Chapter Four

“Sikesville Shelter, this is Sheryl, how can I help you?”

“Hey, Sheryl, it’s Morgan.” Morgan rolled the edge of her T-shirt in between her fingers. Rudy sat at her feet, looking up at her. He had spent the night curled up with his head under Morgan’s bed.

“Please tell me you are not canceling your shift.”

“No. I’ll be there on Saturday. Did Miesha send over the report?”

“Not yet, what’s up?” The sounds of dogs barking in the background grew louder. “Sorry, I’m back in the kennels.”

“I went with her on a wellness check yesterday morning and it wasn’t good. I have the dog.”

“Oh, no, that’s horrible. I mean about the wellness check.”

“Is it okay if I foster him? I mean until the family gets here.”

“Yeah, you’re on our list. Give me his tag number so I can record it. And that helps a bunch, hon. We’re full at the moment.”

Morgan reached down and scratched Rudy’s neck. She slid his collar around to read his tag. Rudy shifted on the couch as he slept. She squinted at the tiny type and recited the numbers to Sheryl.

“Got it.”

Morgan stood and stretched. “Do I need to bring him in for a vet check?” Rudy woofed softly and walked away from Morgan.

“No. His rabies is current, right?”

“Yeah, according to the vet tag.”

“I’ll make a record of this and then we’ll wait until the family is contacted to see what they want to do.”

Morgan glanced at the clock on the stove. “Oh damn, I was supposed to open five minutes ago. Gotta go.”

“See you Saturday.”

Morgan disconnected the call and shoved her phone into her pocket. “Rudy! Come on, boy, we have to go to work.” She walked back to the living room. Rudy was still asleep on the couch. “Come on, boy. You can sleep in the shop.” She touched his shoulder. He lifted his head and blinked at her. After snapping the leash on his collar, Morgan stepped back. “Come on. We’re late.”

He stood up and stretched languorously before he slid belly first off the couch. Morgan rolled her eyes at the dog. “Get with it. Come on.” Rudy looked up at her. She led him out of the door and down the stairs. As she put her key into the back door of the locksmith shop, she heard the phone ringing. She rolled the keys and unlocked the door, dragged Rudy inside, and snatched up the phone.

“Wright’s Lock Shop. How can I help you?”

“By opening on time.” Her dad rumbled through the phone.

Morgan pursed her lips. “You called to check to see if I opened on time? What the hell, Dad?”

“Mister Billings is coming by today, and I want everything perfect.”

“Dad, didn’t we talk about this? The place is perfect. And if he doesn’t want to lend to us it’s his problem.”

“I’ll be there by nine-thirty. And please keep your temper.”

A tug on the leash brought her attention to Rudy. “Uh, Dad. I’ve got Rudy with me.”

“Who?”

“The dog. The one I’m fostering.”

“Why? Why is the dog in the shop? You don’t know anything about him. What if he’s aggressive with customers? Or barks? Or shits on the floor?”

“He’s not like that, Dad. He’s been nothing but easy to take care of. I’ll take him upstairs if he’s a problem.”

The chimes on the front door jingled. Rudy barked. Morgan covered the receiver with her palm. “Shh, Rudy.” She spoke into the phone. “Customer’s here. I have to go, Dad.” She hung up the phone not waiting for her father to respond.

“Good morning. How can I help you?” Rudy pressed against her leg behind the counter.

A tall dark-haired woman strode toward the counter. “I need three copies of this, please.” She held out a single key.

“Do you want standard blanks?

“I’m sorry, what? I want keys.” She eyed Morgan. “This is a lock shop, right?”

Morgan flushed. “Yes. And I was asking if you wanted standard looking keys, or if you wanted them to look different, or use a blank with a larger base.” She waved toward the wall of blanks. “Some people like to use the large ones for folks with grip issues, like kids or older folks. Some like to use a unique shape to help with identifying keys for folks with vision issues.”

The woman turned and surveyed the collection of key blanks. “Oh.” She pursed her lips and studied the pegboard with key blanks in colorful designs and unique shapes. “And more expensive. No. Standard will be fine.” Her cell phone pinged. She frowned and tapped out a response. “I’m in a hurry. Can you do this?”

Rudy placed both paws on the back of the counter and barked sharply.

The woman’s face broke into a wide grin. “Is that a corgi? Oh my gosh, I love corgis.” She leaned over the counter and spoke to Rudy. “Are you a good boy?” Rudy wagged his tail and barked again. “You think I should have a special design? Well, why not?” The woman turned away from Morgan and studied the key rack.

