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“Use Collin’s supplies. They’ll go to waste if you don’t. Later on—when it’s not as cold up here—we should go through everything. Take the sheets and tarps off, and go through it all.”
“Then we will.” After one more circle, Cleo nodded. “You know, I think we could get that little sofa down there.”
Sonya studied it. “Won’t know unless we try.”
It proved heavier than it looked, but small enough to maneuver down steps and hallways.
When, a little out of breath, they set it in the curve of windows in the studio, they fist-bumped.
The doorbell bonged.
“Now I know why it’s so freaking loud. Well, let’s go let the manly men in, and hope they’re up for it.”
They went down, opened the door to the two men. And two dogs.
“It’s Mookie!” Since the big blond swished his feathery tail, Sonya crouched down. And was rewarded with more wags and a nuzzle. “And who’s this?”
“That’s Jones,” Owen told her.
Sonya cooed over the scrappy-looking black dog with an eye patch over his left eye.
“What happened to his eye?”
“He lost it in a bar fight with a Doberman.”
Hands busy petting two at once, Sonya looked up. Owen shrugged.
“That’s the story I got.”
“I bet the Doberman got the worst of it.” Cleo stepped back, gestured. “Bring them on in out of the cold.”
“Yes, sorry. Cleo Fabares, Trey Doyle, Owen Poole.”
“Nice to—” Trey broke off. “Mook!”
The dog, already heading into the front parlor, glanced back.
“He tends to make himself at home.”
“Fine with me. Let me get your coats. First, we really appreciate the help, and second, full disclosure. We’ve found more stuff to move.”
Owen handed Sonya his coat. “Got beer?”
“Yes.”
“Then we’re good.”
“You’re a tough little guy, aren’t you?” Cleo bent to scratch Jones between the ears, along his square jaw. He huffed.
“He doesn’t think of himself as little.”
Giving her hair a toss, Cleo shot Owen a quick, side-eyed smile. “Well, it’s the size of the fight in the dog, isn’t it?”
“Jones has plenty of it. Where’s the accent from?”
“Louisiana. Lafayette.” She gave them both the regional pronunciation.
Sonya glanced in the parlor as Mookie sniffed his way around.
