Chapter 3

Advice

Ryder pulled up at Jake's Lodge. The snowboarder then came out to meet him.

"Ryder man, glad you could come."

"Sure, but why did you ask me to come."

"I need some advice… about what happened at the Café."

Ryder nodded to him and the two went inside.

"So, what do you specifically need advice on?" asked Ryder.

"Remember during that interview how I said Everest has never done anything to warrant more than our 'cabin talks'?"

Ryder nodded.

"Well, this is the first time she's done anything to warrant more than that."

"So… I take it you're asking me for disciplinary advice?"

"Yes," began Jake. "So, what would you do if Everest was one of your pups?"

Ryder smiled at him and answered his question.

Jake then began to scratch his head as if wondering something.

"What is it?" asked Ryder.

"I was just wondering if we could get a third opinion," pondered Jake.

"Let's see," began Ryder. "Based on the interview you referenced earlier, Doctor Turbot probably won't be willing to talk about it. I personally advise against taking any advice from either the Princess of Barkingburg or Sylvia's owners.

"How come?" asked Jake

"Because the former's pup commits borderline treason, and all she does is tell her she's been a bad girl and sends her to her room.

"Oh," replied Jake. "What's the issue with Sylvia's owners?" he asked.

Ryder just whacked his wrist with the palm of his hand.

"Oh, so definitely not," realized Jake.

"So that just leaves, Carlos," finished Ryder.

"But wouldn't he recommend something kind of harsh?" asked Jake.

"Well, if you want a third opinion, there really aren't any other options," answered Ryder.

Jake nodded and Ryder called Carlos on his tablet.

"Buenos noches," greeted Carlos as his face appeared on screen.

Ryder then filled him in on what happened that night. Carlos himself couldn't help but find this a little unsettling.

"So," began Jake, "if Tracker had done that, what would you have done?"

Carlos thought about it for a bit before answering

However, to both Ryder and Jake's surprise, Carlos's answer not only wasn't that strict, but was completely reasonable.

"Que?" asked Carlos.

"I I just thought you would be harsher," admitted Jake clumsily. "Because of the punishment you described during that interview."

Carlos breathed a frustrated sigh. "Look, amigo, I felt I had to be hard on him because of what he did, and that he knew what he was doing was wrong and did it anyway. But gran insensibilidad is not as serious as lying, so I don't think as big a castigo is needed," elaborated Carlos.

"So, what are you thinking, Jake?" asked Ryder and Carlos simultaneously.

"Well," he proposed

"Do you think she's bright enough to figure that out?" asked Carlos

"Yes, she's a very bright girl" stated Jake proudly. "Also, Ryder, could you make sure she is free for the 2 to 3 days.

"Done," answered Ryder.

"Alrighty then, I'll go fetch her," concluded Jake.