Jenny decides to bring her dog, Max, to work for the first time, hoping he will behave well. Max, a golden retriever with a friendly demeanor, usually gets along with everyone. Jenny thought it might brighten up the office atmosphere and give her a chance to show off just how well-trained Max was. She packed his favorite toys and some treats, confident that he would be the star of the day. As soon as they arrive at the office, Max starts barking furiously at Colin, one of Jenny’s colleagues. Colin, sitting at his desk with a cup of coffee, looks startled by the sudden outburst. The usually quiet office becomes chaotic as Max’s barks echo off the walls. Other coworkers turn to see what the commotion is about, their faces reflecting a mix of surprise and curiosity. Jenny tries to calm Max down, but he continues to growl and bark at Colin, making everyone uncomfortable. She kneels beside him, whispering soothing words and gently stroking his fur, hoping to ease his agitation. Max, however, is relentless in his focus on Colin, his growls growing more intense. The tension in the room escalates, leaving Jenny feeling embarrassed and unsure of what to do next. Colin appears flustered and awkwardly jokes about not being a ‘dog person’ to lighten the mood. His attempt at humor falls flat as Max’s barking drowns out his words. Colin’s face flushes with unease, and he shifts uncomfortably in his seat, trying to distance himself from the agitated dog. Jenny offers a weak smile, desperately hoping that Max will settle down and the situation will defuse itself. Jenny apologizes to her co-workers, takes Max outside for a short walk, hoping he will settle down. She clips on his leash and guides him toward the office exit, feeling the weight of everyone’s eyes on her. Once outside, she leads Max to a small patch of grass, hoping the fresh air will help calm his nerves. She crouches down, speaking softly to him, trying to understand why he is so agitated. Upon returning, Max resumes his aggressive behavior exclusively toward Colin, which starts to concern Jenny. It’s as if Max has an intense dislike for Colin that she can’t explain. Max’s growls become more guttural, and his barking more urgent. Jenny’s earlier confidence wanes, replaced by a growing sense of worry. She glances around the office, noticing that everyone now seems wary of the situation. Other colleagues start to notice Max’s unusual behavior and keep their distance from Colin. Whispers and side glances fill the office as people discuss the strange situation. Beth from accounting even takes a different route to the break room to avoid passing by Colin’s desk. The atmosphere becomes tense, and some people are visibly uneasy, wondering if there’s more to this than just a dog’s whim. Jenny observes Colin acting nervously and avoiding making eye contact with Max. Colin’s usually confident demeanor appears shaken as he fumbles with papers on his desk and avoids Max’s piercing gaze. It strikes Jenny as odd, and her concern deepens. She wonders if there is something more at play, something she’s missing. Despite her attempts to direct Max’s attention elsewhere, he remains fixated on Colin. Jenny repeatedly tries to calm Max by giving him treats and toys, but nothing seems to work. She offers him his favorite bones and squeezes his beloved squeaky toy, but Max barely pays them any attention. His focus remains solely on Colin, barking incessantly. Jenny’s frustration grows as she realizes her usual methods are futile. She starts thinking about what could possibly be triggering Max’s aggressive behavior. During lunch break, Jenny decides to keep Max near her desk, hoping proximity will soothe him. She lays out a soft blanket for him to rest on and places his water bowl within reach. Sitting at her desk, she keeps a close eye on his every move, praying he will finally calm down. Max, however, remains on high alert, his gaze never straying far from Colin’s direction, making Jenny more anxious. Despite her efforts, Max continues to bark aggressively at Colin every time he passes by. Jenny feels helpless as Max’s behavior becomes more disruptive, his barks louder and more insistent. Colin’s attempts to pass by without drawing attention only make Max more agitated. The office environment becomes increasingly tense, with colleagues exchanging uneasy glances. Jenny knows she needs to do something fast to resolve the situation. Jenny starts to suspect something might be wrong and considers taking Max home. She contemplates whether Max is sensing something she isn’t aware of. Her instincts tell her that this isn’t just a simple case of Max being unsettled in a new environment. Jenny debates whether to confront Colin or quietly take Max away from the office to stop the growing tension and disruption amongst her coworkers. Jenny’s boss approaches her, concerned