She rushed upstairs, grabbed suitcases. As she packed, she abandoned the idea of going as far as leaving the country now. Still, she got the passports just in case.

After packing, she placed her phone and laptop on the kitchen table. Then she made a few quick calls from their landline.

Glad she’d parked in the garage, Emma went through the kitchen, loaded the suitcases and Tug into her SUV, then she silenced her phone and laptop, then completely shut them down before intentionally leaving them behind.

She drove through the neighborhood, counting three marked police units; saw deputies going door-to-door with tablets and clipboards. Guessing the investigation was not at the stage of roadblocks, she was relieved no one had stopped her.

Several minutes later, Emma wheeled into the lot of the SoCal Seaside Assurance bank, parking in a palm-shaded spot.

After tying Tug’s leash to the wheel, she lowered all the windows almost halfway and locked the doors.

“You stay here. Be good. I’ll be right back.”

Tug barked and Emma went inside, her mind racing while in line, remembering that there were federal laws concerning large cash withdrawals over ten thousand dollars. A large amount would draw suspicion.

“I’d like to withdraw five thousand in cash,” Emma told the teller when it was her turn.

“Five thousand?”

“Yes, we’re getting work done on the house with contractors.”

The teller held Emma with a cool gaze for a second, nodded, got the cash and counted it out.

In the lot, Emma found a man wearing dark glasses and a ballcap beside her SUV. He had bent down to tie his shoe and when he stood he was staring at Tug.

“You know, lady, you shouldn’t leave your dog unattended in the vehicle like that.”

“Yes, I know.”

“It’s not good for them. There are laws, you know.”

“I know, thank you,” she said before buckling up and pulling out of the lot.

Driving off, she checked her mirrors for anyone who might be following her but saw nothing.

Ten minutes later, Emma, stopped at a cream-colored strip mall bordered with a trimmed hedge. She parked in front of Irina’s Home Away From Home. She took Tug’s leash and they entered. Irina’s smelled of dog and shampoo. They went to the counter where a teenage girl smiled at Tug.

“Hi. I called about boarding my friend Tug here.”

“Oh yes. We remember Tug.” She looked in her computer. “For thirty days?”

“Yes, to be safe. We should be back by then. Emergency family trip.”

“I see we have all Tug’s information from last time. Any medications?”

“No.”

“Any special instructions, considerations?”

Emma reached into her bag for Tug’s blue rubber ball, handing it to the girl.

“He likes to play catch with his ball.”

“Ahh.” The girl took it and smiled at Tug.