Page 40 of Shhh…It’s A Killer Story

He muttered quietly.

"That's new.”

For one wonderfully awkward second nobody moved and nobody spoke. The dog looked like he'd already decided we were best friends. I offered a small smile, but a small wave escaped before my brain had the chance to approve it.

"Hi."

Brilliant, absolutely brilliant. A grown woman, published author and hi was the best I could manage. The detective gave a small nod in return. I felt my cheeks warm. Nope. Absolutely not, retreat. Retreat immediately.

I lifted my hand again in another quick, hopelessly awkward wave before turning on my heel.

"I- I’ll."

Words, Seraphina use them. I shake my head and try again.

"I'll let you get settled." I said far too quietly.

“Max, come back.”

Max. So that’s the dog’s name. How sweet, so smooth and elegant the very picture of composure. I hurried back across the garden path, doing my absolute best not to look like I was fleeing the scene of a crime. Behind me, Gerald let out the most dramatic sigh I'd ever heard.

"Oh, she's running."

"I am not."

"You're absolutely running."

"I'm walking..."

I picked up my pace.

"...with enthusiasm."

"Chicken."

"I am not a chicken."

"You've spoken to the man for exactly one word."

"I spoke two."

"'Hi' isn't a conversation."

"It absolutely counts."

"It absolutely doesn't."

Frank shook his head.

"I've seen pigeons with more confidence."

"Rude."

"You abandoned the dog."

"I did not abandon the dog. It isn’t even my dog."

"You abandoned yourself before you even reached the dog."