Page 39 of Shhh…It’s A Killer Story

Gerald made a noise that sounded suspiciously like laughter.

"You looked at him first."

"I absolutely did not."

"You absolutely did."

"The dog."

"Him."

"The dog."

"Him."

Frank cleared his throat.

"You know we can see your eyes, right?"

Traitors. Complete traitors. Elias crouched beside the shepherd, scratching behind one ear. The dog's entire posture softened. I couldn't help but smile.

"You know, he picked a good one."

Gerald glanced at me.

"The dog?"

"The man."

"Interesting."

I immediately pointed toward the German Shepherd.

"I meant the dog."

"Liar."

"Allegedly."

The shepherd suddenly pulled gently against his lead. One determined step, then another. Straight toward me.

"Oh..."

I whispered.

"No. Don't do this to me."

The dog's tail wagged harder. I looked around, just to make sure no one else was nearby. Nope. Definitely me. I pointed at myself.

"...Me?"

The shepherd answered by attempting another hopeful step. I melted, absolutely melted.

"Oh, sweetheart..."

Elias looked from the dog... To me, then back to the dog a tiny crease formed between his brows.

"Huh..."