Chapter 5 - THE WARDEN’S SHADOW
By Friday morning, the storm had passed, leaving behind a crisp, sunny day. But the streets were a dangerous place for two homeless boys and an unlicensed dog.
As they walked near the edge of the public park, looking for discarded food near the picnic tables, a loud engine idle caught Ben’s attention. A white van with the words City Animal Control printed on the side pulled up slowly to the curb.
A tall, stern-looking warden stepped out of the vehicle. He wore a heavy utility belt and carried a long metal pole with a thick wire loop at the end—a dog catcher's net. His eyes locked onto Barnaby.
"Hey! You kids!" the warden called out, his voice booming across the grass. "Is that your dog?"
Toby immediately panicked, grabbing Barnaby by the neck. "He’s our dog! Don't take him!"
"He doesn't have a collar or a city license tag," the warden said, marching toward them with a determined stride. "I have to take him in. Loose strays are a public hazard."
"No!" Toby sobbed, shielding Barnaby with his small body. The scruffy dog let out a low growl, tucking his tail between his legs in terror.
Ben’s heart hammered against his ribs. He knew if they took Barnaby to the city pound, they would never get him back. He looked at the warden, then at the thick bushes bordering the park.
"Toby, run!" Ben yelled. "Take Barnaby and run to the subway station! Don't look back!"
"But Ben—"
"Go!" Ben screamed.
As Toby bolted into the trees with Barnaby running beside him, Ben lunged forward. He didn't hit the warden, but he purposely tripped over a nearby trash can, sending a shower of metal cans and plastic bottles directly into the warden's path.
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"Hey! Watch it, kid!" the warden roared, stumbling over the debris and losing his balance.
The delay was only a few seconds, but it was enough. By the time the warden recovered his footing, Toby and Barnaby had disappeared into the thick foliage of the park, heading toward the safety of the crowded streets. Ben stood among the scattered trash, his chest heaving, praying his little brother was safe.
