THE WET NOSE INCIDENT

CASE FILE #007

THE WET NOSE INCIDENT

MISSION LOG

I knew this case was a mistake the moment they mentioned the gynecologist.

Still, a question had been raised, and apparently somebody decided it required professional investigation.

That somebody should be investigated next.

THE DISCOVERY

The assignment brought me to a local women’s health center, where I was presented with two subjects that had absolutely no business appearing in the same sentence:

A nearsighted gynecologist.

And a puppy.

Then came the question.

What do a nearsighted gynecologist and a puppy have in common?

I should have left.

I did not.

THE INVESTIGATION

I reviewed the evidence.

I checked the eye chart.

I checked my notes.

Then I checked the puppy.

The puppy sat quietly beside me, wagging its tail and displaying absolutely no concern about where this investigation was headed.

Then the answer arrived.

A wet nose.

My pencil stopped.

The puppy remained cheerful.

Professional curiosity had officially betrayed me.

FEATHERED THOUGHT

There’s an old saying in journalism: never ask a question you don’t want answered.

I had always assumed that was metaphorical.

I no longer do.

FINAL NOTE

The puppy was cleared of all involvement.

The gynecologist was not contacted for further comment.

No further questions were asked.

I’ve seen enough.