about the disruption Max is causing in the office. He speaks to her in a calm but firm tone, expressing the need for a quick resolution. Jenny nods, feeling the weight of the situation, knowing that her reputation and Max’s presence in the office are on the line. She assures her boss that she will handle the situation promptly and efficiently, despite her mounting stress. Jenny promises to resolve the situation quickly, feeling embarrassed and stressed. She knows Max’s behavior is unacceptable and worries about the impression it makes on her colleagues and superiors. Her mind races with possible solutions, from taking Max home immediately to figuring out why he is so fixated on Colin. Jenny can only hope she can find a solution quickly before things escalate further. Colin suggests that maybe Max is just not used to the office environment and offers to help. He proposes getting Max acclimated to the new surroundings in a calm manner, perhaps interacting with him directly to ease the tension. Jenny is hesitant but appreciates the gesture. She considers Colin’s offer, though she’s unsure if it will work given Max’s intense reaction to him from the start. Jenny reluctantly agrees to let Colin try to calm Max, but Max only becomes more aggressive. As Colin approaches, Max’s growls deepen, and he bares his teeth, making it clear that he isn’t comfortable. Colin holds out a hand cautiously, but Max lunges, showing more aggression than before. Jenny pulls Max back, apologizing profusely, and starts doubting whether Colin’s involvement is a good idea after all. Jenny’s intuition tells her that something isn’t adding up with Colin’s behavior and Max’s reaction. She recalls how Max has always been gentle and friendly, even around strangers. The aggressive behavior toward Colin is completely out of character for him. Jenny starts to scrutinize Colin’s reactions more closely, wondering if there’s something about him that Max can sense. Her unease grows as she tries to piece things together. She makes a mental note of how out of character Max’s aggression is compared to his usual friendly nature. Max has always been sociable and well-behaved, earning the adoration of everyone he meets. This sudden and intense aggression towards Colin is puzzling. Jenny starts to think back to any other times Max behaved similarly, comparing those instances in her mind to what’s happening now. Jenny recalls a past incident where Max had shown fear towards a specific person before. It happened once when they were at a park, and a man approached them in a way that made Max uncomfortable. However, that incident had resolved quickly once they left the park. Now, she wonders if there could be a deeper, underlying reason for Max’s strange behavior toward Colin that she hasn’t considered. A sense of worry starts to gnaw at Jenny, and she begins to feel uneasy about Colin’s intentions. She can’t shake the feeling that there’s more to Colin than meets the eye. Jenny decides to keep a closer watch on him, noting his movements and interactions with others in the office. Her concern grows, and she knows she needs to uncover the truth behind Max’s behavior sooner rather than later. Other colleagues give Jenny questioning looks, making her feel more pressured to solve the issue. Every now and then, someone passes by her desk, throwing a concerned glance at Max and shaking their heads slightly. It feels like all eyes are on her, waiting for a resolution. Jenny feels like she’s running out of time to figure out what’s going on with Max and Colin before things get worse. Jenny decides to text her husband about Max’s behavior and Colin’s odd actions. She quickly types a message, describing Max’s aggression and how Colin seems to be at the center of it all. Her fingers tap the screen rapidly as she struggles to find the right words. She hits send and waits for her husband’s reply, hoping he might have some insight or advice to calm her growing apprehension. Jenny’s husband reassures her, but also suggests keeping a close eye on anything unusual. He reminds her that dogs often have instincts that humans cannot understand. His message comforts her slightly, but also reinforces her resolve to monitor Colin more closely. Jenny nods to herself, feeling more focused. She resolves to stay vigilant, hoping that by the end of the day, she will have more answers. Jenny starts connecting some dots and remembers stories of dogs sensing danger in people. She recalls various tales and articles she has read about dogs who have saved their owners from potential harm, all due to their keen senses. It’s a comforting yet unsettling thought, making her wonder what Max might be picking up on. Determined to dig deeper, she turns to the internet for more information on canine behavior. To distract herself, she looks up dog behavior articles and finds out dogs can