Page 12 of A Much Younger Man
“Let’s go.” I guessed Cooper decided an argument was not worth his time. He got to his feet.
“Stop by tomorrow for the test results. If she’s good to go, we’ll get some flea, tick, and heartworm samples for you.” I let Tug warn me off for the time being.
“Thanks, Dr. Lindy.” Beck’s gratitude wasn’t effusive, but at least it wasn’t the outright hostility I was drawing from Tug. What kind of name was that anyway? Who called themselvesTug?
“Have a good night.” Cooper took off toward the cantina, and I followed.
“I don’t like that dynamic.” I glanced over my shoulder and found Tug glaring back.
“Judgy much?”
“Me or him?” I hoped Cooper was joking. “You saw how he takes Beck’s cash and brings back whatever he sees fit. Two pieces of pizza? That’s not enough for a twenty-year old male. Are they even getting vegetables? A piece of fruit?”
Cooper laughed at me. “They’re kids. They’re probably living off the food of love.”
That irritated me further. “Musicians.”
“C’mon. I lived like that. That Tug kid is probably protecting him from a lot worse things than malnutrition.”
“But where will they sleep if it rains?” The sky was already spitting mist and the leaden clouds didn’t look promising.
“Tug’s got one of those two-man tents. I saw it on the beach a few nights ago.”
“Is that legal?”
“No, but the local police won’t move them along unless they build a fire. They might issue a warning.”
“It must be awfully cold at night.”
“It’ll be okay, mother hen. They’ve got their love to keep them warm.”
“And Callie.”
“Right. That dog’s probably like a furnace in a small tent.”
I sighed and let him drag me back to the bar where Jim and Shawn waited to hear what we’d learned.
“Did you find them?” asked Shawn.
“They’re okay.” Cooper ordered another soda. “They’re both adults.”
“If Beck’s telling the truth,” I said.
Shawn grabbed my shoulder. “Say again?”
I repeated my words, adding, “I think Tug is taking advantage.”
Shawn looked to Cooper, who shrugged. “It’s Beck’s life.”
“So, you didn’t offer them a room at our place?” Shawn asked.
Cooper shook his head. “Didn’t have a good feeling about it.”
“Tug seemed pretty suspicious of our motivation,” I said. “Well, mine anyway.”
Shawn never bothered containing or controlling his laughter. It sounded like pure happiness. “He obviously didn’t realize your only concern is the dog.”
“What do you mean? I’m concerned about the boys too.” I was about to be ribbed. Again.
