“Then that’s what I’ll do.” Gregory spun about and hurried back the way he’d come, passing Evie’s garden and her open gate. He paused and poked his head inside. “Will someone come stand here to keep an eye out in case Ash comes back this way?”

Evie rushed forward. “Of course.”

Glancing toward the house, he asked, “Is there nowhere else he can get into the house besides that door from the library?”

“There’s another door in the corner there, but it was closed and locked. Still, we checked the house thoroughly.”

Gregory didn’t doubt it. Ash had to have been missing close to an hour already. “Our search continues.” He moved along the alley, checking the gates as he went and calling Ash’s name as loudly as he dared. It wouldn’t do to wake the neighbors. But perhaps they should. If Ash had gone into someone’s garden through an open gate that had closed, he’d be trapped in a strange place. He’d be afraid.

He was likely afraid regardless. Poor boy.

Gregory shook such thoughts from his mind. They were not helpful in this moment. He moved slowly, careful to wait after calling Ash’s name to see if he could hear any response. Finally, there was a soft whimper.

Excitement spreading in his chest, Gregory called the dog’s name again and listened intently. Another whimper. The sound came from the left, but not from the garden he was standing outside. It was too distant. Unless Ash was being very quiet.

Moving to the next garden, Gregory tried the gate, but it was locked. The wall was also a good six feet. He set the lantern atop the wall and grabbed the top of the stone to haul himself up.

Pulling his legs over so he could sit on the stone, he held up the lantern. “Ash! Where are you, boy?”

The barking started just before Gregory saw the streak of white dart toward him. This was followed by a larger figure—also on four legs—with a darker coat. Ash stood on his hind legs and pawed at the wall beneath Gregory’s feet, barking wildly.

“Shhh.” Gregory dropped down into the garden and swept Ash into his arms. “There you are, boy. You’re safe.”

With his tongue lolling out the side of his mouth and his dark eyes wide with excitement, Ash didn’t appear distressed. Indeed, Gregory would have said he looked quite pleased with himself.

Something moved against Gregory’s legs, prompting him to look down. The dark brown dog was nuzzling his calf.

“I see you’ve made a friend, Ash. Who’s this, then?” Gregory bent down to pet the dog’s head.

“Gregory, did you find him?” Evie called over the wall.