Sisko Gets an Awkward Hug
The fluorescent lights of the precinct buzzed overhead as Officer Kyson Hunter wrestled with his phone. He’d been trying to reach Agnes Plumtree, a notoriously elusive witness in the case of the Great Cupcake Caper (yes, it was as serious as it sounded). Agnes, a woman whose gossip network rivaled the NSA’s, avoided his calls with the tenacity of a squirrel guarding a particularly delicious acorn.
Meanwhile, Sisko, a majestic blend of Black Lab and German Shepherd, was receiving an unwanted demonstration of affection. Officer Miller, a man whose enthusiasm often outweighed his social graces, had decided that a hearty hug was the perfect way to greet the K-9 unit’s star detective. Sisko, however, did not share Miller’s enthusiasm. Her reaction was a stiffening of her body followed by an almost imperceptible sigh that could only be interpreted as pure canine exasperation. Miller, blissfully unaware, continued his hug, squeezing a little too hard near her ribs. Sisko subtly nudged her head towards the nearest door, a silent plea for escape.
“She’s got the scent of old lavender and fear,” Kyson muttered to himself, finally giving up on Agnes. He glanced at Sisko, who was now meticulously examining a discarded coffee cup that smelled strongly of blueberry muffins and desperation.
“Something’s up, girl?” Kyson asked, scratching behind her ears. Sisko responded with a sharp bark, then sniffed intently at Miller’s jacket. Still basking in the afterglow of his “hug,” Miller blinked innocently.—
“Did I, uh, get something on me?” he asked, nervously patting his jacket.
Sisko whined a low, almost mournful sound. She then proceeded to dramatically lick Miller’s hand, leaving a large, slobbery paw-print on his crisp white shirt. Kyson suppressed a laugh. This wasn’t just any coffee cup; it smelled of Agnes Plumtree’s unique blend of floral perfume…was that fear mixed with the faint scent of baking soda?
“It seems our elusive witness isn’t so elusive after all,” Kyson said, a grin spreading across his face. “Sisko found her scent on Miller’s jacket. Looks like Agnes was trying to sneak in some evidence under his nose, literally.”
“Oh, I thought she just wanted to say hello,” Miller stammered, oblivious to the implication that his jacket was now a crime scene. “Hello,” Kyson said drily, his eyes twinkling. “She gave you a pretty enthusiastic hello, it seems.”
Sisko, meanwhile, had located the hidden cupcake crumbs Miller had failed to notice – tiny, incriminating bits nestled in his jacket pocket. The Great Cupcake Caper was about to get even more interesting.
Kyson chuckled. He knew this case would be in the books before sundown, thanks to Sisko’s incredible nose and the surprisingly effective combination of forced hugs and blueberry muffins. He redialed Agnes’ number. This time, he let it ring just once. Then he added a voice message, “Agnes, we know about the cupcakes. And you left a rather…strong scent on Officer Miller’s jacket.” He paused. “Sisko says hello.” He hung up, picturing the panicked look on Agnes’s face, a delicious look indeed.
