Another sigh.

"I'm going to bake it into something. He'll never even know he had it." I stared at him. "Stop it. It's a great idea. You'll see. My brownies are fantastic." I tried to ignore Snuggle Muffins' two cents.

"Here you go," Logan said and handed me a brown paper bag.

"Do you take credit cards?" I asked.

"Does it look like I take credit cards?" He gestured to his outfit.

Honestly, it didn't. But I kept a taser in my pocket. He might have a credit card swiper in one of his robe pockets. "Yes?" I said.

"Cash only."

"Okay, great. I'll owe you then." I started to turn around.

"Whoa, what? No. You pay now or you don't get anything." He stepped down onto the front porch and Snuggle Muffins started growling. Logan looked down at the little menace. "I'm not scared of your stupid tiny ass dog. Hand over the cash. Now."

"Here's the thing, Logan. I don't have any cash on me. But now I have evidence that you are in fact a drug dealer." I waved the bag in the air. "You know, I'm friends with a detective and I'm sure he'd be interested in this interaction." Detective Torres wasn't my friend. But Logan didn't know that. When Logan saw him come over today he'd probably shit his pants. "And how do you think your mom will feel about you skipping college and selling?"

He pressed his lips together.

"Don't be sad. I'll pay you soon, I promise. And my dog isn't stupid. You're stupid." It was the lamest comeback ever. But my brain was too preoccupied with recipes for pot brownies to care. I lifted Snuggle Muffins up and walked back toward my house.

Chapter 13

Sunday

I wasn't sure exactly what time Detective Torres would be stopping by. Which meant I couldn't make the brownie recipe I'd found on Pinterest yet. If the house smelled like marijuana when he came in, I'd be doubly screwed. Doubly because I had no idea how to ensure that Noah wouldn't scream through his gag.

My fingers drummed on the counter. I could strike a deal with Noah. A "be quiet today and I'll free you later" kinda thing. Would he be so gullible?

Snuggle Muffins rested his chin on my foot.

"How are you tired already? We just woke up."

He sighed.

Snuggle Muffins had been zero help today. And he literally followed me everywhere, which made mopping the floor almost impossible. Despite his best efforts, the kitchen was sparkling clean. At least he could look cute for Detective Torres. I mean...as cute as a dog could look. I glared down at him and resisted the urge to rub behind his ears.

"You know what?" I asked him. "I have a fun idea on how to keep Noah quiet. Starve him."

Snuggle Muffins followed me as I went to the fridge.

I knew exactly how to make someone really freaking hungry. Bacon. "Torture by bacon?"

Snuggle Muffins just stared at me as I proceeded to grab a frying pan. In a few minutes the smell of bacon filled the kitchen.

I slid the deadbolt on the basement door and used the door as a giant fan to push all the greasy, bacony goodness down the stairs. Noah was probably salivating. I left the door completely open as I flipped the bacon. That comforting hiss accompanied the smell to perfection. Poor, sweet Noah. He had no idea that I wasn't going to even give him a bite.

I pulled the frying pan off the stove and slid the bacon onto a paper towel lined plate. "Are you allowed to eat this?" I asked and took a bite.

Snuggle Muffins blinked up at me so innocently.

"Promise you won't be sick?"

He wagged his tail. He hadn't looked this excited since he'd eaten half a Pop-Tart.

"You better be telling the truth." I tossed the bacon down to him and he caught it in his mouth.