Contents
Chapter Six
Overview
Jane and Dexter confront Mr. Tucker with news that Rose White, who stayed with Hugo the dog, is missing. Mr. Tucker denies any connection to Rose and discourages police involvement, raising suspicion. A glimpse of a sorrowful middle-aged woman inside his house deepens the sense of concealed trouble.
Summary
Jane and Dexter return to Mr. Tucker’s house to share new information from the vet: the rescued terrier, Hugo, had been staying at a local rental with a young woman who has since disappeared. Jane asks if Hugo could have been taken by someone Mr. Tucker knows.
Mr. Tucker’s face briefly betrays confusion and fear before he composes himself and calls the situation “weird.” When Jane mentions the name Rose, he denies knowing anyone by that name, despite a child’s scooter nearby that suggests past family life.
Jane informs him that the police may contact him because Rose has been reported missing. Mr. Tucker reacts with a slight twitch, then deflects, suggesting the girl might have thought she was rescuing Hugo and insisting that Hugo being home is all that matters. He declines any police follow-up and ends the conversation.
As Mr. Tucker shuts the door, Jane glimpses a middle-aged woman in the hallway, her expression sad and blighted, implying unspoken tensions within the household and reinforcing Jane’s suspicions about Mr. Tucker’s evasiveness.
Who Appears
- Jane TrevallyReturns to warn Mr. Tucker about missing Rose; observes his evasiveness and notices a sorrowful woman inside.
- Mr. TuckerOwner linked to Hugo’s microchip; denies knowing Rose, discourages police contact, appears defensive and guarded.
- DexterAccompanies Jane to Mr. Tucker’s house during the tense follow-up conversation.
- Unidentified middle-aged womanBriefly seen in Mr. Tucker’s hallway, looking sad; hints at hidden domestic issues.