Fear suddenly surged through Eve. 'Sarah, where’s Monty?”
“Dirty son of a bitch.'
'Sarah.'
'He tried to kill him.' Tears were running down her face. 'He tried to kill Monty.'
'Tried?'
'He scared me to death. I thought he—”
“Sarah, what happened?'
'He threw a slab of beef next to Monty’s water bowl. It was poisoned.”
“You’re sure?'
'A coyote got hold of it. He was dead when I found him.”
“Thank God Monty didn’t eat it.'
'I didn’t think he would. I’ve taught him not to eat anything I don’t give him. But I didn’t know— and then he wouldn’t answer me.' She wiped her damp cheeks with the backs of her hands. 'Shit.'
Eve nodded. 'I know.' She opened the door. 'Come in.” The Killing Game – Eve Duncan 02
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“Just a minute. I’ve got to get Monty out of the back.' She couldn’t see the dog. 'Where is he?”
“On the floor.'
'Why? Did he eat any poison at all?'
'No.' She knelt beside the Jeep and her tone became soft and loving. 'Come on, baby. Time to go.'
Monty whined.
'I know. But we have to get out of the Jeep and go inside.' She put the leash on him. 'Come on, Monty.'
He finally got to his feet and jumped down from the Jeep. His tail tucked between his legs, he moved slowly toward the front door.
'Are you sure he didn’t get any poison?”
“I’m sure.'
'Then what’s wrong with him?'
'What do you think’s wrong? He’s sad. I had a devil of a time getting him away from that dead coyote. It must have been alive when Monty found it. Monty has trouble dealing with death.'
She shrugged. 'Don’t we all?'
'You’re saying he has psychological problems?' Sarah glared at her. 'What’s odd about that?'
Eve held up a hand. 'Not a thing.' Looking at Monty, she could tell something was drastically wrong. His ears were pressed to the sides of his head, and his expression was terribly woebegone. 'What can we do?'
“He’ll be okay. He just needs a little time.' She led Monty to the hall. 'Is it okay if I take him to Jane’s room?'
'She’s asleep.'
'He won’t wake her.'
'But what good would that do?'
'There’s no one more alive than a child. It will help Monty to be near her.”
“Therapy?'
Sarah stuck out her chin. 'Jane won’t mind. She’s crazy about Monty.' Who wouldn’t be crazy The Killing Game – Eve Duncan 02
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about Monty? Eve thought. Those big, soft eyes were so sad, it almost broke her heart. 'Up the stairs. First door.'
'Thanks.'
Eve watched her lead Monty up the stairs, then went to the kitchen and started brewing a pot of coffee.
The coffee was almost done when Sarah appeared in the doorway. 'Get him settled?'
She nodded. 'Sorry. Jane woke up.”
“She’ll go back to sleep.'
Sarah said hesitantly, 'He’s in bed with her. But he’s clean. I washed him off after I brought him home tonight.'
'Do you take cream or sugar?' Sarah shook her head.
Eve handed her a cup of coffee. 'Stop looking so guilty. It’s okay.”
