Ever had a quick look through the window. There was no-one to be seen, not even Logan. Maybe he was in the backroom.

  Ding! Ding!

  “Sorry I’m late,” he called out into the emptiness.

  ^Hello!^ Excited, friendly barking.

  Logan popped his head up; from Ever’s viewpoint, it looked like his head was amongst the ice creams.

  “Morning,” Logan said. He was distracted, looking down and grinning at the floor. “How are your ribs feeling?”

  “Better.” It wasn’t a complete lie, but it wasn’t the full truth either. It probably wouldn’t have been good enough to pass undetected through Taylor’s filter. She might have actually punched him on the spot to test the statement. For the first time, Ever was sort of glad she wasn’t here.

  Logan came out of the serving area. The long, brown dog followed, tail wagging. The moment she caught sight of Ever, she scampered towards him and put her paws on his leg.

  ^Where have you been?^ A questioning bark, a cock of her head, this way then that.

  “Where have you been? Ever said. He crouched, hands cradling her head and scratching the back of her floppy ears.

  You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

  ^I’ve been back at Mary's house.^ A single bark, then she sat.

  "Mary? Is that your owner?"

  Errr Ever… Death said. Don’t forget that humans normally can’t talk to animals.

  Ever looked up at Logan, who was staring at him quizzically, arms crossed. “Mimi was curled up at the front of the door when I arrived this morning,” he said slow. Behind his dark eyes, Ever could feel his mind ticking. “Guessing this is the dog you saved last week. She probably followed your scent back here.”

  “How did you know that her name was Mimi?” Ever asked.

  "The collar around her neck." Logan gestured with his eyes back at the dog. She held still while Ever lifted it with his finger, tilting it slightly to catch the sunlight filtering in through the window. Indeed, her name was Mimi.

  “Her snout looks fine to me,” Logan said, “but I’m not an expert. Plus she tried to bite me when I put my hands near her mouth. You’ll need to get her checked out at a vet.”

  The mention of the word 'vet' had a visceral reaction on the canine.

  ^No vet!^ She barked and growled, upper lip in a snarl, revealing little pointy teeth.

  “Looks like you aren't the only one who doesn't like seeing doctors,” Logan said with a chuckle.

  Ding! Ding!

  The two men and dog looked at the door. The customer - a regular - took his scarf off and rolled it up. “Too early for a cone?”

  “Not at all!” Logan exclaimed. He gestured for Ever to come towards him as he leaned towards his ear. “Hey, why don’t you take Mimi to the back room for now. We’ll see what to do with her a bit later. Time to work.”