“Thank you for talking me off the ledge,” I offer.
He slips one arm around my waist, and cups my face with his free hand.
“Any time.”
Then he kisses me, and I let him.
Chapter8
Hugo
“Stop drooling on me.”
I shove Ragnar back over my shoulder while I try to navigate the streets of Silence.Because my seat is shoved so far back to accommodate my legs, the dog is able to reach the backrest with his front legs from the rear of the cruiser.Apparently, he enjoys looking out the front window and shows his enthusiasm by panting in my ear.
I was surprised when Bess called me a couple of hours ago.She’d managed to get through the breakfast crowd with Ragnar quiet in her apartment upstairs, which was already an improvement on what happened yesterday, but after taking him for a quick pee break, he indicated he’d had enough alone time and was ready for some action.She said she’d put him in her office with his bed and a few toys, but he wouldn’t stop howling unless someone was with him.
I was ready for another coffee anyway, and swung by the coffee shop to pick him—and a decent cuppa—up, stealing a quick kiss in the privacy of Bess’s tiny office.I took advantage of the fact she’d been too flustered to protest.She made it clear again last night she is definitely not opposed to kissing me.By indulging every chance I get, I’m hoping she won’t have a chance to convince herself she doesn’t want what is happening between us.
Ironically, it’s distracting me as well.I’d hoped to maybe probe her a little about her brother’s call, and never got around to it last night.I wasn’t going to broach the subject when I swung by Strange Brew, she seemed rattled enough as it was, but perhaps I’ll get an opportunity tonight when I return the dog.
I drive past the hospital, making my way back to the station, when I notice someone sitting at the picnic table in the small park across the street.I recognize the parka.
“Hey, buddy, wanna get some fresh air?”
Ragnar is virtually vibrating when I clip on his leash and lift him down from the back seat.He could probably jump, but since he’s still growing, I don’t want him to hurt himself.His nose hits the ground the moment his paws do, frantically sniffing all the scents, as I start walking toward the seated man.
Hearing our approach, Clem lifts his head.Ragnar, who probably thought that still figure was part of the scenery, starts barking at the sudden movement.
“Ragnar, quiet.”
A hint of a smile briefly softens the strain on the man’s face.
“Let me guess…a Buck Wilson special?”he teases, holding out his hand for the dog to sniff.
Ragnar takes it as an invitation to jump up on him to get better acquainted.
“Yes, but he’s not mine,” I clarify.“This unruly creature belongs to Bess.”
Clem chuckles.“Bess?Who’d have thought?Bet she’s got her hands full with this one.”
“That’s putting it mildly,” I confirm, sitting down across from him.“Which is why he’s with me during her Saturday rush.”
“Ahh.”
He nods slowly, a glint of speculation in his expression I choose to ignore.Not that I feel the need to keep what’s developing between Bess and me a secret, but I also don’t owe anyone an explanation.Except perhaps Carson, which is something I should probably tackle before people start yapping.
I jerk my head at the hospital across the street.“How’s Chance?”
The response takes a while in coming as a myriad of emotions flit over the man’s face.
“He’s…a mess.I mean, his wounds will heal, but fuck, man, he’s a mess.Withdrawal is taking a toll.Whenever his sedation wears off, he starts hallucinating and gets violent, so they have to strap him down to administer more.It’s pretty hard to watch.”
I bet.I feel for Clem, who has no family other than his alcoholic brother.
“I’m sorry, man,” I commiserate.
I’d secretly hoped perhaps we’d be able to get some information from Chance, but that’s clearly not in the cards at this time.
