Page 72 of Killer Honeymoon
“That’s never a good sign,” Sawyer said to Royce.
“The house is still standing,” Royce replied. “Is Bones okay?” His insides cramped, and he held his breath while waiting for Topher to reply.
“Yeah, yeah,” Topher said. “Bones Kitty is great. Sorry I worried you.” Another big exhale made Royce and Sawyer exchange another concerned glance.
“Out with it, Toph,” Royce said.
“Bones has a surprise for you, and I’m not sure you’ll like it.”
Royce and Sawyer veered around Topher and headed inside the house, where they found their cat lying on a fluffy princess dog bed. Beside Bones was a sandy-furred, partially shaved, rat-like creature with a long mane of fur around its head and a tiny pink bow between its perky ears.
Royce pointed and said, “What’s that?”
The little golden rat trembled all over and ran closer to Bones. Their cat curled his body protectively around the creature so only its tiny little head could be seen sticking up over Bones’s bushy tail. Huge dark eyes darted between Royce and Sawyer.
“It’s a dog,” Toph said.
“Are you sure?” Royce asked.
Toph laughed. “Positive. It’s a yorkie mix.”
Sawyer ran a finger over his chin stubble and the raspy sound nearly distracted Royce from his inquiry. “And what’s it doing here?” Sawyer asked.
“More importantly,” Royce interjected, “why is the dog wearing a Dolly Parton wig?”
“We got a terrible storm here on Friday night,” Topher said. “Bones had acted weird all night and kept staring out the big picture window. It was black as pitch out there. I couldn’t see anything, but he’d been riveted.” Topher gave a hard shiver and added, “It was unnerving if I’m being honest.”
Nodding, Royce said, “It’s like when he stares at something behind you only he can see.”
“Yeah,” Toph agreed. “I’d ordered a pizza, and when the delivery guy showed up, Bones darted out the front door. He’d never tried to escape before, so he caught me off guard. And the big bastard can move too. So I elbowed the delivery guy out of the way, causing him to drop my pizza box on the ground. When I caught up to Bones across the street, he led me to this quivering, drowned rat hiding in the bushes. Poor thing was a muddy mess and so terrified. Bones and I coaxed her out of the bushes, and I took her to the vet. She was malnourished and dehydrated. They checked for a chip, but there wasn’t one. The vet thinks someone dumped her. She had quite a lot of matted fur on her body, so they shaved her.” Toph smiled down at the cat and dog. “Bones was so stressed after I took her for the checkup. I don’t think he’s let the little dog out of his sight since we got back. He watches me like a hawk every time I take her outside to do her business.”
Royce looked at Sawyer and said, “It looks like we have a dog now.” He crouched down and carefully extended a hand toward the tiny dog, who walked to Royce on quivering legs. “It’s okay, sweet girl. We’re not going to hurt you.” She must’ve sensed the truth in his words because she settled down once he gently scooped her up and cradled her against his chest. “Hello, Dolly. Your daddies are home now.”
“Yep,” Sawyer said. “We have a dog.” He turned to Topher. “How much do we owe you for the vet visit, food, and fancy dog bed?”
Topher waved him off. “My youngest sister is a vet tech. It was on the house.” He squatted down and scratched Bones’s ears and chin. “It’s been a great week with you, Bonesy Boy. You make me think I want a cat now that I’ve found my own place.” He rose and scratched the little dog’s chin. “You’re a lucky girl, Dolly.”
“Dolly? Really?” Sawyer asked.
“With this hair?” Royce countered. “Nothing else would do.”
“I’ll just grab my stuff and head out,” Topher said. “I’m sure you’re both exhausted.” A few minutes later, Topher was back in the living room with a suitcase and a duffle bag. “Looking forward to hearing all about the mess you guys stumbled into this week.”
Royce and Sawyer groaned.
“You guys heard about that?” Sawyer asked.
“Oh, yeah,” Topher drawled. “Someone started a pool to guess the punishment Mendoza will hand out.”
“I used to worry about getting busted back down to street patrol,” Royce said. “Now, I worry he’ll send me back to solving homicides.”
Topher chuckled and shook his head. Royce noticed his smile never reached his eyes. Something else was on his mind. Royce decided to walk Toph out and press him a little. Besides, he needed to pull the SUV into the garage. Two birds. One Stone. “Dolly and I will be right back,” Royce told Sawyer.
“Seems like something else is on your mind, Toph,” Royce said once they were outside. “Anything I can help you with?”
The big man sighed and shook his head. “You guys just got home, but I might track you down once you’re back to work.”
“Or we could talk now,” Royce suggested. “You might feel better.”