“Yeah, I don’t know that we’ll be able to continue that unless it’s already set aside and funded somewhere that I don’t have access to. I looked into it earlier this week and there’s nothing on record as being paid out for a sponsorship of any level.”
“I’ve been getting them every year.”
“May I ask you to pull an old check for me so I can track it back to the right accounting?”
“Yeah. That’s no problem. You’ve done a good thing here in Fraser Hills. I’m sorry I misjudged you at first.”
“Just doing my job.”
“I don’t know. I got the feeling that maybe what you came to do, and what you’ve done, might be two slightly different things. I’m usually a pretty good judge of things like that.”
“Let’s just leave it at things worked out the way they should have, and I’m really glad I was the one sent here for this project.”
“Fair enough.”
She took a long sip of wine. “How’s Scooter?”
“That is the strangest puppy we’ve ever had, and we’ve had our share of pups around here.”
“Can I see him?”
“Sure. Let’s go get him. That’s assuming he’s where I left him.” They walked outside. The night was clear. A million stars shone across the inky black sky.
“It’s beautiful out here.”
“It is.” He liked the way her hair shimmered. “I can’t imagine living anywhere else.”
She took in a deep breath. “I understand that more now. It’s like my heart even beats slower here.”
“That’s good,” he said. “Right?”
“I don’t know. Maybe?”
He caught her hand, and held it as they walked to the barn. He opened the side door, and flipped the switch. “I love being out here at Christmas. The colored lights dress up this old barn. It’s my favorite place.”
Something skittered around the corner, and Scooter came running out like Tom Cruise in that iconic dance scene inRisky Business.He slid to a stop, then let out a yap.
“Scooter!” He ran right over to Vanessa. She stooped down and he climbed into her arms and started kissing her face. “Oh my gosh. They should have puppies in every office across the country. There’d never be a stressful day.” She hugged the puppy and stood up with him in her arms. “I love this wittle guy,” she said while rubbing noses with him. “So cute.”
“He’s a mess. I think I’ve finally figured out why he keeps getting out. He and Big Ben are practically inseparable.”
“The horse?”
“Yes. Crazy, right?”
Before she could answer, she turned to look behind her. “What’s all that ruckus?”
“Laying hens.”
“Oh, yeah. Eggatha Christie and Oprah Henfrey? I heard about them.”
“To name a couple.” He started walking down the alley toward Ben’s stall. “Follow me.”
The puppy wriggled out of her arms and ran ahead of Mike.
“What’d I tell you?” Then Mike put out his arm to stop her and they watched as Scooter climbed up onto a bale of hay, then onto the equipment box and into the stall through the feed-access door, dropping in to the floor. “I’ve been wondering how he was doing that.”
“That’s crazy.” She followed Mike to the stall. He opened the gate and went inside, then led Ben out into the alleyway.