Morgan glanced down at Rudy, who looked up at her and wagged his tail.

“I’ll take these.” She placed three blanks on the countertop: a tape measure, an old-fashioned shaped key blank, and one covered in emojis. “What’s his name?”

“Rudy.” Morgan swept the key blanks into her palm and picked up the woman’s key. “I’ll only be a moment.”

“Take your time. Rudy, are you the best boy?” The woman cooed at Rudy. He placed both paws on the back of the counter and rose up on his hind legs. The woman stroked his head.

Morgan walked to the back of the shop, shaking her head at the change in the woman’s attitude as she listened to her babble at Rudy and his occasional sharp yips in response. If he’s able to distract customers and get them to upgrade, Dad will be all for having him in the shop.

*

Eun parked in the driveway of her father’s home. The officer who had offered to escort her parked her police cruiser behind her. Eun exited her car and clutched the door keys in her hands.

Officer Wright rested her hands on her equipment belt. “Do you want me to go first?”

Eun lifted her shoulders and squared them. “No. I can do it.”

She walked ahead of the officer to the side door. The faded red-and-white awning over the back door was streaked with green mold. She shoved the key in the lock and opened the door. The familiar smells of home and under it the faint smell of disinfectant hit her full force as she stepped through the door. Her footsteps echoed in the room.

Office Wright stepped through the door behind her. “It’s been locked but if you want me to walk through it I will.”

Eun rubbed her forehead. “No. I know it’s safe.” She studied the counter and the tidy row of canisters arranged next to the coffee pot. “Can you tell me where? Where was he?”

Officer Wright gestured to the floor “He was here, ma’am. His dog was lying next to him.”

Eun looked up and frowned. “Dog?”

“Yes, ma’am. He’s being fostered right now.”

“My father didn’t have a dog.” Eun’s mind spun back to all the times she had asked for a pet growing up and was turned down by her father. I don’t need one more thing to take care of, Eun. His voice haunted her, the unspoken part of his refusal, his upset over having to care for her, like she was a burden, like he would have been happy if her mother had taken Eun when she left them.

“Miss Park?” Office Wright’s voice brought Eun back from her woolgathering.

“Sorry, what did you say?”

“The dog is being fostered. Do you want me to call them and have them bring the dog to you?”

A dog to care for on top of everything else.

“Do I have to decide now?”

“No, ma’am.” Officer Wright held out a card. “Here’s how to contact me if you have any questions, or if you need anything. The number for the shelter is on the back for when you want to talk to them about the fostering.”

Eun took the card and placed it on the counter. “Thank you, officer, you’ve been more than kind.”

“Miesha, and please, I meant what I said. If you need anything, call. We have a support team and they’ll call to check in on you.” She passed Eun another card and a packet of information. “They’re good at what they do.”

“Thank you.” Eun wrapped her arms around herself. “I’m fine.”

Miesha tilted her head and met Eun’s eyes. “If you say so.” She nodded toward the door. “If you’re sure you don’t want me to walk through with you, I’ll be going.” Miesha closed the door as she left.

Eun walked to the door. The faded brown wood was scuffed and scratched at the bottom. She frowned at the lack of a deadbolt. Eun set the chain lock in place, slid down the door, and leaned back against it. She stared at the two dog bowls on the brightly colored rag rug and the empty space that had been the last place her father had been alive. No tears, she’d cried them all out in the hotel room last night. Her eyes were dry and scratchy and she rubbed them with the heels of her hands.

Her gaze flitted around the room and then settled on a framed photo of her father and a chubby tan-and-white dog. Her father was looking down as the dog looked up. The devotion on his face as he gazed at the dog made Eun’s chest hurt. Love. Her father had loved a dog. Maybe it was easier. Dogs didn’t talk back. Obeyed, and best of all, they didn’t embarrass you by being queer.

A knock at the door startled her. She crawled away from the door and leaped to her feet. Eun pressed her face against the door and looked out of the peephole. A woman with a low cut fade stood on the porch. Tall, with thick shoulders, she was dressed in jeans and a tan work shirt with an embroidered patch that read Wright’s Lock Shop on one side and Morgan on the other. A sharp bark and scratching at the door made her step back. She snatched the door open. The chain brought it up short and she swore as she closed it to unlatch it and then opened the door. On the other side of the screen door, the woman held on to a leash attached to the collar of a fat brown-and-white corgi.

