The hinges groaned as the casket lid slowly creaked open.

A gasp tore through the room.

The Chief’s body… was gone.

In its place lay a sandbag, dressed in the Chief’s uniform, with a folded flag draped over it like some cruel joke. Mack barked again—this time triumphant, as if to say, I told you.

Panic rippled through the mourners. Mrs. Harrison collapsed back into her seat, whispering “No, no, no…” over and over again. Deputy Chief Parker paled, sweat blooming on his forehead.

Carson’s hand went to his holster. “Seal the exits. Now.”

Because suddenly, everything made sense.

The Chief had been investigating corruption within his own department.

Two weeks ago, he’d vanished—then turned up “dead” in a closed-casket ceremony.

But this? This wasn’t death.

This was a cover-up.

And the only one who’d seen through it from the start… was the dog who refused to mourn.

Mack sat now, eyes unblinking, staring at Parker.

Who suddenly couldn’t meet his gaze.

Carson stepped forward, slow and deadly calm.

— “Start talking, Parker. Or Mack’s not the only one who’s gonna bite.