Redemption

~9~

"Hello boy" Max wagged and wiggled his large frame and gave her his love before sniffing the passenger door, he wasn't a dummy, he knew she had company.

Ben greeted her at the top step and followed her along the verandah to the cane chair in the corner. The morning sun was coming up through the trees now... crimson and peach drifting to reach the sky, so pretty and pure.

Issy smiled. She was home.

****

Four hours later with the cats fed, Ben and Max settled with a good rub and cuddle, Issy sat at the window looking out over the lake. She interspersed the viewing with punching the typewriter keys with a passion.

The night before pushed to the back in her mind; her trip to New York was just a flicker on her conscience as she placed page after completed page on the new book's draft pile.

Hourly she stood, moved to the rear of the house and peeked down at the car, the two-storey window shrouded with lace so she could stay hidden behind.

Still asleep.

He was still in the very same position, leaning on the passenger side door. Thankfully Issy had remembered to leave the window down as the heat would have built up by now to create a mini sauna for him. Pulling herself away from the sight she scooted down the stairs and put the kettle on to boil.

She'd have to take him back she knew it.

Wasn't like he was an orphaned puppy or one of the cats, she couldn't just keep him.

Issy grinned as she reached for the sugar, maybe there was an 'Adopt A Ex-Beatle' program.

"Hello?" 11am brought the first phone call, Issy grinned when she heard Julian's voice float down the line.

"Get home alright mum? No moose?" Julian enquired.

Well obviously the police hadn't informed him of his missing Ex Englishman father.

"Ummm no"

"I won't tell Sally if there were"

"Yea sure Julian, you two can't keep anything from each other which is good really but I won't be blabbing about moose or lack thereof to you ..... Anyway, yes, I got home in one piece thank-you very muchly"

"Good, good. Sally says I'm to say...what was it?" Julian broke into a girly voice "oh right, to say 'sorry it was so late and that I am a naughty future son in law' " Julian laughed softly "She's busy with bubs, I'll get her to call later on. Be good mumma"

"Hmmm, yeah I'll be good. Hey cheeky! Aren't I always good?" Issy walked, inching the cord of telephone toward the window that would let her view her Jeep.

Empty!?!

The jeep was empty!

"Ummm better go, Ben wants to be let out"

"Ok cool. Look, that recording, it was great. I um-"

"Julian - Ben"

"Oh ok, bye mumma bear"

"Bye darling"

Shit, where the hell is he?

Max was quiet as a mouse, Ben was still asleep upstairs by the office chair and the Jeep door was wide open.

Issy stepped nearer to the window to afford a closer look.

Nope, not sprawled on the driveway.

Opening the front door a smidge, she frowned. Bloody dog should have gone off his tits but no he's let the extra-large insect scurry off.

No bone for you Max!