“Chey…enne.” Damn, I’d nearly used my nickname for her. “Don’t get attached to Sadie. The owner might show up at any time.”
“You know she won’t, Brooklyn. You know that. If she were my dog, nothing would’ve kept me from coming back here to get her.” She blinked. “I certainly would never allow someone to leave her to die—” She gasped again, tears filling her eyes.
I didn’t know about the puppy or what happened, but clearly it was a painful memory for Cheyenne. Yet another cruelty of my father’s I’d never forgive. “Yeah, go and maybe talk to her. Do not, under any circumstances, open the crate or stick your fingers through to touch her.”
She nodded.
Even in her current state of distress, I believed her.
“I think I should sleep on the couch in there—to keep her company.” She turned to Wynn. “If this doesn’t work out—if I have to go back—I’ll run away again. Only no one will ever be able to find me.”
Slowly, Wynn nodded. “I understand. To be clear, though. Do not, under any circumstances, say that to the judge. She’ll think you don’t plan to obey her court orders, and that can have consequences. You can legitimately say you fear for your safety. I heard the conversation and can attest to it.” He smiled. “You get some rest. Brooklyn and I have the review of paperwork to do and then I can get things filed in the morning. Rest well, okay? Know I’m doing everything I can.”
She rose slowly and then, to my surprise, put a hand on his forearm. “I believe you. Believe in you. That you can save me.” With that, she headed toward her bedroom. Likely to put on her pajamas that we’d bought for her today. Maybe she’d brush her teeth, and then I had no doubt she’d grab a blanket and pillow and head for the family room.
Maybe that was best for all of us.
I checked my phone. I’d said, “Chat later,” to Arthur and I desperately wanted to hear his voice. But there was no text from him, and it was getting late, and maybe he was in bed. I could wait till tomorrow.
I sighed, then turned my attention back to Wynn. “What’s next?”
CHAPTER 15
ARTHUR
I stayed up too late, waiting for Brooklyn to get back to me, but he never did. On the plus side, by the time I gave up, my head and stomach were better enough for me to scramble some eggs on toast for a midnight snack and enjoy them. I focused on that instead of the hollow feeling of wondering if something important had come up, or I just wasn’t a priority.
Next morning, I’d fed and exercised the dogs in the yard, taken joy in a real shower, dressed, and was about to call for a cab to the shelter, when my phone chimed a text.
Brooklyn.
Any chance you’d have a little free time this morning?
My immediate reaction was, for you? Absolutely. I didn’t want to be corny, though.
Sure. What…
What can I do for you? What do you need me for? Want me to come over and kiss your…I shoved down my newly active libido and went with,
What’s up?
And was glad I hadn’t gone sexy or personal when he replied,
It’s this dog, Sadie. The owner never came back. I need to get her to the vet to see if she has a chip and make sure she’s healthy. Plus maybe Dr. Louisa will recognize her
I had a chip reader at the shelter, but couldn’t offer the other two things.
Sure. You want me to take her?
Would you? That’d be a lifesaver. Cheyenne wants to go, but she’s not 18, to start an official record, and I have two meathead daycare pups I can’t leave alone with her either
Glad to
I answered, then realized,
except my car’s at the shelter
James had driven it there after my accident and I hadn’t used it since. And I wasn’t cleared to drive.
