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Slipping back into the driver’s seat, Poppy reached down and pulled the lever, making the bonnet click open. She turned to face Dougal. ‘You okay, little one?’
Dougal kept his eyes transfixed on the passing traffic, his head turning quickly from side to side with each car that passed them by.
‘Good. I’ll be back in a moment then.’ She closed the car door behind her and joined Flora again. ‘Do you need any help?’
‘I’m think I’m pretty much done here.’ She clipped the remaining lead to the battery of the car. ‘Just start the car engine and we’ll give it a few minutes before I start the van.’
Poppy jumped back into the car and turned the ignition, the engine purring to life.
Opening the passenger door, Flora said, ‘Thanks, lovely.’ She sat down and looked behind her. ‘Oh, hello, Dougal. Have you come out for a little adventure?’
‘He’s been so good in the car. He’s literally just been sitting there watching the cars pass by.’
‘He’s a good little one, isn’t he?’
As Flora fussed him, Dougal leaned his head on the little cubby between the two front seats.
‘He really is, isn’t he?’ Looking down at him, Poppy smiled. ‘I’m so glad he’s on the road to recovery.’
‘Absolutely,’ Flora agreed and then, abruptly, slapped her knees. ‘Okay, here’s the moment of truth, then. I’ll see if I can start the van. Keep your fingers crossed.’
‘I will.’
Leaving the car, Poppy followed Flora towards the van and stood next to the open driver’s door.
‘Hold your breath.’
Taking a deep inhale, Flora turned the key.
Nothing.
‘Ah, that doesn’t sound good.’ Poppy grimaced.
‘Don’t worry. We may just need to try again in a few moments.’ Flora leaned back against the chair. ‘I have some good news, though. It looks as though the Smiths are adopting Eden. Both she and Tyler got on beautifully. We met in the woods today, so they were both on neutral ground. We’ll do that another day and then, all being well, I’ll take her over for a play date at their house.’
‘Oh, that’s wonderful news.’
‘It is, isn’t it? Tyler is as energetic as Eden is calm, but it seemed to work. Eden seemed to benefit and grow a little more confident as the day wore on, and Tyler seemed to calm down a tad.’ Flora laughed. ‘Only a little, mind, but even a little is enough to make a significant difference.’
‘That’s great then. Eden was so nervous when she first came to Wagging Tails.’
‘Yes, it didn’t help that she’d had that injury either, bless her.’ Flora shook her head. ‘But we’re getting there with Mr Thomas. Slowly but surely, he’s coming round to the idea of handing his dogs over. His cats too.’
‘That’s good.’
‘Yes, yes, it is. I’ll just be glad when we have them all over at Wagging Tails.’ Flora took a deep breath. ‘Right, ready to try again?’
Poppy held up her hands, crossing her fingers tightly.
Closing her eyes, Flora held her breath and turned the ignition, and the engine spluttered to life. ‘Yes!’
25
After hanging Ralph’s lead up on the hooks behind the counter, Poppy rubbed her hands together.
Flora placed the landline phone in its cradle and looked at her. ‘Cold, lovely?’
‘Absolutely frozen.’ Poppy cupped her hands together and blew into them, her warm breath hitting her skin.
