The next morning I am sitting in the kitchen, drinking coffee, and contemplating my life. I have too much going on, too much stress to deal with. I need something to help take the edge off. A slow smile forms on my face and I race up the stairs to get ready for the day. As soon as I’m dressed, I head outside toward my car, knowing exactly where I need to go.

“Oh my gosh! Isn’t she just the cutest little thing?”

The little brown haired puppy looks up at me. She’s so precious, but not exactly what I am looking for. I need a bigger dog, one for security, and a cuddler. A cuddling dog is a must.

I continue walking down the aisles of the Memphis Shelter, my heart aching for each dog. I wish I could have them all. I’m almost at the end of the aisle and I fear that the one I’m looking for is just not here.

Then I see him, and he is perfect.

He’s black with brown paws and pointed ears. He’s almost as tall as I am and he’s sitting on his butt. So perfect.

I look at the volunteer helping me and I point to the giant Doberman Pinscher. “I’ll take him.”

“Ma’am, are you sure? Dobey is a handful on his good days. Wouldn’t you like to look at the smaller breed dogs we have?”

I turn my full attention to the woman and say, “No. I want Dobey.”

An hour and a hundred dollars later, I proudly walk Dobey outside and get him situated in the backseat of my car. One thing's for sure, if I’m going to be taking him with me on a regular basis, I’m going to need an SUV. He takes up the entire backseat and that’s with his head hanging out of the window. Good thing my dad has a Yukon sitting in his garage I can drive.

Dobey and I head straight for the closest pet store to stock up on all the essentials. It takes me a second to get my new dog unloaded from the car and into the store. I grab a cart and off we go.

Dog food: Check

Food and water bowls: Check

Dog treats: Check

Toys: Check

Biggest dog bed they sell: Check

Studded collar with matching leash: Oh yes!

Dobey and I both practically prance out of the store with our new supplies and head to the house. This is exactly what I needed.

“Damn it, Dobey! Let go!”

I woke up this morning to a wet lick across my cheek and dog breath. I didn’t mind that, it’s the one black Marc Jacobs pump he has in his mouth now that do I mind. We’ve been playing tug-a-war with my shoe for the last thirty minutes. If I ever do get it back, I’m sure it’s trashed. I might as well admit defeat and just let him have it. I release the shoe just as the doorbell rings. I’m not expecting company, so I peek out of the peephole and squeal when I see who is on the other side. I throw open the door and practically maul my best friend.

“What’s up Doll Face? Zoe is in the house!”

“What are you doing here? I thought you wouldn’t be back for another week.”

I grab her by the arm and haul her into the house. I’m stopped when she pulls back abruptly. I look over my shoulder at Zoe to see her eyes huge and her body shaking.

“Zoe? What is it? Are you okay?”

“What in the hell is that thing?”

I follow the finger she’s using to point and see Dobey standing in the entryway to the living room.

I let go of Zoe’s arm and crouch down. “Come here, Dobey. Come meet your Aunt Zoe.”

I hear an intake of breath behind me but I don’t look back. Zoe has never been a dog lover, but I’m sure all she needs is a little time to get to know Dobey and she will love him as much as I do.

“It’s alright, Zoe. He’s my new puppy. He’s a good boy. Aren’t you a good, little boy?” I ask Dobey as he rolls over and shows me his tummy. My sweet baby.

“That is the biggest dog I have ever seen. There is no way I’m going to live with something that can rip my face off.”

I just roll my eyes and continue rubbing on my dog. She’ll learn to live with him. I tell her this as I stand.

“He won’t hurt you. He’s a gentle dog. You just need to get to know him a little better. It’ll be good for us. He’s like additional security.”

I grab Zoe’s arm again and lead her into the kitchen. “So, not that I’m not happy to see you, but why are you here so early?”

“Well, once I gave my notice, they went ahead and let me go. Besides, I was so excited to get started, I packed my stuff up and got here as quick as I could. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me. The chance to use my skills to create a new plant? This is going to be epic.”

“Whatever reason, I’m so glad you are here. I’ve got someone lined up to turn the guest house into a lab and greenhouse. That reminds me,” I open the drawer in the kitchen where I keep my mail, “here, I got this for you to use for whatever you will need.”

Zoe takes the black credit card with a raised eyebrow. “You got me a black card?”

“It’s for you to get all the supplies you need. I don’t want you spending any of your money on this.”

A smile splits my best friend’s face and I can only imagine all the things she’s planning on buying. “Just try not to buy everything under the sun. It’s going to be small to start with. Once you develop the plants, we can start adding more things. Agreed?”

A wave of her hand is the only response I get back.

My phone chooses that moment to start ringing and when I look at the screen, I’m surprised to see Oren’s name pop up.

“Hello?”

“Hey, Alice, it’s me, Oren.”

“Hey, Oren.”

He clears his throat before continuing. “Look, I got a few more hits on the account I’m watching. Do you think you could stop by the house later today? I have a few questions I need to ask and I’d prefer not to do it over the phone.”

A few more hits?

“Of course, Oren. I can be there in an hour if that’s alright?”

