Chapter 9 #4
James tightly touched his hand. “We’ve had some issues with dogfighting.
A small dog was killed by a fighting dog at the grocery store the other day.
Mitchell saw the whole thing. And we can see if this is the same guy.
We were going to go through the surveillance video, but this is easier.
” Lyle pulled out his phone and forwarded the picture to James, who sent it on to Mitchell. “His behavior just seemed off to me.”
“You’re probably right.”
“Some people visit three and four times before they choose a companion, and he did it too fast. It was almost like he had a shopping list. Mitchell has had issues with these fighting rings before. They get as many dogs as they can and use them as bait and to train the dogs to fight.”
Mom set down her fork. “You mean they use them and just let the bigger dogs…?” She paused, and Lyle nodded. The whole idea was sickening. James’s phone chimed, and he checked the message.
“This is the same guy Mitchell saw the other day. He also added that you made a great call and he really appreciates what you did.” James smiled. “I’m so proud that you picked up on his intentions.” James lightly stroked his leg.
“What can you do about it?”
“The police were called to the incident at the grocery store, and Mitchell said the dog involved was put down.” He sighed softly.
“They should put him down.”
“Yeah. The lady whose dog was killed can sue him, but by the time the case comes up, he’ll be nowhere to be found.
” James hissed and took a drink of water.
“Dogs are just property in the eyes of the law, so they have to be handled like any other property loss. It really sucks, but that’s how it works.
” He shook his head. “I wonder how we can find out what this guy is up to.”
“Don’t,” Mom told him. “You have no idea what this man is capable of. If he’s willing to sacrifice dogs and maybe other animals, who knows how far he’ll go.
Part of this sort of sport is a blood lust. It’s like a modern-day version of the Coliseum, and once people get a taste of that sort of thing, it builds and people don’t know when to stop.
” She continued eating, and Lyle wondered where that bit of insight came from.
“But someone has to stop these people,” Lyle said.
“Maybe, but not you. Leave this up to the police.”
Lyle shook his head. “They aren’t looking for him, and they won’t be until he does something to break the law.
Right now, his dog was out of control and they put it down, and he may have gotten a ticket, which he’ll pay.
I doubt they’re looking for a dogfighting ring.
Unless someone reports it, they are going to go on with their work. ”
James cleared his throat. “I hate to say it, but it’s true. The police are overworked. Most departments are, so they don’t borrow trouble. Unless someone reports the dogfighting, nothing is going to happen. They have thefts and other crimes that are a higher priority.”
“Lyle, honey. Don’t get involved with this. Promise me. These kind of people are not who you want to mess with.”
Lyle groaned. “Okay. Fine. I’ll do my best to leave this alone.” He rolled his eyes and returned his attention to his pancakes. “When do you leave again?”
“Next week. I have a final doctor’s appointment before I go to make sure everything is ready, and then when I get back, they’ll take care of things.” She had this way of sluffing things off, but Lyle knew it was more important than she was letting on.
“Do you want me to come to the appointment with you?” he asked.
“No, Lyle. This is something I don’t really want to share with anyone.
I’ll have it taken care of, then I’ll heal and go back to work and my life.
They may be taking out the baby carrier, but they are leaving in the fun parts.
” She went back to her eggs, and Lyle ate his breakfast without saying anything more about it.
After all, she had made her wishes perfectly clear, and arguing with her was just a waste of air.
“Whatever you want, Mom. I know better than to argue with you.” He ate his pancakes and finished the juice.
“What I’d like is for you to come to dinner later in the week. There are things that you and I need to discuss before I have this surgery. Come on Wednesday.”
Lyle turned to James. “I can come after work.” He didn’t want to speak for James, but he nodded slightly. “Wednesdays are usually our date night during the week, so if he doesn’t have too much work, then he can come too.”
“All right.”
“And I’ll bring the dogs. They can get to know their granny.” He knew his mother was going to hate being called that, but he wasn’t giving her much choice.
Lyle finished his breakfast, and the server cleared the dishes.
His mother paid the bill and then stood.
“I have a lot of things to get done today.” She kissed him on the cheek and then shook hands with James.
“I’ll see you Wednesday. And you two can go back to doing whatever it is you do on Sunday morning.
” She grinned and picked up her purse before leaving. She always knew how to make an exit.