CHAPTER FOUR: THE WOMAN AT THE COUNTER

That afternoon Daniel drove to Meadow Haven without announcing he was coming.
He did not intend to enter restricted areas or confront staff about allegations he could not prove.
He wanted to see whether the business looked like the one on its website.
A freshly painted wooden fence hid most of the grounds.
The front gate was open, and a chalkboard advertised a weekend adoption and foster fair.
Families were invited to meet animals that had supposedly completed rehabilitation after being surrendered by their owners.
The idea was appealing until Daniel remembered Amy’s experience.
A young receptionist named June asked whether he had a reservation.
He said he was looking for information about the adoption event.
June gave him a brochure and explained that Meadow Haven worked with several rescue partners.


“Are all the animals here surrendered?” he asked.
“That’s what the intake forms say.”
“You don’t sound convinced.”
June lowered her voice.
“I only handle the front desk.”
A door opened behind her.
Nolan Price entered wearing a white polo shirt and an expensive watch that did not match the simple decor.
He recognized Daniel almost immediately.
“Mr. Reed, isn’t it?”
“You remember me?”
“Your sister’s terrier stayed with us.”
Nolan smiled as though this demonstrated remarkable attention to detail.
“Can I help you with another booking?”
“I was curious about tomorrow’s fair.”
“Wonderful program.”
“Where do the animals come from?”
“Local rescue partners and relinquishment cases.”
“Do owners ever dispute that they’ve relinquished an animal?”
Nolan’s smile narrowed.
“That’s a strange question.”
“It’s an important one.”
“Our paperwork is thorough.

”
June reached for a stack of pamphlets but knocked them onto the floor.
Nolan did not help her pick them up.
He kept his eyes on Daniel.
“I understand there’s been some unpleasantness with a neighbor of yours.”
“You heard about that quickly.”
“Carol is a valued volunteer.”
“She smashed my mailbox.”
“She gets emotional when people misunderstand her.”
“Do you know why six people received letters with her return address?”
Nolan’s expression changed only slightly.
“I don’t discuss another person’s correspondence.”
“Those letters seem to discuss your customers.”
“Then they should contact our office directly.”
“Amy did.”
Nolan’s eyes sharpened.
“I’m aware of Mrs. Farrell’s complaints.”
“Her beagle was injured.”
“Animals can behave unpredictably in unfamiliar environments.”
“Even when someone says an injury existed before the animal arrived?”
Nolan stepped closer to the reception counter.
“Mr. Reed, I think you should leave.”
June kept looking at the papers on the floor.
Daniel left the brochure behind and walked out.
As he crossed the parking area, he noticed an unmarked van reversing toward a side loading door.
The driver wore the same green paw logo as the envelopes.
A metal crate scraped against the van floor.
From inside the building came the unmistakable sound of a frightened animal scratching at a door.