Page 16 of Hostile Witness

The elderly woman regarded her with an appraising gaze. “Well, dear, when you put it that way, you’re almost overqualified.” Folding her arms, she continued, “You’re about the same size as Margie, but my niece came across as bigger because she was so tough from the police work.”

Tia laughed. “I’m a shrinking waif?”

“Goodness, no. But Flynn reacts to commands from a trained officer, so to speak. I’ve seen my Margie bark orders at him until he settles down.”

Tia thought on the older woman’s words. She hadn’t seen the police-trained side of Flynn yet. “I’m willing to learn, and I’m sure I’d figure out how to take care of him.”

“You look like a smart girl,” the older woman commented thoughtfully.

“Mrs. Stoddard, as much as I would like to be Flynn’s new person, I also want you comfortable with your decision.” Okay. She’d said it. There was no point trying to convince the woman against her will. It would only bite Tia in the ass later.

“Yes, well, Flynn was incredibly important to Margie. But the fact that he’s bonded with you is noteworthy.” She gave Tia a wink and turned around. “Detective Kelley, would you please get the New York police commissioner for me?” Ethan nodded, passed the leash to another officer, and left.

The police commissioner shook a few hands on his way over and sat down at the table with a sincere expression on his face. “What can I do for you, Mrs. Stoddard?”

“Commissioner, I was just talking to Tia here, and she’s developed quite a rapport with our dear Flynn. I think we should let Tia have him as her pet. Do you know of anyone else who might have their heart set on keeping him?” She patted Tia’s arm gently.

The commissioner frowned at Tia and then Flynn. “Mrs. Stoddard, Flynn is a trained police dog, albeit retired. I was thinking he might come back with us tomorrow. Officer Pinkerton has expressed an interest in keeping him with the other two retired K9s under his care. Unless you strongly object, I think it would be a nice living situation for Flynn.”

The woman pursed her lips. “Does Flynn know Officer Pinkerton from when he worked with Margie in New York?”

“No, ma’am. Marjorie and Officer Pinkerton knew each other, but their dogs did not socialize or train together, because they served in different units.”

“Well, Commissioner, I think we should spread the wealth around a bit and allow Flynn to live with Tia. They are already acquainted, and Tia could take a crash course from one of the officers on how to work with him and any commands she will need to use or avoid.”

The commissioner shook his head doubtfully. “It’s a nice thought, but Flynn is not only a K9, but he’s also been deeply traumatized by Margie’s passing.”

Tia inhaled a sharp breath. She’d identified with the dog’s physical wounds, but hadn’t stopped to think about the mental trauma. There was another thing she had in common with Flynn.

Not to be ignored, Mrs. Stoddard waved a crooked finger at the commissioner. “You know, Margie left me in charge of her will. God knows I never expected to be her executor considering our age difference, but I have the right as her next of kin to make the decision, don’t I?”

The commissioner set his lips in a grim line. “I suppose, but I need to make sure that whoever has Flynn is fully prepared for the responsibility.”

Mrs. Stoddard’s face lit up like a light bulb, and she gave Tia a conspiratorial wink. “Detective Kelley?” She pointed at him. “You can help Tia. That way, someone from the local police department will have their finger on Flynn’s welfare, and Tia will have help when she needs it.”

The commissioner nodded. “Since you put it that way, Mrs. Stoddard, I’d abide by that decision and would be more than happy to expedite the situation any way I can.”

Mrs. Stoddard peered at Tia and beamed. “See that, dear? The commissioner agrees with me. And it’s obvious that Flynn really likes you. You’re the perfect fit to be Flynn’s new owner, and with Detective Kelley’s help, you’ll do great. I think this was somehow meant to be since you and the detective were the first to know that my lovely Margie was gone. It’s as if she passed his leash to you.”

Tia’s mouth fell open. Oh, this would never work. The stunned look on Ethan’s face spoke volumes. She shook her headat him as subtly as possible.

He took the cue and jumped into the conversation. “Um, ma’am, I’m not a K9 officer, and like I explained earlier, my work schedule doesn’t allow me much time to devote to a dog.”

Chief Carson piped in. “You can take time off from your cases to help Tia, Detective.”

Tia wheeled around. When in the hell had her uncle joined the conversation? She nodded mutely and forced a strained smile. There had to be another solution that would appease the elderly woman and the commissioner. Sharing Flynn with the detective was preposterous. The very idea—blatantly absurd. She glanced at Ethan. He wasn’t smiling, either. Maybe she could think of a way to circumvent Mrs. Stoddard’s misguided plan later.

Detective Kelley didn’t even want a dog. He’d said so himself. And she didn’t want to be around him, because he was so freaking sexy. And the only reason he’d offered to help at the house was because her uncle had sent him over. The sooner she let Ethan know she didn’t need him involved in her or Flynn’s life, the better it would be for everyone. Her mind raced. Poor Flynn. All he really needed was a warm fireplace to soothe his bones and one person to love him.

Mrs. Stoddard reached for her cane and wobbled to her feet. She motioned to Tia and Ethan. “Don’t go anywhere. We’ll meetback here in a half hour to sign the papers and turn Flynn over to your care. My lawyer’s here.”

Tia’s eyebrows lifted. “Papers?”

“Yes, dear. Margie left Flynn a trust fund of sorts for his geriatric care. You and the detective will both need to sign for it.” She scrutinized each of them before stepping away. “I hope you don’t have a problem sharing a checking account with Flynn as the beneficiary.”

As soon as the older woman left, Ethan’s shoulders shook with mirth. He cleared his throat and leaned toward Tia. “I suppose we should get together for coffee tomorrow to discuss the care of our boy.”

She shot him a withering glance.

---