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“Please cancel my appointments for the remainder of the workday. I won’t be available.”
“Alleightof them?”
“Is that a problem?”
“No, but—”
“Great. See you tomorrow.” I make my way toward the exit before stopping to look back at my brother, whose mouth is still hanging open. “Thanks for helping me out. I know you don’t have to, but I appreciate you stepping in for Iris nonetheless.”
“I’m doing it for Iris. Not you.”
“I know, which is why I appreciate it even more.” I leave the office with my head held high and ready to push my plan into action.
* * *
Harrison and I drive around all of Chicago as I search shelter after shelter for the perfect dog. Iris was specific about her requirements, and I don’t plan on screwing them up. My enthusiasm dwindles with each shelter that comes up empty, and by the tenth one, I’m losing hope.
“Maybe we can try again tomorrow, sir.” Harrison holds the car door open for me.
I release a heavy sigh. This is an integral part of my plan, and I’m already failing. How hard can it be to find a big, fluffy dog who will follow Iris around everywhere?
Damn near impossible it seems.
I pull up my phone and look up the next shelter on my list. “Let’s try one more and then I’ll call it a day.”
Harrison drives me to the last one. It’s not in the best part of town, so I don’t plan on staying long since Harrison and the Maybach might not be here by the time I get out.
A bell rings above me as I enter the building. The only employee in the place doesn’t look up from her magazine.
“Hello.” I stop at the counter.
She blows a bubble with her gum before popping it. “We’re closed.”
I check the sign on the front. “You’re still open for another thirty minutes, so try again.”
Her eyes widen before narrowing, as if she recognizes me from somewhere but can’t pin down where. “How can I help you?”
“I’m looking for a big, fluffy dog that has separation anxiety.”
“That’s oddly specific.”
“Tell me about it. Do you have any dog that fits my description?”
“Umm…not that I know of.”
The last ounce of hope drains from me. I’ll regroup and try again tomorrow once I’ve had a good night’s rest. Or at least as good as I can get with Iris on the other side of Chicago, sleeping in my brother’s apartment.
I knock my hand against the counter. “I see. Thanks for your time then.”
“Do you want to take a look out back just in case?”
I open my mouth to say no, but I think better of it.
You did drive all this way. You might as well go check out the place while you’re here.
“Fine. Lead the way.”
She shows me to the back room. Kennels line the walls, stuffed with dogs and other animals all waiting for a new home. Some cower in the corner of their cage as I walk past them while others hiss or bark in my direction.
