The Dogfather

by Sparkle Abbey

  Before I had to wrangle up a large amount of false sympathy to comfort a guy who was imagining losing his dog over a situation that never happened, the front doorbell jingled announcing a new customer. It was Grey.

  “Hey, Handsome.” Betty immediately waved him over. “Did you forget something?” She batted her eyes in his direction. “Or should I say someone?” She nudged me aside to reach him, not that it had been a competition.

  “The boss lady requested my presence.” His smile didn’t reach his eyes. I was immediately on alert.

  “Ha. That’s a good name for you.” Betty elbowed me as she laughed.

  Grey gave her his customary quick peck on the cheek before turning to me. “Can we talk in your office?” He sounded tired.

  Betty rubbed her hands together. “I’ve got the store. You and Grey kiss and make up. Take your time.”

  I sighed. “There’s no kissing.”

  Luis looked uncomfortable. Betty disappointed. Grey kept his emotions under wraps like a good G-man.

  “When did you become so boring?” Betty asked.

  “She’s not talking to me,” Grey denied.

  I shook my head. “You’re not helping. Betty, ring up Luis’s helmet. Then organize the bandanas and make sure the clearance items have been tagged correctly. And don’t order anything.”

  “Blah, blah, blah. Slave driver.” Betty walked to the register. “Whaddya say, Luis? Can I interest you in one of our new treat jars? We only have a handful. I expect them to go really fast. You can be the first to buy one, be the trend setter.”

  “I don’t know. I think I’ll just take the helmet.”

  “Let me show it to you before you make up your mind,” she pressed.

  Grey chuckled as we headed toward my office. “Always the saleswoman.”

  “She’s got fifty of them to sell by Christmas.”

  Grey whistled softly.

  “If you know what’s good for you, you’ll purchase two before you leave today. Give them away as Christmas gifts.” I closed the door behind us once we were inside my office. “Thanks for stopping by.”

  He shoved his hands in the pockets of his trousers. “I’ll admit I was surprised to get your text.”

  “Thought I deleted your number?” I joked.

  “After our last conversation, it had crossed my mind.” He looked subdued.

  I was curious about his abrupt departure earlier. More importantly, I wanted to know where he went and if the errand was case related.

  “You left in a hurry this morning.” I tucked a lock of hair behind my ear.

  “Something came up.”

  More like someone came up dead.

  Our conversation was strained. I felt like I was trying to find my way around in an unfamiliar dark room. There was no point pursuing the reason for his abrupt departure, so I moved on to why I had asked him to stop by. I took a deep breath and jumped in feet first.

  “I’ve given some thought to your request, and I think we might be able to come to an agreement that works for both of us.”

  A spark of interest flashed across his face. His tired eyes brightened. “I’m listening.”

  I leaned against the edge of the wooden table I used as a desk. “Mitch and Nikki became parents to a baby girl. Elmsly Tillie.”

  “That’s great news. Congratulations to them.” Grey’s face softened. He leaned against the table next to me, side by side. “You’ll make a wonderful aunt.”

  My heart melted at his understanding of how much I already loved my niece. “They’re coming home, to Dallas, at the end of the month, and I told Mama I’d come home, too.”

  His face closed off. “I see.”

  “I was thinking that while I was gone, you could keep an eye on Betty and the shop.”

  “A cover,” he said simply.

  His reaction confused me. Wasn’t this what he wanted? “It’s what you asked for.”

  We studied each other in heavy silence. Grey’s cell rang, cutting through the tension. I jumped, startled. Almost reluctantly, he quickly checked the number. He frowned. I couldn’t tell if his reaction was because he recognized the number or not. Ignoring the call, he slipped the phone back in his jacket.

  “You can take that.” I pushed off the desk to leave. Grey grabbed my arm to stop me.

  “My investigation has already started. Do you mind if I come back tomorrow?”

