Craig cracked one eye open. A blur of gray and black with a slash of pink and white took shape in front of his face. Then he noticed the sound. The sharp in and out of breath followed by the sound of licking of lips. It got his attention and he opened his other eye. Quinn’s Blue Heeler, Zorro sat at the side of the bed, staring at him with intent brown eyes. His ears pricked up as soon as Craig moved. For a moment, he’d forgotten where he was, but now he remembered. The room was bathed in weak light but he recognized it as Quinn’s, and when he reached his hand out, he found her warm little body curled up next to him. He left his hand resting on her side so he could feel the gentle rise and fall as she breathed. The dog, however, wouldn’t be ignored. He gave a little whimper to let Craig know he was desperate to go out. Carefully Craig got out of bed, pulled on his discarded boxers and white tee shirt, and took Zorro out of the room. The dog jogged enthusiastically ahead and waited for him at the door.
