Chapter 19

David spent mostly a restless night, not accustomed to the strange noises in and around the building at night. He kept a loaded pistol by his pillow, ready to use it if needed.

He drove to MacDonald’s to buy his breakfast, getting an extra sausage and egg for him and buying two more and two bottles of water. He returned to the hideaway and, taking a small bowl, walked to where he’d sat and seen the dogs.

He went to his knees, peering into the dense bush that had become their den. He could make out the two bundles of fur cuddled together for warmth.

He took out one of the sandwiches, breaking off a piece of sausage, and threw several towards them. “Here, boy. Wake up.”

He saw the protective dog stir, its nostrils taking in the smell of food. He went to it, cautiously sniffed it, and then took a piece. He watched as the dog took the second piece to the other one, who quickly ate it.

“Come here,” he said softly, motioning with his hand and tossing a few more pieces closer to him. The lead dog followed the scraps to within inches of him, then into the daylight.

He sat back and began to eat his meal, tossing more to it. He noticed the other one appear and tossed a few pieces at it too. He opened the bottle of water, poured some into the bowl, and placed it by the first dog. It approached the bowl cautiously, then its mouth touched the surface, and it began to drink. He smiled as it began to wag its tail.

David put some food down for the second one, who had come into view. “Aren’t you a beauty.” He poured more water into the bowl, and the second one joined the other to drink.

He slowly moved his hand and placed it lightly on the back of the first one. There was a slight growl, but it didn’t pull back. He held out a piece of egg, and it came closer, taking it from his grasp.

“It’s okay; I’m not going to hurt you. I can imagine the life you two have had.”

The second one limped closer, and David could see something sticking out of its right paw. It seemed to welcome his touch, and he patted and rubbed its back. His hand brought it closer, and he was able to pick it up. He held it lightly, and he laughed lightly as it began to lick his whiskers and wag its tail. He did a quick check and noticed it was female. He didn’t need to look at the other dog, as it moved a few feet away and lifted its leg to pee.

“So you’re a male and female Papilion. I’d say from the similar markings, you’re brother and sister.”

The female had a lighter to darker brown forehead and white muzzle around her nose. Her fur was pure white front and body with three black patches on her hind quarters.

He placed his hand under her paw to take a closer look. “It appears to be a wood splinter.” He touched the end of it, and she whimpered. “I’m sorry if it hurts you. The only one who can help you is a veterinarian.” He gently lifted her lip to see her teeth. “You can’t be too old; you still have some of your puppy teeth.”

David smiled, continually laughing lightly at the exaggerated movements their ears made with their long fur. “You two are so comical, the way one or both ears can move.”

He knew that the Ukrainian and Russian languages were similar. He used the laptop to search in Ukrainian, finding the word veterinara. He searched for one and found one not far away over the South Bridge across the river.

He finished his breakfast, giving the two muffins to the dogs and more water. The male sat looking at him with bright, brown eyes.

The female accepted his affectionate petting, and eventually the boy too. “Would you like to go with me? I need a veterinarian to check you both over to see how healthy you are.”

He stood, picking up the female, and the male walked beside him back to the hideaway.

“I was wondering where you were,” Nikita said as he slid open the door.

“I was test-flying my drone last night when I spotted these two dogs. I found them this morning and shared some McDonald’s with them. Do you know what breed they are?”

“No. I’ve seen them around here for the past three or four weeks. I didn’t pay them any attention.”

The male growled at Nikita.

“It’s okay, boy. She’s a friend. They’re Papilions, which is French for Butterfly. Their ears and fur on the sides will resemble butterfly wings.”

“It sounded like he was protecting you. What are you going to do with them?”

“I’m taking them to the veterinarian. There’s an animal hospital not far from here.”

“I’m seeing a gentler side of you that I never knew existed.”

“I always had dogs while growing up, until I joined the Army. Maybe they sense I’m a dog lover.”

“I definitely know you’re a woman lover, and a very good one! If you’ll wait for me, I’ll go with you. But first, I need to take a shower.”

“Out having some fun last night?”

“Yes, but nothing compared to the fun I have with you.”

The female growled as Nikita brushed David’s shoulder and kissed his cheek. “They both seem to be your protectors.”

“I guess they are.”

David sat on a chair waiting for Nikita, the female on his lap and the male lying by his feet. She welcomed his patting and scratching behind the ear. “Your fur is so pure white and so soft. You do need a bath.”

He looked from one to the other, admiring the patterns on their fur and the blending of different browns. He turned the female to face him. “If I were to name you both, you’d be called Lady, because you are one, my beauty. And you, Sir, would be Tramp? No, that would be too obvious, Lady and the Tramp. Besides, you’re not a tramp. How about Scruffy, because you’re a little rough around the edges?”

Nikita soon appeared wearing a different low top and form-fitting blue jeans. “Fuck, you look so beautiful and sexy.”

“Sure, you aren’t talking about the dogs?”

“Not a chance!”

“Thank you. Compliments are always welcomed.”

“I don’t know how long I’ll have the dogs, but I named them Lady and Scruffy.”

“Hi, Lady, hi, Scruffy. At least they didn’t growl at me this time. You could name him Shadow because he seems to be following you.”

David placed Lady on the floor, and Nikita straddled his thighs, the crotch of her jeans separating her pussy lips. “You smell delicious.’

“I hope to taste delicious for you too.”

She leaned in and kissed him, his nostrils taking in her clean scent. She guided his hand under her top to caress her bare breast, then gave him soft, warm kisses.

“It would be awfully easy for me to get used to being with you.”