Page 113 of Lethal Danger

Jazz chuckled. They’d clearly been taught how to safely approach a strange dog.

But Dagian looked like he was only tolerating a ritual he knew was completely unnecessary.

The kids then petted Dag, but quickly shifted their gazes to Flash, who was eying them just as eagerly.

The children turned big eyes up at Jazz. “May we pet your dog?” The boy asked the question this time.

Jazz smiled and nodded. “You may.”

They approached Flash much more slowly as their mother looked on. Flash nuzzled their fists with his nose, probably hoping they had treats hidden in their small hands. They giggled and stepped closer to rub his furry neck.

“I see he’s very comfortable with children.”

“Oh, yeah.” Jazz smiled at Marion. “He’s pretty rock solid about everything. Except cats. He wants to chase them, I’m afraid.”

Marion laughed. “Well, we don’t have any cats here. Yet. My oldest, Marnie, is working on that.” Marion looked at Phoenix. “She and Joe are waiting for us out—”

“Phoenix.” The male voice jerked Jazz’s attention to the bottom of the staircase across the small living room. “Good to see you.” A thickly built, bearded man walked toward them, carrying a baby that looked tiny nestled against his large chest. Marion’s husband? His dark brown skin and black curly hair explained where some of the adorable kids had gotten their black curls and brown skin tone that didn’t match their mom’s ivory shade.

The guy stopped by Jazz, giving Flash an assessing gaze. Probably trying to make sure the dog was safe. Good thinking.

He pulled his attention up to Jazz’s face and extended a large hand. “Eli Moore. I get to call this beautiful woman my wife.” He gave Marion a wink as Jazz shook his hand.

Marion blushed like a newlywed.

Jazz squelched a smile as she returned Eli’s firm handshake. “Jazz Lamont.”

“Here to see the new additions, right?” Eli gave Jazz a close look that was a bit like the assessment he’d aimed at Flash. But his body language seemed friendly enough, and a glint of humor lit his eyes.

“I guess so.” Jazz glanced at Phoenix, who was in silent mode as usual, though she watched their interactions.

“We’ve worked hard on the expansion, so I hope you like it. But speaking of work,” he turned toward his wife, “I’d better get going.” He dropped a kiss on the infant’s small head. “Though I hate to leave this one.” Then he stepped closer to Marion and swooped to land a sudden kiss on her lips. “And especially this one.”

Oh, brother. Jazz barely stifled an eyeroll. This couple could be in the movie she and Nev had watched last night.

Scratch that. Nobody was that romantic. Especially not after as long as these two must’ve been married to have all those kids.

But her cynicism didn’t keep a bit of envy from pinching her chest as she watched the loving couple exchange the baby, briefly embracing the child and each other as they said goodbye.

Marion tucked the still-sleeping infant against her shoulder and looked into the kitchen where a taller boy Jazz hadn’t noticed before was going to the refrigerator.

“LeBrae, you’re in charge.”

The kid waved an acknowledgement that must’ve satisfied Marion, since she turned to smile at Phoenix and Jazz. “Shall we? Marnie is probably wondering what’s taking us so long.”

Phoenix gave a nod, and Marion led them out the front door into the bright sunlight and thickening air. If it was that warm at only six thirty in the morning, today would be a scorcher.

They walked along a gravel path to the building Jazz still assumed was a kennel, given the loud barking of several dogs coming from within.

Her deduction was confirmed when she followed Marion and Phoenix inside. A large, open space held about twenty runs, most of them filled with dogs.

“Would you like a quick tour?” Marion turned her brown eyes on Jazz.

“Sure.”

“If that’s okay with you.” Marion looked toward Phoenix, who returned her question with a silent stare. “Great.” Marion launched into explaining the facility as she led them around, as if Phoenix had actually given her an answer. Maybe she had a knack for reading Phoenix, like Cora. Or she’d learned to do whatever she wanted unless Phoenix stopped her.

Jazz smirked at the thought.

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