Chapter Sixty-three: Celebrity

He walked Mite along the shoreline, enjoying the sound of the waves. Even in the fading light of day people still wandered about the beach, enjoying every last moment that the day bestowed upon them. He wished that he could enjoy the way the sunset painted the sky and reflected in the ever moving ocean. He wanted to be lost in the sparkle of the colorful city lights, the clubs starting to get full as young party goers decided to spend their evening withering to the latest cool songs. There were other things that he wanted to get lost in but his mind refused to focus, refused to let go of the fear that clung to him like a bad smell. Having left work only a few hours ago he knew that the two unsolved cases had gone nowhere.

And as long as those cases went nowhere he was essentially in danger.

Horatio had spoken to him before he left, voicing his concerns and asking whether or not he wanted to have someone watching him at all times. What good would it do to be under constant surveillance? Even with someone watching he could still be killed. The murderer wouldn't get away with it but his life could end nonetheless. Why make someone witness that? Why give somebody else nightmares that they could not outrun?

Mite seemed to be enjoying his walk, nose to the ground almost the entire time. As they left the beach behind he suddenly found himself standing in a small park that he recognized from some time ago. He'd come here on a case searching for a dog. How ironic that he be here now walking his own dog. There were a few people in the park, mostly couples chattering away and taking in the beauty of a classic Miami sunset. He kept a watchful eye, making sure that nothing looked out of the ordinary. He needed to keep his wits about him, to be on guard at all times. They had no idea what was being done with the missing dogs, though the possibility of them being sold on the black market seemed likely. But there were worse options; after all, the world was full of demented and sick people. What if someone wanted the furs to make a coat? Or wanted the specimens to be stuffed and mounted? He had done some research on the Tibetan Mastiff. They were big dogs, perhaps good enough for the fighting ring.

Every single one of those ideas made him sick to his stomach.

He looked at Mite, that Anatolian Shepherd rolling around in the grass at his feet, and though about how the dog changed his life. There were nights that were hard to get through but Mite was always there to offer the best comfort a dog could. He never had to worry about going home to an empty apartment, knowing that someone would be happily waiting for him when he opened the door. There was a time when he didn't even contemplate being a pet owner, simply because he did not spend enough time at home. But then Mite stepped into his life. Right when he needed the dog most. The thought of someone taking his dog, kidnapping his Mite, made his head swim. The shepherd seemed happy in his new life.

And as Speed knew, everyone deserved to be happy.

Unable to resist the antics of the dog any longer and crouched down to give Mite a furious tummy rub. The dog's tongue lulled out of his mouth, his tail wagging.

With Mite he had unconditional love. What more could a person ask for?

He stood. "Come on fella, let's get home and see about dinner. I'm thinking something to do with hamburger."

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A short time later, stomachs full from a delicious home cooked meal the two of them settled on the couch. Speed started flipping channels to see if perhaps there was an old movie on or something else that might catch his eyes. As he flipped to a news channel the headline stopped him, grabbing his attention and making his heart skip a beat. The blond anchorwoman sorted out the details of late breaking news. It seemed that a starlet visiting Miami for a week had gone missing. The authorities were already talking to the last people to see her alive. A friend told the media that she'd been traveling with her dog, a Catahoula Leopard Dog. Having never heard of such a breed Speed instantly knew that this case was linked to the others. As if to confirm his suspicions his cell phone rang. He got up, retrieving it from the kitchen counter.

He listened quietly while Horatio spoke to him, then said, "Yeah I saw it on the news just a minute ago. Do you really think this might be related? The other two dog owners were murdered. The news says that she's missing. A sudden change of MO?"

As Horatio set to talking again he returned to the living room to shut off the television. Mite still lay on the sofa, his soft brown eyes watching Speed's every move. The next chance that he got to talk he asked, "Hey, is it all right with you if I bring Mite to the lab? I don't exactly feel safe leaving him here alone." When all was said and done he hung up, assuring Horatio that he'd be back at work shortly. Heading for the apartment door he called to Mite, retrieving the dog's leash from its special peg by the door. He clipped it to the dog's collar. "How about we go on an adventure?"

The two of them headed out into the hallway, intent on returning to the lab.