The Hellhound

Holden and Alicia were browsing the papers for a new apartment whilst enjoying their non-fat lattes. A thin man walked by with a dog and a puppy who lurched and ran to Holden and Alicia with a smile that could melt the stodgiest of souls. The thin man called out, “Joe! Come here!” then he sighed somewhat factitously and continued, “Sorry about the puppy. He’s a love bug.” Both Holden and Alicia were besotted by this point with the smell, the tongue going full tilt, and the adorable wiggling that speaks of complete wild abandon coupled with a lack of motor skills. Holden asked, “how old is Joe?” to which the thin man smiled and beamed with a crooked smile, “Eight weeks and he is a love and a rascal.” Alicia could not tear her eyes from the warm bundle of love and needle-like teeth. Feeling a little inebriated himself by the puppy’s antics, Holden continued, “We were looking at places to live and were considering whether or not to find one where we could have a pet.” Thin Man gave a knowing and arch smile. “I am the devil.” Then he laughed a little.