Windward Review Volume 19 (2021): Empathy and Entropy

she prompted, flipping open her notebook. She still couldn’t quite believe
she was investigating this.
Sarah unfolded a square of paper on top of the ziggurat of landscape
photography books in the middle of the table. “This is what’s been going
on.”
It was a map of the neighborhood marked with eight numbers and a
corresponding key listing the pets and dates they were last seen.
“Jim,” Sarah pointed to a bearded man on the couch who looked familiar.
He obediently raised his hand, “and I canvassed the area to see how
many pets had gone missing. As you can see, the disappearances started
four months ago. All expensive breeds.”
Jim leaned forward, elbows on his knees. “There’s a pattern that makes
me think there’s something deliberate about it. It started with cats, then
small dogs, then bigger dogs. It’s not random.”
Desi studied the list to verify what Jim was saying, wondering if he was
Jim Hendrie, the noted movie director. She cast her eyes around the circle.
“Has anyone noticed any strangers hanging around the neighborhood? Any
odd bowls of food or water?”
“There’s a shabby Econoline van that parks on my street at night,” the
elderly lady said.
“That ‘shabby’ van belongs to my son,” said a man, whose too-perfect
hairline belied the presence of implants.
“What time of day did the animals disappear?” Desi asked.
“Mostly night.” Sarah looked around the group for confirmation. Heads
nodded.
“I let my dog out at night in the back yard to do his business, and he
never came back,” said a woman pushing large black-rimmed glasses up her
nose. “Mine’s the Pekinese.”
“No unusual barking?” Heads shook.
“Not to sound alarmist, but what if someone’s engaging in some kind
of animal sacrifice cult?” Jim said. “Like santeria or voudou or something.”
Desi sucked in her lips to keep from bursting out in laughter. Rich people
were too much. “Those types of rituals usually involve hens and goats.”
“We’re completely baffled as to why our neighborhood would be targeted,”
Sarah said. “It’s really quite worrying. What will they try next: home
invasions? We have a lot of elderly residents.”
Desi closed her notepad. “There’s been a cat and dog shortage since
the pandemic. People emptied shelters for pets to keep them company at
home, so animals are getting high prices right now. I’d say that’s the motive.
And once their scheme worked the first time, the thieves came back,
getting better and bolder with each theft.
“They probably chose this neighborhood for the simple reason that it
offers easy access to Sunset Boulevard and the freeway, and it’s all single-family
homes with open yards. I suggest checking Craigslist to see if
any of your pets are being sold online. If you find any you think are yours,
call me.”
Sarah bobbed her head at her neighbors. “Good idea, everyone.”
Desi took out a wad of business cards from her pocket and handed it to
Sarah, who took one and passed it on. “I’ll request patrol to step up neighborhood
checks, especially at night. Keep your pets inside or on a leash.
Don’t let them roam by themselves, even in your yard. Somebody could be
luring the animals with food that contains tranquilizers. Take a couple good
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Empathy / Entropy