Chapter 2

“You are jolly easy to talk to,” he said to the dog as they leaned against each other in the cold. “Although I imagine if my colleagues could see me now they would be certain I have bats in my attic, andhave me in Bedlam before you could blink an eye.” He laughed and the dog’s tongue lolled and he nosed his hand until Jared took off his glove and scratched his ears. “You’re not a French spy, are you?” he said, and laughed when the dog licked his hands and then tried to reach his face.

They sat until Jared was shivering and then set out towards his house. Lights shone in the windows of the houses opposite as people gathered, getting ready for dinner and an evening of entertainment. As hewatched, the dog nuzzled closer and nosed at his hand again. He stroked his head absently.

“Are you alone on Christmas Eve night too?” he whispered, whimsically. The dog barked. It started wagging its tail, its rear end dancing about as he pressed closer. Jared stroked its head.