Page 20 of Byte

“Is that Flint’s truck?” she asked as we walked to the front door.

“Yeah. He’s been staying here taking care of the chickens.”

I opened the door and started to step inside but halted in my tracks when a large black and white dog appeared in front of me. It wasn’t barking or growling, but it wasn’t giving off friendly vibes either.

Gabby peeked around me. “Aw, look at the pretty little doggy,” she cooed. Before I could stop her, she moved around me and went straight for the dog.

“Gabby, stop!” I shouted. She wasn’t wrong. The dog was beautiful. It was also huge and unfamiliar. I didn’t know if it would roll over for a belly rub or rip her to shreds.

At the sound of my raised voice, the dog placed itself between the two of us and started growling. At me.

“You scared him,” Gabby scolded.

Flint rounded the corner and took in the scene. “It’s okay, boy,” he said and snapped his fingers. The dog growled once more before dutifully retreating to Flint’s side.

“When did you get a dog?” I asked.

Flint shifted uncomfortably. “I noticed him hanging around the edge of your property a few days ago. He looked pretty rough when I first saw him, so I brought him inside, gave him a bath, and fed him. I’ve posted about him everywhere, but I haven’t been able to find his owners.”

“Can I pet him?” Gabby asked excitedly.

“Yes, he’s friendly,” Flint said.

“He didn’t seem very friendly just now,” I grumbled.

“Maybe he doesn’t like you,” Gabby said and stuck out her tongue.

Flint laughed. “I think he was just defending what he considers his territory. He’s shown no signs of aggression, even with food.”

“He’s a big baby,” Gabby said. I couldn’t help but laugh. She was sitting in the middle of my kitchen floor with what appeared to be a giant pit bull in her lap. She had both arms wrapped around him while her head rested on his back. “Are you going to keep him?”

Flint shrugged. “I hadn’t planned on it.”

“What are you going to do with him?”

“I was hoping I’d find his owners. I haven’t thought about it beyond that.”

She turned her attention to me. “What about you? You took in stray chickens. How do you feel about a dog?”

“Hold that thought. Flint, come with me,” I said and motioned for him to follow me outside.

“What are we doing?” he asked.

“I want to try something,” I said and walked around to my back door. I waited a few minutes before I loudly knocked onthe door. The dog started barking and appeared at the door moments later.

I grinned. “Yeah, I think I’m okay with him hanging around for a while.”

“So, you want me to leave him here?” Flint asked.

“What do you mean?”

“Well, I was going to head out since you’re home,” he said.

“You don’t have to leave unless you want to. We’re only here for the night.”

“Stay and hang out,” Gabby added. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen you.”

Flint laughed. “You don’t have to ask me twice. The beds here are much more comfortable than the one I have at home.”

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