Page 40 of Captured on Film
“He’s a beaut,” remarked Josheb. “A regular show dog. Whatshould we call him?”
Hesper raised both hands. “Nuh-uh. I’m out.”
“Youalwayshave an opinion,” countered Josheb. “Whythe change of heart?”
While they lapsed into their usual banter, the animal inquestion heaved to his feet and ambled to the table, ducking underneath. Amoment later, Caleb had a long muzzle prodding him in vulnerable places.
Copper eyes peered up at Caleb with startling intelligence,and he quickly slipped him a chunk of mystery meat from his bowl. It wasgraciously received, and the dog stayed put, with his head resting againstCaleb’s thigh.
While he didn’t normally encourage begging at the table, itseemed wise to befriend an animal of this size, so he offered another tidbit. Thedog took it carefully, looking more amused than adoring. In fact, Caleb got theidea that the dog wasn’t begging so much as daring him to continue.
Three bowls of stew later, the edge was finally off Caleb’shunger, and he’d made a fast friend. In fact, when he went outside to stretchhis legs, the dog remained by his side. Caleb found a seat on an upturned logbeside the firepit that he thought of as Andor’s grill.
Roughing up the dog’s fur, he admired its rich hue. Darkauburn was striking enough, but the eyes really put this dog in a class all hisown. The copper had an almost metallic sheen, and the pupils were narrow. Morelike a cat’s than a canine’s.
“I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.” With a sidelong look inthe direction of the den’s entrance, Caleb softly confided, “The stars weresinging about a newcomer.”
Peaked ears snapped forward. Like he was interested.
“I don’t think it could be you, though.” He scruffed andscratched, earning a lick to the chin. “Close, but not quite. Unless I misheardor misremembered.”
Those eyes searched his with an intensity that called formore.
And since it had always been easy for Caleb to confide indogs, he confessed, “I could have sworn they were talking about a cat.”
On Tiptoe
The dog—whom Josheb dubbed Sasquatch—stuck so close,Caleb was tripping over him all throughout the day. And the night. And the nextday, as well. After a week, Sasquatch’s dedication was becoming embarrassing.
He tagged along for barefoot walks with Nessie.
He watched Hesper give Caleb his shaves.
He ate exclusively off of Caleb’s plate.
He posed when Josheb decided Sasquatch needed documenting.
He kept an eye on Caleb while he bathed.
He looked on while he updated his field journal.
He lay with his head resting over Caleb’s heart every night.
Which was comforting in a way, but also troubling, sinceSasquatch made a point of staying between Caleb and Andor at all times. Like abodyguard with a mission. Not so long ago, Caleb might have appreciated havingan over-achieving guard dog between him and his captors.
But no contact with Andor meant other things, too.
Caleb couldn’t touch his ring, so he couldn’t hear thestars. And there were no more opportunities for Andor to pass along his flask.Caleb craved the taste of star wine. Even one mouthful would have been welcome.
But how did one sneak away from a dog who never relaxed hisguard?
“Stay.” Caleb tried for a no-nonsense tone, but it wasdifficult to deepen a whisper. “Stay, Sasquatch.”
Only, when he tried to sneak out, the dog padded after him.
“Stay,” he insisted, pointing to his bed. “Wait here.Please?”
Sasquatch edged closer, tail wagging.
