Evelyn tugged Sir Elton’s leash gently as the spaniel sniffed the base of a streetlamp like it held the secrets of the universe. “Okay, detective,” she muttered, glancing at her watch. “Five more minutes and we’re going back.” The air stuck to her, heavy with warmth and the scent of fried food from a street cart down the sidewalk. Neon signs off wet pavement from a swift preceding rain. Her heels clicked on the sidewalk, her green dress flaring with every step. She felt foolish—and now, a little damp. Sir Elton, however, was in no hurry. He strolled along with the sunstruck innocence of an animal who'd never encountered the word deadline. That was until he charged. A pigeon—plump, brave, and utterly unbothered by civilization—had made itself at home in front of them on the sidewalk. "Wait—no, no, no—Sir Elton!" The leash jerked hard, pulling Evelyn forward. Her heel caught in a seam. She staggered, cursed, and nearly plunged face-first into a tree bed. Sir Elton yapped with vic
Last Updated : 2025-07-16 Read more