James saw it on his face and smiled faintly. “Use it well.” After he left, Brian sat on the porch with Cooper beside him and looked out over the yard. The hole had been filled. Fresh soil covered the spot where Cooper had started digging.
Soon there would be no sign of what had been buried there. But Brian would know. He looked down at the dog and smiled. “You know,” he said, rubbing the side of Cooper’s neck, “most dogs just chase squirrels.” Cooper thumped his tail once. The house behind them still squeaked. The paint still peeled.