Hennessey's Handler (Protect and Serve #4) - Pandora Pine Page 0,55
a nervous breakdown. “What the hell are we going to do with her, Dallas? She needs constant attention. I know she’s only three, but do you think we need to take her to a therapist.”
“I may be able to help with that.” Morrison grinned. “It’s the reason I’m here and asked Hennessey to join me.”
“There’s one mystery almost solved.” Ozzy grinned brightly before elbowing me.
“How do you think you can help Lola?” Dallas asked after hugging Saxon.
“With this…” Morrison hauled up what looked like a portable dog kennel and set it on the table. He opened it and carefully pulled out a tiny bundle that squeaked.
“A puppy?” Saxon rushed to Morrison’s side. He stroked a finger over the top of the dog’s head. “What is it? I mean what breed?” He took the puppy from Morrison, cradling it like a newborn baby.
“It’s a male German Shepherd. Nine weeks old. Dad calls her Chaos, which fits in perfectly with Lola. If you choose a different name, we can train him to respond to it.”
“Are shepherds good with kids?” Dallas asked. “Lola’s high maintenance as I’m sure you know. Sophie’s much sweeter, but is only five.”
“I grew up with those dogs. They are very loyal to their owners and good with kids. If you’ll pardon me sticking my nose into your family business—”
“Oh, please. We all do it. Just proves you’re one of us.” Ozzy laughed.
“I was thinking a little bit of responsibility might help Lola build her self-esteem and give her a companion who’ll pay a lot of attention to her.” Morrison’s eyes were on me as he spoke.
“Do you think she’s old enough to help take care of a puppy?” Saxon seemed to be warming to the idea.
“I do. You can hand her a scoop of food and let her dump it into his bowl. The same goes for water if she’s pouring it from a bottle. Sophie would be able to help too. She could clip on his lead and brush his fur. Unfortunately, the two of you will be on landmine duty.”
“Dallas is full of shit, so I’m sure he won’t mind picking it up.” Saxon was staring down at the puppy in his arms and missed the dirty look Dallas sent his way.
I stood behind Saxon to get my first good look at the dog. His little ears flopped over and he was bursting with energy. Just like Lola. “Mom and Dad are thinking about fencing in the yard after what happened two weeks ago.”
“Are they?” Saxon paled. “I don’t want to cause them any trouble.”
“They’ve been meaning to do it for years. I can’t believe all of us survived to adulthood with the woods, those giant boulders, and the creek back there.” I scratched the pup behind his ears. “And besides, you know how excited Mom and Dad are to have grandkids. A fenced-in yard would be perfect for little kids and puppies.”
“What do you think, Dallas?” Saxon asked, sounding hopeful.
“A puppy would be cheaper than therapy.” Dallas laughed. “Cuter too.”
“Not necessarily.” Saxon turned to Morrison. “Purebred puppies are expensive, especially from a well-known kennel like your father’s. How much would Skeletor cost?”
“Skeletor?” Dallas started to laugh.
“I worked out a deal with my father. The puppy is free of charge.” Morrison’s eyes cut from me and back to the puppy, who was licking Saxon’s neck.
Dallas’s and Saxon’s eyes went wide as dinner plates. Both seemed eager to accept the terms of the deal.
“What was the deal? Did you have to sell your soul?” I didn’t know a lot about Drummond Rowe, but I knew he was a bastard to his son. What the hell would this dog cost Morrison?
“He wants me to handle one of his dogs at Westminster.” Morrison smiled brightly, but I could tell his heart wasn’t completely in it.
“The dog show?” Gunnar asked.
“Yup. I’d have to travel to New York City for a few days.” Morrison sounded even less thrilled at the prospect of traveling.
I knew instantly from the look on Morrison’s face that he wasn’t happy about this arrangement. I also got the feeling there was more to it. “What else did he want?”
“For me to do the same thing for The National, but that’s not until November. There is good news, though.”
“What’s that?” I was using every shred of my self-control to keep from losing my temper. It was nice that Morrison wanted to give Lola a dog, but not if it cost him his soul.