remember past traumas. The information surprises her, shedding light on why Max might be acting out. Although the specifics of Max’s past are unclear, Jenny knows he’s always been well-cared for. She bookmarks several articles, feeling that she’s gaining a better understanding of Max’s actions. This newfound knowledge begins to guide her next decisions. Jenny becomes more suspicious of Colin, recalling he had joined the company just before Max’s change in behavior started. She reviews the timeline in her head, connecting the dots between Colin’s arrival and Max’s increasing discomfort. The coincidence is too glaring to ignore. Jenny’s gut feeling tells her that something isn’t right with Colin. Deciding it’s time to confront the issue head-on, she plans her next move. Jenny decides to confront Colin directly and asks him why Max might be reacting to him so aggressively. During a break, she approaches Colin, trying to remain calm and collected. With a steady voice, she mentions Max’s unusual behavior and asks if Colin has any idea why. Colin’s reaction is swift and defensive, his answers lacking substance. Instead of easing Jenny’s concerns, Colin’s demeanor raises more red flags. Colin defensively claims he doesn’t know and suggests taking Max away from the office environment. His tone is sharp, and he avoids making eye contact. Jenny feels a chill run down her spine, sensing his discomfort. Despite her better judgment, she tries to remain polite, but Max’s barking had reached a fever pitch. Colin’s suggestion to remove Max seems more like an attempt to deflect suspicion than a helpful solution. Feeling even more unsettled, Jenny decides to keep a close eye on both Max and Colin for the rest of the day. Her radar is up, and she watches for any unusual interactions or behaviors. Colin tries to avoid her, but Jenny isn’t deterred. Max stays close to her side, still alert and growling whenever Colin is near. The tension in the office is palpable, and Jenny’s determination to get to the bottom of this grows stronger. Throughout the afternoon, Max’s barking continues every time Colin comes near, disrupting work further. The noise is constant, drawing frustrated looks from coworkers and creating an uneasy atmosphere. Jenny struggles to focus on her tasks, her mind constantly torn between her work and the puzzle involving Max and Colin. Despite Colin’s attempts to ignore Max, each of his movements seems to trigger fresh rounds of barking. Jenny knows something must be done soon. Jenny’s boss expresses his frustration and demands a solution by the end of the day. He calls her into his office, his face stern, making it clear that the barking is affecting everyone’s productivity. Jenny feels the pressure mounting, knowing that her boss won’t tolerate this ongoing disruption much longer. She nods seriously, promising to find a way to resolve the situation before the end of her shift. Jenny feels cornered and steps outside with Max for some fresh air, trying to think clearly. They find a small bench under a tree, where she sits down and gently strokes Max’s fur. The fresh air helps clear her mind, allowing her to ponder different solutions. Watching the bustling city around her, Jenny takes deep breaths, hoping for a moment of clarity that can help her tackle this growing issue. While outside, Jenny receives a text from her husband with more supportive words and advice. She smiles, reading his encouraging message which reminds her to stay calm and trust her instincts. He suggests calling their dog trainer or even consulting a vet to see if Max’s behavior is health-related. Feeling slightly more supported, Jenny thanks him and pets Max, promising that she will get to the bottom of this. Jenny returns to the office and notices Colin watching her and Max from his desk. His eyes follow them, and for a moment, he’s almost glaring. The intensity of his gaze makes Jenny uneasy. She walks Max calmly back to her desk, doing her best to act normal. Despite her growing suspicion, she keeps her actions measured, deciding to take her husband’s advice and reach out to their dog trainer for help. Jenny decides to call an old friend who’s a dog trainer to get professional advice on Max’s behavior. Grabbing her phone, she steps into a quiet conference room and dials the number. Her friend answers, and Jenny quickly explains Max’s strange behavior, especially around Colin. The trainer listens carefully and gives Jenny practical tips on observing Max more closely to understand what might be triggering his reactions. The dog trainer suggests that Max might be reacting to something specific about Colin. She explains that dogs can sense things that humans often miss, like unusual body language or smells. The trainer advises watching Colin’s interactions with Max, taking note of any patterns. Jenny feels a spark of