“Larry,” Trey said. “Right there. He’s a shepherd/Lab mix, a big boy, trained in all kinds of disciplines, and doing great since he has been with me. He was injured on the job and retired.”
“Injured—” Sky began.
“He was a police dog, worked with the canine squad,” Chase explained.
“And he’s already taken to you!” Trey said happily.
He had, Sky realized. The dog they called Larry was by her side, wagging his tail as he looked up at her. He looked mostly like a shepherd, but his coloring was golden Lab. He was a handsome creature, and his tail kept wagging away as he stood by her side.
“Think Larry chose you!” Trey said.
“Sky?” Chase asked.
“I—uh—I think Larry is great. I just worry—as Chase knows—because I travel on business—”
“Larry is welcome back here whenever you need to go. As you can see, I have ample room. So can I get you kids some coffee or anything? Have you had lunch?”
“Enough lunch to last forever,” Chase said. “Thanks, Trey. We have to get to the tech rehearsal, too, so—”
“And you did get me tickets?” Trey said.
“Oh, you bet,” Chase affirmed.
“His collar is on him. I’ll get his papers,” Trey said. “Happy dog, happy owner!”
Sky blinked, looking at Chase. She realized her hand was still on Larry’s soft head. She had always loved dogs—it had just seemed too cruel to own one and board it every other minute.
But this...
He was an amazing dog, and one that came with boarding when necessary?
“What are you, a magician, or friends with half the city?” Sky asked Chase.
He shrugged. “I’ve met a few people along the way. We’ll get Larry to my place and—”
“Hey! My dog, my place,” Sky said.
“Okay, but—”
“Right. You’re not leaving me. You’ll spend another night crinkled up on the couch.”
“You got it,” he told her.
She let out a frustrated sigh. “Knock yourself out, then.”
“It’s getting late. Onward to your house. And you don’t have to worry about him being housebroken—all of Trey’s pups are.”
“Naturally. What other magic tricks do you have up your sleeve?”
Trey returned, bringing her Larry’s vet papers and license information...and a bag of dog food.
“Thought I’d get you started out right,” he told Sky. “And I’m glad you like him. Looks like Larry has truly chosen you.”
Sky thanked him, still a little amazed she’d been the one to remind Chase he’d suggested she get a dog.
And he’d found her Larry—housebroken, trained, loving—so quickly.
Chase thanked Trey who told him he was thrilled Larry was going to such a good home. In a few minutes, they were on their way.
He shrugged, ushering Larry into the back seat of his car. She slid into the passenger’s seat. Larry took a seat without protest. Naturally, he was well behaved in the car as well.
They drove in silence to Sky’s house. “Give him some water and a bowl of food, and he’ll be fine until we’re back,” Chase said.
“Okay.”
“I’ll wait in the car. We want to be on time.”
He stayed in the car on the street. Sky keyed in the gate and the front door and led Larry in. “Larry,” she told the dog, “I didn’t know I needed a dog, but you’re pretty darned cool, and I hope you like this place and... I don’t really care if you get on the couch.” She laughed suddenly, rubbing the dog’s head. “Get lots of hair on it for that guy out in the car. I want to see the two of you sleep on that thing!”
Larry barked and wagged his tail.
She quickly found bowls for water and food and assured the dog she’d be back. He curled up on the kitchen floor, and she could almost swear that he nodded.
Then she left the house, reassuring herself that the door and the gate were securely locked.
“Ready?” he asked as she slid back into her seat.
“Well, I’m here. And Larry is sleeping on the kitchen floor. Hey, who names a dog Larry?” she mused.
