Page 19 of Hostile Witness
“Of course he’s going to your house. But his new daddy worked patrol today. I thought I could at least give him a ride home.”
Tia folded her arms.“No, he’s riding with me. You have no idea what kind of reaction he’ll have riding in a police car again.”
“He’ll be fine and a hell of a lot more comfortable than riding in your little Kia Soul. In case you haven’t noticed, Flynn here’s a big boy.”
Her cheeks were getting hot. “I emptied the back seat and made a comfortable space for him. I’ve got it under control.”
“Did you get a car seat yet?”
“No. I haven’t found one I liked.” Which was partially true, because she wanted one decorated in doggie paws. Tia frowned. “Don’t you worry about him. I’ll drive slow and avoid the potholes.”
Ethan took the leash from her hand. “Let me walk you out at least. Thanks, Casey.” He held the door. “Aren’t we the most perfect-looking pet parents?”
She was barely able to keep the laughter from her voice. “Stop it, Ethan.” Why did her emotions ping-pong every which way when he was near? Just like the day on the beach, but at that point in her life, she’d thought she’d found her soulmate. So much for teenage crushes. Tia opened her car door, and Flynn ambled inside.
“His tail is sticking out,” Ethan noted.
“I won’t shut the door on his tail. Seriously, I’ve got this.”
He rubbed his hands together. “I bought him a big comfy dog bed.”
Tia rolled her eyes. “So did I. Keep the one you bought at your house in case I go out of town some weekend and can’t take him with me.”
“Long-distance relationship, huh?”
“That’s none of your business, but since you asked, my best friend lives in Baltimore, and I’m not sure her building allows pets.”
“Well, you might want to take him with you regardless of the rules if you’re going to Baltimore. He’d be the one taking care of you.”
She shot him a sideways glance. “Detective, for your information, most of Baltimore is really nice.”
He cocked his head and winced. “You’re right, but like any city, it’s no place to let your guard down.”
She changed the subject. “I hired a company to deliver all-natural food once a week for Flynn and picked a plan with his nutritional needs in mind.”
“You’re the perfect dog mother, Tia. I bought him a gigantic package of rawhide bones. They’re in my cruiser trunk.Lieutenant Plante had a bucket of them in her pantry. I figure it’ll save your shoes from becoming tattered remnants.”
“Oh, good. I hadn’t even thought of that. Do you want to put them in my front seat and get back to work?”Please say yes.
“No, as of ten minutes ago, I’m on dog duty per your uncle’s request. I’ll follow you home and make sure Flynn settles in okay. Besides, the chief wants a weekly report on the dog’s recovery.”
Damn.She couldn’t even get a pet without her uncle being involved. This was a new level of overbearing, even for him. She took a deep breath and shut the car door. “Please note for your report that Flynn’s tail remained intact.” Her mouth twitched with amusement as she climbed into the car. “I’ll see you back at my place.”
Ethan arrivedat Tia’s a few minutes before she did. The yellow Cape Cod had blue shutters and a nautical wreath on the storm door. From the street, it was cute as a button with trimmed hedges and planters full of pansies by the front door. The seasonal flowers she’d planted a week ago made the place beam with a colorful, happy vibe. He paused a moment, remembering their kiss in the garden. Something deep inside him craved an encore, and he’d been looking forward to seeing her all day long. He’d even mentioned it to his best friend, Mac.
Walking the perimeter of the house, he checked to see if she’d installed any security cameras yet. Nope. He stuffed his hands into his pockets. Tia would get upset if he mentioned the security issues again, so he’d keep his mouth shut and eyes open.
Ethan set the bucket of rawhide chews on the front porch as she pulled in. Swinging her purse over a shoulder, she hoisted the mammoth dog bed onto the other and opened Flynn’s door.
“Let me help you with that thing.” He lifted it off her shoulder.
“Thank you, but I had it,” she replied flatly.
”I may as well make myself useful. You get the dog.” He held the storm door while Tia ushered Flynn inside, and then left his boots on the porch. “Where do you want Flynn’s new bed?”
“Over there by the fireplace.”
Ethan dropped the huge cushion into place. Flynn trotted over, sniffed, pawed at the cushion for a minute, did the dog-turning-around-and-around thing, and lay down.