Chapter 3The Rabbit's Trap

A Shiba Inu leaped up and started licking my face with an enthusiasm that would make a stranger think I’d raised him from a pup.

He was just like his owner—far too trusting.

I mixed some wet food with his kibble and set it down, stroking his round little head.

“We’ll get you home in the morning, okay? Your brother’s handsome face was about to collapse from worry.”

Boxer glanced up at me before burying his head back in his bowl.

I hadn’t turned on any lights. The only illumination came from the faint glow of my laptop screen, which displayed an open document.

Wyatt, Male, 23.

Well-known esports streamer.

Lives alone, Apt. 1601.

Walks his dog late every night. Style is mostly athletic wear.

Loves small animals, terrified of cockroaches…

I thought for a moment, then added a new line:

Cries easily. Quick to trust others.

The document’s creation date, stamped in the lower-left corner, was a month ago. It had been edited a staggering 56 times.

I opened my phone and sent a thank-you payment to my little brother.

If he hadn’t snipped Boxer’s collar just before Wyatt got on the elevator, this whole thing would never have gone so smoothly. Wyatt treasured that dog too much.

Time flew, and suddenly it was 7 a.m.

The building’s security cameras were down for maintenance last night but would be back online at eight. I had to get Boxer back before then.

I was about to leave when my eyes caught a small container on the table. I paused.

Maybe… I should make the most of Boxer’s role in this.