Page 16 of Black Dog

“You know what I said? About dog fighting?”

Ram nodded. “How could I forget? It’s been hauntin’ me ever since you spoke the words. Thank Paddy Elora did no’ hear it or think of it.”

“Hard as it is to confront the possibility, it’s the only thing that makes sense. We all know Blackie wouldn’t just wander off. And we know he’d fight before he was taken.” Storm paused. “If he could.”

Ram sighed and nodded solemnly. “Agree. Again, how does that relate to Simon?”

“If it’s dog fighting, it’s underground gambling and illegal on several different counts. They keep these things secret. Locations. Dates. Times. Only to be shared with the lowlifes who participate.”

“Butsomebodyknows.” Ram’s excitement was finally engaged. “And if there’s something to know, The Order can find out.”

“Exactly. We figure Derry’s the most likely place. It’s twenty miles from here…”

“Eighteen and a half.”

“And has a population of a hundred thousand. It’s a big enough number. With that many people, there are going to be a few who are…”

“Fuckin’ dead men.”

“Ram. We’re not killing anybody. At least not unless we have to. We’re just gonna do our best to find that dog and get him out. I don’t like it when namesakes and teammates have broken hearts.”

Ram was suddenly overcome with affection. He slammed into Storm and bestowed a brief and almost violent back slapping hug on him. It happened so fast Storm never had time to react.

“So what’s the next step?”

“Simon will mobilize people on the street. If there’s a fight somewhere, we’ll find out. So we wait for a call,” Storm said.

“The waitin.” Ram said it like it was the worst thing on Earth.

A voice drew their attention. It was Helm shouting from the house that Song and Duff were there.

“Don’t mention this,” Ram told Storm. “I do no’ want to get their hopes up unnecessarily.”

“Understood.”

“Good. Then let’s go face the fairy prince.”

Storm rolled his eyes. “Be nice. He’s your brother-in-law. And he loves your sister.”

“Whatever.”

When they were still a few feet from the house, Song rushed out and grabbed Ram into a hug.

“Happy Yule,” she gushed. “The farm looks bloody happening. I can no’ wait to see the wolf-dogs. Maybe I’ll get a puppy. Do you have puppies?”

“No’ right now,” Ram said. “Let’s go see why Litha insisted you come.”

Song’s big blue eyes flashed a second of disappointment. “Are ye no’ glad to see me then?”

Ram’s features softened. “O’course I’m glad to see ye. You’re my only sister, after all.”

“But if I was one of seventy I’d be your favorite. Right?”

“Goes without sayin’.” Song looked satisfied with that. “Are we takin’ you away from somethin’ of staggerin’ importance?”

“Gods. I hope so.” She chuckled.

Helm handed Song a mug of tea. “Here you go. Lavender and bergamot. Smells pretty good.”

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