Page 51 of Five for Silver

“A game?”

Josh nodded, reaching into the carrier bagbeside the bench. He pulled out a football. “You, me, andMerc.”

Chapter Nine

Chad covered his nose as he stepped into thekitchen. The ripe smell of death still snuck through his fingersand invaded his nostrils. Romeo didn’t seem to notice, pushingsomething around in the frying pan.

Merc bolted to his side, dripping drool.

“What the hell is that?” Chad asked, rushingover to open the window by the sink.

“Lambs liver.”

“And why are you cooking that?”

“Lambs liver, dog’s dinner,” Romeo snorted.“Cockney rhyming slang.”

He continued to push the liver around thepan.

It hissed in the oil.

Chad gagged as the smell intensified.

Vincent had spoken about the liver. He’dsaid it was his favorite organ to dissect, the strongest smellingand the smoothest in his hands.

Chad hovered his head by the window,counting to ten.

“I’m not eating that,” he croaked.

“It’s not for you. I’m making dog treats.There are lots of recipes online, but this had the bestrating.”

“I didn’t know dogs could usecomputers.”

Romeo waved the wooden spoon at him. “Isthat you trying to be funny again? You’ll have to try a lot harderthan that to make me laugh.”

Chad leaned away from the window and pattedMerc on the head, but Merc was too distracted watching Romeo’severy move. He licked his lips and pleaded his case with bigwatering eyes, but Romeo stayed unaffected by such tactics.

“Hello, Mercutio.” Romeo said. “Goodday?”

The only reply came in the form of a tusk ofslobber hitting the tiled floor.

Romeo breathed in deep when Chad approached.“You smell of sweat and dirt,” he looked Chad up and down, “Not tomention you’re covered in it.”

“Me and Josh had a kickabout in the park.Until Merc popped the ball.”

Romeo smirked. “I’ll have to add a footballto the list.” He switched the stove off and turned his attention toMerc. “It needs to cool, and then we can cut it up, and use it astreats.”

“Treats to do what?”

“To teach him not to chase our magpiefriends.”

“Friends,” Chad snorted, shaking hishead.

“And to give up precious tea-towels if hegets hold of them.”

“Still haven’t forgiven him?”

“I’ve not forgiven you.”

---