Chapter 46

“For me?” Valentine seemed surprised.

“Yeah. I found it at the airport. Paul told me your landlord won’t allow pets.”

Valentine’s eyes grew huge. “You got me a pet?”

“Is that a good idea?” Uncle Tony asked.

“You’re a spoilsport, big brother,” Bryan said. “Sometimes we have to break the rules.” That earned him a frown, but he just smiled in return and turned to Mark. “What did you get him?”

“A dog. It’s in my duffel. I’ll give it to Spike later.”

“In your duffel? Oh, it’s a stuffed animal.”

“Not exactly.”

“You’re too much, Vincent.” Cisco offered him the platter of octopus, and I had to laugh at Mark’s expression.

“Mark doesn’t eat anything with tentacles.”

“Try the scallops.” Uncle Tony handed another platter to him.

“Thanks.”

“You’re welcome. You’ll spend the night with us, of course?”

“I was hoping you’d ask. I rented a car, but I’ll need Quinn to do the driving.”

“How long can you stay?” I asked him.