  “Any chance your argument with Mason has anything to do with your case and why you’re so eager to start? Or that phone call you’re ignoring? Or why you look so tired?” I didn’t think he’d actually tell me, but he knew I’d ask, and I hated to disappoint either of us.

  He released my arm but remained silent. No elaboration. No details.

  “You can’t blame a girl for asking.” My heart was heavy. Nothing had changed between us for the better. From the look on his face, I knew deep down he felt the same. “Look, start whenever you want, today, tomorrow, next week. Whatever works. But you can’t tell people we’re dating or that we’re getting back together. I won’t lie about that. It affects too many people.”

  “I’ve always respected your integrity.”

  I’ve always respected your integrity? Hogwash. I couldn’t think of a time he’d ever sounded more like a fed than right now. Whatever sentimental emotion I had been feeling was now squashed.

  I squinted at him to ensure my irritation with him was clearly visible. “While I’m gone, keep an eye on Betty. She seems to stumble over trouble without trying.”

  “She’s not the only one.”

  His attempt to lighten the mood fell flat.

  “Can you keep an eye on Betty and conduct your super-secret investigation at the same time?” Gosh I knew I sounded awful, but I couldn’t stop myself. Honestly, it wasn’t that I begrudged his undercover work; it was that he hid behind it.

  “I can’t promise to be her babysitter, but if you’re asking me to make sure she doesn’t burn down the store or buy out the pawlish manufacturers, I can do that.”

  “Get her to sell those treat containers.” I walked to the door. I grabbed the doorknob then paused. “There’s one more stipulation,” I said over my shoulder.

  He raised a brow. “Just one?”

  “This is a deal breaker. If I feel like your investigation hampers my business, I get to pull the plug on your operation.”

  He stood. “Melinda, I can’t tell you what I’m investigating, but you know I would never put you, Betty, or your business in jeopardy.”

  I spun around and shoved my hands on my hips. “Let’s be honest. For the past two years, you’ve done everything in your power to keep your ‘work’ as far from me as possible.”

  “For good reason.”

  “Yes, yes. The ‘undercover’ part. But look at this from my point of view. You show up on my doorstep and suddenly you want those two worlds to collide. I can’t help but feel there’s more going on then you’re letting on. I can’t help but ask questions. It’s who I am, and you know that.”

  He remained silent.

  “So we’re good?”

  “Once I start this, I can’t just stop. This would be official. It’s not personal.”

  “And if I have to kick you out of my shop, remember it’s not personal.” I released a deep breath, collecting my nerves and trying to calm myself. “How long do you think this will take?”

  “Hopefully a few weeks. With any luck, we’ll close the case by the time you get back.”

  “And then we’ll go back to normal.” Whatever the heck that meant.

  “Right.” Was it me or did he look unhappy about that? I searched his face closer, but whatever I thought I’d seen was gone.

  “Okay.” I held out my hand. “Deal.”

  He shot me
an amused grin, catching me off guard.

  “We’re shaking?” he asked. “That’s not how we’ve sealed our agreements in the past.”

  Why was he insisting on bringing up the past? I raised my eyebrows. “Well, that’s how it’s happening today.”

  He shook my hand. “Deal.”

  “Now that we’ve settled the business portion of our conversation, I have one more question,” I said.

  He chuckled. “You’re full of questions today. Shoot.”

  “Is there really a problem with the electricity at the gallery?”

  The sexy mischievous smile I had loved so much made an appearance. “Of course.”

  It was the way he said it that I knew it was all part of the cover. I couldn’t help it; I returned his smile. Lordy, what had I gotten myself and Betty into?

  I opened the office door. “Brace yourself. Once Betty knows you’re sticking around, she’s going to be full of questions and fawn all over you.”

  “I can’t wait.”

