Raum cleared his throat. “When is Tiny’s foster family coming?”
Caro managed to drag her gaze away from Sunshine but kept glancing back. Probably expecting angel wings to burst from her back. Raum was used to being the freak show around here, and while he didn’t mind passing on the spotlight for once, there was a limit to what these poor humans could handle.
“Actually,” Caro finally said, “they came by yesterday. We had a look at him in the kennel, and I wasn’t planning on taking him out without you here, but…” She shook her head. “He was so calm. He didn’t even bark or jump up. So I took a risk and we took him outside. He was an angel. I don’t know what you did to that dog, but it’s like he’s a completely different animal. The couple loved him. Honestly, I think they’re considering adoption.”
Raum looked around. “So, he’s gone?”
She nodded. “I’m sorry. I wanted to wait until you came in, but they said they’d come by with him in a few days to check in. I figured I’d make sure you were around then so you could say goodbye.”
“It’s fine.”
“No, I want you to be there. You worked so hard with him. Part of what makes this job bearable is seeing the results of your hard work. I’ll let you know when they’re coming, and you make sure you’re here, got it?”
Raum shrugged. Sunshine was beaming at him.
“How’s Luna?” he asked to change the subject.
Caro’s lips pursed briefly. “The same. She’s still reluctant to eat—she doesn’t trust us yet. Maybe you could sit with her a bit today if you have time?” She looked at Sunshine. “Have you worked with animals before?”
“No, but I would like to.”
“She’s good,” Raum said, and he wasn’t kidding about that. Half the dogs were sleeping now.
“Well, it seems like she’s a great…friend for you, then.” Caro looked between them, shaking her head, and mumbled, “Talk about your power couples.”
“What is a power couple?” Sunshine asked, oblivious.
“Oh, um, just a couple who are both impressive on their own and then even more so when they’re together.”
“Oh.” Sunshine’s eyes widened as she glanced at Raum.
Awkward silence reigned.
“Anyway!” Caro forced a smile and pushed a lock of hair from her face. “I’ll leave you to it. I’ve got mountains of paperwork to do.” She focused on Raum. “You can take as much time off as you need, by the way. Come in when you can, but don’t force it. I’ll take you however I can get you. Just make sure you clock in when you’re here so I can pay you.”
He said nothing. He didn’t need or want her money.
Her eyes narrowed. “I mean it. Clock in or I’ll pay you a full forty-hour week, and the shelter’s already struggling so much, I don’t know how we’ll ever afford it.” She smiled mischievously.
He shot her a look. “Fine. I’ll clock in.”
“Good man.”
“Can I borrow your keys? Forgot mine.”
She patted around her pockets. “Here. And take some dog treats.” She shoved everything into his hands. “I’ll be in my office if you need anything. It was nice to meet you, Sunshine.” Waving over her shoulder, she disappeared through the door at the end of the row.
“What a lovely human!” Sunshine exclaimed once Caro had gone. “Do you think many humans are as generous as she is?”
“Shouldn’t you know? You’re a guardian angel. Your whole job is working with humans.”
“I rarely interact with them. Most of the time I remain invisible and pop in to my various assignments every week or so to make sure there’s no demonic interference. Otherwise, humans have free will, and there’s not much I can do to help them.” She sighed. “Those are the rules.”
He frowned. “So guardian angels only guard against demons?”
“Demons and other supernatural beings that exist outside of the rules. I’ve often wished I could interact with the humans and offer guidance when I see them going astray, but I’m not allowed to reveal myself. Angels can choose whether to make themselves visible to humans, you see.”
“That sucks you can’t help directly.”
