Page 278

I get out of my truck. Barefoot and ignoring the cold, I stop beside her.

“Mommy has returned after her felony,” she says, lifting the dog from his seat.

I chuckle. They both stop and look at me.

“You laughed.”

“Don’t start.”

The dog leans over and sniffs me.

“Hey, Dog.”

Callie gasps. “His name is Alibi.”

“I know his name.”

“Then use it.”

I hold out my hand. “Hey, Alibi.”

He licks my hand. His tail starts wagging. Then he launches himself at me.

I catch him before he falls. Callie squeals, then claps her hands together when she sees him in my arms, licking my chin. He wiggles, trying to lick higher.

I can’t help but smile. It’s been a long damn time since I’ve had a dog. I had one as a kid. We were inseparable until he died.

That was a lifetime ago. Before everything changed. Before I ended up in my current career.

“He likes you,” Callie says, a big smile lighting up her face.

“He doesn't know me.”

“Neither did I.”

I look at her. “You kidnapped me and stitched me using YouTube.”

She smiles. “Look how well that turned out.”

“You broke into my house tonight.”

“And here we are.”

I shake my head and move to put the dog back in the car seat. Nails scrape over my bare skin as he wraps himself tighter, holding on.

“Ouch, dammit. Your nails hurt.”

“Aw. Alibi adores you.”

I sigh. “Fine. What does he need?”

She blinks. “What?”

“Blankets? Toys? Treats?”

“I have his blanket and an iPad⁠—”

“An iPad?”