hope, thinking there might be a logical explanation. She thanks her friend and heads back to her desk, ready to observe closely. The trainer also advises consulting with a vet to rule out any medical issues causing the behavior. Sometimes, dogs with health problems like auditory issues or pain can act out unpredictably. Jenny decides to make an appointment with the vet for later in the day, determined to leave no stone unturned. She jots down the vet’s number, feeling a plan forming in her mind, ready to tackle the issue from all angles. Jenny counts down the minutes until the end of the workday, feeling the weight of the situation heavily. The ticking clock on her desk seems louder than usual, each minute dragging painfully. She finds herself glancing at Colin and watching his every move. The tension is palpable, not just in her muscles but in the air around her. All she can think about is getting Max to the vet and finding answers. As the workday ends, Jenny quickly gathers Max and leaves the office, determined to uncover the truth. She doesn’t waste a second, grabbing her keys and heading straight to the car. Max follows eagerly, seeming to sense that something important is happening. As they drive to the vet, Jenny’s thoughts are a whirlwind, considering all the possibilities. She is ready to get to the bottom of whatever is troubling her beloved dog. Jenny drives to the vet to get Max checked out and rule out health issues. The trip feels longer than usual, her mind racing with questions. When they arrive, she checks in at the front desk, holding Max close. They’re called into an exam room, where the vet begins a thorough check-up. Jenny watches anxiously, hoping for a clean bill of health or at least an explanation for Max’s recent distress. The vet conducts a thorough examination and finds Max is in perfect health, confirming Jenny’s suspicions about Colin. The vet reassures Jenny that there’s nothing physically wrong with Max—his ears, teeth, fur, and overall condition are in great shape. Jenny feels relief mixed with an intensified curiosity, as this confirms that Max’s behavior must be related to something or someone at the office. She thanks the vet and heads back home. Jenny calls the dog trainer back to relay the vet’s information and get more advice. She shares the details of the vet visit, emphasizing that Max is physically fine but still acts aggressively around Colin. The trainer listens and then suggests a few more strategies Jenny could try to get to the bottom of these behavior issues. They discuss more observational tactics, and Jenny jots down some notes, eager to find a solution. The dog trainer asks if Jenny had noticed any particular incidents that might trigger Max’s behavior. Jenny thinks back over the past few weeks, recalling if there were any specific events that stood out. The trainer explains that understanding the context of Max’s reactions could be crucial in pinpointing the cause. Jenny’s mind races as she tries to piece together any moments that could have led to Max’s current state. Jenny recalls Colin’s awkwardness and the unexplained fear Max exhibited after an earlier encounter. She remembers a day when Colin seemed unusually nervous around Max, stuttering and avoiding eye contact. Max had reacted strongly, barking and growling more than usual. This specific memory starts to play back more clearly in Jenny’s mind. She shares this with the trainer, who listens carefully, suggesting this could be a clue worth investigating further. The trainer suggests monitoring Colin’s interactions with Max more closely or setting up a hidden camera. By capturing their interactions on video, Jenny could gather concrete evidence that might explain Max’s behavior. Though the idea feels a bit drastic, Jenny agrees that it might be the best course of action. The trainer cautions her to be discreet and to document any suspicious interactions thoroughly. Jenny thanks the trainer and begins planning her next steps. Jenny feels apprehensive but decides to set up a hidden camera to observe Colin’s behavior around Max. The thought of spying on a colleague makes her uneasy, but her concern for Max’s well-being outweighs her discomfort. She makes a list of what she needs and decides to focus on the safety of her beloved pet. Determined and slightly anxious, she plans to purchase a small, discreet camera the next day. She buys a small, discreet camera and plans to hide it in her office the next day. Jenny heads to an electronics store, choosing a model that’s easy to conceal and has high-quality video. She pays at the counter, her heart pounding slightly with anticipation and nerves. That night, she tests the camera at home, ensuring it works perfectly. She gets everything ready for an early start at the office. The next morning, Jenny arrives at work early and discreetly sets up the