3
Ianto stood staring at the dog who stood politely looking back. So 'Myfanwy' it was not funny. If she had mascara on and a mucky face. Ianto find himself grinning as he gave a hand command and the dog responded with delight.
"She doesn't like many" Morrison said softly as he watched Ianto flick his wrist, the dog responding again as she sensed a handler with strength.
"I want her."
"She's not Myffy."
"I know… she's different. Younger for a start, more controlled in her movements but the intelligence level is there" Ianto agreed "I want her."
"Are you sure?"
"I was dreaming of the house fire the last few nights. Crawling along the floor with my hand on the leg of my little baby Walter as Myf dragged him, leading me to the door. She saved us that night, she was the hero. Then when I thought it was all over in the back room, that maniac going to kill me… again she alerted Jack to where I was… saved me. This is not her… it is an echo. Like the smell of smoke I can't quite shake this morning. I want her."
Connor nodded to his friend who shrugged and opened the cage, the dog flicking out to sit by Ianto as if ready for work. She wore her vest as she had been walked prior to the meeting in case she was too excitable. Morrison now saw he was worried about nothing. This man was a natural handler.
"OK Mi' Lady, looks like you are going home" Morrison smiled at the dog.
"That's her name?" Ianto asked with surprise.
"My Lady… well… her full name on the paperwork is My Fair Lady"
Ianto started to laugh softly "Wow… you know what that is in Welsh right?"
They stared at him.
"Myfanwy" Ianto giggled as he stroked the huge head, knowing Walter was going to have a cow when he saw the dog walking along in her stab proof vest that saved her life, even if her career was over.
"Never mind Mi' Lady…. I am a man of many jobs… you can learn. This old dog can, you can too" Ianto said to her as he touched his hand to his thigh softly the dog rising to heel.
Ianto felt better already.