Mann gently took hold of the dog’s mouth and teased it out. Boomer, who had some sizable teeth, thought it was all in good fun, and kept trying to get it back.
“Ow,” Mann yelped when Boomer bit him playfully. “I see we need to teach you some manners.”
He hadn’t broken the skin and there was no blood. “Don’t be a baby,” Malachi chided.
Boomer grabbed a second toy, a dolphin. This one appeared a bit tougher to destroy.
Harris shook his head at the dog. “Constance set up an offshore account for Damon, not knowing about his illegal enterprises at the time. He appeared to be a normal client, and she only ever spoke to him over the phone.”
He journeyed into the kitchen, probably looking for a garbage can. Thomas continued. “Marcher had never written down the information, and Constance was the only one who had the details. She told her story to Dupé about Horvat forcing her to embezzle from Amber, and she still had the account numbers that she’d funneled those funds into, as well. What’s left of the money will be returned to the mayor soon.”
Harris returned and rolled his eyes as the dog ripped open the dolphin. Filling once more flew through the air and the dog’s mouth. “Newt turned on King, and he’s going to be in prison for a long time. No more deals. Baby Marcher is also in jail, and even though he coughed up the mayor and turned on the others, he won’t see freedom anytime soon. How’s Mia and her sister?”
“Mia’s great.” He couldn’t keep the smile off his face. “Amber’s okay. Mia said she’s having nightmares. We’re all attending a support group meeting tonight.”
Mann grappled with Boomer for the wrecked toy. “I heard she’s pushing for the Justice Department to throw everything they can at King and Newt.”
“I hope they do.”
Mann and Harris went back to removing the stuffing from the dog’s mouth and throwing out the second toy. While they were doing that, the front door opened again, and Mia came in carrying Ladybug.
“You got him already?”
As she put a knee on the couch to lean down and kiss Malachi’s forehead, Boomer rolled onto his back and showed his belly to Thomas. The man laughed and scratched it. “That’s better, dog.”
“It seems I’m kind of a hero around here,” Malachi told her, letting a bit of pride flow into his voice. “The foster woman told me that Boomer is, too. He smelled smoke when a fire started in her house several nights ago and alerted her. She was able to put it out before it did too much damage, and she attributes that to him. She said we belonged together, and pushed the adoption right through.”
Ladybug sniffed at the newcomer and wagged her tail hesitantly. Mia made an impressed face and set the terrier down. “How nice.”
Malachi prayed the two dogs would get along, because it looked like they might be spending a lot of time together.
“By the way, since youarea local hero, Amber’s planning an event to honor you.”
“What?” His stomach clenched. “No, that’s so not necessary.”
Mia shrugged. “She’s the mayor.” She glanced at Harris and Mann. “She’d honor you and your team, as well, but doesn’t want to blow your undercover stuff.”
“Just doing our duty,” Harris said. He and Mann backed away, heading for the front. Harris pointed at Malachi. “I hear you start therapy on Monday.”
Malachi didn’t like the glint in his eye. “Yeah…?”
“Don’t think you’re going to get out of it or have it easy. We’ve got to get you back in fighting shape. You might not be able to compete in January’s triathlon, but I’m holding you to the next one. I’m doing it myself. We’ll train together.”
“What?” This day was going to hell in a hand basket. Malachi tried not to show any fear. “Appreciate the offer, but—”
“No buts.” Harris winked at him and waved at Mia. “I’m going to put you through the wringer, Cahill. You’ll love it.”
Mann snickered as they went out. “I’ll be by later to share the gin.”
As the door closed, Boomer got up to check out the terrier and her bandaged leg. “That sounds like a fabulous idea,” Mia said.
Malachi watched as the two dogs sniffed each other and Ladybug did a play bow, barking good-naturedly at the much bigger animal. She seemed to be letting Boomer know she was in charge. “When would having Cooper Harris attend your physical therapy session ever be a good idea?”
She laughed, holding out her hand to let Boomer sniff it before she petted him. “I meant about the triathlon. All of us should train for it, you, me, your brothers. Even Sam and Josie. Although, I better tell you—I’m not into exercise. I might be able to do the five-k walk. I’ll mention it to Amber. It will be a good promotion for her. We can get T-shirts made and enter as a group.”
Malachi groaned, smiling as well. His life was never going to be the same.
“Aw, you got bowls for Ladybug and Taz too?” She examined the dishes, one with a bone painted on it, the other with a cat figure. “That’s so sweet.”
