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I reach the alley.

Slowly, I look around the corner.

Callie is sitting on the ground.

A dog is pressed against the brick wall near a dumpster several feet away. It’s small, scruffy, and skinny enough that I can see its ribs from here. One front paw barely touches the pavement.

The wind blows, and Callie’s wig goes crooked.

She grabs it, straightens it, and pulls the hat lower.

Her sunglasses are gone. I realize she’s holding them in one hand.

She’s trying to coax the dog to her, speaking soothingly to the frightened pooch.

“Don't judge me. I'm undercover.”

The dog’s ear twitches.

“It's going better than it looks.”

I smirk. Yeah, right.

The dog stares at her. Probably thinks she’s fucking crazy.

“I had him completely fooled.”

I have to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from chuckling.

Not even close, Chaos.

Hell, even the dog looks skeptical.

“You're very judgmental for someone hiding beside a dumpster.”

The dog’s nose twitches.

And then she reaches into the pocket of her damn hoodie and pulls out a pack of beef jerky.

Of course she has snacks.

She places a piece on the pavement.

The dog doesn't move. Neither does Callie.

“I won't hurt you.”

Her voice is different. Soft. Nothing like the woman who dumped a stranger's water on my dick yesterday.

She waits.

Eventually, the dog moves toward the jerky.

Callie doesn’t rush the dog. She puts down another piece, closer this time, then waits again.

I lean against the brick wall where she can't see me.

I should leave. She's fine. Nobody's threatening her. The dog doesn't appear aggressive.