21. Tent talk

We walk out into the golden sunset of the small town from the dark confines of the vet's office. We get into the car and head back to the dig. We have a lot of cleaning up to do at the camp since we had left a dead run with my small rescuer. Jack climbed into the driver's seat and started the jeep's engine and turned onto the paved road and back towards the campsite.

We rode together is silence for several miles when he looks over at me. "Well, Daniel, looks like you've got yourself a dog."

"Yeah, it seems that way." I say still not quite believing what has happened. I laugh nervously, "I don't know anything about dogs. I've only had fish."

Jack chuckled with me. "Well, they're easier than kids, but harder than cats and fish. They are the only love money can buy. Dogs are good people."

I looked over at him. "Why don't you take her home?"

"Daniel, she didn't save my life." He replied looking at me searchingly.

"But you've paid for all her medical bills. I mean you technically own it, er, her."

"Daniel..."

"Or maybe I can give her to Juan."

"Nope," He shakes his head knowingly. "That would be a bad idea. She looks like she's been on her own for a while. She probably is La Chupacabra and a chicken killer to boot. A farmer can't have a livestock killer on the property." He seemed to know what he was talking about. "Not gonna work. Now, he might take a puppy that he can raise up right. These terriers are normally great ratters."

"But..."

"But what we have here is a feral dog, she's had to live on her own and kill for food. It wouldn't end well for her at the rancharia."

"Jack, I can't keep a pet." I protest weakly. "You know how my schedule is. I never know if I'll be gone a week or three months..."

"Or a year, yeah I know." He glances at me fondly. "Don't worry so much. She's a cute little thing. She'll grow on you. You said you'd been lonely."

We pulled into the campsite and got out looking around. There were his fish lying on the ground, the fire had gone out and it was in general disarray. "Hum, looks as messy as the rest of your life, Danny-boy." He cracked.

"Not funny, Jack." I grump back. "And I still have to go get my equipment from the trail."

"I'll go with you and bring the lantern. No sense taking any chances with there being any more snakes out there. I hate snakes."

I had to smile. "I know!"