camera near her desk. She places it in a strategic spot where it can clearly capture Colin and Max’s interactions. She checks the camera’s angle and ensures everything is functioning correctly before anyone else arrives. Her heart races with a mix of excitement and anxiety as she tries to act normal, hoping no one notices anything amiss. As the day progresses, Max again starts barking at Colin at every opportunity. The behavior is consistent and aggressive, making it clear there’s something specific about Colin that triggers Max. Jenny tries to stay calm, taking mental notes and waiting for a chance to review the footage. She reassures her nearby colleagues, hoping they understand her predicament. The tension in the office builds once more, but this time, Jenny feels more prepared. Jenny reviews the footage during lunch and notices Colin appearing increasingly anxious around Max. She watches closely as Colin’s body language reveals a mix of fear and guilt, causing Max to react defensively. The video doesn’t show anything overtly aggressive but certainly raises more questions about Colin’s behavior. Determined to get more clarity, she decides to continue the surveillance, hoping the recordings will eventually reveal the full story. In the recorded footage, Jenny notices Colin seeming to flinch and glance around nervously when Max barks. Colin’s reactions are subtle but noticeable, and the footage captures several moments where he looks over his shoulder or shifts uneasily. This behavior doesn’t go unnoticed by Max, who seems to grow more insistent in his barking. Jenny watches the footage repeatedly, scrutinizing every detail for clues about Colin’s anxiety. Jenny starts discussing her growing concerns with trusted colleagues who also found Colin’s behavior odd. She brings it up casually during coffee breaks and in between tasks, wanting to hear if anyone else has noticed anything unusual. To her relief, a few colleagues mention having seen Colin acting strangely, particularly when Max is around. Their observations help Jenny feel more validated and determined to get to the bottom of this mystery. One of her co-workers mentions seeing Colin acting secretive around the office recently. During a quick chat in the break room, the co-worker describes catching Colin in the act of slipping into less frequented areas, almost as if he were hiding. This piece of information adds another layer of intrigue, making Jenny even more curious. She thanks her colleague and starts to build a mental timeline of Colin’s unusual behavior. Jenny decides to continue observing for one more day before taking the next step. She intends to gather as much evidence as possible to ensure she has a strong case. If nothing conclusive shows up by the end of the day, she plans to call the authorities for advice. As she goes about her work, she discreetly keeps an eye on Colin and Max, hoping the day will reveal something definitive. By the end of the second day, Jenny reviews new footage showing Colin avoiding certain places in the office. The camera catches Colin steering clear of corners and hallways where Max frequents, his behavior growing more erratic. He seems to be deliberately avoiding any chance encounters with the dog. This makes Jenny more suspicious, as it’s clear he’s trying to stay out of Max’s sight. She makes a note of these specific instances. Feeling more convinced of foul play, Jenny decides to research Colin’s past discretely. She starts with a simple internet search, scanning through public records and social media profiles. A few hours of digging reveal that Colin had a brief stint at a local animal shelter, which piques her interest. She notes down the details and contemplates reaching out to the shelter for more information about his role and history. She discovers Colin had a brief stint at a shelter with numerous complaints filed against him. Jenny’s heart sinks as she reads through the various claims, detailing instances of mistreatment and negligence. Some complaints even mention animal theft suspicions, making Jenny feel a chill run down her spine. Armed with this potentially damning information, she becomes more determined to figure out Colin’s true motives and his connection to Max’s behavior. Jenny now has enough reason to believe something is deeply wrong and wonders what to do next. She weighs her options carefully, feeling the urgency to act but also wanting to proceed with caution. Should she approach the authorities directly, or should she first confront Colin? As her mind races with possibilities, she decides to take a step back and seek advice. Her next move may be crucial for unveiling the full truth. She calls her husband to discuss the troublesome evidence she has gathered and Colin’s strange behavior. They talk for a long time, with Jenny laying out everything she has found out so