Welcome to Case Closed.

You're listening to Dirt Creek by Haley Scrivener, narrated by Sophie Lockren.

Let's pick up where we left off last time.

Ronnie, Tuesday, 4th of December 2001.

There was a phone in the corridor, just outside my hospital room.

Mom thought I couldn't hear her through the closed door, but I could.

I'd acted surprised when she said Flea had been found by our neighbor,

safe and sound sunning himself in our yard. It was strange, hearing what my mom sounded like

when she thought I wasn't around. I was feeling better. My jaw still hurt, but I wasn't

running a fever anymore. My arm ached where they'd given me a shot to

stop me getting sick. The doctor told Mom I was recovering well. I'd be able to go home in a few days.

Mom had gone out to make a call. Shelly, what are you saying? I could hear the tiredness in her voice.

My ears pricked.

I hoped Aunt Shelley wasn't planning a visit.

I wasn't in the mood for her and my cousins.

Are they sure?

I'd never heard Mom sound so shocked.

Oh my God, where?

Mom went silent for a long time.

How's Constance handling it?

Silence, during which I imagined Mom was nodding her head, something she did on the

phone all the time, even though the person on the other end couldn't see it.

...