“What do you want?” Eun called through the door.

The woman frowned. “Um, sorry to bother you. I’m Morgan.” She held up the dog’s leash. “I have your dog. I mean your father’s dog.” Her eyes were a light golden brown.

Eun looked away from Morgan’s face. “I told the officer I’d call when I was ready.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to disturb you. I just thought…I’m sorry. Um, okay, call the shelter when you want me to bring him to you. If you decide you want him.” Morgan turned and tugged the leash. The dog scratched at the screen door again as he whined and barked.

Eun stepped back and closed the door. She paced in the kitchen. No. I don’t need a dog right now. Not at all.

The soft murmur of Morgan’s voice and the continued whining of the dog made her bite her lip. I don’t need this.

Eun blew out a breath. And she’d been rude. So rude, and she didn’t need to be. The kind expression on Morgan’s face and the way she had been so earnest tugged at her heart. She’d forgotten what a small town could be like. She raced to the door and yanked it open. Morgan was lifting the struggling dog into her truck.

“Wait!” Eun bolted down the porch steps and ran toward the truck. Morgan turned toward her with the dog in her arms. “I’m sorry. I’m not at my best. I’m Eun Park.” Eun held out her hand.

Morgan flashed her a smile and shook her hand, her grip firm and warm. “Nice to meet you.” She turned so the dog was facing Eun. “This is Rudy.”

Eun held her hand out palm up. Rudy sniffed her palm and then licked it. Eun giggled in spite of her sadness. “I don’t know anything about dogs.”

Morgan placed Rudy on the ground between them. “I’m happy to keep him until you get settled.” She reached out and rested the tips of her fingers on Eun’s arm. “I’m really sorry about your dad. I should have waited. But Miesha said you’d be here.”

Eun frowned. “Who?”

“My sister, the police officer, who escorted you this morning. I assumed you’d want the dog as soon as possible.”

“I didn’t even know my dad had a dog until today.” Eun huffed out a breath, pushing aside the memories of the times her uncle had told her what a bad daughter she was for abandoning her father.

Morgan’s eyebrows rose. “Oh. Well, I’m happy to keep him for you. I’ll let the shelter know.” She bent down and picked up Rudy.

“Don’t go.” Eun pressed her lips together. “I mean…would you bring him inside for a bit?”

Morgan put the dog down. “Sure.”

Eun took a step back and stumbled over the edge of the sidewalk. She cried out and found herself caught up in Morgan’s strong arms. She latched on to her wide shoulders and stared into the warm depths of her eyes.

Morgan steadied her and stepped back, releasing her. “You okay?”

Eun smoothed her hair with her hands. “Yes. Thank you. I’m a bit of a klutz sometimes.”

Morgan’s gaze settled on Eun’s face. “Don’t talk bad about yourself.” She gestured to the uneven sidewalk. “Anyone could trip over that.”

Rudy’s sharp bark drew their attention. He was sitting on the back porch. He barked again.

“We’re being summoned.” Morgan held out her arm. “Let me help you. Those shoes look like they’re made for the office.” She gestured at Eun’s pumps.

“I think the word you’re looking for is impractical.” Eun closed her fingers around Morgan’s forearm.

Rudy barked again.

“You’re so impatient. Simmer down.” Morgan called to the dog.

Eun laughed. “You think he understands?”

“Well, yeah.” Morgan chuckled. “He’s pretty headstrong, but he was an angel at the shop this morning.”

“The shop?” Eun released Morgan’s arm and stepped up on the porch and opened the door. Rudy entered, dragging his leash behind him.

“Wright’s.” She gestured to her shirt. “I’m a locksmith. It’s a family business.”

“I remember. It’s the shop in the neighborhood by Beechwood Elementary School, right?”

“That’s the one.” Morgan rested her hands on her hips.

Rudy walked to his bowl. It was empty, and he tipped it over with his foot. Morgan picked it up and filled it with water from the tap. “Here you go, boy.”

Eun studied the woman in front of her and the easy way she had about her, her confidence and bearing. She had stud written all over her and any other time Eun would have been trying to figure out how to ask her out, but right now she was satisfied to bask in Morgan’s calm energy.

Morgan tucked her hands in her pockets. “Do you have any questions?”

Eun swept her hair back with both hands. “Of all the questions I have, right now, the one at the top of the list is where can I get a decent cup of coffee?”

Morgan mouth lifted up in a crooked smile. “If you’re up for leaving here, we could go to Bella’s.”

