Page 67 of Yolo

Handing it to him, I said, “You stay right here. I’ll be right back.”

I’d taken him out for two potty breaks today, fed him half a turkey sub—but don’t tell the boss that—and multiple treats throughout the day. But we’d been here a solid twelve hours, and he was exhausted. I was sure he was.

The hours were supposed to be eight to five, but we’d gotten here slightly early, and I’d just jumped into work. And there’d been so many cases that needed worked on that I’d dove in, and before I knew it, it was well past six.

I’d also missed picking up Rufus with Garrett, which was the worst.

But he did say he’d still be here to pick me up when I was ready.

Pulling my phone out, I went to check the messages when I realized that Melody would hear and tucked it back into my pocket.

“Would you mind going slow?” I asked as I pulled out my cane.

“Sure,” Melody chirped.

I wasn’t sure about Melody.

On the outside, she appeared nice and helpful, but I got this weird feeling that she didn’t like me at all. That feeling had only grown as person after person—and a lot of them Carters—had come to make sure my day was going smoothly.

All except Garrett who’d been out all day on patrol.

Just the thought of Garrett had my heart picking up speed.

“Oh, hey, Delphine,” I heard Melody say.

I inwardly winced.

Awesome.

“What are you doing, Melody?” Delphine asked. “I thought you were working with the female Carter?”

“I was, but Mrs. Carter transferred me over here as Bindi’s assistant.”

The way Melody said it made it clear that she wasn’t happy about it.

Whoops.

Guess that explained why I felt like she didn’t like me.

“Babysitting. Nice,” Delphine quipped.

I pushed on, knowing the hallway well now, and said, “Melody, where am I going?”

“To the front door,” she answered.

I left the two of them alone to talk, sighing as I did.

I’d just made it to the first turn when I heard, “Ms. Howe, can I help you get where you’re going?”

The chief.

Garrett’s dad.

“Hey, Germaine.” I smiled.

I’d called him Mr. Carter twice, and he’d corrected me twice to call him Germaine.

“Where ya off to?” he wondered. “And where’s that cute dog of yours?”

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