by K E O'Connor
Nick was settled in a seat, Stool by his side.
I handed around the treats and settled in my seat. An uncharacteristic wave of nerves hit me as I studied Nick. We’d been spending more time together recently. My feelings for him were changing. I still couldn’t figure out what I wanted from Nick. A quiet life? Friendship? Maybe something more? Everyone else seemed to think we should be together.
I shook my head. I took a biscuit and fed it to Stool. “We should enter him into this dog show.”
Nick chuckled. “What category could he go in? Most stubborn dog?”
I grinned. “Dog most likely to break out of anywhere?”
“Greediest dog?”
I laughed. “The cutest, most loyal, most adorable dog in the world.” I kissed Stool’s head and fed him another biscuit.
“He has you wrapped around his chunky paw,” Nick said as he took a cookie.
“The same goes for you,” I said.
Nick shrugged. “That’s most likely true. I don’t know how he does it, but every night, he manages to sneak onto my bed. I always wake up to find him slumped over my feet.”
“I thought you were training him not to do that.”
“Stool doesn’t train well if he doesn’t like the trick being taught. It must be the stubborn streak in him.”
“He takes after his owner,” I said.
Nick grunted but smiled. “I guess he does. He does a few tricks, though. Want to see?”
“Of course. Stool, what can you do?”
Nick set his cup down. “Stool. High-five.”
Stool stood and turned around. He raised a back paw for Nick to touch.
“That’s clever,” I said.
“I couldn’t get him to high-five the normal way when he’s only got one front leg,” Nick said. “We found a workaround. Stool, speak.”
Stool barked three times and turned in a circle.
“I don’t know why he does the turning bit,” Nick said. “He added that trick on the end himself.”
“Maybe his previous owner taught him that.”
“It’s possible. I know nothing about his life before we met.”
“When he saved you from a rabid zombie?” Nick had always been cagey about his past, just like me.
He nodded. “You already know the story.”
“You never told me why you came to Zee Town. I had wondered, considering you’ve taken so long to warm to the zombies.”
His mouth twisted to the side. “Long story short, Stool decided for us.”
My brows rose. “How did that happen?”
“Stool gave me a sign.”
“What kind of sign?”
Nick’s grin faded. “I’d just come off an intense shift after almost being killed by a nest of rabid zombies.”
“Oh! I didn’t know that.” I’d only ever seen pictures of how bad things got in the big cities. They got hit the worst when the virus took hold.
“Anyway, Stool was recovering from having his leg taken, and I was exhausted and in need of a big change. There was a sign-up sheet about Zee Town. It sounded interesting. I asked Stool to give me a sign whether it was an opportunity for us.”
“What sign did he give you?”
Nick chuckled. “He broke wind. Loudly.”
I laughed. “Stool! He’s such a clever boy. That deserves some cookie.”
Stool waited patiently as I broke apart a cookie and fed him a small piece.
“So, you’re happy I’m here with Stool?” Nick asked.
I focused on Stool. “Sure. What’s not to like about you being here?”
“Me. We’ve had our moments.”
I waved a hand in the air. “Only when you’re mean to the zombies.”
“I’m not so mean now.”
I glanced at him, and my cheeks flushed. “Maybe not.”
Nick cleared his throat. “I was thinking, after this dog show is over—”
“Cassie! I heard you were back in your old haunt.” The office door was shoved open. Archer Rhinehart strolled in.
“Hey, Archer.” He wore his usual military style pants and a fitted green t-shirt.
“I hope I’m not interrupting anything.” He strode to the desk and took a cookie from the plate.
“Oh! No, we were just... chatting.” I glanced at Nick. I had no idea what he’d actually come to the office for. “Is everything good with you?”
“Everything’s perfect, now I’ve seen you.” Archer grinned.
My eyes narrowed. He was always flirting. “That’s good to know. And the security arrangements are on track for the dog show?”
Archer pulled up a seat and settled in next to Nick. “They are. Hey, Nick.”
