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A small, scruffy head appears around the door. Alibi stares at us. His tail starts wagging.

“No,” I say.

He trots into the room.

“Good morning, baby,” Callie coos.

“Don't encourage him.”

“He probably has to pee.”

We both look at the handcuffs, then at Alibi.

His tail continues wagging.

Callie smiles.

“No.”

“I didn't say anything.”

I glare at her. “You're about to.”

“I was only thinking⁠—”

“No.”

“—that this could be an excellent bonding experience.”

“Find the key.”

Alibi jumps onto the bed.

“Hey, buddy.”

He walks directly across my stomach.

“Oof. Jesus.”

Callie laughs.

Alibi licks my chin.

“Morning to you, too, Dog.”

Callie gasps.

I sigh. “Alibi.”

“Thank you.”

He circles twice, then drops between us.

I stare at him.

Callie scratches behind his ears. “He likes you.”

“He needs to go outside.”