Page 49 of Merciless Monster

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“This is the one,” I purr as the puppy nozzles my neck. “He’s perfect.”

“I agree. Angelo is going to love him. What shall we name him?”

“We’d better let his master decide.”

“Excellent choice,” the breeder smiles. “This one is lively. Perfect for a busy boy,” she says.

“That’s good because my son is going to run him ragged,” I laugh as the puppy barks and wags his tail.

“He likes you,” Dante says. “The dog has exquisite taste.”

Twenty minutes later, we’re in the car with the dog, dog food, and dog toys galore.

“Angelo is going to bust a gut,” I giggle. “He’s been begging me for a dog for years.”

“I can’t imagine trying to keep a busy child and his dog happy in an apartment,” Dante says, negotiating traffic.

“Yeah. My ex-landlord would have a cow.”

Angelo is in the pool when we get home. Of course.

“Let’s take the puppy out to him,” Dante says and picks up the dog.

“Okay, but we prepared to get wet. He’s bound to go a little mental.”

“I’ve got this,” he laughs.

“Hey, champ,” Dante calls to get Angelo’s attention. “We have a surprise for you.”

Dante puts the puppy down and before we can stop it, it takes off, charges the pool and dives straight in.

“Okay, I guess the dog likes water,” Dante laughs.

“Talk about a great fit,” I chuckle.

“What! What!” is all Angelo can manage.

“He’s yours, sweetheart,” I call out.

This is the first time I’ve ever seen Angelo speechless. He looks at the puppy splashing about and then at Dante and me.

“Do you like him?” Dante asks.

“My dog! I have a dog!” he babbles on excitedly.

“Isn’t he cute?” I ask.

“He’s great, Mommy. What’s his name?”

“You decide, Angelo,” Dante says.

“Splash. His name is Splash.”

“Okay, then. Splash it is.”

The dog barks excitedly as Angelo splashes water.

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