“He probably hasn’t had his things since he was surrendered,” Ben said. “They don’t want the dogs to fight over toys or be possessive, or have toys get destroyed. Guess he really missed them.”
George’s papers said he was trained to ring a bell when he needed to go out, so Ben hung the bell on a rope from his box on the doorknob. After a while, George emerged from the bedroom carrying a dragon in his teeth.
Ben checked his phone for any missed work messages, then set up his laptop and sat on the couch, patting the cushion beside him for George to join him. George glanced at Erik as if double-checking that was allowed, then hopped up and circled a few times before lying down near Ben.
“You look comfortable,” Erik observed. Ben turned on a soft rock music channel and George stretched before curling up again, as if to show he approved.
“I’ll come over to the couch and join you after lunch,” Erik said from where he had his laptop on the table. “Figured it was a good day to update spreadsheets. We can put on a movie later.”
“Sounds like a perfect way to spend an afternoon,” Ben agreed.
George slept soundly, and Ben took that as an indication that their new family member felt safe and comfortable. He followed whenever one of them went to the bathroom, asking for ear scratches and standing guard. After George slipped into the bedroom, Ben realized that the dog had repositioned his cushion between the door and their own bed, protecting them.
“Do you think George can sense the objects in the store that carry a little something ‘extra’?” Ben asked. “Or the ghosts?”
“Lots of people say that animals have a sixth sense for that sort of thing, and given his history with Mrs. Thomas, I’d say it’s very likely,” Erik replied.
“I think we should take him to the festival with us this weekend,” Ben said as they ate lunch. “That way he isn’t alone in a new apartment, and he’d probably enjoy being out and about.”
“I was thinking the same thing,” Erik said. “You and I can take turns when we’re not doing tours or presentations, although I suspect people would come just to pet the cute dog, no matter what we were talking about.”
After they finished eating, Erik ran back downstairs to check in with Susan and give her a break for lunch. When he came back, he had a small silver charm.
“For his collar,” Erik said. “I noticed he already has a St. George’s medallion. I remembered that someone brought in jewelry with tarot symbols, which didn’t mean anything to me at the time, but I thought it was appropriate to get one for George. It’s the High Priestess, which is good for protection and intuition.”
“That sounds like a good fit,” Ben agreed as Erik fastened the small charm to George’s collar. George shook his head, making his tags jangle.
“I think he approves,” Erik said with a laugh.
They spent the rest of the day working as movies or music played in the background, giving George a chance to settle in. He trotted back and forth between the couch and the table, splitting his time between them, but truly relaxed once they were both on the couch.
“I think he likes it when our whole pack is together,” Ben pointed out. George sprawled between them so that Ben had the head and Erik had the belly.
“He seems to feel comfortable here,” Erik replied. “I’m glad.”
George seemed a little put out that neither of them shared their spaghetti at dinner, but Ben had read that people food wasn’t good for dogs. “Maybe after we go see the vet, buddy,” Ben told George, who managed to look both insulted and sad at the same time.
“We should be able to keep his regular vet, groomer, and trainer, since we’re in the same town as his old owner,” Erik remarked. “That gives us history and keeps things consistent for him.”
That night, George made a point of making a circuit of the whole apartment while they got ready for bed before he curled up on his cushion, keeping himself between them and the door.
“Good night, George.” Ben gave him a last ear skritch before he got into bed. “I’m glad you’re ours.”
After a walk around the block with George and breakfast the next morning, Ben headed for the rental office, leaving George with Erik for the day.
“You didn’t bring George.” Jenny looked disappointed. Ben had sent pictures and let her know about their new addition.
“He’s hanging out with Erik today. I wasn’t sure how you’d feel about having him here,” Ben replied.
“As long as he stays out of the ‘pet-free’ rental units, it shouldn’t be an issue,” Jenny said. “Especially not here in the office.”
“He’s got very good manners,” Ben said. “I should get him a bed, water dish, and a few office toys. I think he’ll be good company.” He immediately added those to his online shopping list.
“I remember the tarot card lady.” Jenny leaned against the edge of his desk with her coffee cradled in both hands. “I never held much with that sort of thing before you and Erik ‘enlightened’ me, but I walked past her shop on the boardwalk all the time. I think she used ‘Madame Mysteria’ for a stage name. Also sold teas and herbal soap that were supposed to calm and relax folks.”
“Did you ever hear people talk about her? We think she might have been the real deal for having some psychic ability,” Ben replied.
“Interesting. I never heard anything bad,” Jenny said. “She was part of the Merchant Alliance, gave gift certificates for the charity auction, and I don’t remember any complaints from customers. I didn’t go to see her, but I have a couple of friends who did. They said she was very accurate.”
