CHAPTER 12

Chantelle

"WHAT ARE YOU doing now?" Jain asked, tugging on the leash. Scootie looked up and wagged her tail.

"Waaawoof!"

"Okay, okay. I know you like that spot but nothing about it has changed in the last six days. Could you just pee so we can go inside? It's going to start raining soon."

Shaking her head vigorously, Scootie sniffed again at the area near the wall. Then she raised her leg and urinated. A small puddle formed about eighteen inches from the building.

"Now isn't that ladylike," Jain said. "And you couldn't even hit the bricks."

Giving her an indignant look, Scootie gave a final squirt and then trotted toward Jain's place. Jain had no choice but to follow.

"Oh sure, suddenly you're the one in a hurry. Well the next time you can just go out by yourself."

The look Scootie gave Jain spoke volumes. She didn't believe a word Jain had said. Both of them knew who was in charge. Standing by the bottom step, Scootie looked back at the spot where she had peed.

"Rarrarrh, grrrrrrr."

"Yeah, right," Jain agreed. I wish I knew what was bothering you. A tug on the leash and loud clap of thunder reminded her of the approaching storm. Grimacing, she turned too quickly and accidently bumped into a woman.

"I'm so sorry," she apologized.

"No, it's my fault," the woman said. "I wasn't paying attention to where I was going. Cute dog. Is she friendly?"

"Scootie? I suppose." Jain realized her answer seemed bizarre when the woman gave her a strange look. "Oh, I've only had her a few days, so I'm really not sure how she acts around strangers."

"I see. Do you mind if I pet her?"

"No."

The woman knelt and held out her hand. Immediately Scootie moved forward and sniffed the palm. Tail wagging, the dog gave it a lick and then sat down.

"She's certainly well trained."

"Wawawoof!" the dog barked.

"And smart. Too smart, I think. I swear she knows what I'm saying. By the way, I'm Jain. Are you new to the neighborhood?"

"I'm Chantelle, and no, just visiting a friend nearby. Well, I really do need to go. It's nice meeting you."

"You too. Maybe we'll meet up again."

"Maybe we will," Chantelle replied. Waving, she walked away.

"Nice lady, eh Scootie?"

"Wawawaaa."

"I guess that's a yes. Let's get inside and I'll make you some warm milk. How's that sound?"

"Wawwoof."