Free Hot Dog by Laurien Berenson Page B

I, we were . . .”
    â€œMarried,” I supplied since he seemed to be having trouble getting the word out. “But you’ve also been married to Jennifer since then. I don’t remember you caring what I thought about that at the time.”
    â€œYes, well, things are different now.”
    He was right; they were. Bob had originally returned to Connecticut hoping to resurrect our relationship in Sam’s absence. Things hadn’t turned out the way he’d planned, but we’d come through the experience with a friendship that was stronger than ever.
    Bob and I would never be partners again in any way except as Davey’s parents, but I would always wish him the best. Pam seemed like a nice woman, and I certainly never expected him to live the life of a monk.
    â€œGo for it,” I said. “Have a great time. You can have dinner with Davey and me any day.”
    â€œThanks.” Bob brushed a quick kiss across my cheek. “I’ll hold you to that.”
    â€œFeel free.” All at once my smile faded. That feeling was back. The one I’d had earlier of being watched.
    I shivered slightly and had a look around. On one side, ponies were standing quietly in their pasture. Another held a patch of leafy woods where all seemed still. In the barn’s center aisle, Pam was holding Willow while Davey carefully brushed her legs. Bob’s and my cars were the only ones in the driveway.
    All was just as it had been moments before. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Except my back was tingling and I’d begun to sweat.
    â€œWhat’s the matter?” Bob asked.
    â€œNothing,” I said firmly.
    As if saying it could make it so.

    Wednesday, when school let out, I made one quick stop, then drove directly to Aunt Peg’s house in Greenwich.
    She and Rose were arguing again. Why on earth either one of them would think I would make a good mediator was beyond my comprehension. Nevertheless, I’d apparently been called up to active duty. Luckily for Davey, he had a play date, thus sparing him the spectacle of watching two grown women spar like a pair of WWF wrestlers.
    When I got to Aunt Peg’s house, Rose was already there. I saw her silver Taurus sitting in the driveway. It wasn’t until I’d pulled up beside it, however, that I realized Rose was still sitting behind the wheel. That didn’t bode well.
    We opened our doors at the same time. Faith and Eve jumped out of the Volvo and immediately ran past me toward the wide steps that led to Aunt Peg’s front door.
    My aunt has scaled down her kennel considerably over the last few years. At the moment there are only five Cedar Crest Standard Poodles in residence, including Eve’s brother Zeke. All of them live in the house; and all but Zeke are retired show champions.
    Aunt Peg’s Poodles are superb watchdogs. I knew they must have alerted her to Rose’s arrival. Even now, I could hear them barking through the front windows of the house. Faith and Eve went flying up the steps, their voices joining with those of their relatives within.
    â€œBeen here long?” I asked Rose.
    â€œFive minutes.” She reached back into the car and reemerged holding a small red Dachshund puppy. “I was gathering my thoughts.”
    â€œReally? I thought maybe you were waiting for reinforcements.”
    â€œThat too.” Rose’s smile was wry.
    I held out my hands and she put the puppy into them. He turned his tapered face up to me and gave me a grin. His ears were soft as fine leather; his tail beat back and forth against my hip. What a little charmer.
    â€œPeter and I have been calling him Dox,” said Rose. “I think he’s beginning to know his name already. I’m trying very hard to stay objective. The last thing I need to do is get attached to him.”
    â€œHe probably ought to pee before we go inside,” I said. “Does he have a collar and leash?”
    Rose