Bad Boys of Red Hook [2] You're the One by Robin Kaye

face formed its own version of a question mark. “Patrice said it was a dog.”
    “It is. She just sounds a little like a piglet. Pepperoni and D.O.G., Nicki’s dog, are best buddies—kinda like Mutt and Jeff.” He shook his head. “Rex and Nicki used to walk them together and take them to the dog park. You’llhave to bring Pepperoni over to play. They’re quite a pair.”
    “I can’t believe that anyone would just hand his apartment and his dog over to a complete stranger. Heck, I’m not sure I can even afford the place.”
    “I know Rex, and unless you are in a hell of a lot of debt and have massive bills to pay, I don’t foresee a problem when it comes to affording his apartment. As for the dog, Patrice is known for her ability to read people. If she trusts you, Rex will too. Let me know if you need some cash to hold you over; we’ll work something out.”
    “Thanks again for the offer, but I want to do this on my own.”
    “God save me from independent women. I’m here if you change your mind.” He walked around his desk. Skye was already on her feet. He cleared his throat and she turned to face him. “Welcome to the family, Skye. That’s what we are here at the Crow’s Nest—one big, usually happy family. You just got yourself one hell of a job. Congratulations.”
    Skye’s face lit up. “Thanks for the opportunity. I promise I won’t let you down.”
    “I know you won’t. Just don’t forget that other promise you made me and we’ll be fine.”
    She nodded and dashed out the door. His instincts had kept him alive the entire twenty-five years he’d been on the force and gave him what he needed to remain one step ahead while raising three boys; he just hoped they were still as sharp as ever. He had no reason to, but he trusted Skye—maybe not to tell the whole truth, but he trusted that she was a good person.
    *   *   *
    Patrice unlocked the apartment that turned out to be over an art gallery and almost next door to the Crow’s Nest. “Rex is kind of a clean freak, but you probably knew that as soon as you saw the kitchen. I swear he’s the only man alive who could pack up his stuff with an hour’s notice and be prepared to sublet his place. I spent the morning packing the rest of his clothes, his CDs, and such.” She placed the keys on a table next to the door. “The TV, DVR, and everything else stays. You’ll have to call Rex and talk about the rent, although I’m sure he’ll work with you. I haven’t had a chance to even go there yet with him, but I don’t imagine he’ll charge much. He’s been here forever and I think the apartment is rent-controlled.”
    The door swung open and a little fawn-colored dog with a short nose, wrinkled forehead, and sausagelike body danced on her hind legs around Patrice’s ankles. Patrice leaned over and picked up the puggle, curling her tail under and holding her in the crook of her arm. “And this is Pepperoni.” Patrice handed the dog to Skye.
    Skye stared into the big, slightly bugged-out brown eyes. “Aren’t you just the cutest little thing ever?” Pepperoni gave her face a bath with the longest tongue she’d ever seen come out of a dog so small. “Is she going to get any bigger?”
    Patrice scrunched up her nose. “I don’t think so. She’ll be a year old in February. When Rex took her to the vet last, they said she was pretty much full-grown. She’s only about eighteen pounds, small for a puggle, but she was the runt of the litter. I brought her home with me last night, but my daughter Callie isn’t handling it well. Her eyes are already itchy and red. I was hoping withPepperoni’s short hair it would be okay, but I just can’t see keeping Callie on allergy medicine for the duration.”
    “I understand completely.” Skye set down the squirming pup and followed Patrice through the roomy apartment. It was an airy space with big windows and lots of light. There was a nice kitchen with all the bells and