“It’s not a con. I know my chances are zilch of getting you to let him stay. Though you’d be perfect. He needs people, and you work here from your home. Every single thing I said, I believe.” Okay, tell her the entire truth. “Besides, he’d be a security asset. You live alone and everyone knows that a home with a dog is much less likely to be robbed or vandalized. It’s a statistic.” Then she burst out, “It wasn’t even a month ago that you were almost killed by that psycho who attacked you right here in this condo. And it was my fault, dammit. Because you’re my friend, that serial killer I was hunting decided to go after you to hurt me. You should have all the protection I can give you.”
“I was wondering when you’d get around to that.” Olivia crossed her arms over her chest. “Nice point. I can’t deny that being your friend has its hazards. But it’s my choice if I want to accept those hazards. Are you finished?”
“No, not quite. Elaine wanted this dog to be healthy and happy. She thought he was worth the trouble. If she’d lived, she’d have tried to make sure of it.” She added wearily, “I think that it’s not too much trouble for us to find a way to give her what she wanted.”
Olivia was silent. “Oh, that struck deep. But not deep enough. You have all the answers except how to make me accept a dog I don’t want or need.” She paused. “But you used a lot of we and I in your little presentation. That might get you somewhere.” She held up her hand. “But not where you want to go. I’m not going to let this dog with his sad story and all his problems rule my life. Forget it.” She moved toward the kitchenette. “But I’m willing to spend a little time searching for a home for him that even Elaine would approve of. As long as you remain involved and we do it together.” She sat down at the table and poured herself a cup of coffee. “But share is the key word. Understood?”
Kendra drew a deep breath of relief as she dropped down opposite her. “Understood. Share.”
“I’m glad that you—Oh, for Pete’s sake.” Her teeth clenched as she faced Kendra across the table. “Am I to assume that’s your Harley’s head on my lap? You didn’t leave out any details about him, I hope. He doesn’t drool as well as roar like a lion?”
“Not to my knowledge. But he’s never put his head on my lap.” She poured herself a cup of coffee. “I told you he liked you.”
“Bullshit.” But one of her hands was exploring Harley’s big head beneath the table, learning him, as she did every new element in her life. “Coarse, rough hair, he obviously needs the services of a barber. Huge ears…What color are his eyes?”
“Brown.” She took a sip of coffee. “And blue.”
“Of course,” Olivia said. “Why not? Nothing conventional that would please an ordinary family looking for a dog. He probably resembles a creature from outer space. But don’t think that will keep me from finding a home for him. It will just take perseverance and determination. I’ll only regard it as a greater challenge.”
“I know you will.” Kendra smiled. “And that’s what I told Maddie was needed. Someone who could meet the challenge. I’ve seen you conquer every one that came your way.”
“Damn straight.” She lifted her chin and turned toward Kendra. “And I’ll conquer this one, too. But it will be my way, and you might end up owning this lion-dog yourself. So I’d better have your complete cooperation about finding him a good home.” She put her cup down in the saucer. “Now, who takes Harley for the rest of the night? Do we flip on it?”
“It’s almost five in the morning. I should go down to the FBI regional office first thing this morning.”
“Don’t quibble. My work is just as important to me.” She frowned. “Though yours may be more urgent at this particular time. I might let you trade my keeping Harley during the day if you take him at night. I’ll think about it. But that’s not tonight. Do we flip for it?”
Kendra sighed. “We flip for it.”
Chapter
4
8:35 A.M.
Hell, Harley was barking again.
Kendra groaned and buried her head beneath her pillow to smother the hideous snarl.
“Get up.” Olivia jerked the pillow from Kendra’s head. “Jump in the