REESE
“You sure do know how to liven up a boring Friday night,” I teased.
She laughed against my shoulder before stepping back. “I thought I would try something new. I can’t let you have all the fun.”
I held her shoulders and stared directly into those innocent brown eyes. “You have no idea how terrified I was when I saw the shattered windows. I’m glad it happened fast. I don’t think I would have survived several minutes of that kind of horror.”
“It did happen fast,” she said. “I can feel the adrenaline fading fast though. I’m so tired.”
“Come home with me tonight,” I said. “I want to hold you. I won’t be able to sleep if you’re not safe in my arms.”
“I can’t,” she said with reluctance. “The dogs.”
“They can come too.”
She raised an eyebrow. “How hard did they knock you down? Did you hit your head?”
“Very funny,” I said. “I’m serious. Besides, you said your purse had been dumped out. They might know where you live. Come home with me. I don’t want you to be alone.”
“And sleeping at my house is out of the question?”
“The idea is to not be at your house at all,” I said. “I don’t have a problem being there with you and your hairy beasts. I think we should listen to the cop’s advice and wait until these guys are caught.”
She wrinkled up her nose. “You have a point. Are you sure you won’t mind the dogs? They are housetrained and I’ll bring their beds.”
I couldn’t believe I was saying it, but I nodded. “Yes. I’m sure. It’s a big house. It’ll take them a while to mess it up. I’ll pay the housekeeper double.”
She smiled and went on her toes to give me a kiss. “Thank you. I’ll grab my keys. Come on, Kona.”
I walked her to her car out back. She insisted on driving me to my car, which I had to admit was probably a pretty good idea. I wasn’t trying to get mugged again. We had both had plenty of excitement for the night. When we got to her place, the first thing I saw was the bright orange sign on her door.
This was the last thing she needed. She walked up to her door and ripped the paper off. “He just loves to come when I’m not here,” she growled. “Chickenshit!” She shouted loud enough for her neighbor to hear.
“What is it?” I asked.
She handed me the paper while she unlocked the door. “I don’t know, and I don’t care. I just want to get out of here. I have to get this place on the market.”
I scanned through the text in small letters. “It’s just a reminder of the dog’s eviction date,” I said.
“Of course.”
The dogs inside barked in greeting as we walked through the door. Thea was chattering to them about going on an adventure and apologizing for leaving them alone so long.
“It’ll take me a few minutes to pack,” she said. “I’m going to feed them before we go. Hopefully, they’ll do their business here and be ready for bed when we get to your house.”
“Is there anything I can do to help?”
“No,” she said. “Just give me a few minutes.”
I stood back while she filled the bowls with dog food. While they scarfed down their meals, she went to her room to pack a few things. With her out of the room, I took a minute to survey the house with my real estate eye. I didn’t do a lot of residential work and I never did anything under a few million, but I still knew what buyers wanted.
Her place wasn’t modern by any means, but someone that appreciated old school would like it. The place would be pretty amazing with a little paint and new appliances. The floors weren’t terrible. A good cleaning and it would sell in a heartbeat.
“Okay,” she called out. “Everyone outside. Go potty!”
She dropped a suitcase that looked like it meant she was staying for more than a single night. “I’ll take that to the car.”
“I have a bag of dog food in the closet there. Can you grab that as well?” she called out as she rushed to the back door.