Page 46 of Embracing James

“I thought you did.” Craig shrugged. “Where is the mutt? You need to give him over to his family. They miss him.”

For a family who missed the dog, Joel didn’t seem too heartbroken. He didn’t seem too interested in being there, either. James held up his hand. “I need to make a phone call.”

“Why?” Craig reached for James. “The dog isn’t here, is he?”

“I need to make a call.” James pulled out his phone and stepped away from Joel and Craig. This could be another one of Craig’s bullshit moves. Then again, Doob might be Joel’s dog. He tapped Paul’s name and waited for the call to connect. He wasn’t sure what to do.

Paul answered in two rings. “Hi, babe. What’s up? Need me to sweep up?”

“No, I need you to come up here. Leave Doob at the house and come up here. My ex showed up and claims he’s got the guy who originally owned my dog.” James’ hands shook. “He wants the dog back.”

“I’ll be right there.”

James didn’t bother to speak. Instead, he hung up and tried to cover his fear. He approached Craig and Joel. “I have a few questions.”

Craig folded his arms. “Shoot.”

“For Joel.”

Joel paled. “Uh, sure.”

“Do you have proof of ownership? Of Doob? Like medical records? Adoption records from the shelter?” James asked. “Microchipping?”

“We didn’t get him chipped,” Joel said. “Never had the cash.”

Unfortunately, that added up. Doob hadn’t been chipped when he’d shown up at the salon. “How about vet records?” James asked. “You must’ve had him in to get his shots.”

“I didn’t bring them.” Joel shifted his gaze to Craig. “You said this would be easy.”

Craig shrugged.

James noted the strange exchange between the men. Something felt off about the situation. “Joel, do you have your dog license records?”

“I forgot to turn them in,” Joel replied. “Really.”

Paul walked into the salon without Doob, but with anger written all over his face.

Craig shook his head. “Oh, no. This wasn’t supposed to include this jerk.”

“I see.” Paul stepped between James and Craig. “You’ll have to deal with me.”

James waited until Paul herded Craig outside. He focused on Joel. “When did you get Doob?”

“Look, I don’t know a damn thing about the dog. I’ve never seen your dog and I wouldn’t know him if you asked me to pick him out,” Joel said. “I’ve never had a dog.”

“I’m sorry?” He must’ve misheard Joel. “Excuse me?”

“The picture I showed you was the dog I had when I was a kid. Standard black lab. He died when I was fifteen. He was a happy, dopey, lovey dog and I haven’t been able to bring myself to replace him,” Joel said. “I’m not married, I don’t have kids and we never owned your dog.”

“I don’t understand.” James wobbled. “What’s going on?”

“Craig said I could make a grand if I told you the dog was mine. He wanted me to lie,” Joel said. “I can’t lie to you. I don’t know you, but I can tell you love that dog. I’m sorry I needed the money and let Craig talk me into doing this. I didn’t think this would get out of control so fast.”

James leaned on the reception stand. His stomach lurched. “So you know nothing about my dog?”

“Not a thing.” Joel shook his head. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what you did to that guy, but he’s really pissed. I’m not taking your dog and I don’t want anything from you. I’m sorry I got wrapped up in this. I’m not a good guy—I was going to take his thousand bucks to go through with this, but I didn’t. I’m also not at his level of jerk.”

“I appreciate your honesty.” James hooked his fingers in his pockets and hoped he looked a lot more confident than he felt.

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