  Chapter Five

  BETTY WAS OVER the moon; she and Grey would be working together, without me, for a whole week. She immediately began to make plans, herding Grey around the shop like an excited Australian Shepherd. The arrangements were hush-hush. I shuddered thinking about all the chaos she was planning to unleash on Grey. He might have met his match. On the other hand, I got a kick thinking about Grey trying to keep an oblivious Betty out of his investigation. I wasn’t sure he’d thought that through before he agreed to my plan.

  It was almost three, and I was starving. Betty offered to grab lunch for all three of us—her way to make sure Grey stuck around. She promised to be quick. In Betty time, that meant we had at least forty-five minutes before we’d see her or food.

  Grey asked that I give him thirty minutes and tucked himself away in the office with the door closed. I had no idea what he was doing, but I was certain it had to do with his investigation. I focused on reviewing the clearance merchandise Betty hadn’t finished pricing.

  I had just wrapped up marking down the bandanas (Betty had barely made a dent in the pile) when a rather good-looking man with an equally good-looking Golden Retriever walked into the shop.

  “Hi, can I help you find something?” I asked.

  He smoothed his tousled sandy-blond hair. “You must be Melinda. I’m Colin. Darby’s . . . er . . . friend.” He crossed the shop in my direction with an outstretched hand.

  “It’s nice to meet you.” I shook his hand. Firm grip, but not overpowering. I was relieved it wasn’t limp and sweaty.

  He wasn’t what I was expecting. The way Darby had talked about him, I’d pictured a softer look, almost an intelligent nerdy type who liked chick flicks and sappy greeting cards. Not a tousled heartthrob who could easily book a catwalk gig for Abercrombie and Fitch. Good for Darby.

  “This is Goose.” He patted the Golden’s head that stood next to him.

  “Hi, boy.” I held my hand out for him to sniff. He lavished a handful of doggie kisses to the back of my hand then left me to explore the store.

  Colin’s dreamy brown eyes appraised me and then the shop. “Nice variety of items.”

  “Thanks. Darby has spoken very highly about you. She thinks you’re almost as good with animals as my lovely cousin Caro.”

  Bryan Goosling (I still think that’s the best dog name ever), aka Goose, wagged his solid body as he shoved his face into the basket of toys sitting on the floor. Colin snapped his fingers, and the dog immediately stopped sniffing and returned to stand next to his owner.

  Colin gave me an uncertain smile as he continued our inquest of each other. “Darby is extremely supportive. I, ah, haven’t had the opportunity to meet Caro, but she has an excellent reputation around town as a pet behaviorist.”

  A non-answer about Caro. Hard to tell if he really knew anything about her or if he was attempting to get on my good side. Either way, he wasn’t aware that Caro and I weren’t on face-to-face speaking terms.

  “How did you and Darby meet?” I asked.

  He cocked his head and looked surprised. “Darby hasn’t told you?”

  “Sure she has. I’d just like to hear your version of the story.” I was Darby’s best friend. He had to know if I ever got him alone, I’d interrogate him.

  “Oh.” He cleared his throat. “Well, being relatively new to town, a friend—” He paused for a minute. “You probably want to know which friend.”

  I shrugged. “I am curious.” I already knew, but I was all about comparing notes.

  “Jade from Divine Dog Spa.”

  Jade had an appetite for drama and gossip. She was also infamous for her successful doggie matchmaking. It had only been a matter of time before she’d turned her “talents” toward people.

  “So Jade set up the blind date?”

  “It took some convincing, but Jade finally got Darby to agree.”

  “It’s the British accent.”

  He smiled in agreement. “Jade was right. Darby is beautiful inside and out.”

  “Yes, she is. Many people would do anything for her.”

  “Indeed. She does seem to inspire people to be at their best.”

  “I wouldn’t be fulfilling my best friend duty if I didn’t tell you that if you ever deliberately hurt her or if I find out you’re hiding some huge secret like a wife and three kids, you’re into polygamy, or you are a serial killer, you will answer to me.”

  He blinked a few times, digesting my best friend speech.

