Prologue
Burke, Virginia
He had fed the dog several times before, gradually gaining its trust, which was crucial. Dogs, as well as being loyal companions, have the uncanny ability to sense moods and states of mind. They are also creatures of habit with amazing memories, capable of remembering thousands of smells. Those smells trigger their behavior, and this dog clearly remembered a certain smell. She equated this smell with snacks, treats, or delicious bites of food outside of the drab kibble found in her dish at home. It was this remembrance upon which the entire plan depended.
On another beautiful early summer morning, the girl and her dog strolled through the lake park, carefree and without a worry in the world. She had been coming here every day like clockwork since she first caught his attention. Her innocent and carefree nature, coupled with her parents’ naive trust in the protective posture of the German Shepherd, shaped this encounter to his advantage. The park was a short walk from the girl’s home, but may as well have been thousands of miles away. The secluded paths and frequent parking lots made this place the ideal location for an ambush.
As per routine, she rounded the southern part of the park after crossing the dam and headed east, passing the volleyball complex on her way toward the public bathrooms. Unbeknownst to her, he had chosen this spot carefully, parking his vehicle in the lot adjacent to the bathrooms, dressed to blend in as someone going for an early morning run or hike around the lake.
The dog immediately picked up the scent of the treat discreetly placed at the edge of the trailhead closest to the lot. The scraps of meat had been carefully dosed with a particular pesticide known for its lack of potent odors. Of course, the animal would smell the chemicals, but the part of her immature brain that desired the meat would overpower the partition that questioned the other scent. On cue, the dog devoured the treat before the girl even had a chance to notice. Almost instantly, the shepherd began to shake her head as saliva dripped from her snout.
“What did you get into, Daisy?” the young girl asked her companion.
The answer to her question was swift and devastating. Daisy began to sway slightly as the toxins made their way into her body. She shivered, sneezed, and then began retching, desperately trying to remove the horrible food from her system. Moments later, she collapsed, succumbing to the effects of the poisonous bait.
The girl was frantic, rushing to Daisy and placing her hands on the heaving dog’s side in an attempt to soothe her friend. As Daisy’s panting became extreme and strained, the girl’s distress intensified, and she became inconsolable.
“Daisy, Daisy!” she screamed desperately. “Somebody, please help me!”
“What is it? What is wrong?”
“My dog. I don’t know. My Daisy. She is sick. Oh God, I . . . I think she is dying,” Angela cried out in anguish.
“She looks very ill. Quick, we need to get her to an emergency vet. Here, let me grab her. My car is right over there. Let’s go.” He said this in a frantic voice to match the emotions of the girl as he lifted Daisy into the backseat of his awaiting vehicle.
The plan was unfolding perfectly. All of Angela’s life, she had been warned about strangers, told about the evils of the world, and constantly reminded to be aware of her surroundings. Yet, all those lessons were forgotten as she watched the life slowly drain from her best friend.
After the man laid Daisy gently in the backseat, Angela readily jumped into the vehicle to console her suffering companion.
