When the Dead Speak

Chapter 58

Chapter 58

"Shhh, don't say a word. Promise?"

The long cedar-colored tail whipped across the front seat. The Irish Setter cocked its head at Jake and padded restlessly across the front seat of Jake's Buick Riviera. Strands of copper hair clung to the burgundy and gray cloth seats.

"Thanks," Jake said picking up some of the hairs and flinging them out the window. "Now you'll force me to clean my car."

Jake snapped the leash on the dog and led it from the car. From the trunk, Jake hefted a bag of dog food. The Irish Setter sniffed along the driveway and the walkway toward the patio.

The sun was setting behind the tall willow trees. In the distance, Jake saw Alex kneeling in the grass fixing the brick edging around the birdbath. The dog spotted Alex at the same time and started pulling on the leash.

"You promised to remain quiet." Jake unsnapped the leash. The dog took off.

"Hey, Poco." Alex fell back on his rear as the dog jumped on him. "Where did you come from?"

Jake dropped the twenty-five pound bag of dog food on the ground. "She's my thank you for doctoring my head."

Alex looked toward the house. "Does Sam know?"

"It will probably be a week before she even discovers the dog."

Alex rubbed the back of Poco's neck as her tail whipped the air furiously. He looked up at Jake's head, the gash that was starting to scab over.

"It is healing nicely." Alex looked at Poco, then Jake. Jake detected a grunt as Alex turned to leave. Alex mumbled something about "now I get to clean up all the crap in the yard. Lucky me." But it didn't stop Alex from reaching down to pat Poco on the head as they walked away.

Jake smiled. Alex wasn't exactly showering him with accolades or glowing in brotherly love. But it was a start.