Page 62 of The Payback Plan
‘He certainly loves to chase a ball,’ Paige commented.
She chuckled. ‘Oh aye, he’s a bundle of energy this one. Hard for him to settle in town with me. Not fond of my cats I’m afraid but I promised Da I’d look after him. It was terrible when he went missing. But I’m right pleased you’ve been taking good care of him.’
‘It was our pleasure.’ Oliver nodded.
Of course, it had been an entirely mutual relationship Oliver realised. Casper had also been taking good care of him, getting him out of the house, out of his rut, out of his head. He stroked a soft floppy ear, a big grin splitting the dog’s face, clearly lapping up all the attention from his people.
‘Would you like a cuppa?’ Paige asked. ‘We also have a packet of Hobnobs?’
Oliver glanced at her sharply, Paige didn’t share her Hobnobs withanyone. He’d learned that in the first few days of cohabitation. But he could tell by the way she was looking at Casper she was just trying to delay the inevitable.
‘Well, I am partial to a Hobnob,’ Sheila admitted with a grin, patting her belly, ‘but I gotta get dreckly back. It’s a long drive and I know those cats will be up to all kinds o’ mischief. Thank you though, that’s terrible nice of you.’
Paige’s smile was wan as she said, ‘Yes, you’ll be wanting to get on the road before the weekend traffic gets too much.’
‘Aye.’ Sheila nodded. ‘Right-o, Doggo.’ Casper thumped his tail at Sheila. ‘Let’s get you home.’
Oliver drew in a steady breath. ‘I’ll walk you to the door.’
‘Lovely,’ she beamed.
He indicated that she should lead the way and Sheila turned, hobbling down the passage stick in hand, Casper trotting along beside her, his toenails clicking on the floor. Paige fell into step beside him and he glanced sideways at her. She looked exactly like he felt, like they were walking to their execution, not returning a stray animal to its rightful owner.
But this was agoodthing. Ahappyday.
At the door, Oliver reached over Sheila’s head and opened it. She stepped out with Casper then turned to face them. ‘Well then, Doggo,’ she said, ‘time to say goodbye to these lovely people. You were so lucky to end up here.’
Casper looked up at Sheila, turning his head from side to side as if he was understanding for the first time what was happening. He looked at Oliver and Paige and gave a forlorn kind of whimper as he trotted to where they stood in the doorway, nudging between them, so they could both pet him at the same time.
And goddamn if the hot needle of tears didn’t prick the backs of Oliver’s eyes as his hand sifted through soft, fluffy fur. Kneeling, he nuzzled the top of Casper’s head and whispered, ‘Thanks for the beach walks. You’re a good dog.’
Oliver stood, glancing at Paige whose eyes looked suspiciously misty before she leaned over and planted a kiss where Oliver had nuzzled.
‘C’mon then, Doggo,’ Sheila said cheerfully. ‘The cats will be a’frettin’.’
If that was supposed to be a selling point, Casper wasn’t buying it. He didn’t move, giving a low whine as he looked up. Oliver cleared his throat. ‘Good boy.’ He nodded encouragingly. ‘Time to go home, now.’
‘I has yer favourite treat waiting for yer,’ Sheila coaxed.
‘It’s okay,’ Paige said to him. ‘We’ll be okay. Off you go.’
Oliver nodded again and repeated Paige’s words. ‘It’s okay.’
‘That’ll do, Doggo.’
Casper’s ears pricked up and he returned to Sheila’s side, sitting at her feet. She chuckled. ‘Classic sheepdog command, that one. My da used it all the time. Works like a treat.’ She smiled at Casper affectionately and petted his head. ‘Well… thanks again.’
She headed for her vehicle, Casper following faithfully beside his owner. When she opened the back door, he leaped in like he’d done it a thousand times, settling himself near the window which slid down as Sheila kicked the engine over.
Casper’s big eyes watched them solemnly as the car reversed and, as Sheila tinkled a wave at them through the windscreen, Casper barked twice as if he was also saying goodbye. Oliver raised his hand to wave as did Paige and neither moved or spoke until the car and Casper’s head which was turned firmly in their direction, disappeared from view.
‘She seems lovely,’ Paige murmured, breaking the silence, turning in the doorway to face him.
‘Uh huh,’ Oliver agreed, also turning. ‘Casper… I mean Doggo, was pleased to see her.’
A noise that sounded very much like disapproval slipped from between her lips. ‘What kind of name is Doggo?’
Oliver almost laughed but that seemed wrong right now. He shrugged. ‘I guess the kind of name someone gives a working dog?’