“Archer.”
“I’ve got Rhino, Buzzard, and Raven on detail. It makes sense, given they’ve done the security on the town hall before.” Archer managed a security crew whose main responsibility was to ensure the perimeter fence around Zee Town was secure, so no unwanted rabid zombies got through.
“Have you given any more thought to a cordon around the town hall?” Nick asked Archer. “It might be the deterrent the zombies need to stay clear.”
“I don’t like that idea,” I said. “A physical barrier will make it look too sinister. This dog show needs to be friendly and inclusive.”
“We don’t want it to be too inclusive,” Archer said. “If a zombie grabs a dog, it’s game over. I won’t have a physical barrier up, but my team will spot trouble from their positions and deal with it before anyone notices.”
My lips pressed together. “No shooting the zombies.”
“My team won’t hit any important bits,” Archer said.
Zara moaned gently.
I looked over to see her looking panic stricken. “Archer’s joking. No one’s shooting anyone during the dog show.”
Zara glanced at Archer and looked away. “He’s scary.”
Archer grinned. “I aim to please.”
“Then please me by promising you won’t shoot anybody,” I said.
“Cassie, I don’t always agree with Archer, but we need to be careful. These dogs will be a big temptation. I don’t know what Mavis was thinking, planning a dog show in the middle of a town full of placid zombies.”
“Apparently, Mavis isn’t welcome at certain dog shows because of her unscrupulous behavior. So, in her wisdom, she set up her own show in a place she basically runs. She has poodles she shows.”
Archer snorted a laugh. “That I’ll have to see.”
Nick shook his head. “The woman’s out of her mind. The zombies will struggle with this. It puts Zee Town at risk.”
“The zombies know not to eat people’s pets,” I said. “They can behave themselves for a few days. We’ll keep an eye out for them and make sure no one slips up.”
“We definitely will,” Archer said.
“In a non-lethal way.” I glared at Archer.
He raised his hands. “If you insist. If anyone pushes their luck, we can always resort to teargas to drive them back.”
“No teargas! Mavis has invited several media outlets to cover the dog show. She wants this to be a big event. We can’t have front page news for the wrong reasons. I don’t want the town’s reputation coming into doubt because you throw teargas at the zombies.”
“You’d prefer it if the zombies attack the dogs and eat them in front of the cameras?” Archer asked.
“It won’t come to that,” I said. “You see how Zara behaves herself around Stool? She’s never once made a move on him.”
Zara shuffled in her seat. “Like Stool. Friendly.”
“Exactly, and all the dogs will be friendly. Information has gone out to the zombies, and their mentors and families have been briefed, so they can look out for warning signs if anyone is struggling.”
“I’ve got a handle on this,” Archer said. “Everything will run smoothly.”
“So have I,” Nick said. “Archer, you need to give me regular reports during the show and aler
t me to any problems.”
Archer smirked at him. “You worry about looking after the humans. I’ll deal with the important stuff.”
“You mean, playing a glorified pet sitter for Mavis’s poodles?” Nick asked.
Archer stiffened in his seat. “I’ll do the most important thing. I’ll make sure Cassie’s dog show runs without a hitch. You ensure the media don’t snap any pictures they shouldn’t.”
“You don’t tell me my job,” Nick said.
“Likewise.” Archer’s fingers flexed around the chair arms.
“Well, I’m glad that’s sorted,” I said as the tension shot up. “Let’s work together on keeping this furry mess contained. Mavis is expecting big results. We keep the dog show contestants happy and the zombies away.”
“Sure. Non-fatal blows and teargas. Got it,” Archer said, his attention still on Nick.
“No! Discretion is needed.”
“You don’t have to worry, Cassie,” Nick said. “I’ll keep an eye on Archer and make sure he doesn’t get too gung-ho on us.”
“I don’t need anyone keeping an eye on me,” Archer said. “I know how to do my job properly.”
