Force of Attraction by D. D. Ayres

Author:D. D. Ayres
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781466839847
Publisher: St. Martin's Press

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

“What do you mean I can’t participate?”

Cole, who was signing off as having completed the ring course, looked up in amazement. Shajuanna Collier, the person she was tasked with befriending, was standing next to her.

Shajuanna pointed at the registrar inside the booth and then pointed that same sequin-studded fingernail at the paperwork in her hand. “Shujaa is listed to compete in the Excellent A Agility level.” She pointed to the dog at heel on her leash. “Shujaa is here. I am here. We are ready.”

Cole glanced past the striking woman to the Argentine mastiff named Shujaa. People found Hugo intimidating, with cause. But this was a different kind of brute. A hundred pounds of muscle budged beneath its short pure-white coat, leaving no doubt the jaws in his massive head could easily snap the bones of the toy poodle being hurried past in its owner’s protective embrace.

However, Cole noted, Shujaa seemed at ease. That could be because he and his owner were accompanied by a seven-foot-tall wall of muscle in a suit.

Cole flicked her gaze back to the registrar, who responded. “The rules state that the team handler must come in person to pick up his or her registration so that the judges can review the dog for eligibility.” She was eyeing Shujaa with some trepidation.

Again, Shajuanna tapped her papers. “Show me where that is written.”

Another woman behind the counter with a cap of gray curls pulled at the registrar’s elbow. “Excuse me.” Moving a little away, they whispered together.

Cole caught only a few words. “Vicious animal” and “criminal” among them. Curious about the outcome, and hoping it might provide the opportunity she needed to meet Shajuanna, she didn’t move away from the booth.

When the registrar returned, her expression was stiff. “It’s more a policy. An unwritten policy. Which we abide by. I’m sorry.”

“Not as sorry as Bravo is going to be.” Shajuanna flung a handful of shiny straight black hair back over her shoulder as she glanced toward the parking lot. “See that? We brought a full camera crew and a producer to do a piece for my reality show, Shajuanna’s Swag-Grr. We’re on cable so I know you’ve heard of it.”

The women followed her gaze to where a crew of ten were streaming into the park carrying an array of bulky black cases as well as chairs and a folded-up tent.

Shajuanna looked back at the registrar. “This is a fund-raising event, isn’t it?”

The registrar blinked behind her glasses. “Yes, for our local county animal rescue shelters.”

“I’m all about animal shelters and rescue. My sweet baby Shujaa was a rescue.” She bent over to pat her pet on the head, snaring the eyes of men standing nearby who noticed how her top gaped away from her chest.

When she stood up again she turned away from the booth to address the curiosity seekers who had started to gather. “I’m a passionate advocate for animals other people would kick to the curb. So are my girls.”

She signaled to her bodyguard and he produced from behind him two young girls.

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