It was decided I would stay there—temporarily I’d replied—until I had time to find something more permanent. Now I was standing on the sidewalk, leash in hand, Rufus sitting to my left as we watched Travis toss my bags in the back of Mitch’s car. Then he proceeded to fit the bag I’d packed for Rufus, and his bed, into the backseat. After he was done, Travis swung his leg over that black, metal deathtrap and looked at me expectantly. “You…” I shook my head. “I’m not…” I nodded towards Suzi-Q. “My car is over there,” I pointed out. “No.” “No?” Mitch chuckled from the driver’s seat of his angry, black Subaru. “While David’s out there, you’re not going anywhere on your own.” “I’m not? But…he’s not going to attack me in my car.” Travis and Mitch shared a meaningful glance. “I mean, look at that car.” I gestured at the Subaru. “Rufus can’t sit in there. He’ll leave fur on that clean upholstery. He’ll slobber all over those nice, shiny windows.”
