“Not saying you aren’t. I’m impressed.” Before he could add anything, Alex felt his phone buzz with an incoming call. He read Jodie’s name on the screen. She was watching the kennels today.
“Jodie. Everything all right?”
“Not really, Alex.”
He straightened up. Sylvie glanced at him, a look of concern spreading across her face.
“It’s Champ,” Jodie continued. “Our little guy’s not acting right.”
“What do you mean not acting right?”
“It’s hard to explain. He’s acting a little punky, low energy like he’s coming down with something. Maybe I’m overreacting.”
“No, I trust your instincts, Jodie. Hang on.” He put his phone on mute, then asked Sylvie, “How far are we from Watchdog?”
“About half an hour. What’s wrong?”
“Champ’s acting funny.” He held up a finger and took Jodie off mute. “Jodie? Put him in isolation and check his temp.”
“Done and done. He’s not running a fever, but he’s not showing any appetite, either.”
Damn. Could be anything. “Is his stomach distended or hard at all?”
“A little? Distended, I mean. Soft though.”
Well, it could be worse. “I’ll be there in about thirty minutes. Keep an eye on him and keep me in the loop.”
“You got it, Chief.”
Then Alex thought of something and practically smacked his forehead. “Can you see if Arden is around? She trained as a vet and might have an idea. At least she can evaluate him before I get there.”
“Sure, I’ll call up to the ranch.”
“Thanks, Jodie.”
Alex disconnected and Sylvie said, “I’ll get you there in twenty if I have to.”
“It’s okay. I’m concerned, but it doesn’t sound like an acute emergency, and Arden can handle it if it turns into one.”
Sylvie nodded. “I’ve known Arden for years. Her dad and mine were good friends before Dr. Volker and his wife died in a car accident.” Sylvie paused. “Arden would’ve made a great vet, following in her dad’s footsteps before the accident. She’ll know what to do.”
Alex was familiar with Arden’s past through what Kyle had told him. She’d seen her share of tragedy and loss, just as Kyle had. The two were lucky to have found each other.
“I suppose we should play the rest of the evening by ear?” Sylvie sounded like she was trying to be casual, but Alex could hear the trepidation under her tone.
“I’m sorry.”
“No, no. I don’t want you to think I’m upset. Champ comes first. I’d feel that way about Chewie. It’s just. Well, there will be people around.”
Ah. “You’re worried about us being together.”
She bit her gorgeous lower lip. “A little. I mean, not about us being together but beingseenas being together.” She gave him a soft smile. “I’m good with the first part.”
“As am I.” He sighed. “I guess we do need to talk. Look, you know you’re doing a great job with the K9 training. This,” he gestured between them, “doesn’t change a thing about that, nor will it going forward. But, maybe for the sake of appearances—”
“We should keep things on the down-low,” she finished for him.
“Yeah.”
