Emily was finding it hard to believe that Sam had gone. She kept expecting to see him pop out from behind the sofa, with his tail whirling round and round, as if it was all just a silly game.
Every evening after school, she, Mum and Jack went out searching for Sam. Emily had used the computer to make some posters, with one of her favourite photos of Sam, and she’d put their phone number underneath.
They went into all the shops on the high street and asked if they could put them up in the window. Most of the shop people were happy to help, but no one phoned. Emily put one up at school too, and told everyone to look out for Sam. Some of her friends took posters to put in their windows as well.
Even with all this to do, the week seemed to drag on for ever. The policeman had promised he’d be in touch if there was any news, but it had been obvious that he didn’t think they’d be getting Sam back. Sam seemed to have vanished into thin air. Emily didn’t care. She was not going to give up – how could she, when everywhere she looked in the house reminded her of Sam? His food bowl, his red lead, his basket. The worst thing was the Sam-shaped emptiness at the end of her bed every night.
On Saturday, Dad took Emily to dog-training. He’d been a bit surprised when she asked if they could go, but she explained that she wanted to warn everyone in the class to watch out for the dog-nappers, and ask them to keep an eye out for Sam too.
It was horrible walking into the park without Sam. Dad squeezed Emily’s hand as they walked through the gate, and she blinked back her tears. She wouldn’t be able to talk if she started crying.
Lucy, the instructor, looked confused when she saw them. She was obviously wondering where Sam was, and that made Emily want to cry even more. But when Dad explained, she gathered the class together.
“I’m afraid Emily’s got some terrible news about her lovely puppy, Sam.”
Emily gulped. “Sam’s been stolen,” she gasped out. Her voice was wobbling, but everyone looked so sympathetic, she took a deep breath and went on. “The police say there’s a gang stealing puppies, so please, please don’t let them get any of yours. And please look out for Sam – just in case.” Then she really did start to cry.
Everyone gathered round, promising to search for Sam, and saying they were sure he’d be found. Lots of the dogs licked Emily lovingly. Eventually Dad said they should go, so Lucy could get on with the class.
Just as they were walking back to the gate, Emily stopped, her heart thudding. It was that couple again! They’d been watching the class.
“What’s the matter, Emily?” Dad asked gently.
“It’s those people! The ones who were asking all the questions about Sam!” Emily stared at them. They had the pointer with them again, and he was plodding along with his tail drooping. No one who really loved dogs could have a dog who was so unhappy, Emily thought. Wasn’t it suspicious that Sam had disappeared just a couple of days after those people had been so interested in him? So keen to find out if he was a valuable pedigree dog? She glared angrily at the woman, not caring if she was being rude. The woman caught her looking, and said something to the man. Emily was sure she looked guilty.
Suddenly Emily’s breath caught in her throat. She tugged Dad’s hand urgently. “Look! Look!” she managed to gasp.
“What is it?”
“She’s wearing red gloves!” Emily hissed. “Don’t you remember? Jack said the lady who took Sam had red gloves! It all fits, it was them, they’re the dog-nappers!”
“Emily, I know you’re upset, but you can’t accuse someone of stealing Sam just because of their gloves.” Dad sounded embarrassed. He was pretty sure the man and woman had heard what Emily said.
Emily watched furiously as the couple neared the gate. How could Dad not understand? It was so obvious!
The woman smiled sympathetically as they came past. “We heard some of the people from the dog-training class saying that your puppy had been stolen,” she said, looking straight at Emily. “I’m so sorry. He’s a darling. I really hope you get him back.”
The man shook his head. “I can’t imagine how we’d feel if someone took Bertie.”
They really sounded as though they meant it. Emily just stared at the ground. She felt so confused. She’d been sure that this was the lady Jack had described, but maybe Dad was right. Was it stupid to decide somebody was a dog-thief, just because they had red gloves?
Chapter Five
That night, it took Emily ages to fall asleep. She sat up in bed, hugging her knees and worrying to herself. What if it was the suspicious couple who’d taken Sam? It made her shudder, thinking about him being with them. They seemed nice – but then she’d seen them be horrible to Bertie the pointer, and there was just something about them that felt wrong. Sam had definitely sensed it too, and people said dogs always knew. Anyway, shouldn’t she do something? The problem was, what? She wondered about ringing the policeman, but honestly, why would he believe her? She didn’t have any real proof, and she wasn’t absolutely certain herself.
Eventually Emily dozed off, but she was still worrying in her sleep. She seemed to be able to hear Sam, and he was crying for her! It wasn’t just Sam, either. Lots of dogs were barking and whining and scratching to be let out of their cages. Yes, they were shut up, and they were all so upset. Emily shuddered, kicking the bedclothes off. Those people were there again. They had stolen Sam, she was sure of it. Just at that moment, she woke up, gasping. She felt so scared. Without thinking, she reached down to the end of the bed to call Sam for a cuddle, and of course, he wasn’t there. Emily sat there, shaking and crying quietly. She had to do something. She was certain now that the couple from the park were the dog-nappers. She just knew.
Now she had to work out what to do about it.
Somehow, it was easier to sleep once she’d made her decision, and Emily woke up feeling much better. But she wasn’t really any closer to getting Sam back. The only clue she had was that she thought the dog-napping couple must live quite close, because she’d seen them on the way to school, and in the park. But how was that going to help? She couldn’t wander the streets looking for them.
“I’ve seen them twice at dog-training,” Emily muttered to herself. Maybe that would be the place to find them? Then she gulped. Of course! She’d seen them at dog-training because that was where they found the puppies they were going to steal! It was the perfect place to find lots of dogs, and have friendly chats with their owners. Most people at dog-training loved to talk about their dogs, and how special they were. They wouldn’t think it was odd that a nice couple with their own dog were interested. They probably went round lots of different dog-training classes, so that people didn’t make the connection.
A plan began to form in her mind. Maybe if I went back to dog-training, they’ll be there too, and I can follow them home, Emily thought, excitedly. And if I can find out where they’re keeping Sam, Mum and Dad will have to believe me!