I didn’t encourage gossip. I simply nodded. When you remain calm, people fill the silence themselves.
A few days later, Marlene took it further.
I was brushing Pearl on my porch when an animal control truck pulled up. A young officer stepped out with a clipboard, polite but serious.
“We received a complaint,” he explained.
“About what?” I asked.
“Concerns about animal welfare and neighborhood safety.”
My stomach tightened, but I kept my voice steady. “Would you mind waiting a moment? I believe some neighbors might like to speak.”
I knocked on three doors.
Mrs. Donnelly saw the truck and sighed. “I thought this might happen.”
Soon a small group gathered. Marlene emerged last, wearing a carefully arranged smile.
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