Contents
Chapter Twelve
Overview
Jane investigates paths between Waterfowl Park and her land, mapping a plausible route the white terrier could have taken. A neighbor, Bill Newsome, recalls seeing Rose White recently, alone, frightened, and agitated on her phone. Jane then finds a school hoodie labeled “DB,” suggesting local teen activity but no direct trace of Rose.
Summary
On a chilly, sunny morning, Jane fixates on Rose White and the white terrier. Remembering Shannon’s sightings of Rose at Waterfowl Park, Jane decides dog walkers there might have seen something and drives to the village to search the area herself.
At the park, Jane tests quiet paths, reasoning the terrier could have strayed toward her property via shallow brook crossings. Following footpaths, she identifies a route that plausibly leads from the park to her bluebell wood, explaining how the dog might have reached her land unnoticed.
Along the path, Jane stops at a blue cottage and meets Bill Newsome, who recognizes her from years ago. Bill reports seeing a small, scruffy blond teenager with a Westie—Rose White—passing twice last Wednesday or Thursday. He recalls Rose looking more than worried—scared—and agitated while typing on her phone, and that she was alone.
Continuing her search between the park and her wood, Jane hunts for signs of disturbance and discovers a small navy school hoodie on a fallen tree. The label reads “14–15” and is marked with the initials “DB.” Concluding it likely belongs to a local teen and not Rose, Jane photographs the logo and tag, then replaces the hoodie as a potential clue.
Who Appears
- JaneInvestigates paths from Waterfowl Park, interviews Bill Newsome, confirms a plausible dog route, and finds a hoodie marked DB.
- Bill NewsomeElderly neighbor who saw Rose twice, alone, scared, and agitated while on her phone last week.
- Rose WhiteMissing teenager reportedly seen on the path with a Westie, looking frightened and texting.
- Hugo (white terrier)Dog whose possible route from the park to Jane’s land is mapped by Jane.
- ShannonPreviously reported seeing Rose in the park; informs Jane’s search focus.
- Helen YaxleyLandowner near the park; her property anchors Jane’s search area.