Page 21 of Takedown in Savannah
Rambo sat patiently at Violet’s side, a loyal and loving pup who adored her. His love wasn’t the only reason he stayed by her side.
“Are you giving Rambo treats?” she finally asked.
Violet’s eyes grew round as saucers. “Mom let me bring him some.”
“It’s okay. I was trying to figure out why he’s sticking to you like glue.”
“These are his favorites.” Violet held up the bag of peanut butter dog chews. “Mom said these are good for him.”
“We don’t want to ruin his dinner. Maybe you should save the rest for later.”
Violet set them aside and affectionately patted his head. “Sorry, Rambo. Nana said no more for now.”
The pup flopped down on the floor and rolled over, promptly closing his eyes.
With Violet’s input, Carlita’s creation took shape—a field of white daisies against a bright blue sky backdrop. “How is your painting going?”
Violet held hers up so her grandmother could see. “Do you know what it is?”
She tilted her head, eyeing the curving lines with splashes of brown and black. “I’m not sure.”
“Give me a few more minutes.” Carlita’s granddaughter set the painting on the table, working diligently on the next step. She held it up again, having added upside down V-shapes near the curve at the top.
“It’s Rambo.”
“Yep,” Violet beamed. “I’m painting a picture of Rambo.”
“I can see it now. The shape of his head and his pointy ears.”
The young “artiste” pressed her lips together, her eyes darting from her work to her grandmother’s work. “There’s room to put your flower painting and Rambo on the bathroom wall.”
“Yes, there is.”
Violet gently nudged her canvas aside. Placing both hands on the table, she leaned in to study Carlita’s piece. “You’re doing good for your first try, Nana.”
“Thank you, Violet. You’re an excellent teacher.”
“Yep.”
Melody started to stir and stretch.
“I think Melody is waking up.”
“She’s gonna be hungry.”
“Uh-oh. We had better pick up the pace.”
They finished the last few brushstrokes and initialed the bottom of their canvas. Carlita added the date so that she and Violet would remember their special painting project.
She put Violet in charge of finding a safe place for them to dry while she cleaned the brushes. Working together, they finished in the nick of time.
Melody was wide awake now. She started to squirm and let out a dainty whimper.
Violet rocked the carrier while her baby sister studied her face. She sang a little ditty about daisies and dogs until Carlita was ready to take her back inside.
As soon as they reached the kitchen, Melody began kicking her feet. Her round, chubby cheeks turned bright red, and she wailed loudly.
Her sister promptly covered her ears. “She’s hungry, Nana.”