“And my second question is would you be able to put a deadbolt on this door? “

“Sure thing. We can stop by the shop so you can pick out the style you want.”

Rudy scratched at a cabinet until he hooked it open with his paw. He latched his jaws around a bag of dog food and pulled it out of the closet. Kibble spilled over the floor and a few landed in his water bowl.

“Rudy!” Morgan picked up the bag from the floor and filled his bowl. She kneeled and plucked the wet kibble out of the water. Eun kneeled next to her and picked up the few kibble Rudy had missed as he gobbled up his food.

Eun stood and dropped the kibble in her hands into Rudy’s bowl. After locating the dish soap in the cabinet under the sink, she washed her hands. The sounds of Rudy wolfing his food made her grimace.

Morgan rose to her feet and the soggy kibble dripped through her cupped hands. “I’ll toss this out for the crows.”

The door hinges squeaked when Morgan stepped outside. Rudy lifted his head and bolted for the door. “Hey, she’s coming back.”

Rudy barked and scratched at door, desperate in his attempt to leave.

Morgan opened the door and pushed him back inside by his chest. “I’m back. Easy.” Rudy pushed himself into her arms and licked her face.

Stung by the dog’s rejection, Eun turned away from the scene as she dried her hands. “Well, that settles it. Would you keep him for me?”

“He needs to get used to you.” Morgan leashed Rudy. “Come on, let’s get some coffee—I mean if you still want to.”

“I want to, if you have the time.” Eun picked up her purse and slung the strap over her shoulder. “Nothing for me to do here.”

“I’ve got time. You want to take my truck? Or follow me?”

Eun rubbed her eyes. “I drove over from Chicago last night. Would you mind driving?”

“Happy to.” Morgan led Rudy away to the truck.

Eun closed the door, the familiar sound of it stirring harsh memories of the last time she had left her father’s house. She blew out a breath and squared her shoulders. Nothing for her here. Not now. Maybe there had never been. A stiff spring breeze stirred the blood-red tulips next to the porch and she pulled her jacket tighter against the chill. Morgan stood next to a large black pickup truck, a half smile on her face as she held the passenger side door open for Eun. Maybe there was something for her here after all.

*

The coffee shop was crowded. A woman dressed in yoga gear pushed past Eun to join a large group of women at a long table. Eun pressed closer to Morgan, the noise and crowd ratcheting up her anxiety.

“What’ll you have?” the barista asked.

“The medium roast, please, black.”

“Name?”

“Park.” Eun moved ahead in the line and Morgan stepped up.

The woman behind the counter broke into a broad grin. “Your usual?”

“Yep, plus a doggo cup.”

“You got a new dog?”

“Just fostering.”

The woman wrote Morgan’s name on the cup and pushed it toward the other woman working the counter.

They waited to pick up their coffee.

“You don’t use Eunice?” Morgan nodded toward the cup with Eun’s last name on it.

“No.” She picked up Morgan’s cup and the small paper cup next to it and passed it to her. “It’s not my name. I use it because it’s easier than listening to folks mangling my real name.”

“What is your real name? If you’re comfortable telling me.” Morgan held Eun’s gaze.

“Eun.” Eun spoke slowly.

“Eun.” Morgan took her time and repeated her name, clearly doing her best to copy her pronunciation.

“Eun. You kind of have to lean into it. Don’t think of it as Eunice shortened. Leave off the u sound or think of it as a shortened u, like in the prefix ‘un’. Close your eyes and listen.”

Morgan’s eyelids fluttered closed. Eun took advantage of Morgan’s closeness to study her face, appreciative of her willingness to learn, and the sensual curve of her lips. She leaned in and spoke her name into Morgan’s ear slowly.

Morgan opened her eyes and her gaze focused on Eun’s face. Their eyes met and the coffee shop melted away as Eun stared into her gold-flecked brown eyes.

Morgan huffed out a breath and shifted her gaze away from Eun’s face, breaking their connection. “Okay. How is this? Eun.”

Eun took a step back and lifted her coffee in salute. “Good. And thank you. It’s nice to hear it said correctly.” She tilted her head toward the crowded shop. “Is it okay if we sit outside?”

“Sure. It’d be better for Rudy too.”

They walked outside to two tables perched on the edge of the sidewalk.

“Let me get him.” Morgan placed her cup and Rudy’s cup on one of the tables before she trotted down the sidewalk to her truck.

