Page 38 of Colton On Guard
“Why?” she asked, clearly not understanding. “What did we forget?”
“My dog,” he replied, smiling. “He’s an older black Lab whose owners no longer had time for him.”
Genna’s eyes widened. Both she and her new pet looked at him. Then she slowly nodded. “Go get him. June Bug and I can’t wait to meet him.”
Truck keys in hand, he dipped his chin. “I’ll be back.”
The drive seemed to take longer when he made it alone. Either that, or time stretched out because he was in a rush to get back to the shelter.
Halfway there, his phone rang. “Hey, Lakin. How are you?”
His sister chuckled. “I’ve never been better. What about you? How is Genna working out?”
He took a few minutes to tell her all about the multiple break-ins at Genna’s place. “We still don’t know who it is or why they’re targeting her. She even had an alarm system installed, which helped alert the police.”
“Wow.” Lakin exhaled. “I wouldn’t feel safe being in the house.”
“She doesn’t. That’s why she’s staying at my place.”
“Say what?” Lakin sounded incredulous. “Whose idea was that?”
He felt slightly defensive, but had no idea why. “Mine. It’s all aboveboard. She’s using the guest room.”
“The one that looks like a cheap hotel room?” Lakin asked, laughing.
He decided to ignore the dig. “Look, I’m just about to Valdez. I’m going to have to let you go.”
“Valdez? Why are you doing there?”
Since he and his sister had very few secrets, he told her. “I’m adopting a dog.”
And then, while she sputtered and demanded more details, he told her he’d pulled into the shelter parking lot and ended the call.
The same shelter worker sat at the front desk when he entered. Her brows rose. “I’m surprised to see you so soon,” she said. “Is everything all right with little June Bug?”
“Yes, she’s living the life. I’m not here about her. I came for Revis.”
The woman’s entire face lit up. “Seriously? He’s the best dog.”
Parker nodded. He thought of Genna’s little pup. “I do need to know if Revis gets along with other dogs.”
“Helovesother dogs,” the woman said. “Revis loves everything and everyone. He’s one of the friendliest dogs I’ve ever seen. He couldn’t be more perfect. People keep overlooking him because he’s black and because he’s older.”
“Because he’s black?”
“Yes. It’s well known in rescue, though we’re not exactly sure why. Some people associate the color with evil, like black cats and bad luck. Often it’s because they’re difficult to photograph. Either way, people pass black animals up.”
“Not this time,” Parker replied. “I want to adopt him.”
“You’ve just made my day. First little June Bug, who also is good with other dogs, and now Revis.” Glowing, she went to her computer and printed off the paperwork. “I just need your signature. His adoption fee is reduced since he’s a senior.”
After signing and paying the fee, he purchased a collar and leash, as well as a large bag of senior kibble and a raised feederwith two bigger bowls. “Let me take these out to my truck and then I’ll go back and get him,” he said.
When he returned, the worker had fetched Revis herself. The big, black dog sat at her side, alert and watching the door, his long tail sweeping the floor.
“There he is,” Parker said, feeling a rush of happiness. The instant he spoke, Revis climbed to his feet, his regal calmness at odds with the furious tail wagging.
“Let’s put your new collar on you,” he said, scratching Revis under the chin. Once he’d done that and attached the matching leash, the shelter worker removed the slip lead.