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And Gracie reassures me he hasn’t been there. When I start questioning her employees, Gracie gets annoyed and says she’s been working long days on inventory and bookkeeping, so there’s no need to question them.

“Sorry if I’m snippy,” she says, wiping up the milk she spilled. “These long days are wearing me out.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. Can’t you hire someone to help⁠—”

Her elbow hits a canister of beans, knocking them on the floor. Gracie curses, looking like she’s seconds from bursting into tears. Especially when Walter begins whining at the door.

“I’ll take Walter out to pee.” I glance at the dog stroller behind the counter. “Want me to take him for a stroll?”

Gratitude flashes across her face. “That would be amazing, Callie. Thank you.”

I take the old guy out to pee, then carry him back inside and put him in the stroller.

Gracie’s brows furrow. “I think the cold weather bothers his joints.”

“It bothers my joints, and I’m younger than him.” I pat Walter’s head. “Aging isn’t for the weak.”

She nods. “Thanks for doing this, Callie.”

“Of course.”

I tuck the blanket around him. Poor guy’s fourteen. In human years, that’s probably around one hundred.

I wave at Gracie, then push Walter outside, sip my coffee, and check every store window, alley, and street for a hot-as-hell hitman.

Walter starts panting even though he’s doing nothing but sitting.

Typical male. Acts like he’s tired when the woman’s doing all the work.

“Aw. He’s the cutest.” An old woman nods at Walter.

“Be careful. He doesn’t like too many people.”

She smiles. “I’ve owned ten dachshunds in my lifetime. I still have one old girl.”

Walter’s head cocks, ears raising with interest.

“You hear that, Walter? Since Penny’s too young for you, we might have another candidate.” I pat his head. “Or at least get you laid.”

The old lady laughs, then begins petting him, cooing over Walter.

He doesn’t show his teeth or growl, so he obviously likes her.

“If your dog is looking for a friend, or maybe even a boyfriend, Walter hangs out at Bramble & Bean a lot.”

I drain the rest of my coffee, then toss the cup in a nearby garbage can. “Presley brings her dachshund, Penny, there, too. Although you can usually find her at The Crooked Spine.”

“Oh. That’s wonderful. Do you think they’d really let me bring Molly in to meet him?”

“I know the owner. I’ll ask. I’m sure she’ll say it’s fine, um...”

“Agnes.” She straightens and extends her hand.

“Hi, Agnes. I’m Callie.” I take her hand and shake it. “Nice to meet you.”

“Same, dear.” She moves closer to me. “My, you are quite a beautiful woman.”

“Thank you.”