THE DARE (G!P Freenbecky)

Chapter 40

Heng was reading the newspaper at his desk in his Chicago penthouse apartment when he heard the slight whine. Lowering the paper, he saw Riley, Freen's golden retriever, with his favorite toy, a plush stuffed carrot Freen had bought him last Christmas.

He sighed. "You want to go for a walk, Riley?"

No response. The large dog simply lay down next to his feet and let out a long, mournful sigh.

This was bad when even the mention of a walk couldn't get Riley on his feet.

"You miss Freen, too, don't you?"

Riley whined.

"I know, it's hard being here on the sidelines, not knowing what's going on, wondering if—I mean, when Freen's going to come back."

Riley sat up, stuffed carrot in mouth, and leaned toward Heng, putting his head in his lap. Heng began to pet the silky head, stroking the velvety ears.

"Hey, we might have to open a London office if she really gets serious about this girl. And from the way she talks about her, she's already head over heels. You'll have to learn to chase seagulls, Riley. And I might have to learn to speak British."

The dog merely looked up at him, his large brown eyes mournful.

"This," Heng said, "is getting both of us nowhere. And you know, it's not like a ton of work is accomplished right after the New Year, not the way this office parties. So, what do you say that you and I plan a little road trip and head out West to see what your demented mom's up to?"

Riley's ears moved, ever so slightly, and Heng knew he had him.

"Riley," he said, smiling down at the dog. "Car. How would you like to go for the longest car ride of your life? By car, I meant plane." If there was one thing he knew, it was that Riley, like most dogs, loved to take rides in the car, but this time he might have to face an airplane. "We can take my private jet."

Riley began to prance around the office and bark.

"That's the spirit! No more of this sitting around on our asses doing nothing, it's getting both of us nowhere. We're heading out to London and figuring out just what's going on with Freen! And if she's having any trouble convincing Mon Becky to give her a chance, well, we'll just have to help her out!"
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"This place is awesome!" Whispered Eddie as he led Baco into the formal foyer, with its black-and-white marble floor. "What a place for a New Year's party!"

Freen was thinking much the same thing. Phillip had assured her that tonight's party was rather informal, but she'd still dressed with care. Lafitte perched on her shoulder, taking in everything, while Fluffy stood by her side in her pink leash and collar, her tail wagging from side to side, and Pepe remained beneath her jacket.

Freen had come to the conclusion that she was a complete and total pushover with her animals. She'd bought a king-sized bed with orthopedic suppory for Baco that would be delivered once they moved into their new home, and quite possibly the largest parrot cage in the civilized world for Lafitte. Mr. LePew didn't ask for much, thank God. And Freen knew that all Fluffy had to do was gaze at her with her dark puppy-dog eyes, and she was willing to lay the world at her furry feet.

"Me and Baco and Pepe were thinking we'd watch Dick Clark's Rockin' New Year's Eve." Eddie said. "We'll camp out by the television."

"Sounds like a plan. I may drop Lafitte off with you later." Freen saw Phillip coming towards them, a very pleased expression on his face. Quickly introducing Eddie to the older man, Freen scanned the room for any sign of Becky.

"She's still upstairs, getting dressed," Phillip said.

It was uncanny, Freen thought, the way the old man seemed to read her so well.