Page 38 of Shhh…It’s A Killer Story

Big? Oh... Oh, this was getting better. A broad, fluffy head appeared first, dark ears, bright, intelligent eyes, a wagging tail. Then an enormous German Shepherd bounded gracefully down the ramp before landing on the gravel with enough elegance to make it look effortless.

I gasped.

"Oh, my goodness..."

The words escaped before I could stop them.

"Look at him."

Gerald didn't even bother pretending to care.

"It's a dog."

"It's not just a dog."

"It is literally the definition of a dog."

"He's magnificent."

The shepherd stood proudly beside the truck, ears pricked forward as he scanned his surroundings with quiet confidence. Alert, protective and beautiful, his nose twitched and his head turned. Straight toward me.

"Oh..."

I whispered.

"He saw me."

Gerald sighed.

"Of course he did."

The dog's tail gave a cautious wag. Just once, then twice. I placed a hand dramatically against my chest.

"I think..."

My voice dropped to an emotional whisper.

"...he loves me."

"You've made eye contact."

"Love has to begin somewhere."

"It usually begins after introductions."

Before Gerald could continue his lecture, another figure stepped around the front of the truck.

Detective Elias Reed. Dark jeans, black boots, grey T-shirt beneath an open jacket. One hand resting lightly on top of the dog's head. The dog immediately looked back at him. Disciplined, waiting, listening.

Well...

That was attractive.

No. Stop that. I wasn't looking at the detective.

I was looking at

"...the dog?"