“I’m happy that you both know how to do the jobs you’re paid to do,” I snapped. “You’re both aces. There’s no need to brag.” I’d had enough of this macho posturing.
“Thanks, Cassie.” Archer grinned at me.
“What for?”
“Calling me an ace.”
“She called me an ace, too,” Nick said.
“Enough!” I ran my hand through my hair. “I’ve arranged extra meal times at the shelter, so the zombies never go hungry. I’ve also planned to have several carts serving food specifically for zombies. They’ll be arranged a good distance from the town hall. They’re the perfect diversion for any zombies who get attracted to the noise caused by the contest. That’s the main way I’m planning to keep them out of this. So long as they’re fed and happy, they won’t be interested in finding their own meals on paws.”
Archer dazzled me with a smile. “Bright and beautiful. Is there anything you can’t do, Cassie?”
I lifted my gaze to the ceiling. “I’m a lousy dancer and not much of a cook.”
Archer chuckled. “I’m a great dancer. I’ll have to show you some time.”
Nick snorted and looked away.
“Let’s think about dancing another time.” My gaze went to the window, and my eyes widened as a coach rumbled past, closely followed by two sleek black limousines.
“It looks like the party’s about to start,” Archer said.
I sucked in a deep breath as I stood. “The time for planning is over. That’s the first load of contestants arriving.”
Nick and Archer both stood and moved to the window.
“I wonder who’s in the limo,” Nick asked.
“I bet it’s Mavis,” I said. “She always travels in style.”
“Only the best for her poodles,” Nick muttered.
Archer shook his head. “Poodles! I see Mavis as more of a Rottweiler kind of lady.”
“Pitbull,” Nick said.
“Mastiff,” Archer said.
They grinned at each other, and the tension broke.
I shook my head, still annoyed, and a bit confused that Archer and Nick were posturing around me like sparring peacocks. They were both gorgeous guys, and I couldn’t deny a little attraction to them, but I didn’t want them fighting over me.
I’d made my decision when it came to relationships. Archer was hot but too dangerous for me, and Nick was too grumpy to date. Still, it was good to be wanted.
“Let’s get out of here and meet our guests.” I ushered them both through the door.
It was time to face the furry crowd and their owners. I hoped they were as well-trained as Stool.
Chapter 4
“If everyone forms an orderly line in front of me, I’ll direct you to your accommodation.” I must have said this a dozen times, and half the contestants who’d disembarked from the coach still ignored me.
I repressed a sigh and tried again. “The sooner you find out where you’re staying, the better it will be for everybody. You must be tired after your journey, and your dogs need to rest.”
“Where am I?” A tall, thin man dressed in black with a wide-brimmed hat and a pencil-thin moustache strode over, a chunky French pug by his side.
“What’s your name?” I asked, grateful someone had finally noticed me yelling.
“Paul Diamante.” He held out a limp hand for me to shake.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you. Is it your first time at a dog show?”
His top lip curled. “You’ve not heard of me?”
“I’m new to the world of dog shows,” I said. “Do you and your dog often win?”
“Ernest wins everything he enters.” Paul looked at the snub-nosed dog, who sniffed the air. “He’s a purebred. Best in show.”
I went to pet Ernest, but he growled and snapped at me.
“He doesn’t like to be touched. Ernest only lets me, judges, and his stylist touch him,” Paul said. “My dog is very sensitive.”
“I’ll make a note of that,” I said as Ernest continued to growl. “You’re staying at the Seaview bed-and-breakfast. Head along this road and turn left. It’s the fourth building with the pale blue front doors.”
“Do I have a sea view?”
“Of course,” I said. “It’s a pretty place to stay and only a stone’s throw from the beach.”
“That sounds acceptable,” Paul said. “Come along, Ernest. We need to get you bathed and changed before tonight.”
I shook my head gently as I watched Paul and Ernest trot away.
An elegantly turned out woman with a mane of silky blonde hair strode up. By her side was a stunning shimmering blond Afghan hound. “I’m Delia Reynolds. Where am I staying?”
