Page 22 of Storm Warning

“What if the ambassador won’t let him have the dog?”

He scowled. “I hope the boss can persuade him otherwise.”

Noah studied him for a moment. “What’s up?”

“Although I don’t have proof, I’m concerned about abuse in the home.”

Fury burned in Noah’s gaze. “We need to talk to Brent and Zane. We can’t do anything from here. Let’s put them on the hunt and see what they turn up.”

“I’ll contact Zane after we deliver the puppy.” Andre opened the cage, picked up the puppy, and cuddled him against his chest. When the pup licked Andre’s chin, he chuckled. “Come on, buddy. Let’s go see Christopher. I need you to cheer him up, okay? He’s afraid.”

The puppy yipped.

Noah chuckled. “He ought to bring a smile to the kid’s face.”

Andre hoped his friend was right. Christopher didn’t seem to have much to smile about.

He carried the puppy to the human-patient side of the clinic and tapped on the exam room door.

“Come,” Sorenson called out.

Noah opened the door and stepped aside for Andre and the puppy. Violet and Riley followed them into the room.

Christopher’s eyes went wide. “A puppy!”

“Would you like to hold him while we talk?” Sorenson asked.

“Is it all right?”

“Of course. I think Rex would like to sit with you.”

“Will his owner be mad?”

“Rex doesn’t have a family to live with. He’s looking for his forever home, and he loves kids.”

Andre crouched and set Rex on the ground. The puppy bounded over to Christopher and yipped, its tail wagging like a metronome.

The boy laughed and dropped to the floor to tussle with the dog.

Sorenson glanced at Andre and Noah and gave a slight nod of approval.

Nice. Hopefully, Rex would work his magic while Sorenson worked his own brand of magic on Christopher.

The doctor folded his arms across his chest. “Mr. Marsh, I hear a bed in recovery calling your name.”

And there went his fun for the day. “Yes, sir.”

“Get settled. I’ll be in shortly to check on you.”

“Copy that, sir.” He put his hand on Christopher’s shoulder. “I’ll be across the hall if you want to come hang out.”

“Or you can spend time with me and Violet,” Noah said. “Same deal with Grant and Rayne. They’d enjoy spending time with you, too.”

“Looks like you have several options for company.” Sorenson said. “After you and I finish our conversation and I treat the scratches you told me about, you can choose who to visit.”

“What about Rex?”

“I think he’d like to stay with you, and I know your friends like dogs. Would you like to keep Rex with you for a while?”