“I love that you picked up on those points,” Cora exclaimed, regretting the wordlovethe second it came out of her mouth. “Ershovich’s approach is outdated and really cruel. I always tell people to listen to their gut when it comes to training—if it doesn’t feel right to choke your dog, don’t do it!”The way I train always feels right,Cora thought.I want people to know that.
“How you train feels right to me.” Charlie paused. “Did you hear he’s coming to DC?”
Cora stopped in her tracks and turned to face Charlie. “Are youserious?” The show had crisscrossed the country over the years, never coming close enough for Cora to feel territorial. Now Boris Ershovich was bringing his black art to her backyard.
“Yeah, I saw it on my Facebook feed. He’s live streaming the first fifteen minutes of it. Madison wants me to go to the show. I can’t believe that she still likes him after everything you taught us last time! No way I’m going—I got myowndog trainer.” He smiled and put his hand on Cora’s shoulder, and she felt her neck blush bloom. “Plus I’d never hear the end of it at work.”
Cora jumped on the opportunity to ask him about his career. Totally within bounds, since Charlie had brought it up first. “What do you mean?”
“I guess it’s time I tell you what I do. I usually keep it quiet because the second it comes up the conversation gets ugly. I tell people I meet at parties that I’m an accountant.”
“Now I’m scared to ask. Are you a hit man or something?”
He laughed. “No, you of all people will appreciate it. It’s an intense job, and I love it, but I need to be able to turn it off sometimes. I’m general counsel for the Animal Legal Protection Foundation. We’re a group that—”
“The nonprofit?” Cora interrupted him. “You’re basically animal welfare superheroes! I read all about that horse-drawn carriage case in New York ... you saved those horses.”
“So you’re familiar with my work.”
“I donate to the ALPF every year. I’m inaweof you,” Cora said, not holding back now. It was totally acceptable to crush on his job. “Can I get your autograph? You’re seriously like a rock star to me.”
Charlie chuckled and reached down to pet Oliver, who was lying on his side, chewing on a stick. “Hardly. But yes, it’s a phenomenal organization, and I’m really proud to work there.”
The three of them walked on, and Cora considered this new piece of the Charlie Gill puzzle. Was he trying to be irresistible?
“So are you allowed to tell me what you’re working on?”
Charlie furrowed his brow. “This one is really tough. We’re dealing with a roadside attraction bear that lives outside a restaurant in a cage. He eats whatever people throw to him—lots of candy and french fries and crap like that—and he hasn’t been out of the cage in years. He looks half dead. The owner refuses to relinquish him, so we’re going over his head and suing the state department of wildlife for issuing the guy a permit to exhibit the bear. It’s a mess.”
“Do you think you’re going to get the bear out?”
“No question. I never lose.”
“That confidence has to count for something,” Cora replied.
“I’m serious. I pretty much always get my way.” He looked at her out of the corner of his eye and smiled.
The comment felt loaded. Cora sidestepped. “Well, the animals are lucky to have you in their corner.”
She realized that the lesson had taken an abrupt turn from business to pleasure, so she refocused on Charlie’s leash technique. “You guys are getting it! Really nice work.”
“Thanks, but I’m not the one you have to worry about,” he replied, looking grim again. “I hate that Madison is missing training. We Skype every night, and she seems a little weird about all of this.” He gestured broadly.
“Oh, she’s concerned that he’s not going to respond to her when she gets back?”
“That, and ... well, I think she’s a little ... jealous ... of you. She said you were cuter than she thought you’d be.”
Cora tried to laugh it off, but it came out as an awkward high-pitched choke. “What? Oh my God! No. That’s so crazy! Seriously? Oh my God, she’sgorgeous! I’m just ... just a dumb dog trainer.”
“Please, Cora. You’re a miracle worker—look at my dog!” Oliver was walking perfectly in step beside them. “And forgive me for saying this, but you’re the total package. Seriously.”
His compliment hung in the air between them. Cora opened her mouth to respond, wanting to thank him but not sure what words were going to come out. She hoped that he’d go on and explain which specific parts of the package he liked best. But she forced herself to focus on Oliver instead.
“Now this doghereis the total package! Look how great he’s doing!”
Charlie noticed her dodge and responded in kind. “Yup, that’s my boy! I’m so proud of you, Ollie-by-golly!”
By then they had reached Charlie’s front gate. “I feel bad,” Cora said, “we took up the entire session leash walking and we didn’t have a chance to work on any inside stuff. Do you have a few minutes to go over ‘stay’?”
