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“What are you talking about boy?” Earl said turning around slowly to look at him.
“You had a friend like Terry didn’t you? A friend that loved you? And they left you, didn’t
they?” Drew gulped.
“That’s why you want to take Terry away from us. You want everyone to feel the pain you
felt. Don’t you?”
Earl marched over to Drew until he was so close that Drew could feel his breath on his nose.
“His name was Archie, he was my best friend, the best dog a boy could have. But he escaped
on the night of my eighth birthday. You don’t understand, he was kind to me, he was the best
friend I’ve ever had.”
“If you got to know terry, he would be one of the best friends you will ever have” Said Riley
“You mean… we could share him?” Earl pleaded
“The whole town loves and cares for Terry, what’s one more?” Said Miss Lotus smiling.
“But first you need to tell us where he is.” said Riley
“Oh yes, for sure, he is... “
“No!” Doris interrupted “how dare you betray my plans! We were going to be rich Earl, you
and me. US!”
“Ha, there was no us” Earl chuckled, “there was only you and the money.” With that Earl
pushed Doris out the door and grabbed the handle to shut it, and before he did, he looked at
Dorris and mockingly saluted her.
“It was a pleasure doing business with you, Doris.” The door slammed shut and Earl turned
to face the startled group. “So, the address, hey? Listen, the guy I sold him to isn’t the kindest
of folks, he has a way with words and hates it when he doesn’t get his way. I do wish you
luck.” Earl handed Drew a piece of paper with the address.
“Thanks, Earl” Drew dug into his pocket and grabbed at a familiar object.
“Ah, and this is for you.”
Drew handed Earl an invitation and Earl read it out loud “You’re invited to Terry’s birthday
party. Thank you, I’ll see you there.”