He’s investigating a “big case” with his partner, Tyson. He’s really sorry. Whatever. I have no idea what makes a case big or small, unless it’s related to the value of the stolen car. What I do know is that the investigation requires him to work lots of nights, a fact that makes me so happy I almost feel guilty. Almost. Cujo sits next to the table staring at the pizza box. I’m actually hungry, so I flip it open. Spinach and mushrooms. This has to be a joke. I hold up a slice. Vegetables do not belong on pizza. Dad knows this. Cujo tracks the slice as I drop it back into the box. The dog follows me around the apartment like a furry bodyguard. He’s probably the only reason Dad didn’t hire a babysitter to stay with me at night. If Cujo wants spinach-and-mushroom pizza, I’ll give it to him. I put a slice in his food bowl, and he scarfs it down. My cell rings and Mom’s face pops up on the screen. I haven’t spoken to her since she dropped me off at Dad’s, and today isn’t going to be the day I do.
