“Some of these dogs will become service dogs, that’s why. They’ll be around people and they’ll be in public places—you don’t want a dog to bite someone just because someone accidentally touched a sensitive spot. This is part of his socialization, okay?”

“Did you learn that from your dad?”

She looked annoyed and didn’t reply.

Nick started toward the sofa but stopped when his eye caught a framed certificate hanging on the wall. “Well, what do you know.”

“What?”

“A diploma—and it isn’t from Hogwarts. ‘Alena Savard, BS in Behavioral Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.’ You’ve got a college degree.”

“So?”

“You don’t exactly advertise it.”

“What am I supposed to do, wear my diploma around my neck?”

“They call me Dr. Polchak. You’re a Virginia Tech graduate—did you put yourself through college?”

“It’s no big deal. I’m still paying off the loans.”

“It’s a very big deal,” Nick said. “I hope you’re proud of yourself— you should be.” He took a seat on the sectional across from her. One of the puppies rose from its slumber, trotted over to Nick, and curled up next to his thigh. “Friendly dogs,” he said.

“They’re young—they don’t know any better.”

“Maybe they know who they can trust. I hear animals have pretty good instincts.”

“Instincts can be mistaken. That’s what brains are for.”

Nick pointed to the package beside her. “You haven’t opened your gift yet.”

“What is it?”

“Well, you could have your gift-sniffing dog check it out. Personally, I’d open it.”

She opened the box and removed a small silver object—a combination padlock.

“It’s the least I could do,” Nick said.

“Do you know the combination?”

“You know, you’re a very suspicious person. Here, let me have it— I’ll put it on the gate when I leave.”

“And when will that be?”

Nick smiled pleasantly. “Later—I hope. Do you mind if I ask a favor?”

“What kind of favor?”

“I’d like you to say my name.”

“What?”

“My name—it’s ‘Nick.’”

“I know what it is. Why do you want me to say it?”

“Because I’m not a dog, I’m a man. You can’t just snap your fingers and give me a command—I’m a little more complex than that. Go ahead, try it—just say, ‘Nick.’”

“This is stupid.”

“Just once.”

“Okay, Nick. There—are you satisfied?”

“It would sound a little better if you didn’t vomit it up, but it’s a start.”

“Is that what you came all the way up here for?”

“No—just a friendly visit.”

Alena glared at him. “I can’t just sit here with you all day—I’ve got work to do.”

“Tummies to rub?”

“No—dogs to train.”

“Great! Mind if I tag along?”

“Why?”