  I patted him on the arm. “Don’t worry, I’m not really that scary.”

  It took him a second to catch up to my change in topics. He released a tense laugh, while adjusting the collar of his dark-blue polo shirt. “Darby said you were a straight shooter. She wasn’t kidding.”

  “I have my faults, but not having the backs of the people closest to me isn’t one.”

  I couldn’t tell if his nervous energy was due to apprehension or anxiety. If he was really as successful as Darby claimed, there was more to him than met the eye. Maybe I could get Grey to run a background check on him, just to be on the safe side.

  “Goose seems like a great dog. How long have you had him?”

  The Golden had gotten bored and returned to nosing around the basket of toys. Colin held his hand, palm down, and Goose immediately sat. His fluffy tail playfully smacked the floor in an infectious rhythm. I couldn’t help but share his goofy smile.

  “He’s been my wingman since he was a pup. We’ve been through a lot together.” Colin’s brown eyes turned serious as if momentarily transported back in time. And from the darkness in his eyes, it seemed the past wasn’t full of puppies and rainbows. Evil unicorns were a possibility.

  I stopped myself from snapping him out of it and let him work through his memories. When he looked at me, he seemed to have returned to the present.

  “So did Darby fill you in about Missy? I’m assuming that’s why you stopped by,” I said.

  He nodded. “She said Missy is suffering from separation anxiety.”

  “She chewed up my favorite motorcycle boots. She charges outside when I come home trying to escape.”

  “And this just started?”

  I nodded. “It’s been going on for a few weeks.”

  Goose scooted closer to me, begging to be acknowledged and adored. I lowered my hand and let him sniff it. After a quick nuzzle, I stroked his back and scratched behind his ears.

  “Darby suggested I talk to you about spending time with her, letting her outside, and maybe taking her for a walk.”

  He tilted his head, concentrating on my answers. “What about cuddle time?”

  I blinked in confusion. “Cuddle time?” I repeated like an idiot.

  “If you’re interested or feel that’s missing, I can make tim
e for it.”

  “You schedule cuddle time?”

  “Absolutely. Cuddling is crucial for a deep relationship. It promotes bonding, reduces stress and social anxiety.”

  He knew how to hook a true pet lover. “How long do you normally cuddle for?”

  “That depends on the client. Typically, anywhere from ten minutes to an hour.”

  Good grief. I hope he didn’t charge Darby for cuddling. I noticed Grey standing quietly in the background, listening to our conversation.

  “You might as well join us,” I said.

  “Mel, I had no idea you were that lonely.”

  “Ha, ha.” I made quick introductions between the two, explaining that Grey was learning the ropes so he could help Betty while I was out of town.

  “Back to cuddling. I take it this is extra? You know, since we’re setting aside a specific time for it.” As ridiculous as the conversation sounded, he had me, and he knew it.

  “Since you’re a friend of Darby’s, I’ll give you the friends’ and family rate of twenty dollars for thirty minutes.” He smiled brightly, as if the discount made it all seem normal.

  I never thought I’d pay for someone to sit on the couch and cuddle Missy.

  “Mel, that’s a bargain.” Grey’s innocent smile wasn’t fooling me. He was enjoying the absurdity of the conversation. Betty hadn’t returned with our lunch yet; otherwise she’d be negotiating her own personal cuddling time with Darby’s boyfriend.

  “So how does this work?” I asked.

  “I’d like to come over and meet Missy in her environment. See if we’re a good fit.”

  I chuckled. “Missy likes everyone. If you’re going to take her to the beach and feed her treats, she’ll love you.”

  Undeterred by my conviction that Missy would adore him, he continued explaining his process. “Once we’ve established we’re a good fit, I can start coming over. I’d also like to schedule a time for Missy to meet Goose. I like to take him with me whenever possible.”

  Goose smiled and licked the air hearing his name. I patted his head.

  “The four of us could meet at the dog park. When can you meet Missy one on one?”