Legacy of Silence. Flo Fitzpatrick

Puppy, lucked out today with your timing.”

      The dog barked once in obvious agreement.

      Three hours and two hundred dollars later, Miranda and Phoebe—named after the character Miranda had played in Illumination—were back in the SUV on their way to Miss Virginia’s house. In the show, Phoebe Flannigan had also found herself alone on a highway—after being dumped by her cheating boyfriend. But by the end of Illumination, that Phoebe had found true love and happiness after learning the difference between lies and charm. Phoebe the dog appeared to have already made the distinction and determined precisely who her best buddy was. She was gazing at Miranda with that expression of sheer adoration and trust only a dog can muster with complete honesty. Amazing, considering Phoebe had obviously been mistreated. Miranda had always heard that Borders were one of the smartest breeds and Phoebe already seemed to know that Miranda had rescued her and was ready to give her all the love and care she needed.

      Miranda checked her watch. She was due to meet Russ in less than fifteen minutes, which wasn’t quite enough time to take Phoebe to her dad’s house. Miranda didn’t really want to let her spend the day with strangers anyway. Hopefully Russ wouldn’t mind having an extra canine at the house.

      She parked the car in front of Virginia’s. Four men were standing under the large shade trees in the front lawn, engaged in an animated conversation. Miranda recognized Brett and Cort and George Miller, the determined Realtor. The fourth man wasn’t familiar but the large red logo on his shirt blaring Tomlinson Alarms was a decent clue that he was there to install the new alarm system. A fifth man stood on the porch with Spero by his side. Russ.

      Miranda attached the new reflective leash to the new reflective collar, grabbed her bags and eased Phoebe out of the car. The dog immediately began barking at the men and Miranda realized she’d gotten a perk as well as a friend. Phoebe already made her feel more secure than any alarm system ever could. Miranda was sure if she let the puppy loose, Phoebe would begin herding the quartet into a tight circle. But when Miranda told her to sit and stay, Phoebe calmly did as asked, eyeing each man in turn as though measuring friend or foe. Only when Phoebe had decided no threat was imminent did she turn her attention to Spero, who was already manically wagging his tail, eager to make a new pal and begin a grand chase around the yard.