Chapter 12Pete had called Lani every day. Aunt Bess heard Lani yelling into the phone. She also noticed that Bentley didn't get to go on his regular daily walks. “Oh, Lani dear, can you take the dog out?”
Lani didn't want to make a spectacle. “My allergies are acting up today. Can I do it later?” She whined and sniveled; her nose congested from a combination of crying and cat dander.
“Sure, but the sun is setting. Why don't you go now? You'll be back before you know it.”
Lani felt like screaming inside. Her aunt wore a ruffled, polka dot blouse and had a matching bow, in her frizzy, at-home-colored hair. The woman sounded as chipper as a television game-show hostess. “Okay,” Lani mumbled, finally agreeing. “Let's get out of here,” she said under her breath, as she grabbed the leash.
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