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"Neither does Matthew," Miss Barnett said and glared up at him. "This is Brad's younger brother, Matt." She shooed him. "Go… do something useful."
"I could test the turkey," Matt said helpfully. He shot Je
Je
"It's done, Matthew," Miss Barnett said, her tone lowering. "The button popped."
"Then I could take Dr. Marshall's coat."
"No, I'm just leaving."
Matt had her jacket off her shoulders before she could blink twice. "Don't be silly. I'd like to get to know Brad's teacher and I'm sure my aunt would as well. Don't you, Aunt Helen?"
Je
"Just a little one. I'll be fine in a few days. Is Brad here?"
Miss Barnett frowned and glanced over her shoulder up the stairs. "Upstairs somewhere. He and Steven had a bit of a disagreement this morning."
Je
"He's grounded for life," Matt said cheerfully and Je
Je
Miss Barnett steered her toward the living room. "Come and sit, Dr. Marshall."
And before Je
"Can I get you some tea, Dr. Marshall?" Miss Barnett inserted. "Or cola?"
"No, ma'am, I really can't stay."
"Nonsense," Miss Barnett insisted. "Dr. Marshall, may I call you Je
Je
The older lady beamed. "Good, good." She patted Je
Turkey. After last night's sloppy joes a home-cooked turkey di
"Well, bring him in," Helen said brightly. "He can play with Cindy Lou."
Je
"I wish," Helen muttered. "No, she's an Old English and she's very friendly. I'm sure Matthew wouldn't mind getting your dog from your truck." She stood up and dusted her palms on her slacks. "Now I simply will not take no for an answer. My nephew must have inconvenienced you this weekend by knocking you down and hurting your ankle. The least we can do is feed you."
The turkey did smell delightful. And she realized she really wanted to stay. "Okay, but I'll get Jim from the truck. He does better with strangers when he's been properly introduced."
Je
The little boy looked up, his eyes carefully blank, and she remembered the newspaper accounts of the abduction of Brad's youngest brother the spring before. This would be the child, she thought, and her heart squeezed with compassion at what he'd gone through. And was still going through, if his blank eyes were any indication. Je
Nicky stared at her warily for so long that Je
Je
Nicky shuffled forward and tentatively put out his hand. "He looks like a wolf."
"He's a German shepherd and big for his age." Je
Nicky softly stroked Jim's head. "How old is he?"
"Almost two." She leaned closer and dropped her voice. "You want to know a secret?"
Nicky nodded, too seriously for a little boy, and Je
Nicky's brown eyes widened. "Really?"
"Really." She glanced up to see Helen watching with intense interest. Apparently Nicky's conversation was not an everyday occurrence. The thought made her feel a little warmer inside. "Do you have a dog?"
Nicky nodded, visibly relaxing a bit. "Her name is Cindy Lou. I got to name her."
Je
Nicky nodded again, still way too solemn for a small boy. He couldn't be more than seven.
"The Grinch was my favorite book when I was your age. Especially at Christmas."
Nicky scratched behind Jim's ears. "My daddy doesn't like Cindy Lou very much."
Je
Nicky's mouth wobbled uncertainly, then one corner lifted in an almost smile. "She likes to chew things. Usually Daddy's things. Last week she chewed two shoes."
"And I bet they weren't matching shoes either."
Nicky's mouth curved up. "Nope. One sneaker and one church shoe."
Je
Nicky reached out and tugged Jim's tunic. "Why does he wear this?"
"Jim's a therapy dog. He and I go to visit sick people and Jim helps them feel better."
Nicky's red brows scrunched together. "How can a dog make sick people better?"
Je
Nicky's hand went still on Jim's head. Nicky stood frozen and somehow sensing the importance, Jim didn't move a muscle.
Je
After what seemed like an eternity, Nicky began scratching Jim's head again. "Then he must be a very nice dog."
Je
Nicky shook his head. "No, let him go. I'll take him to meet Cindy Lou."
Je
Helen blinked, then brushed the moisture from her face without shame. "I don't doubt that, Je