“So I’ll stop by your place. Probably safer that way.”
Her eyes brightened. “I’d like that.”
“How was work?”
“Same old, same old.” The little crease above the bridge of her nose told a different story. Before he could ask, she added, “But my partner is back in town. Carla.”
“Yeah, you told me about her. She sounds like…” he looked for a word that wouldn’t give the wrong impression.
“Oh, yeah, you don’t have to say it, she can be a lot,” Sylvie laughed. “But I adore her.”
“Everything all right?”
Her eyes widened. “Of course, I—”
The door behind them opened and Stan came out with Ty at his heels. “Hi, all.”
“Hey, Stan,” Sylvie said, all worry gone—or tucked away. She glanced at her watch. “Frank with you?”
“He’s running a little behind. Had to go pick up his dog after shift.” He glanced at Chewie.
“He’s welcome to kennel Betty here on class days,” Alex said quickly. “Chewie’s staying with us right now.”
“My HOA got possessed by a demon woman and now he’s out,” Sylvie added.
“Sorry to hear that,” Stan said a bit absently.
“Let’s warm up the dogs while we wait.” Alex gave the command for the dogs to sit and all three followed immediately. “Now you two.” He had them run through some basic commands before grabbing the white towels they used for drug-sniffing training.
Frank arrived a few minutes later with Betty. “Sorry I’m late.” He walked up beside Sylvie and Chewie, and then Chewie did the strangest thing. He left Sylvie’s side and sat down next to Frank while looking back at her.
Sylvie looked at Frank, perplexed. “What—”
Alex was confused too. Because Chewie was giving them a passive alert that said he’d just detected drugs.
Frank laughed and bent to pet Chewie. “Damn! Good boy!” He finished petting Chewie and wiped his hands. “Tom and I just came back from a drug bust. Small-time dealer, Vicodin knockoffs.”
“Ugh, the worst,” Sylvie said. “They’re lacing them with fentanyl now,” she told Alex. “Take too much and boom, you’re gone.”
“So I’ve heard.” He studied Betty, who seemed to be pretty chill.
“I’m surprised Betty’s not signaling,” Sylvie said, plucking the thought right out of his brain.
“Believe me, she did when I picked her up. I figured the scent would be gone by the time I got here. Chewie’s good.”
“He is. Where was the bust?” Sylvie continued.
“Not, uh, too far from here. It’s really creeping up from Denver.”
She nodded as if confirming something. “Come here, buddy.” Chewie ran back to her and she gave him a treat. “Good boy.”
After class, Alex approached Frank. “If you ever need to drop Betty off up here before class, let me know. Save you a trip from having to pick her up.”
Frank looked relieved. “That’d be great. Thanks, man.”
They all walked inside and to the front reception area. “I need a word, Alex,” Stan said.
“Sure.” Then he turned his attention back to Frank. “Just give me or Jodie here a call ahead when you want to drop Betty off, and we’ll let them know at the gate you’re coming.” He smiled at Jodie, who nodded.
