Chapter 21
Camilla didn’t even bother with her umbrella. She barely parked the car before running straight through the pouring rain and into the house. The first thing she saw was Jasper, crying and trying to run out the door.
Susan was blocking him as best she could while Barnard, sounding irritated, said, “Can you please stop? Daisy just came home from the hospital. She needs to rest p>
“It’s just a dog that ran outside. Dogs are smart, it’ll find somewhere to hide from the rain. Maybe it’ll come back soon p>
“No, that’s not it! Snow is still a puppy. He can’t be in the rain. It’s your fault, you let him out on purpose! Don’t stop me. I’m going to find him.” Jasper pushed against Susan, desperately trying to get to the door.
Davina walked over with a gentle tone, “Jasper, Barnard’s right. Dogs know where home is. When he gets tired of playing, Snow will come back on his own. If not… how about I take you to pick a new puppy p>
Jasper’s sobs paused for a second as he stared at Davina in disbelief, his eyes wide and hurt. He shook his head frantically. “I don’t want another dog. I just want Snow! Give him back to me p>
Susan—always quick—finally noticed Camilla and rushed over like she was grabbing a lifeline. “Camilla, please talk to Jasper. With Daisy coming home today and all the people wandering in and out, we didn’t realize Jasper’s dog had slipped out. Now he’s adamant about running out to look and it’s pouring. I don’t know what to do p>
Jasper tore out of Susan’s arms and flung himself at Camilla, sobbing so hard his little shoulders shook. “Mommy, they lost Snow! Please help me find him. It’s raining so much outside and he’s so tiny. If he gets too cold, what if something terrible happens p>
Davina tried to reason gently, “Jasper, Camilla’s had a long day. Don’t make her chase after the dog too p>
But Jasper couldn’t even hear her, his whole face red and blotchy from crying so hard. He gasped for breath and clung to Camilla’s hand, his grip trembling and icy cold.
His eyes were so puffy it looked like he’d been crying for ages.
Not far away, Daisy peeked at Jasper, obviously nervous, while Barnard hovered near her, trying to soothe her worries.
For Jasper, this house wasn’t a safe haven anymore. It felt more like a boat lost in a storm, one big wave away from sinking.
Camilla looked at her terrified, tearful son and made up her mind right then. She wasn’t going to leave him alone in this place again.
She went to the bedroom and grabbed a thick jacket for Jasper and a bright yellow raincoat, then headed back to the front hall to get ready to leave with him.
Davina spoke up, “Camilla, this was my fault. I was careless and let Jasper’s dog get out. You and Jasper really shouldn’t have to go searching. Why don’t I go instead p>
Thinking about Jasper’s crying and hearing Davina’s words only made Camilla’s frustration boil over. She pushed past Davina, her reply edged with sarcasm, “If you really cared, you wouldn’t have left Jasper here to cry alone for so long p>
Davina’s face went red and awkward. Barnard stood up, frowning at Camilla, his voice tight. “Are you really going to snap at Davina over a dog? No one wanted it to get lost. It’s a horrible night out. Why are you making things harder p>
Camilla glared at Barnard, her voice ice cold. “That’s Jasper’s friend, not just some dog you can replace. And I’m not letting this go. If I find out Snow’s disappearance has anything to do with you, there will be consequences p>
It was just too much of a coincidence. Snow ran off the exact day Daisy came home from the hospital.
Barnard’s brow furrowed. He looked like he wanted to argue, but Camilla didn’t waste any more time. She grabbed an umbrella, took Jasper’s hand, and stepped outside without a backward glance.
Behind them, Davina sighed, “Barnard, I think I made Camilla upset again p>
Barnard answered, “It’s not your fault. Don’t blame yourself. It’s just a pet, nothing more. You did nothing wrong p>
Then he turned to the staff, barking out orders. “Why are you all just standing there? Grab umbrellas and go help Camilla look for the dog. You’re not going to let her wander around in the rain alone, are you p>
The staff rushed to obey, scattering with umbrellas in hand. Barnard turned to Davina again. “Stay here with Daisy. I’ll take a look outside, too p>
Suddenly, a thunderclap shook the whole house, echoing through the walls.
Daisy jumped, eyes wide with fear, then ran and hugged Barnard’s legs tight. “Barnard, I’m scared. Can you stay with me and Mommy p>
Barnard hesitated, glancing between her and the door. Hearing Daisy’s shaky voice made his decision—he bent down and scooped her into his arms.
Outside, the downpour felt endless. Cold rain pelted skin in heavy bursts, drumming on the ground and rooftops.
The estate was huge, filled with trees and gardens. On a sunny day, you could lose sight of a wandering animal in seconds. On a thunderstorm like this, with lightning slicing the sky, it felt impossible.
Camilla held Jasper’s hand tightly as they searched, their voices lost in the sound of the storm. Again and again, they called for Snow, but there was only the rush of the rain.
Jasper’s nerves finally got the best of him. “Mommy, it’s raining so hard. Do you think Snow… what if he freezes out here p>