Talk of the Town by Anne Marie Rodgers Page B

my shift ended and I lost track of time.” Her air of sadness made it clear she had not found their pet.
    “Did you speak to anyone who lives in the area?” Louise asked. “I thought perhaps he would go to someone’s home when he got hungry.”
    Alice nodded. “I spoke to several people who were walking dogs or pushing baby strollers. Everyone promised to keep an eye out for him, but no one has seen him.”
    “It’s only been one day,” Jane said, trying to encourage herself as much as her sisters. “He’s got to be out there.”
    “I’m going to call the Potterston radio station,” Louise announced. “They have a lost-and-found segment twice every day, at eight AM and at five PM . Maybe someone will hear that and see Wendell, and we’ll get a call.”
    “That’s a good idea.” Alice raised her head wearily.
    “You should get some sleep,” Jane said, concerned by her sister’s atypical lack of energy. “You worked all night and searched half the morning.”
    “Yes,” Louise said. “Why don’t you rest, Alice? Jane is going to make a flyer on the computer, and tomorrow we can post copies all over Potterston.”
    “Yes,” Jane confirmed. “And we can spread the word here as well, just in case people are traveling to Potterston. Everyone can be on the lookout for Wendell.”
    “All right.” Alice’s eyes welled with tears, and she blinked rapidly. “Sorry. I’ll be steadier after I’ve gotten some rest.”
    “It’s all right,” Jane said. “We’re all having bad moments.” She pulled a travel-sized pack of tissues from the back pocket of the baggy ivory cotton pants she wore with a soft blue oversized boatneck sweater. “Here.”
    Louise and Alice both managed to smile.
    “Trust you to be prepared,” Louise said.
    “All right,” Jane said firmly, giving Alice a nudge. “You rest. I’m going to make that poster right now.”
    “And I’ll call the Potterston radio station,” Louise said.
    Jane went to the computer behind the registration desk. Sliding into a chair, she quickly got into the program she wanted. Fortunately, one of their guests had taken digital pictures of Wendell while staying at Grace Chapel Inn. The woman had sent several by e-mail to Jane, who had saved them in a file on the computer. She selected the best one, a full-body picture of Wendell lying on his side, face turned straight into the camera lens.
    Using the photo, she created a flyer offering a small reward for his safe return. She had not discussed the reward with her sisters, but she doubted they would mind, and if they did, she would pay the money herself.
    When the printer spit out a high-quality flyer, Jane snatched it up and scanned it. That should be good for a start , she thought, and she ran off twenty copies.
    Louise came into the hallway and picked up a flyer off the registration desk. “Very nice,” she said, looking over the information with approval. “Oh, what a good idea! I’ll be happy to share the cost of a reward, Jane.”
    “Thanks, Louise. I thought perhaps a reward might keep people more interested in looking for him.”

    Shortly after three o’clock, Alice awoke from her nap. She felt lethargic and dull but she made herself rise and dress, and then went downstairs. As she walked through the hall, the flyers with Wendell’s picture caught her eye.
    Picking up one, she looked it over as she went back toward the kitchen.
    “Hello, Jane,” she said as she entered the room.
    “Hi, Alice. How are you feeling?” Jane was rhythmically kneading a lump of bread dough.
    Alice shrugged. “A little more rested, but I doubt I’ll have any trouble sleeping tonight.” She waved the paper in her hand at her sister. “These are very well done.”
    “Thank you. I figure it can’t hurt to spread them around Potterston.”
    “Can you spare a few? I’m going to walk into town and I can put them up while I’m there.”
    “Sure. I saved the final version of it so if we run out, I can