Page 107 of Hidden Nature

He grinned back. “We get home, get this one secure, I’ll take care of that, too.”

Promptly at seven-fifteen in the morning, Sloan answered the knock on the door.

“Right on time.” She stepped back. “Hi, Theo, nice to see you.”

“You, too. Thanks for the job.”

“You’ll see that it needs a lot of work.”

Theo flexed his biceps. “We’re up for it.”

She had to smile at him. “Nothing like demo day, right?”

“You got that. I guess you’ve done your share.”

“And enjoyed every minute. If I had any spare weeks, I’d tackle that ugly bathroom myself. But.”

She offered Nash a key. He still had some stubble, she noted. But more like a night’s worth.

“In case you have to go out and come back, and to lock up when you leave. I probably won’t be home until you’ve knocked off for the day.”

“Do you want us to leave it somewhere when we do?”

Her quick background check made this part easy, and had her mind easy, too.

“No, just keep it until the job’s finished. I’m on call twenty-four/seven, so it’s better you have a way to get in, in case I’m not here to let you in. Some of the replacements are due to be delivered today.”

“We’ll take care of everything.”

“Thanks. Where’s Tic?”

“Oh, he’s home,” Theo said. “In his crate.”

On a frustrated breath, Sloan rolled her eyes—mostly at Nash. “Well, go back and get him. Don’t leave him crated all day.”

“Really?” Theo’s face brightened. “Are you sure?”

“Really, and I’m sure. Go free the dog. Make sure you bring him some toys and treats.”

“I’ll be right back.”

As Theo ran out, Nash sighed. “You’re asking for trouble.”

“Train your dog, Littlefield.”

“He’s Theo’s dog.”

“He’s the Fix-It Brothers’ dog. There’s coffee, and soft drinks. Help yourself.”

“We brought our own, but thanks.”

“If you run out, help yourself. I stocked for a crew. Now I’m going over to confess to my father I knocked him out of a job. He’ll only have five minutes to sulk before I leave for work.”

“Good luck with that.”

“I may need it.”

She got out her scarf, her coat, stuck gloves in her pocket.

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