Local Hero by Nora Roberts Page A

arm. Even though the dog was already grumbling out his woes in Radley’s ear and allowing Josh to pet him, Hester wasn’t convinced.
    â€œI don’t imagine he’s used to children.”
    â€œHe fools around with kids in the park all the time.” As if to prove it, Taz rolled over to expose his belly for stroking. “Added to that is the fact that he’s bone lazy. He wouldn’t work up the energy to bite anything that hadn’t been put in a bowl for him. You aren’t afraid of dogs, are you?”
    â€œNo, of course not.” Not really, she added to herself. Because she hated to show a weakness, Hester crouched down to pet the huge head. Unknowingly she hit the perfect spot, and Taz recognized a patsy when he saw one. He shifted to lay a paw on her thigh and, with his dark, sad eyes on hers, began to moan. Laughing, Hester rubbed behind his ears. “You’re just a big baby, aren’t you?”
    â€œAn operator’s more like it,” Mitch murmured, wondering what sort of trick he’d have to do to get Hester to touch him with such feeling.
    â€œI can play with him every day, can’t I, Mitch?”
    â€œSure.” Mitch smiled down at Radley. “Taz loves attention. You guys want to take him for a walk?”
    The response was immediate and affirmative. Hester straightened up, looking doubtfully at Taz. “I don’t know, Rad.”
    â€œPlease, Mom, we’ll be careful. You already said me and Josh could play in the park for a little while.”
    â€œYes, I know, but Taz is awfully big. I wouldn’t want him to get away from you.”
    â€œTaz is a firm believer in conserving energy. Why run if strolling gets you to the same place?” Mitch went back into his office, rooted around and came up with Taz’s leash. “He doesn’t chase cars, other dogs or park police. He will, however, stop at every tree.”
    With a giggle, Radley took the leash. “Okay, Mom?”
    She hesitated, knowing there was a part of her that wanted to keep Radley with her, within arm’s reach. And, for his sake, it was something she had to fight. “A half hour.” The words were barely out when he and Josh let out a whoop. “You have to get your coats—and gloves.”
    â€œWe will. Come on, Taz.”
    The dog gave a huge sigh before gathering himself up. Grumbling only a little, he stationed himself between the two boys as they headed out.
    â€œWhy is it every time I see that kid I feel good?”
    â€œYou’re very kind to him. Well, I should go upstairs and make sure they bundle up.”
    â€œI think they can handle it. Why don’t you sit down?” He took advantage of her brief hesitation by taking her arm. “Come over by the window. You can watch them go out.”
    She gave in because she knew how Radley hated to be hovered over. “Oh, I have my office number for you, and the name and number of his doctor and the school.” Mitch took the paper and stuck it in his pocket. “If there’s any trouble at all, call me. I can be home in ten minutes.”
    â€œRelax, Hester. We’ll get along fine.”
    â€œI want to thank you again. It’s the first time since he started school that Rad’s looked forward to a Monday.”
    â€œI’m looking forward to it myself.”
    She looked down, waiting to see the familiar blue cap and coat. “We haven’t discussed terms.”
    â€œWhat terms?”
    â€œHow much you want for watching him. Mrs. Cohen—”
    â€œGood God, Hester, I don’t want you to pay me.”
    â€œDon’t be ridiculous. Of course I’ll pay you.”
    He put a hand on her shoulder until she’d turned to face him. “I don’t need the money; I don’t want the money. I made the offer because Rad’s a nice kid and I enjoy his company.”
    â€œThat’s very kind of you, but—”
    His