The officer raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. “Technically, he didn’t steal anything. You’re better off focusing on getting the other one adopted.” Gabby stared at him, dumbfounded. “Please,” she whispered. “Juniper is out there. That man lied.” But it was no use. He turned back to his computer, already done with her.
Back home, Gabby collapsed onto her couch. Her chest hurt from holding in tears. She sobbed into her sleeves, her mind spinning with fear. Juniper’s face, Josh’s voice, Juno’s cries—they all replayed like a broken record. She didn’t sleep. And when morning came, she dreaded the thought of walking into that shelter again.