8 Chapter 8

The route Jeremy chose took them right past the Coffeeberry, and the faint aroma made his mouth water and his senses perk up. Tugging gently on the leash, he led Raider into the coffee shop, expecting a greeting from the bright-eyed girl that always staffed the counter. But there was only silence.

“Gilda?”

No answer.

Raider growled and pulled against the leash, his ears and tail going up. Jeremy automatically tightened his hold on the dog and ventured deeper into the store.

“Gilda?”

The pastry case was empty. And he had to stare at the empty counter for several beats before he realized what was missing—the morning’s newspapers. Though the café was open, none of the morning requirements had been attended to. Most of the chairs were still upside down on the tables. Raider growled again, and shivers rolled down Jeremy’s spine. He didn’t need this weirdness after a sleepless night.

“Gilda?” Now his voice was high, and a little breathless.