Eun sat down and tucked her hands under her thighs to stop their tremble. Morgan’s face was familiar and yet Eun couldn’t place her. They were about the same age. With only one high school in Sikesville they more than likely had gone to school together.

Eun bit her lip. High school was a blurry memory. Focused on winning a scholarship, she had spent every waking moment studying to please her father. Rudy strode ahead of Morgan on the sidewalk. Eun took a sip of her coffee and studied them as they approached. Morgan’s easy gait and self-confidence was a beacon, her stud strut so enticing Eun lost herself in staring at her.

Morgan looped the leash over the arm of her chair and secured Rudy. He sat down at her feet and she placed the small cup of water in front of him. He sniffed it before he drank.

Morgan lifted her cup and sipped. “Does this qualify as decent coffee?”

“It does. There wasn’t anything like this when I lived here.”

“The chamber of commerce has done a lot to bring in small businesses.”

Eun glanced down the street at the store fronts. “I don’t even recognize half the places. I used to love the food at Pop Li’s. What’s the new restaurant like?”

“Did you go to high school with Mai?”

Eun nodded. “I was in Yvonne’s class. We went to college and law school together. I lost touch with her after graduation. What year were you?” She dabbed her mouth with her napkin.

Morgan lowered her chin to her chest. “I was supposed to be your year. But I missed so much school my sophomore year they held me back. I graduated the year after.”

Eun chewed her lip as their conversation dried up. Embarrassed she had no memory of going to school with Morgan, she leaned down and scratched behind Rudy’s ears to avoid her gaze.

“Mai moved back to town last year. Renovated the restaurant. It’s great food. Hawaiian-style Asian fusion with local ingredients. She kept a few of the old dishes on the menu too. Yvonne moved back this summer.” Morgan gestured to the top of the building. “They renovated the old apartments, made them accessible for Yvonne.”

“I can’t imagine moving back.” Eun gazed at the building across the street.

“It’s changed a lot.” Morgan shifted in her seat. “Lot of new people and businesses.” Rudy moved away from Eun, positioning himself under Morgan’s chair. Eun sat back in her chair and drew her hands into her lap.

“He’ll come around. It’s not unusual for dogs who’ve lost their owners to latch on to the first person they spend time with after.”

“I’ve never had a pet.”

“Never?” Morgan placed her cup on the table and bent to rub Rudy behind his ears.

“No.”

Morgan straightened and stopped petting Rudy, only to have him lean against her leg and raise a paw to her lap. She scratched him again. “Why? You like animals, don’t you?”

“Yes. Well, in the abstract. I’ve never really had time to have a pet.”

“Even as a kid?”

“No. My father said it was too much for him to have another thing to care about.”

Morgan frowned. “Wow. No wonder you were shocked about the dog.”

Eun looked away from Morgan’s face. “I need to talk about something else. Tell me about yourself.” Eun folded her hands on top of the table.

“Right. Sorry.” Morgan leaned closer and touched the back of Eun’s hand.

“Do you want me to install the deadbolt today? We could go to the shop after this.”

“I don’t want to disrupt your schedule.”

Morgan grimaced and looked away. “I cleared my schedule for a meeting, but it was canceled at the last minute.”

“Sorry.”

Morgan turned back to Eun. “It’s okay because I wouldn’t have had the time to do this, with you.”

The warmth in Morgan’s eyes flowed over Eun and she sat up straighter in her chair.

“Well, I’m sorry about your meeting, but I’m not sorry to meet you.” She inclined her head toward Rudy. “Or Rudy. Are you sure you’re okay keeping him?”

“I’m happy to keep him as long as you want me to. Call the shelter and let them know we’ve talked about it.”

Eun pursed her lips. “This is so weird. I need to find a funeral home for my dad’s funeral arrangements. Do you have a recommendation?”

Morgan nodded. “McKnight’s has always done a good job for my family.”

Eun sighed and leaned back in her chair. “I feel like I should be more wrecked. I’m numb.”

Rudy wandered around under their chairs tangling his leash in the chair legs until he couldn’t move. He barked, the table amplifying the sound.

“You silly thing.” Morgan unwrapped Rudy’s leash. She stood and held Eun’s gaze. “It’s okay to feel any kinda way you feel. You want to walk a bit?”

Eun drained her coffee and tossed the cup in the trash. “Yes.” She shoved her hands in her pockets. “And thank you.”

“For what?” Morgan lifted her eyebrow.

“Being kind. Not judging me.” Eun inclined her head toward the dog. “Taking such good care of something my father loved.”