[Primrose Bolger]

Ginger and Cullen and Benat

Catching a grey shadow move at the corner of her eye, Ginger looked away from where Cook was speaking with Camille. Cullen’s tail was drooping down as he moved slowly toward where Benat stood. The man’s stern gaze was bent on the dog, and he growled some low command at Cullen, motioning at the same time for him to ‘come’.

‘Oh, sir,’ said Ginger, walking hastily to the dog’s side. ‘Don’t be angry at poor Cullen!’ The dog gave a few weak thumps of his tail as Ginger stood by his side. ‘He was just bent on seeing me. And I had promised him something tasty from the kitchen. I’m sure he just came to remind me.’ She flung her arms about the dog’s large neck and gave him a hug. ‘He really did help find the child, you know. Camille, there.’ Ginger gestured to where Cook was talking to the girl. ‘And all for the best, too. Cook’ll see right by her. And so will Mister Headstrong, I think.’

She and Cullen had reached where Benat stood in the doorway to the kitchen; Ginger talking all the while as they had drawn near. ‘You know,’ she said, ‘I wasn’t sure what to give Cullen for a treat. That is if it’s alright with you for him to have a treat. Because I remember you said you didn’t eat meat. But how about him? Does he eat meat” Or shall I make him a nice bowl of mush with butter and honey?’