Chapter 108: Chapter 108

I opened the screen door, but before I could step outside, Harker dashed past me, his hackles raised and his barking more savage than I’d ever heard it. What…? He headed straight for Raymond.

Raymond looked down at him, and Harker’s barks turned to whimpers. He began backing away, his ears down and his tail tucked tight between his legs.

“Harker. It’s all right, boy.” Dad scowled at Raymond and knelt beside his dog, stroking the black fur. Harker tried to burrow into his side.

Mina had come out, too, but she wasn’t in the least upset by Raymond’s presence. He crouched down and held out his hand to her. She licked his fingers, then pounced on a shoelace and tugged it loose. He ruffled her ears, and she rolled over on her back for a belly rub, her little legs waving in the air.

“Mrs. Wilder, Trish, this is my friend Ray.” They’d been inside and had missed the introductions.

He tied his shoelace and rose. “Ladies.” His smile was warm, and they seemed to melt.