A Last Goodbye Read Online Free Page A

her lap, sleeping again. The animal looked up groggily when they entered. Then, exhibiting a distinct lack of interest, she immediately resumed her former position.
    â€œPoor little thing,” Mrs. Hastings said, patting her on the head. “She’s completely worn out. She’s barely moved a muscle.”
    â€œSo how was it?” B. asked, sounding very much like an anxious parent grilling a babysitter.
    â€œWell, I’ve succeeded in breaking the code on a few things about her,” Mrs. Hastings answered. “She’s definitely spoiled and much prefers being hand-fed to eating out of a dish. Once I figured that out, she ate her helping of hamburger like it was going out of style. I tried her on some of the kibble, but she turned up her nose at that, most likely because of her teeth.”
    â€œWhat about her teeth?”
    â€œDidn’t you notice how bad her breath is? Her teeth and gums are in terrible shape. She’ll probably need to have some of them pulled. By the way,” Mrs. Hastings added, “I’m quite sure she’s lived in a multistory building.”
    â€œReally?” B. asked. “How did you figure that out?”
    â€œAfter she ate, I took her for a walk,” the sitter said. “She knows all about riding in elevators. The first time dogs get on elevators and start going up or down, they pretty much go nuts. Not so this one. She understood perfectly. She’s also very well behaved, by the way, and knows all about walking on a leash.
    â€œWhen we got to the elevator lobby, she sat down and waited like she already knew that doors would slide open and we’d step inside. On the way up and down, she just sat there, pretty as you please, waiting for the doors to open again. And once we got outside and hit the grass in the dog walking area, there was no fooling around. She did her business right away. By the way, there are more poop bags in the PetSmart bag.”
    â€œSo she knows how to walk on a leash and is house-trained,” Ali said. “But I’m not doing dog-walking duty. I’m here as the bride, not the resident dog walker.”
    â€œThat’s right,” Mrs. Hastings interjected. “Someone mentioned that you’re getting married tomorrow. That’ll make for a busy day. What are your plans for the dog?”
    â€œOur plan for the dog is to go to a vet tonight, find out if she’s been chipped, and, if so, return her to her owner,” Ali said.
    Mrs. Hastings reached into her pocket and pulled out a business card, which she handed over to B. “Well, if that doesn’t work out, feel free to call me directly. You’ll get a better rate if you take me for the whole day rather than hourly.”
    B. slipped the card into his pocket, then reached for his money clip. Mrs. Hastings waved it aside. “I’m a regular here,” she said. “My charges are simply added to your bill. All right, then. I’ll be going. I left the leash over there on the table by the door. Good luck with that vet. I hope you find her owner.”
    Before venturing back out, both B. and Ali changed into more casual attire. The dog made no objection when B. attached the leash to her tiny red collar. Once he put her down on the floor, she stretched and gave a long, nose-to-tail shake. On their way out the door, B. offered the lead to Ali. She shook her head.
    â€œNope,” she said. “This is your deal, not mine.”
    After boarding the elevator, they rode down and made their way through the long corridor that led to the lobby, all without incident. The dog trotted obediently beside B. as though that had always been her rightful place. It was only when the doorman opened the lobby door to let them out into the driveway that things went wrong. Several people were gathered on the curb outside, waiting for their respective vehicles to emerge from the garage. One of them, a portly gentleman in a double-breasted