Contents
Chapter Three
Overview
Jane and Dexter return the terrier to Thornwood and meet a new tenant, not the man Jane feared from 2000. The tenant confirms he’s lived there about ten years and that the old jeep belonged to his landlady’s ex-husband. Hugo’s safe return deepens the mystery of Thornwood’s past occupants.
Summary
Jane and Dexter arrive at Thornwood and ring the bell. Hugo reacts to the chime, tense but eager. A man emerges and opens the gate. Jane braces for the man from her past, but the person is a different, scruffy, middle‑aged tenant.
The man immediately recognizes the dog as Hugo, relieved and surprised. Jane explains she found Hugo near Brighton and had him treated by a vet for dehydration. He offers to reimburse costs; Jane declines and introduces herself and Dexter, suggesting Dexter could help with the dog if needed.
When Jane asks about the house, the tenant says he has lived there roughly ten years. He adds that the battered jeep isn’t his; it belonged to his landlady’s ex-husband and is for sale. The exchange confirms that the man from 2000 is gone, though the relic of the jeep remains.
The tenant thanks them and closes the gate, taking Hugo inside. Jane leaves with unanswered questions: Hugo is safely home, but Thornwood’s current occupant and the jeep’s provenance hint at a changed household and an unresolved past.
Who Appears
- Jane TrevallyReturns Hugo to Thornwood; confirms the current tenant isn’t the man from 2000; probes about the jeep and residency.
- Thornwood tenantScruffy, middle-aged man; Hugo’s current owner; claims about ten years at Thornwood; says the jeep belonged to his landlady’s ex.
- DexterJane’s stepson; accompanies her; offers to help look after Hugo.
- HugoWhite terrier; reacts to the house bell; happily reunited with his owner, though slightly confused.