Local Hero

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?”
    “An 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.
    “I can play with him every day, can’t I, Mitch?”
    “Sure.” 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.”
    “Please, Mom, we’ll be careful. You already said me and Josh could play in the park for a little while.”
    “Yes, I know, but Taz is awfully big. I wouldn’t want him to get away from you.”
    “Taz 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.”
    “We 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.
    “Why is it every time I see that kid I feel good?”
    “You’re very kind to him. Well, I should go upstairs and make sure they bundle up.”
    “I 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.”
    “Relax, Hester. We’ll get along fine.”
    “I want to thank you again. It’s the first time since he started school that Rad’s looked forward to a Monday.”
    “I’m looking forward to it myself.”
    She looked down, waiting to see the familiar blue cap and coat. “We haven’t discussed terms.”
    “What terms?”
    “How much you want for watching him. Mrs. Cohen—”
    “Good God, Hester, I don’t want you to pay me.”
    “Don’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.”
    “That’s very kind of you, but—”
    His exasperated sigh cut her off. “Here come the buts again.”
    “I couldn’t possibly let you do it for nothing.”
    Mitch studied her face. He’d thought her tough at their first meeting, and tough she was—at least on the outside. “Can’t you accept a neighborly gesture?”
    Her lips curved a bit, but her eyes remained solemn. “I guess not.”
    “Five bucks a day.”
    This time the smile reached her eyes. “Thank you.”
    He caught the ends of her hair between his thumb and forefinger. “You drive a hard bargain, lady.”
    “So I’ve been told.” Cautiously she took a step away. “Here they come.” Radley hadn’t forgotten his gloves, she noted as she leaned closer to the window. Nor had he forgotten that he’d been taught to walk to the corner and cross at the light. “He’s in heaven, you know. Rad’s always wanted a dog.” She touched a hand to the window and continued to watch. “He doesn’t mention it because he knows we can’t keep one in the apartment when no one’s home all day. So he’s settled for the promise of a kitten.”
    Mitch put a hand on her shoulder again, but gently this time. “He doesn’t strike me as a deprived child, Hester. There’s nothing for you to feel guilty about.”
    She looked at him then, her eyes wide and just a little sad. Mitch discovered he was just as drawn to that as he had been to her laughter. Without planning to, without knowing he’d needed to, he