? My cousin Anna is there too, but I don’t mind if you’d rather not be alone.”
“The apartment is tight quarters even for one.”
“Oh, we’re not staying there. I was just using it last night to do some late-night work. There’s room. Come stay.”
“No, thank you. I’m fine, but I can pick you up in the morning so we can make the copies at the office. Is that okay?”
“That would be great.”
“Where are you staying?”
“It’s a long story, but when my cousin got to town, we were trying to straighten out her Airbnb reservation, with something nearby.”
“There’s not a lot of places to stay around here.”
“Exactly. But there’s this older gentleman I kept bumping into over at the Blue Bicycle Bistro. He overheard us and offered us his guesthouse.”
“You’re staying at the carriage house? Off Porter House Road?”
“Yes. Back there around the curve. Do you know Buck?”
“I do.” She kind of smiled, but with a lift of her brow. “He’s the best. Does my dad know you’re staying over there?”
Vanessa shrugged. “I guess not. No, probably not. I’m sure he wouldn’t have any problem with you staying with us for the night. I’d be happy to call him.”
“No. Don’t do that.” She smiled brightly. “No need to do that. I’m just fine here. I’ll be there in the morning to pick you up. Does seven work?”
“That’ll be great.” Vanessa started to walk away, but Misty called after her.
“Buck’s awesome. Just as awesome as my dad.”
Vanessa’s heart tugged. Yes. They did have some good men in this town. “He was so kind to let us use that place. It’s amazing. He even helped Anna cut down a live Christmas tree. We had just finished decorating it when you called.”
“That sounds just like him.”
“I’m going to run over to the warehouse one more time and make sure Scooter’s not there before I head back.” She waved goodbye as she got in her car. “I know we’re going to find him.”
“I’m feeling better about things too,” said Misty.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
The next morning Anna and Vanessa were sitting in front of the fire, enjoying the beautiful Christmas tree and sipping hot chocolate, when Misty walked by the windows toward the front door.
Vanessa jumped up from her chair to get the door. “Come on inside.”
“I hope you don’t mind that I’m early.” She unwrapped the red scarf from her neck.
“I thought for sure I’d hear your truck come up.”
“I parked over by the side entrance of the main house. I figured I should at least stop in and say hello to Buck if I was going to be here.”
“You’re such a sweet young lady.” Vanessa motioned toward her cousin. “You remember Anna. Can I get you some hot chocolate, or are you ready to go?”
“How about hot chocolate to go?”
“I’m way ahead of you,” said Anna. “I saw a thermos in the kitchen. Give me two minutes I’ll have y’all all set up.” She looked like an elf in her bright red-and-green pajamas, walking through the Christmassy room.
“Let me know if I can be of help.” Vanessa turned her attention back to Misty. “Where should we start?”
“I thought we’d make the copies at the office and then start out near the warehouse and work our way back.”
“Sounds good to me.”
“I brought some bright poster board and packing tape,” Misty said. “I figured we could tape the flyers to the poster board. We can hang a couple along the school bus route. Then I’ll hand the flyers out along Main Street and let everyone know. Word of mouth is faster