Jess shook her head. “We’ve given him medication to keep him comfortable.”

“Is it making him sleepy?” Val asked.

Jess sighed. “He’s not hurting, sick, or sedated. He’s depressed.”

Val looked up at her. “I guess I can’t blame him. Who knows what he went through before I hit him with the car?”

“Don’t blame yourself.” Jess touched her shoulder. “Many dogs do poorly in cages, but he’ll be in one for a while. I hope he starts eating. That’s all.”

“Poor guy. He’s so skinny. He must be starving.” Val reached through the bars. “Aren’t you hungry, boy?”

Her fingers kneaded the dog’s ears, and his tail quietly thudded on the blanket.

“Hey, look at that!” Jess leaned closer. “He’s wagging his tail.”

“He did that the other night when I picked him up, too.” Val rubbed his neck. “Didn’t you, buddy?”

The dog’s tail wagged faster.

“He’s barely lifted his head since you left. It’s good to see a little life in him.” Jess didn’t smile. “Maybe he’ll perk up with more time.”

“You don’t seem happy about that.” Val sat back. “What’s going to happen to him?”

Jess looked away. “The local animal shelter will take him once he’s stable. Probably tomorrow.”

“Will they take care of him?” Val asked.

Jess nodded. “Oh, yes, but every shelter in the country—maybe in the world—is overflowing. His chances of getting adopted are slim. He’s a large dog, untrained, probably never been socialized...”

“But he’s beautiful,” Val protested. “Friendly, too.”

“He is beautiful. I think this red coat will be lovely after he’s had a bath and a good grooming. There must be Irish Setter in him, although his size makes me think of a Tibetan Mastiff.” Jess’s smile faded. “None of that matters, though. There simply aren’t enough homes for all the unwanted dogs in the world. Especially not dogs like him.”

Val didn’t need to ask what would happen to the dog if he wasn’t adopted. She pressed her fingers into his matted coat and gently caressed him, and the steady thumping of his tail resounded through her soul.

CHAPTER TEN

Blair raised the glass of Gold Pilsner to his lips and drank deeply, leaving a line of white foam on his thick copper mustache. “Ahhh.” He lowered the glass. “That hits the spot.”

Yuka raised her glass to the light, admiring the golden sparkle of the fluid. “We really are masters of our craft.”

Blair chuckled and wrapped an arm around her. “You certainly are, honey.”

Yuka leaned against him and smiled at Val, who sat beside them. “Thanks for this. You were right; we really needed a change of scenery. I’ll bet that babysitting us is the last thing you want to do with your Sunday evening.”

“Not at all. I like your company.” Val drained her soda. “Another Coke, please.”

Tetra stomped over, grabbed her glass, and stomped away.

Val chose her words carefully. “You’d do well to lose the attitude.”

Tetra snorted.

Enzo sidled to the bar. “Don’t look at her like that. She’s doing fine.”

“She can’t serve customers in our bar like that,” Val grumbled.

“She doesn’t.” Enzo chuckled. “She only serves you like that.”

“Great to hear. Thanks,” Val muttered.

The orc laughed and patted her arm. “She’s doing fine, Val. Still complains about how menial the work is, but not in front of the customers. She’s got a good head on her shoulders, too.”

“Okay.” Val sighed. “That’s one bit of good news.”

“Heyyyy, girl.” Isabella waltzed across the floor and wrapped Val in a jasmine-scented hug.

Val stiffened. “What was that for?”

“To be nice. Friends do that sometimes.” Isabella took the seat beside hers. “Hey, Blair, Yuka. You guys okay after that whole thing outside the bar the other night?”

“All good.” Yuka smiled faintly.

“Wow, that mark on your face healed really fast.” Isabella touched her own hairline.

Jess and Liam piled into the seats next to Isabella’s.

“Jess told me what happened with the stray dog.” Isabella’s mouth turned down at the corners. “I’m sorry. That must have been really traumatic.”

“Thanks.” Val shrugged. “I hope it ends well for him, that’s all.”

Jess looked away. She ordered a double brandy instead of her usual cocktail.

“How are things working out with Tetra?” Liam asked, his eyes not leaving the faerie as she walked to the back.

“As well as can be expected, I guess,” Val muttered.

“Aw, Val, cheer up.” Isabella patted her back. “Tetra, bring her a beer.”

“No, thanks.” Val raised a hand. “I’m on duty.”

“Obviously.” Isabella grimaced. “Sorry. How’s that going?”

“Quietly,” Blair told her, relief thick in his tone. “We haven’t had any trouble yet.”

“That’s good news.” Isabella smiled.

Liam laughed. “I bet you’re spoiling for a fight, Val. You always complain when your bodyguarding jobs are quiet.”