“How’s Mocha?” I ask her over the phone as I sit at my desk, trying to get some more info on the breakthrough from the other day.
“Good, the vet said he’ll be ok.”
We’ve had Mocha for a week now, and I think that Sloane’s taken him to three different vets to make sure that he’s in the best condition. So far, all the results have been the same.He’s ok.
I can hear the slight tremble in her voice, and it makes my chest ache because she has the tenderest heart. I’m not sure if she would have been ok if Mocha wasn’t ok.
“That’s good, I’m glad that he’s still ok.”
“Yeah, me too. This vet also guessed that he was probably five months old; he just looks a little younger because he’s malnourished. He hasn’t been neutered, but we can do that in a few months once he’s healthier. We also gave him all kinds of shots to get him up to date, so he doesn’t get Parvo or anything like that. Then we got some DNA to send to a lab so that they can tell us what kind of dog he is. But his guess was that he’sprobably an Aussie Collie mix of some sort. Then gave me a whole breakdown of what to expect from this kind of breed.”
“He’s a working dog, so you’re going to have to train him and work with him a lot,” I point out.
“Yeah, that’s what he said. But that’s ok. I’ve been doing research all day, and I think that I can do it.”
“I have no doubt in my mind. You two will be an unstoppable pair,” I say with a small smile.
“Hey, Beck,” she whispers.
“What’s up, baby?”
“Thank you.”
“You don’t have to keep thanking me, sweetheart. It’s really no problem,” I say sincerely. I don’t know how many times she can thank me. She’s said it probably a dozen times since we got him, plus she’s made all my favorite foods for breakfast, lunch, dinner,anddessert. She’s been spoiling me unnecessarily.
“I know, but you have no idea how much this means to me. I came crashing into your life uninvited, messed up your perfect routine, and now I have a puppy,” she rambles on, and I smile.
“You actually wereinvited, and even if you weren’t, I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“You’re almosttoolaid back, you know? You shouldn’t just collect strays like they’re infinity stones,” She teases, making me shake my head.
“Well, I’m having quite a bit of luck with the strays I have brought in. A pretty brunette who cooks me delicious food and a fluffy dog that is cute as hell.”
“Yeah, I guess you did get a pretty good deal,” she says. I can hear the smile in her voice, and it makes me smile. Her happiness is contagious.
“I’ll be home early tonight,” I say.
“To what do I owe the pleasure of being graced with your presence?”
“I’m just wrapping up a case right now. They brought the guy in this morning. I’m just finishing up my paperwork, and I want to celebrate. You, me, and Mocha.”
“Oh, that’s amazing! Good job, Beck. Mocha and I are headed home right now. We’ll pick up some meat, and maybe we can BBQ or something.”
“That sounds great, baby. I’ll see you later, ok?”
“Alright, see you later. Bye.”
“Bye.” I hang up the phone and shake my head, smiling softly to myself as I do.
“Who’s the lucky girl?”
My blood runs cold at the sound of the voice at my door. My back straightens just a little bit, and I curse myself for being so careless.
“Briar, to what do I owe the pleasure?” I ask, spinning to face the door.
I try to think through the last few minutes of the conversation. I didn’t say her name, but hopefully he hasn’t been standing there for very long.
“Just stopping by to get my info for the Jonson and Swenson case. I figured I’d come by and say hi.”
