Caroline studies the floor, looking shamefaced. ‘I was a bit ill recently,’ she whispers more than states.

‘Right, I remember. Ms Bogner mentioned it when she brought Hercules for a follow-up examination.’

‘Oh, did she?’ Caroline blushes.

‘So do you think Hercules may be reacting to that?’ Daniel asks. ‘That’s really interesting. Maybe he’s worried about you and wants to find someone to look out for you – let’s face it, so far he’s pulled this act only in front of men.’

I’ve been found out! I draw in my tail guiltily.

Caroline looks daggers at Daniel. ‘I hardly think there’s a connection there.’

‘Come on, Caroline, I was only kidding.’

Phew, that’s a relief! It would have been so unpleasant to have my plan come out into the open. Caroline would certainly not approve.

‘Well,’ Dr Wagner interjects, ‘I don’t think the idea I brought up is that outlandish. Dogs do develop a rather protective instinct for their social pack. So if there’s reason to suspect that, I would certainly pursue the idea. Exactly what happened to you?’

‘I don’t think this is getting us anywhere,’ Caroline lashes out at him. ‘I’m just fine. But do ask this breeder; that strikes me as a more promising way to get to the bottom of this.’

•

‘I mean really, the nerve of him to interrogate me like that! This Wagner is just impossible. I’d like to know what Nina thinks is so great about him.’ Once we’re on our way home, Caroline gives vent to her irritation. I trot next to her and Daniel, and hang on to every word. After all, this is partly about me.

‘Relax; he wasn’t trying to be mean. He just wanted to make as sound a diagnosis as he could. He has no way of knowing that you’re so sensitive about this.’

‘I’m not sensitive!’ Caroline shouts.

‘Well, maybe just a little,’ Daniel replies.

‘So what if I am – is it any wonder? Picture this: my vet thinks that Hercules is acting like a psychopath because I’m such a basket case.’

‘Come on – no one said anything of the sort. And besides, the idea is totally outlandish.’

‘Is that so?’ Caroline turns her head to Daniel, who’s grinning.

‘I really hope that Hercules looks to me to rescue you before dragging in some complete strangers.’

Now Caroline has to laugh as well. ‘That’s true. I hope so too!’

Oh, so now I get it. Maybe Daniel isn’t too nice for Caroline after all. I desperately need to talk to Beck. Maybe our plan is in need of a fundamental revision. Oh, what am I saying – I’m hoping our plan will soon be unnecessary altogether.

Chapter Fourteen

chapter fourteen

‘I don’t think we need to keep looking; we have our man!’

Assuming an air of importance, I announce to Mr Beck the next day my new discovery in the matter of choosing a partner for Caroline. We’re sitting under our tree in the garden and enjoying the warm afternoon sun.