The dog shakes his head, his tongue hanging out, and then begins to run around the area in circles. His journey across the grass encompasses him knocking a small child over and trampling wildly over a couple’s romantic picnic.

“Endof, naughty dog,” I call as the protesting voices rise around us. I look over at Laurie. “Why are you laughing, you fool?”

“I’m chuckling at how well-trained your dog is, Mags. It’s eerie how much you’ve accomplished with him in just a few weeks.”

I wave my hand. “He’s just discomposed by the unfamiliar surroundings.” We watch as he bounds across the grass towards us, his eyes creased in happiness as he drags a small picnic chair behind him.

“He’s so much like you,” Laurie says with a sigh.

I briefly consider pushing him off the bridge. Instead, I stride forwards to deal with the committee of complainers who are coming up behind Endof. I’m far too aware of how happy it makes me to feel him fall in next to me and walk close.

Chapter Fifteen

Mags

“Magnus, have you got time for a word?”

I put down my file and look at Jane. “It depends very much on what the word actually is.”

“How about ‘dog’?”

I groan and look over at Endof, who is lying on the sofa in my office, sleeping with his legs in the air.

“What about him?”

She sits on the chair in front of my desk and crosses her legs. “I’ve had a few complaints about him.” She taps her fingers on the wood. “Actually, I haven’t had a few complaints. I’ve had many.”

“About what?”

“Well, just today, he ate Brant’s lunch, ripped up some mail, and then rounded off his morning by chewing the legs on the Victorian armoire in the meeting room.” She looks over at him. “He appears to be tired out.”

I shrug. “I suppose behaving badly does leave you feeling exhausted.”

“Well, if anyone can empathise, it’s you.”

“You’re hilarious.” I look over at my stupid pet. “I tried to leave him at home the other day. I bought one of those pet gadgets where you can watch the animal when you leave it alone, and the machine throws snacks at them as rewards,” I confide.

Her lip twitches, but she valiantly refrains from taking the piss. “What happened?”

I sigh. “He ate the whole gadget.” She starts to laugh, and Endof stirs. “Maybe he shouldn’t stay at home, Jane. I think he’s at his happiest spreading his mayhem far and wide. It has a much bigger impact.”

“Can’t you ask someone to watch him?” She bites her lip. “How about Laurie?” she says in an overly bright voice.

I stare at her. “Is there a reason why you are talking like Julie Andrews on speed?”