Page 121 of Trick or Stalk

“You live outside town.”

“So?”

“It’ll save you some time. I’ll bring her back here.”

“Gracie—”

“Presley.”

I stare at her. She smiles at me.

“Fine.”

“See? Easy.”

I crouch in front of Penny. “You behave.”

Her tail wags.

“No bullying Walter.”

Walter looks offended.

“No eating anything you're not supposed to.”

She licks my nose.

“And don't manipulate Gracie into giving you seventeen treats.”

Gracie clears her throat.

I look up. “What?”

“Seventeen seems oddly specific.”

“I'm establishing boundaries.”

“Right.”

I narrow my eyes. “You’re not planning on giving her that many treats, right?”

She tugs on Walter’s leash, refusing to make eye contact. “Come on, Walter.”

“Gracie.”

She heads toward the door with Penny and Walter happily trotting beside her.

“Gracie!”

She ignores me yet again.

“She's going to come home five pounds heavier!”

Gracie laughs as she pushes open the door. “Have fun closing!”

“You’re deflecting!”

The bell jingles overhead. Cold air sweeps briefly into the store before the door closes behind them.