far. Her husband listens intently, sharing her concerns and providing emotional support. He suggests that involving the authorities might be the safest step, especially considering the serious nature of the complaints against Colin. This conversation helps solidify her thoughts. As they talk, Jenny’s husband reminds her of Max’s past experience of nearly being kidnapped. This triggers a memory of the fear they felt during that incident and makes Jenny even more resolute to protect Max. She considers the possibility that Colin could be connected to that past event, especially given his suspicious history with animals. With this new perspective, Jenny decides it’s time to call 911 and alert them to the situation. A terrible realization hits Jenny like a bolt of lightning: what if Colin had encountered Max before? The thought sends chills down her spine as she fears not just for Max but for any other pets Colin might have harmed. The dots start connecting, making her anxiety surge. She knows she has to act quickly to ensure Max’s safety and uncover the extent of Colin’s potential wrongdoing. Jenny’s mind flashes back to the police report from that dreadful day. She vividly remembers seeing a figure resembling Colin lurking near their backyard, attempting to snatch Max. The memory is sharp and haunting, crystal clear in her mind’s eye. It had been a close call, and they never did find out who it was. Now, the pieces of the puzzle are starting to fit together. Jenny’s blood runs cold as she connects the dots. The likelihood that Colin is the perpetrator becomes increasingly clear, filling her with a mixture of dread and determination. Every strange behavior, every nervous glance from Colin takes on new significance. She realizes that she needs concrete proof, but her gut tells her she’s on the right track. This is too important to ignore any longer. Determined to act, Jenny grabs her phone and dials 911. Her voice trembles slightly as she explains her suspicions and the urgency of the situation. She details the strange behavior, the past police report, and her growing concerns about Colin. The dispatcher listens carefully, taking notes and assuring her that they will investigate. Jenny breathes a little easier, knowing she’s done the right thing by involving the authorities. The police assure Jenny they will look into the matter and advise her to stay vigilant. They ask her to remain observant and report any other suspicious activities. Jenny feels a mixture of relief and anticipation, the weight of her concerns slightly lifted by their promise of an investigation. She knows she must remain watchful, not just for Max’s sake but for the welfare of any other pets Colin might have harmed. While waiting for an update, Jenny reviews more office footage and uncovers additional instances of Colin’s odd behavior. His actions are subtly secretive, evading cameras when possible and checking over his shoulder. Each clip strengthens her conviction. She meticulously documents everything, creating a thorough file to support her case. This further evidence makes her all the more certain that involving the police was the right move. The police call Jenny back, confirming they found troubling information about Colin’s past. The officer’s tone is serious, detailing Colin’s history of animal-related complaints and brief stint at the animal shelter. This confirmation strengthens Jenny’s resolve, knowing her suspicions were not unfounded. The police thank her for her diligence and inform her that they will take immediate steps to look into Colin’s current activities more closely. The police arrive at Jenny’s office discreetly and set up to observe Colin. They blend into the background, taking care not to alert him while they study his behavior. Jenny feels a mix of tension and hope, knowing that the authorities are now actively involved. Every minute feels like an hour as she waits, hoping their presence will catch Colin off guard and reveal the truth about his actions. Officers approach Jenny quietly, expressing their intent to visit her home and investigate further. They suspect Colin’s activities may extend beyond the office and possibly involve her property. Jenny agrees, feeling both apprehensive and hopeful that this step will lead to answers. Together, they plan their next move, focusing on gathering more evidence and ensuring Max’s safety while they head to her home. Arriving at Jenny’s home, the police make a horrifying discovery: dozens of dogs chained in the garden. Each one looks neglected, a tragic testament to Colin’s dark activities. This shocking evidence confirms Jenny’s worst fears and cements Colin’s involvement in the grim world of animal abuse and theft. The police immediately begin to document the scene, preparing to move forward with their investigation and bring justice to the innocent animals.