“You have to take Wendy to school, don’t you?” I asked.
She shrugged. “Yeah.”
“Then maybe I should take a biscuit to go.” I stepped toward the couch to retrieve my boots. “I get a lunch break today around two, if you want to meet for lunch before you get Wendy.”
When I looked back at her, her eyes were lit with happiness. “I’d love that.”
“We’re going to be late, Coco,” Wendy called. “And I’ve already been late once this week. What will the office ladies think?”
I chuckled. “Better get going, Coco. I’ll make myself a to-go biscuit and see you for lunch.”
“Wait, lunch wasn’t an option.” Wendy threw up her hands.
I stood up, gathered up my keys that I’d left on the counter last night, and headed for the door. “Point me in the direction of your mother, Coco.”
Coco shook her head and did just that.
I heard Peanut baying in excitement the moment I stepped outside.
The snow was exactly like I’d expected it.
A light dusting.
But the cold hit me in the chest as I tossed a smile over my shoulder and headed in the direction of the barks.
I found my dog along with another Border Collie right outside of a pen holding a wolf looking at the two with curiosity.
“You come to collect this sweet boy?”
I switched my attention from the young wolf to the older version of Constance. “I have. It’s time to get to work.”
“Ah,” she said. “You’re the medical examiner?”
“I am,” I confirmed.
“And a biker.”
I looked at my truck. “How do you know?”
She gestured to the cut now on my shoulders under my jacket. “I saw it on the chair when I came in.”
“Ah,” I said, focusing on her eyes. “I won’t hurt her.”
She focused on me then, her eyes intense. “She wouldn’t let you. Not anymore.”
“Good.” I held out my hand for Peanut’s leash. “Peanut, heel.”
Peanut abandoned the cool new thing and headed toward me, heeling at my side.
“It’s nice to meet you…” She left the name off.
“Odin,” I said. “And you?”
Her eyes were lit with laughter as she said, “Janet.” She tilted her head. “But you know that, don’t you?”
I did.
I knew a lot about them all.
