Page 244 of Taken Away

“She said you ran over to the production warehouse.”

Walter took off the boots and slipped back into his loafers.

“Had to check on a delivery.”

Moose lifted his head, taking them both in, unconcerned. Then he padded across the office and settled beside Walter’s desk.

Burke watched him.

“Well…”

Walter’s expression loosened into something like a smile.

“Guess you found my office dog.”

Moose blinked once, then rose again slowly to his feet.

Walter reached down and scratched behind Moose's ear.

“There he is.”

Moose leaned into Walter’s hand with the easy affection of an old friend.

“You always did like attention.”

Burke watched.

“You and Moose know each other pretty well.”

Walter chuckled.

“Known him since he was eight weeks old.”

He rubbed the dog’s neck.

“Mabel brought him home in a cardboard box. Biggest feet I’d ever seen on a puppy.”

Moose huffed happily.

Burke crouched and let Moose sniff his hand.

The dog accepted the greeting before wandering back to Walter.

Walter smiled faintly.

Burke watched Moose settle beside Walter.

Then his gaze moved to the muddy boots by the door.

After a long moment, he opened his notebook.

"I talked to Patsy Jordan this morning."

Something flickered across Walter’s face.

“Patsy’s good people.”

Burke watched him carefully.