Chapter 6 - THE MICROCHIP
Animal-control veterinarian Dr. Renee Walsh called three days later.
“We have identification.”
My stomach turned.
I was alone.
Emily was with her therapist.
“Max?”
“Yes.”
The remains recovered from the meal and kitchen matched biological samples retained by Mountain States Assistance Dogs and the microchip-linked veterinary record with high confidence.
No need for me to see photographs.
I said:
“Thank you.”
Then went into the bathroom and vomited.
For three days, some small cowardly part of me had held onto a possibility.
Maybe Patricia lied.
Maybe she gave Max away and served something else to frighten Emily.
Still monstrous.
But Max alive somewhere.
Now he was not.
Dr. Walsh continued gently.
“We found no indication this was accidental.”
Of course.
“Do you know how?”
“I don’t need to.”
She stopped.
Good.
I did not need mechanics.
Emily did not either.
May you like
The criminal case could hold details.
Our minds did not have to.
