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The staff at the shelter helped me to think through the process and consider what would be a good fit. I bought dog things from each place, and made donations, and generally thought my heart was going to break from all those sad canine faces.
We walked out of the last shelter. “Did any of them stick out for you?” Amber asked, then blew her nose.
“Yeah, a few. But I’m reconsidering long hair. Wait, are you going to be able to come over if I have a dog?”
She waved a hand, dabbing at her nose. “I should havetaken something. Besides, one dog is a lot better than a warehouse of them.”
“Still, I think short-haired would be better. And smallish but still big enough to take on a hike with me. I’ve always loved Chihuahuas, but they are a little small for protection.”
“Yeah—I thought you’d go for a pit bull or a German shepherd for sure. I mean, stalker, Sally.”
“Well, I’m really surprising myself here, but that little foxlike dog, white with pointy ears, named Charley, keeps popping in my mind. He’s practically a puppy though, maybe nine months old.”
“At the first shelter. I remember him, what a cutie.”
“He reached out a paw and shook my hand, cocked his head, and grinned at me. I’m a little in love.”
Amber smiled. “He’s nearly medium sized—and about five times the size of a Chihuahua. Needs a lot of training but I can totally see you two together.”
I submitted my application that afternoon for Charley. Amber hung out for most of the day, working on her laptop, and I booked our trip to Vegas. I also completed the application for a concealed firearm permit for the state of Oregon. Then I found a local firing range to practice at.
That evening Hank texted me. I was sitting with Layla, Forest, and Dillan, watching a football game, drinking a glass of wine and blinking sleepily.
Hank: Has the stalker contacted you again?
Sally: Hello to you too. I want some friendly chitchat first. How’s your mom?
Hank: She’s moving into a home next month. Still recovering from the accident. Now tell me about the fucking stalker.
Sally: Language.
Hank: SALLY.
Sally: Yes?
Hank: What happened?
Sally: Well Clint left today for UNL in Nebraska. I found a dog named Charley that I’m trying to adopt. Sent in my application this afternoon. Do you think they’ll pick me?
Hank: You’re not telling me because it’s bad.
Sally: I’m taking Amber to Vegas on Wednesday till Saturday. We’re staying at Caesar’s. Can you come?
Hank: Sally.
Sally: Look for me in the topless Venus pool.
Hank: You’re a damn handful.
Sally: I am. Come to Vegas anyway.
Hank: The picture is down I saw. Did you get any kind of message that you think might have been from him?
Sally: Yes. He saw it.
Hank: Fuck
Hank: He’s dangerous. You have to move.