“Sounds good. See you then, Alice.”

I hang up my phone and look up at Zoe. “That was Oren. Remember when I told you about finding all those discrepancies with one of the accounts? He said there have been a few more hits and I need to stop by their house and answer some questions.”

Zoe looks me up and down, “If you only have an hour to get ready, you better get to it.”

I wince at myself when I realize she’s right. I’m in old ratty sweatpants, a shirt that has more holes than a donut shop in it, and a rat’s nest on my head. I race up the stairs and take a quick shower and throw on some clean clothes. I’m running out the front door in forty minutes.

I reach the brothers’ house and before I can raise my hand to knock, the front door opens up and I’m looking into the eyes of an amused Cash. He gives me an over exaggerated bow as I walk in past him.

“My lady, to what do we owe the pleasure of your company?”

I can’t help the laugh that comes out. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Cash be serious. “Actually, Oren called and asked me to come over. It seems he has some new information for me.”

“Well then, if you will follow me. I do believe my baby brother is in his room.”

I take a moment to appreciate the fine, tight booty of Cash as he leads me up the stairs. I must have been focusing too hard because I didn’t hear him call my name the first time.

“Alice.”

I look up to see Cash trying hard to hide his grin. Dang it. He must have caught me staring at his butt. Play it cool, Alice.

“I’m sorry. I was just thinking about something.”

“Ah, sure. Anyways, Oren is right in here. I’ll just leave you two alone.” Cash winks as he walks by and I feel the blush covering my face. Way to stay cool, Alice.

I turn my attention back to Oren and he has a knowing smirk on his face. “Hey Alice. Thanks for coming by on such short notice. I have uncovered three Cayman Island bank accounts that can be traced back to Du-Kane, Inc. The problem is, I can’t trace the actual owner of these accounts. I need you to help me look into this. At this point, if I dig further, it will send red flags to the banks and we want to try to avoid this.”

“I’m not sure what you want me to do. Without my dad’s laptop my hands are tied.”

Oren’s eyes are sympathetic. “Your dad probably had a safe or a firebox, something he kept his valuables in.”

I facepalm myself. I’m such an idiot. Dad has a hidden wall safe in the laundry room behind a multi-bin hamper. He always said a thief never steals the dirty undies. I don’t want to divulge too much, so I tell him I’ll look into it. We’re interrupted by an overzealous Cash.

“Dude, we’re on for this weekend. The boat is geared and ready to go. Ridge is getting the food and supplies as we speak,” Cash says.

I get up to leave but Cash gently grabs my wrist. “Where are you going, beautiful?”

This makes me blush again. “I’m headed home. My best friend just got into town and Oren has sent me on a mission.”

Cash grins at me. “All work and no play makes Alice a dull girl. Why don’t you come to the lake with us? We’re wakeboarding and grilling out. You could just join us for the day.”

I pull out of his grip. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. I just got a new puppy and my best friend just got in to town. Maybe another time.”

Cash throws me his megawatt smile. “You can bring them with you. The more the merrier.”

Oren gives his brother a look that I can’t decipher. “We understand, Alice, but if you change your mind it’s an open invitation. I’ll text you the marina info just in case.”

“Okay, I’ll think about it. Thanks guys.” I walk down the stairs and outside to my car, secretly wishing I could just have one carefree day.

When I get home, I hear snoring coming from the living room. I have to stop myself from laughing out loud at the sight in front of me. Zoe is sitting on the couch and Dobey is laid out on her, belly up, just snoring as loud as he can. Zoe must have heard me come in because she looks up and just shakes her head.

“He’s been like this for half an hour. Both of my legs are asleep and he refuses to move.”

I walk further into the room and plop down in Dad’s old leather recliner.

“So, how did the meeting with Oren go? Did you find out anything?”

“He found out where the money is going. It seems there are a few accounts in a Cayman Island bank.” I lay my head back and look up at the ceiling, trying to gather my thoughts.

“Your dad didn’t have any offshore accounts did he?”

I shake my head. “Not any that I knew of, but that doesn’t mean anything.”

“There’s something else on your mind. What is it, Al?”

“The guys invited me and you to the lake with them tomorrow.” I blow out a long breath. “I told them I couldn’t go.”

“Why the heck not? If four sexy men wanted me to spend the day with them in bathing suits, I’d be there waiting and ready.”

I roll my head over to look at Zoe. “First off, you just got here, and I didn’t think you would want to go. Second, I don’t want to leave Dobey alone for that long. Third…”

“Stop! Look, I have a lot of work to do. I need to start ordering supplies and get my things organized to get started as soon as the house is set up. You can take Dobey to the lake. This crazy dog would probably love that.”

“I don’t have time to go play at the lake, Zoe.”

“Bullshit. It’s one day. You’ve been working non-stop since your dad passed. You’re going to burn out before we even get started. Take the day off and enjoy yourself, Al. You need this.”

I look back up at the ceiling, and I know she’s right. “Fine. I’ll go tomorrow.”

“Good. You can take this dang dog, too. I can’t even go pee without his nose all up in my face.”

I look over at Zoe and we both bust out laughing.