Chapter 20

Harvey

Getting up on a bed carrying a tennis ball in his mouth is no small feat for a little Westie. Usually this accomplishment is met with praise. But today, Maggie ignores Harvey and stares at her phone.

Harvey nestles closer to Maggie, nuzzling her leg. He wants to play. He drops his tennis ball beside her, but Maggie doesn’t notice. With a sigh, she tosses the phone onto her bed and slouches down. Harvey slides closer. “Oh, Harvs. At least you’re still my friend.” Maggie takes Harvey’s face in her hands and pulls it to her. He licks away her salty tears.

“Maggie, time to go!” her mom calls from downstairs. Maggie wipes her eyes and sits up.

Harvey knows something is wrong. His Maggie is usually bright with movement and chatter; sharp and inquisitive. But today, she rises sluggishly. Harvey tilts his head at her. “Let’s go, Harvey,” she says. “We’re going to Brayside.”

Harvey lies down in the back seat, keeping an eye on Maggie, who sits in the front with her mother. It’s Maggie’s mom who does most of the talking as she drives. Maggie stares out the window, silent and distracted.

When they arrive at Brayside, Harvey sees the flashing lights of an ambulance. “Oh no,” Maggie murmurs as Harvey jumps out of the car, curious about the people rushing in and out. A gurney is wheeled past and Harvey moves out of the way of its wheels. All the smells and sounds disorient Harvey. He barks, overwhelmed and alert.

“Shush, Harvey,” Maggie says, and yanks his leash. When there is a break in the activity, Maggie leads him through the front doors. Compared to the busyness of the sidewalk, Brayside is decidedly calmer, but Harvey senses agitation when Mary Rose comes around the desk to greet him.

“Who was that?” Maggie asks Mary Rose. Harvey’s ears rotate to the siren, blaring again now that the ambulance is headed to the hospital.

“Mr. Stephens,” she says, shaking her head. “He just moved to the second floor.”

“Is he going to be all right?”

“I don’t know. I hope so.”

Maggie sighs and Harvey moves closer to her. He knows she needs him, even if he doesn’t understand why.

The front doors slide apart and Harvey catches a whiff of boy sweat and stinky sneakers. With a yip, he runs as far as the leash will let him go in the direction of the smell. Austin has arrived. Harvey jumps and licks, overjoyed to see him. Austin bends down. “Hey there, Harvey!” Harvey puts his front paws on Austin’s thighs and peers into his face. “What is it?”

“Mr. Stephens went to the hospital,” Mary Rose says.

“Oh.” Austin gently pushes Harvey off his legs and stands up. His voice is heavy now, all the excitement drained away.

“It’s good you’re here,” Mary Rose says to Maggie, but she looks at Harvey. “We can use a little Harvey love.”

At the sound of his name, Harvey goes over to Mary Rose. She crouches down. “Can’t we?” she says in a high-pitched singsong voice. “Yes, we can.” Harvey stays still, enjoying the under-the-collar scratches Mary Rose does so well.

“Rough morning?” Austin asks.

Mary Rose sighs and stands up, back in work mode. “To say the least.” She turns to Maggie. “Would you mind going to Mrs. Fradette’s room? I was in there yesterday and she’s still got boxes all over.”

“Sure,” Maggie says, and hands Austin the leash. “He probably needs to go out.” Harvey bristles at his Maggie’s voice. She’s not scared, or sick; he’d smell those things on her, but something is wrong. So, despite the fact that Austin has his leash, when Maggie walks away, Harvey goes with her.

Maggie stops and shakes her head at him. “No, Harvey. You’re staying with Austin.”

Harvey blinks at her, not understanding. “I’m okay,” she says. Her voice is brighter than before. Harvey gives a quick yip. Are you sure?

Maggie rubs under his chin. When Austin calls him back, Harvey hesitates for a second, but then obeys.