Fast Cars (Working Title)

Chapter 4

Donovan woke to Maisy breathing on his neck. She snuggled closer to him and pressed her nose against his shoulder. His arm tingled as she shifted. He smiled and waited for her to wake up. Jax whined by the bedroom door. Don glanced at the monitor in the corner, watching each image in turn. Seeing nothing, he looked at the clock and smiled. Nine o'clock.

"Just a sec, Jax. I'll let you out."

Maisy breathed deeply and stretched. She squeaked and shot across the bed away from him, taking the blankets with her.

Don chuckled.

"Who? What?"

"Good morning, Maisy. Let's go out, Jax."

Jax leapt to his feet and charged from the room, his tail wagging his entire body. Don threw his feet over the edge of the bed and stood.

"What's going on?"

Don glanced over his shoulder. "Need the bathroom? I'm gonna shower as soon as I let Jax out."

Jax yipped.

"I'm coming. Hold your horses." He watched Maisy check herself to make sure her clothes were intact before she darted into the bathroom, slamming the door behind her.

Don started the coffee pot and slammed some bread into the toaster before he gathered his clothes. Jax reappeared at the door, his tongue lolling. "Good boy. Here's your breakfast." Don slid a bowl of kibble across the floor as Maisy shot back into the bedroom. He glanced down at Jax and shrugged. "Keep an eye on her. Don't let her leave or anyone else in. Got it?"

Jax yipped and wagged his tail.

Don pointed at the bedroom. "Get to work, Jax."

The dog darted into the room and jumped on the bed, snuggling close to Maisy.

Don shook his head. "Crazy dog."

Cold water sprayed over him, making him gasp. "Charlie better hurry up. I'm not a fan of cold showers," he muttered. He glanced toward the door as he heard Jax barking and growling. He smiled and shook his head. "Figures. The minute I turn my back, there she goes." He rinsed the lather from his hair and wrapped a towel around his waist before stepping into the kitchen.

Jax stood by the door, blocking Maisy's escape.

"Move, you dumb dog."

"Problems?"

Maisy shrieked and stumbled backward.

Don lunged to catch her before she fell. They both tumbled onto the couch. Don started laughing.

Maisy punched him in the chest before she rolled off him and landed on the floor. "It's not funny. That dog won't let me do anything."

"Sure he will. You can go anywhere in the house you want."

A tear streaked down her cheek. "I want to go home."

Don wanted to wipe the tear away. "I know. I'm working on it. I promise. Jax has orders. He's supposed to watch you. He's a protection dog."

Maisy tried to hide the hurt look on her face.

"I'll go get dressed then we'll go get you some clothes."

She glanced down at the baggy sweats.

"Someone might take you for a homeless person, a vagrant in that getup. Besides, you won't get too far without shoes. It's supposed to get hot today and the asphalt will be scorching."

She pulled the shirt back up on her shoulders and glanced at her bare feet.

Don left the bathroom door open a crack while he dressed. Jax sat by the door, his tail wagging slightly.