“It’s nice to meet you, Delia,” I said. “Who’s your lovely companion?”
“This is Asadi. It means strong like a lion. Asadi slays the competition. He’s a star. He’s been in commercials. You’ve probably seen him before.”
“Lucky Asadi,” I said. “Is he friendly?” I’d learned from my encounter with Ernest not to touch unless invited.
“It’s best if you don’t stroke him. The grease and dirt from your hands will contaminate his fur.” Delia leaned closer. “Did you know humans have over three thousand bacteria on their hands? And they’re the clean ones.”
I discreetly rubbed my hand on the back of my pants. “Of course. You’re in the Summer Breeze bed-and-breakfast. It’s a short walk from here. Turn right at the end of this lane and you’ll see the sign on the right-hand side. It’s a lovely place to stay. You have great views.”
“I’m not bothered about the views,” Delia said. “I’ve never understood people’s interest in being by the sea. It’s so windy. I’ll have to be careful Asadi’s fur doesn’t get knotted, or he’ll need extra grooming. This way, Asadi.”
Delia and Asadi looked similar as they strode away, their blonde manes flowing behind them. I’d heard someone say that owners looked like their pets. That was true in this case.
Since everyone else was ignoring me, I headed to the nearest group of people. They were the only ones without dogs. “Hello, are you here for the dog show?”
A short, thin woman with a long, straight nose peered at me. “I should think we are. We’re the judges. I’m Claire Vermouth, head judge.”
I stuck out my hand. “Nice to meet you. I’m Cassie March. I’ve been working with Mavis to organize this event.”
Claire nodded. “We can’t decide whether Mavis is brilliant or insane for having the event here. It’ll certainly put this little place in the public eye.”
I repressed a grimace. “For all the right reasons.” I looked at the man standing next to her. He had a full head of what must be dyed black hair and a bushy moustache. “And you are?”
“Ronald Galbraith.” He pumped my hand warmly. “It�
��s a pleasure to meet you, Cassie.”
“I’m Fleur Matthews,” the second woman said, pushing her dark bangs from her eyes and smiling at me. “I’ve always wanted to come to Zee Town. I haven’t seen any zombies yet. Do you keep them in cages?”
“Our zombies are free roaming,” I said. “They’re keeping out of the way. They don’t like a lot of noise. Just like dogs, they can be sensitive.”
“That’s what I was saying on our way down here,” Ronald said. “They’re like animals. They operate on their basic instincts.”
I twisted my head from side to side. “Something like that. You’d be surprised how much personality they retain. Our placid zombies are complicated.”
“It is safe to be here?” Claire asked. “Some things I’ve heard about this town make me wonder.”
My brows lowered. “What have you heard?” I hated the thought of bad news stories creeping out about our lovely town.
“Oh, this and that. I have connections on the inside. I worry that it’s only a matter of time before something bad happens. We’re dealing with creatures that we know little about.”
“Zombies aren’t creatures,” I said calmly, despite my fingers curling. “They used to be like us. We’re the lucky ones. It’s important we take care of the vulnerable, don’t you agree?”
Claire’s cheeks flushed. “Well, of course. Now, where are we staying?”
I checked my list of accommodations. “You’re all at the Harborside Inn. Straight down this road and turn left. The inn is right in front of you. It’s a great place to stay, and there are lovely walks when the weather’s nice.”
“We’ll be too busy with the dogs to enjoy the surroundings,” Ronald said. “Mavis has pulled out all the stops for this event. I won’t mind coming back every year if she decides to do it again.” He nodded at me. “Come on, ladies. Let’s grab our cases and put our feet up before there are tails to inspect and bellies to rub.”
I ticked them off my list and looked around for more people to target. I turned as another limousine rolled in. The driver climbed out and opened the back door.
Mavis Buster pulled herself out of the seat. She was quickly followed by three large, white poodles.