Lili pressed close to me, and Marsa, as if she understood the conversation was about her, slowly came out of the kitchen and sat directly in front of the policeman, staring at him with her green, unblinking eyes.

— This morning — he began — a… deserted doghouse was found in the neighboring yard. The puppies were gone.

— And?… — my voice trembled betraying me.

— The owner claims she saw your cat carrying them away one by one — he paused, as if choosing his words.

The neighbor sighed and, lowering her eyes, said: