Page 2 of Echoes of Obsession
I look back and nod.
“Good, because it’s going to get dark,” she tells me, handing me a new glass of soda.
“Thank you,” I respond.
I take my time sipping my second drink while ignoring the feeling in the back of my neck that I’m being watched. I walk around with a dog attached to my every move. Someone is always staring.
The woman wasn’t lying when she said it was going to get dark. But it’s not too bad. I can still see perfectly fine. I watch couples and some singles dance around to the upbeat music. Some people laugh, others simply close their eyes and enjoy the feelings.
I smile as a woman stumbles into someone else who laughs and helps her straighten back up. That woman is going to be completely wasted by the end of the night if she’s already drunk an hour after the place opened.
The room feels like it’s getting hotter the longer I sit here. Which, it probably is. There are many bodies here heating the place up.
Sky nudges my foot, and I take note of his warning. I’m not sure how he’s able to do it, but he’s noticed a change in my body or scent that’s given him pause. That’s what the nudge means.
He’s saying,Mom, I’m not worried yet, but something’s changed, and we need to be cautious going forward.
He will let me know when I need to take immediate action, but his warning is enough for me. I finish my drink and ask the woman for the check.
“Can I pet your dog?”
“No, I’m sorry,” I smile at the man asking. “He’s working right now.”
The man, probably six feet tall with a shaved face, rolls his eyes.
“Yeah, I can see that he’s working really hard,” he says sarcastically. “I’m just going to pet him.”
“He needs to stay focused,” I say, trying my best to remain kind. “Petting him or talking to him can distract him from what he’s trained to do. It’s important that he remains completely focused. So, while harnessed, he can’t be played with. But, if you ever see him without the harness,” not likely, “then you’ll be more than welcome to pet him as much as you want.”
“Come here, boy,” he says to Sky.
Gosh dang it.
“He won’t come out,” I explain. “I’m going to ask you nicely to please leave us alone.”
The man stands at his full height before glaring down at my very short one.
“I just wanted to pet your damn dog,” he says. “I didn’t want anything to do with you, fat bitch.”
“Shut the fuck up, Butch,” the bar woman says angrily. “If Ghost hears you talking to a woman like that, he’ll break your face. Now, get gone before I see him because I will be letting him know.”
“Fucking nark,” he mutters before walking away.
“Proud of it, fucker,” she yells at his retreating form. “He’s not wrong. I am a nark. But that’s a story for another day. Drinks are on the house.”
“Oh, well, thank you,” I smile. “I really should be going, though.”
“Don’t let assholes like Butch keep you from coming back,” she tells me. “I would say that he’s one of a kind, but it seems the Cage is an attraction for idiots like him. Next time you want to people-watch I can make you a spot back here with me.”
“Oh,” I smile. “I wouldn’t want to be a bother. But thank you for your kindness. It’s very much appreciated.”
The room lights change to a red glow before they start flashing to the beat of the music.
“Names Emily,” she tells me. “And it’s no bother.”
As I’m about to introduce myself, Sky shifts from his usual spot beneath my feet. With a swift movement, he leaps up, planting his front paws on my side, locking eyes with me, and emitting a single bark.
Crap.