Or had killed.
But leaving a dog alone overnight, that was something entirely different. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I realized I’d never sunk so low. With Josette’s keys in my hand, I stood at the front door, hesitating. There was no barking, no clawing at the wood. Just… silence.
What in the hell would I tell her if something terrible had happened to her beloved dog.
Jesus.
After raking my hand through my hair, I was at least lucky enough to find the right key the first time. As soon as the door was opened, I was knocked against the side of the building as a blur whipped by me at lightning speed.
“Fuck.”
It didn’t take me long to figure out Indiana had been the bolt of fur flashing by, already squatting and peeing.
Sighing, I glanced toward the haze-covered sky, perhaps saying a silent prayer even though I wasn’t a praying kind of man.
He harrumphed a few times, still peeing.
I finally walked toward him, wondering how much English the pup actually knew. I was the type of man who could easily walk into a mixed crowd of haters and supporters, charming them into submission and I couldn’t think of a single comforting phrase to use on a dog.
Wow. I’d lost some of my edge.
What felt like ten minutes later, he gave me a long hard look before trotting off to the side of the house. I dutifully followedhim, waiting as he finished his business. Once he did, he kicked clumps of grass over the deposit and glared at me for at least five seconds before sauntering back to the house. Keeping a wide berth.
I’d read the look in his eyes. He knew I was the reason for the delay.
And why his mom hadn’t returned as normal.
Yeah, I was a bad man. Admitting it had never been difficult or an insult before. Why did I cringe a little bit inside knowing I’d kept him from enjoying a night with his mom?
I shook my head, scanning the neighborhood. I’d taken precautions to ensure I hadn’t been followed. The mood I continued to be in was dangerous for anyone who dared invade my space and privacy.
At least the thought provided an energy boost.
Once inside, I locked the door behind me.
Now Indiana was more animated, woofing and heading toward the kitchen. When I didn’t immediately follow, he forced himself to come closer. Another hard look. Another woof.
“Okay, buddy. You’re hungry. Let’s see if I can find your food.”
He was even out of water. Now my thoughts of my actions had gone from being a bad man to reprehensible. As soon as I filled the water bowl, he consumed it, licking the bottom.
I filled it again, sighing.
Soon, he’d need to head back outside.
At least my perfect little liar was organized and I found the food easily. How the hell much did you give a dog Indiana’s size? With no clue, I filled the bowl.
Another hard look.
Another woof.
But he chomped down, eager and happy, slobbering all over his chin.
I watched him for a few seconds, leaning against the door jamb as I studied her kitchen. Unlike the way I’d left it in my horrid attempt at making breakfast, everything was neat and tidy. So clean you could eat off the floor.
And it even smelled good.
Like vanilla and cinnamon.
