for her at a company. That’s all I can really say.”
“Let me make an educated guess. Your company was hired to do an audit because they can’t trust the work done. The prostitutes aren’t legal accounting hires, I presume?”
My brows raised. “Do you have a mole at my workplace, Rick? The accuracy of your guess makes me think you have a mole at my workplace.”
“No, I’ve just seen weirder things happen in the business world. I just tried to deduce what would create a headline like that with the information you gave me.”
“I have to give that old lady credit, Rick. She picked really pretty men, and she liked all types, apparently. Also, she hit on me while she was being escorted out by police.”
“I see she was an equal opportunity employer.”
My mouth dropped open. After spluttering for a moment, I replied, “I suppose she was. The last I saw of her, she was trying to seduce the cops.”
“You’ve had an interesting day. I thought you would like to know that we are now officially in the same time zone. My dog and I have successfully infiltrated the United States with the appropriate documentation to reside here for business purposes.”
“And what job position does your precious Annabel Lee hold?”
“Wrangler of Humans. It’s a distinguished title.”
“Humans is plural. How many humans is she currently wrangling?”
“Two. You and me. She’s plotting how to lure you into her furry clutches as we speak. Should I be truthful about the situation, she’s asleep on the couch, as she had a very long flight. She was required to fly in cargo, much to my disgust, but she made it safe and sound. I made her crate as comfortable as possible within their standards. The couch belongs to your brother. There’s something particularly naughty about talking to my friend’s missing sister while lounging in his living room with my dog. I’ll be headed to New York tomorrow, after we’ve both had a chance to recover from the flight.”
“Taunt him for me.”
“If I taunt him, he will know I’m actively communicating with you.”
“I don’t see a problem with this, Rick. You’re going to have to convince me there’s an issue with this.”
“I see you’re still feeling rather ruthless towards your brother.”
“Yes. You could convince me to relent should he acquire me a puppy, one who gets along well with your Annabel Lee. A puppy would go a long way towards convincing me he isn’t an asshole.”
“Oh, he’s an asshole. I had a few words with him about his treatment of you upon arrival. He was appropriately chastened, but I’m not of the opinion you should let him off easily.”
“But a puppy, Rick. I’d forgive him for a puppy. I really would.” I had finally reached the level of adulthood I could have a puppy. I could have before, had I been a little more willing to defy everyone’s expectations.
“Why don’t I go to a shelter and introduce Annabel Lee to some puppies, and then I will tell you where the shelter is so you can meet the candidates? Then you can pick a puppy that gets along with you and Annabel Lee.”
“This sounds like a horrible way to make a long-term arrangement for a new family member, truth be told.”
“But you’ll be happy, Annabel Lee will get to meet puppies, and I will be able to lure you to a known location. I will, upon your selection of a puppy, secure your person. I’ll even be a gentleman and permit you to drive your vehicle and new puppy to my chosen location.”
Had I not figured out Fredrick classified as a ridiculously nice person who wouldn’t actually do that, I might’ve worried. Well, having invited him to do just that alleviated most of my concerns on that front, too. I grinned over his honesty regarding his tactic to locate me. “That might have worked if you hadn’t exposed yourself,” I confessed.
“I will take you on a search for the perfect puppy as soon as I locate you.”
“That’s a good incentive for me to accidentally reveal my location. That has to count as some form of cheating.”
“I suspect you’re only saying that because you’ve reached your threshold for absurdity for one day.”
I eyed the box of invoices, one of which involved sex toys. “You’re probably right.”
“Don’t spoil your location, and if you would like to get yourself a puppy, ask to be matched with one that likes other dogs, as you want your puppy to go on play dates