The Gun Runner(79)

Until I figured out what to do, I guessed he and I could share our home together in secrecy. In my way of thinking, I’d already given myself to Michael, and giving him the puppy would be as close to providing him a family as I would be able.

And I wanted him to have a family.

“He can’t seem to hold his head up. Is he okay?” I asked.

She grinned and nodded. “He’s fine. They’re a lethargic breed. He’s lazy. You want to go see him?”

I nodded eagerly.

We walked inside, past all of the other dogs, and to Hank’s kennel. After she unlocked the door, he stood, shook himself off, waddled up to me and flopped down between my feet. I looked at Nichole.

“He likes you.”

I glanced down at Hank. Without lifting his head, he shifted his eyes up and stared.

“Hank,” I said sharply, hoping he’d at least lift his head.

His mouth snapped open. “Woof!”

“I’ll take him,” I said.

“You can spend some time with him, and see if he’s really what you want...”

I felt like such a girl, but the thought of getting the puppy and having even a likeness of a family with Michael almost brought tears to my eyes.

“No,” I said. “I’m sure.”

I bought the puppy, a portable kennel, a box full of toys, grooming supplies, food and a bed. After the journey home, I arranged everything, and Hank curled up in his bed.

While I waited for Michael to come home from work, I wondered what my father had proposed to him. If he accepted it, what effect it would have on our relationship once I figured out a way to reveal the truth?

Not opening up to Michael was making me sick, and one way or another, I knew I couldn’t hold out much longer. I felt like the lies were building up, and soon they’d explode, making my life a complete mess.

I relaxed on the couch with Hank lying in his bed on the floor beside me. In a short period of time, we were both fast asleep.

And I dreamt of Michael and me having a normal life.





Chapter Thirty-Six

Michael

I struggled with my decision regarding Agrioli’s deliveries, and after a long discussion with Cap and Lucky, decided to give it a try. Agrioli was grateful for even a trial run, and felt confident afterward that I would agree to provide the service full-time.

Tired, sick of the tension and in need of a relaxing evening, I parked my car in the garage, lowered the garage door, and walked inside the house.

The sweet smell of my home reminded me I needed to buy more candles. Many more. I inhaled a deep breath, peered through the kitchen and into the living room, and was surprised Terra hadn’t greeted me yet.

“Terra?”

Silence.

I cleared my throat. “Terra!”

Woof!

What the fuck?

I walked around the corner of the island, and was greeted by the cutest English Bulldog pup I had ever seen. His skin fit loosely over his barrel-shaped chest, and hung down from his jowls.

As a kid, I’d always wanted a dog, but my living arrangements as an orphan prevented it. In the military it was impossible, and although I told myself I would get one when I was discharged, I hadn’t done so yet.

Filled with wonder over what was going on, I lowered myself to the kitchen floor and patted him on his overly large head.

A camouflage collar with matching camouflage tag hung from his neck. I reached for the tag and lifted it into my view.

“Hank” Tripp

648 Timbercreek

Shawnee Mission, KS 66203

My heart filled with warmth. The thought of having a pet of my own had been a lifelong dream. The pup collapsed at my feet.

“Terra!” I shouted.

She sat up, peered toward me over the back of the couch and rubbed her eyes. “I’ve got a surprise for you.”

“I’ve got one for you, too.”

“Yaaay!” She jumped to her feet. “Mine first.”

Hidden behind the kitchen island, I stood with Hank at my feet.

“I hope you like it,” she said. “I just...” She glanced around the living room nervously. “Well...”

“What are you looking for?”

“I have a surprise. It’s, well, it’s...crap. Can you come help me?”

I picked up the pup and walked toward the living room. Crawling on her hands and knees, and looking underneath the couch and love seat, she appeared frantic.

“Looking for this little guy?” I asked.

“Shit!” She stood up. “I wanted to surprise you. So, uhhm.” She twisted her hips back and forth nervously. “I hope it’s okay, but I wanted us to have a family.”

“It’s more than okay. I’ve always wanted a dog. He’s cute.”

She pursed her lips and nodded her head eagerly. It seemed she was about to cry.