Chapter 26

He was late again, later than any of the other patrol members. She had stayed up until he found his way back.

Tonight, it was nearly midnight when he returned, coming in through the door almost silently. There were leaves and twigs in his fur, but he didn’t look as though he’d been in a fight.

“Arthur?”

He seemed startled that she was still awake and shocked. She would almost say caught, but he shifted and gave her a tired smile.

“What are you still doing awake? You should rest.”

“I was worried…” Daphne said as he sat at the table across from her. “You’ve been coming back later and later. Is everything okay?”

He averted his gaze the way he had been for the past few days.

“It’s nothing…”

“You’re… acting suspiciously.”

He winced, “Well…”

“Are you looking for the