In the DOG HOUSE

Who would have thought one tiny puppy could make all the difference in the world?

- Claire Buckle

CJ barked noisily as the letterbox clattered and the post tumbled onto the doormat.

‘OK, OK, that’s enough,’ Jayne said with an indulgent smile. This did nothing to quieten the black-and-white cocker spaniel puppy. Jayne grabbed her magazine just in time before the dog had a chance to get hold of it and picked up some junk mail, among which was a long white envelope with a label addressed to ‘The Residents’.

She went into the kitchen, put the post on the table and let CJ into the garden where Charlie was in his element, cutting back the huge jungle of overgrown shrubs.

They’d been in their seaside bungalow for two months. The property, which admittedly needed updating, was Charlie’s dream retirement project, although Jayne had been a little apprehensive about leaving their smart city apartment for the coast. But once she realised the large garden and nearby beach would be an ideal place for the dog she’d always dreamed of owning, she quickly got on board with the idea. She laughed as she watched CJ running around with a branch in his mouth, dropping it at Charlie’s feet and then barking until he threw it for him to fetch.

Turning away, she picked up the envelope, slit it open and unfolded an A4 sheet. Jayne’s smile faded as she read the letter and her skin prickled. She screwed up the paper and held it in a clenched fist before sinking down onto a kitchen chair, smoothing out the page and rereading the words. She wanted to show Charlie, but knew it would spoil his day as it had done hers.

Jayne’s throat tightened, as she refused to give in to tears. She’d tell him about the letter at some point. First, she’d find out who had sent it and decided to start with Anne.