KC Frantzen - May the K9 Spy 02 - May Finds a Way: Peril in Paris by KC Frantzen Page B

and not for raw mole. There are some well-groomed dogs dressed to match well-groomed humans. Long-legged young girls hurry past, “dressed like they stepped out of a magazine,” as Mom would say. Maybe they did. One girl looks familiar.
    It’s difficult not to be distracted but I must get to the Embassy.
    We make our way east through a charming park and then, my heart beats a little faster. “There’s our flag!” Amazing how I used to take little things for granted, like thinking our flag would always be around.

    “Flapping cloth on a pole, with a pigeon on top?”
    “It’s represents our country like” – I motion to a French flag – “this one does yours.”
    Come to think of it, I’ve seen only one other American flag… Thump thump . I wonder…
    Yes! I see the US Embassy sign and begin to prance. “This is the place, Léonce. How can I thank you!”
    “Miaow.” He observes me closely though I don’t quite understand his expression.
    “I’m sure we’ll meet again. I’ll bring someone over and show them what Director is doing at the lady Marie’s. Then we’ll find you a good home, like mine.”
    “I am content.”
    “I know, but still…” Awkward. How do I thank someone who saved my life? Though he’s fierce, think I’ll offer him a little kiss on both cheeks, like I’ve seen other Frenchies do. Thlbpt. Thlbpt.
    He seems surprised, then he kisses me in return – with his raspy tongue.
    “ Au revoir , May.”
    “Goodbye Léonce. As is custom to say in the K9 Service, ‘If I don’t see you here, I’ll see you there.’”
    He bows low. “Until we meet again, fare well my canine friend.”

    I trot to one of the guards in his rain coat uniform and give the K9 Service signal. He seems unimpressed. Righty-o, I’ll talk to him then. Bonjour. I’m May, a lost dog from America. I need entrance to the Embassy…
    “No handouts. Go home.”
    Yes sir. I’m trying to sir.
    “Away little dog.”
    When he assumes a threatening stance, I step back to assess the situation. I could make a dash for it and get through the fence bars but unless they buzz me in, I won’t make it inside the doors. What am I going to do?
    A couple with children approaches. The man is carrying a briefcase. Does he recognize me?
    I casually drift into the park and hide under a shrub to observe the Embassy entrance. After the guard finishes checking some briefcase papers, he buzzes the family in.
    There’s got to be another way for me. I could ride on a delivery truck, like at the airport. Wish I knew where Mr. Vince was staying, maybe he would help.
    Near my nose, a small piece of metal glints in the grey light. How could I not have noticed it before? Surveillance equipment. Definitely. It’s fastened to the branch directly in front of me. And sniff someone has tinkered with it recently. They talked about embassies and surveillance in class, but we didn’t have time for detail yet.
    Movement.
    I spy a man with a backpack who sits on the bench nearby. I should keep an eye on him.
    I need more eyes.
    I start to pant. There’s so much going on. Alexis needs help, then there’s his mother, Director. Horrible woman. Right along with Miss Sandy. And Sassy. And that operative from the plane. Pack Leader too. They’re all working for Rukan and they all must be stopped. Sigh.
    Maybe Léonce can help me again. But which Métro back to the lady Marie’s? I don’t remember the exit even if I manage to find the correct train. Sigh.
    While keeping an eye on Backpack Man, I watch many humans exit the Embassy. Wish there was someone inside I knew I could trust. Maybe the other guard will help.
    I observe him checking humans through the entry gate for a while. Both guards use similar protocol. What should I do?
    Finally Backpack Man leaves so I can turn my full attention to the Embassy.
    More humans leave, then I notice a particular lady coming out the front gate and a man extending his arm. It’s Miss Coralee and Mr. Vince! She