CHAPTER SIXTEEN: THE SELLER

Two weeks later, Daniel learned through a public county announcement that the investigation had expanded to several locations.
The announcement described an alleged unlicensed operation involving the movement and sale of captive birds.
It did not declare everyone accused guilty.
Daniel appreciated that distinction, even though part of him wanted certainty immediately.
He had already spoken to investigators twice.
He had described Lewis entering his yard, Carol’s complaints, and the hidden panel.
His contractor had documented the modifications to the house.
The evidence gathering belonged to people trained to do it.
Daniel’s task was to repair his kitchen and protect his home.
Then a man he did not know arrived at the door.
The stranger wore a gray shirt and carried an empty pet carrier.
“I’m looking for a breeder named Lewis,

” he said.
Daniel kept the chain on the door.
“Why did you come here?”
“He gave me this address.”
The man held up a printed message with Daniel’s street number.
The message promised a pair of rare parrots would be ready for pickup that afternoon.
Daniel felt his stomach tighten.
“There are no birds for sale here,” he said.
“You need to contact the authorities about whoever sent you that.”
The stranger took a step backward.
“I paid him a deposit.”
“Then please save your messages and report it.”
Daniel shut the door and called Elise.
She listened carefully and asked for a description of the visitor and the time.
Later that day, she told Daniel that individuals who believed they had purchased animals from the organization should come forward.


Daniel did not know whether the stranger had been deceived or had knowingly sought an illegal sale.
He only knew Lewis was still directing people toward his property.
That evening he found Carol standing by the curb, staring at an unfamiliar car parked near her house.
“Did somebody come looking for Lewis?” she asked.
Daniel told her about the pet carrier.
Carol closed her eyes.
“He used your address again,” she said.
“Yes.”
“I’m sorry.”
“I know.”
Carol took a slow breath.
“I told the investigators about the other names he used.”
Daniel watched her carefully.
“That was the right thing to do.”
She seemed relieved by the small acknowledgment.
He didn’t offer another.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN: OPEN WALLS

Wade returned with two workers to rebuild Daniel’s kitchen wall after the county released the affected area for repairs.
They removed the damaged plywood, inspected the remaining structure, and installed new insulation.
Daniel insisted on watching the empty cavity before they closed it.
The workers had removed the last stray feathers and cleaned the area with appropriate protective equipment.
The narrow wooden compartments were gone.
Sunlight came through the open patio window frame where the replacement glass would be fitted the next morning.
Wade asked whether Daniel wanted another access panel for maintenance.
“Only if a qualified inspector says one is needed,” Daniel replied.
“I don’t want hidden compartments anymore.”
Wade smiled.
“Fair enough.”
Marissa arrived carrying sandwiches and a small pot of basil.
“Your house smells like a house again,” she said.
Daniel looked around the bare kitchen.
“It smells like plaster.”
“Exactly.”
They ate lunch on the back steps while the workers finished the wall.
Across the fence, Carol’s garage stood open.
She had moved the old cabinets and removed the concealed tube.
A county inspector had visited the previous day to verify the affected spaces were cleared.
Daniel had seen her carry the empty birdseed containers out to the trash.
She was still responsible for the damage to his kitchen, and other questions remained for investigators.
But the birds were no longer hidden where nobody could see them.
Ava visited that afternoon with Jasmine and a drawing of Pippin.
The little bird appeared in the picture with a bright orange chest and two enormous purple wings.
“She’s doing better,” Ava announced.
Jasmine explained that the clinic had shared a general update with approved donors.
They did not know when Pippin would be ready for a long-term placement, but she was receiving proper care.
Ava handed Daniel the picture.
“Can you put it on the new wall?”
Daniel smiled.
“I can put it on the refrigerator.”
He used a blue magnet shaped like a fish to hold the drawing in place.
For the first time since the chair hit the window, the sound of something touching his kitchen wall made him happy.