Justin saw the shiny new SUV pull into a parking space right in front of his door. He continued to bathe the Cocker Spaniel he had in the tub, although curiosity distracted him. A new well-heeled customer? That would be welcome. While business was not bad, he could use a lot more of it, and soon. After he paid the utilities, sent Cassandra a payment, and paid Melanie and Jeff’s small wages, there was nothing left to show for his first month’s efforts. Even if he could almost manage on his own now, he hated to let the two kids go. They were saving for college, and he suspected Jeff also helped his single mom.
His heart leaped and then fell when he recognized the man who stepped out of the vehicle. Barry. They had hardly spoken for over two weeks, and he’d begun to think Barry had scratched
