Page 8 of Five for Silver

Merc waited for him in the reception area,tail whipping against the chair legs and creating a musical tune.He’d been named Gary by the staff, but he didn’t respond to it. Hedidn’t respond to much.

Chad had bought a few books about dogtraining and presented them to Romeo.

Romeo threatened to throw them on thefire.

The woman holding onto his collar was Sally.She may’ve been a small woman, but she held onto Merc like he wasnothing. She cooed at the dog before turning to Chad with twinklingblues and asking, “Is dad ready?”

Dad

He’d never felt like he was the dad to Toby.Toby had been his protector, his companion, the only thing thatgave Chad’s life any spark. This dog was different, he was theadded spark, rather than the only one burning.

Chad nodded, and she released the collar.Merc tried to launch himself across the room, paws slipping in hisdesperate attempt, like a cartoon character.

“He’s been whining and anxious all day,”Sally said, smiling. “He knew something was different.”

Chad dropped to his knees and accepted thekisses on his face. Merc’s thick skull knocked into Chad’s jaw, hischin, even his nose, but the small pains were almost welcome withMerc’s obvious enthusiasm over his new owner. Chad stroked him andcooed into his ears that he was a good boy.

“I’ve just got some paperwork for you tofill out, then he’s all yours.”

Chad stood up and tripped his way to thedesk with Merc pawing at his legs. Sally had the clipboard ready,and after a few quick signatures, she handed over Merc’s lead witha bright smile.

“Any problems, give us a call.”

“I will.”

Merc settled down as Chad clipped the leadon his collar. He gazed up at Chad expectantly, big silver eyeswide with excitement.

“Shall we go home?”

His words got a tentative tail wag. Chadsmiled and led Merc to the door. His tail picked up the pace,battering the door frame as they made their way outside. Mercdragged him in the direction of the car, not stopping at the trunk,he bounded up to the passenger side and covered the door with muddypaw prints.

Ever since Josh had given himGary’sleaflet, Chad had only imagined Merc as his and Romeo’s dog. Merc’sgrey coat, with a white tummy, and two dazzling silver eyes hadhypnotized him. Sally had told him they thought he was only a yearor so old, still young in the face, eager to please and brimmingwith a need to express affection.

Merc sat on the passenger seat for the drivehome, watching out the window while holding Peter Rabbit in hismouth. Chad didn’t have the heart to take it off him, havingforgotten he’d left the stuffed toy in the car.

Merc’s tale twitched every so often, withpent-up excitement or a tad of nerves, Chad didn’t know, but whenhe talked to him, two big eyes found his and stayedthere.

“I’m your dad.” Chad snorted. “But you’vegot anotherdadto meet, too.”

Merc cocked his head, stillwatching.

“I’m not sure how he is with animals. Imean, he likes the magpies … at least I think he likes them, andhe’s got an attachment to them.” He shuddered. “You’re cuter, andway more affectionate, and I’m hoping… I’m hoping you’ll keep himcompany when I’m at work, distract him from the … monster, give himsomething else to focus on.”

They hit a bump in the road. Chad cursed,adjusting the mirror, and there it was.

The red truck behind him.

His stalker in pursuit.

He slowed, hoping to catch sight of theplate but the truck slowed, too, keeping its distance.

“Stop it,” Chad growled to himself. Hecurled his hands around the wheel. “It’s paranoia.”

Keeley’s paranoia diagnosis came after Chadhad told her he thought a red Toyota Hilux was following him,before changing his mind to a Ford Ranger, then back again.

Another red 4x4 passed him going the otherdirection and he slumped.

Merc dropped Peter Rabbit and climbed ontoChad’s lap.

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