Harriet was about to go to her when there was a knock on his door. Cursing under his breath, Ethan went back to it and dragged it open.
A woman stood there. Harriet guessed she was in her seventies. Her hair was the color of the bag of flour Madi had just exploded over the floor and walls. She was slightly bent and barely reached Ethan’s chest, but the look she gave him was fierce.
“Dr. Black.” She peered at him over the top of her glasses. “We appreciate how hard you work and your contribution to society. I’d even go so far as to say you’re something of a hero around here, but that doesn’t change the fact that your dog has been howling all day. I’m sorry, but we cannot tolerate it.”
“Howling?” His bemused response made it clear he had no idea how a dog might respond if left alone in a strange apartment all day.
Harriet knew.
She looked questioningly at Madi, who looked back with sorrowful eyes.
“Howling. It has driven us all crazy. As you know, well-mannered dogs are allowed in this building, but—” She broke off, her attention caught by something over his shoulder. “Oh my—whatever has happened?”
“I have yet to work that out, Mrs. Crouch. When I find out, you’ll be the first to know.”
“Have you had a break-in? An intruder? Because—”
“No break-in. My intruder has four legs. He’s my sister’s dog. She had to fly to San Francisco because my niece has been in a serious accident. I’m helping her out.”
Harriet frowned.
Did he not realize Madi was a girl?
Mrs. Crouch seemed to soften a fraction. “I’m sorry to hear that. I know how close you are to your family. How is she doing?”
“I haven’t called the hospital yet. I’m going to do that in a moment.” He raked his fingers through his hair, still damp from the snow. “I apologize for the howling, it won’t happen again. I understand your frustration and I share it. I’d be grateful for your patience while I fix this, and you have my word that I will fix it.”
Mrs. Crouch melted. She patted him on the arm. “Don’t you worry, Dr. Black. We can cope with a little howling if that’s what it takes. Call your sister. You must be worrying to death. I’m sorry to have bothered you at such a difficult time.”
Harriet blinked. He’d turned
her from attack to apology with a few sentences.
He probably had a wealth of experience dealing with difficult situations in the emergency room, but still that was a particularly smooth performance. He’d been kind, polite and caring.
The man was wasted as a doctor. He should be a hostage negotiator.
Which was a relief, because for a moment there he’d made her a little nervous.
By the time he finally closed the door again, Harriet had relaxed a little. That feeling lasted until he turned back to her and she saw that the dangerous glint in his eyes was back.
Whatever restraint had prevailed when he’d talked to his neighbor appeared to have abandoned him. And she knew why. Mrs. Crouch wasn’t the focus of his anger.
That seemed to be reserved for Harriet, although she had no idea why he should be holding her responsible. She wasn’t the one who had burst the bag of flour and thrown pasta and toilet paper around his apartment.
Whatever the reason, he was angry, and she wasn’t good with angry men.
Part of her wanted to follow Madi and hide behind the sofa but she stood her ground and reminded herself that he had reason to be a little annoyed, but he shouldn’t be angry with her.
“You’re the dog sitter my sister talked about?” His words were clipped and she swallowed.
“I’m not a sitter. I’m a dog walker, and yes, I’m—”
“So if you’re a dog walker, why didn’t you walk the damn dog?”
It felt as if all the air had been sucked out of the room.
Harriet had to force herself to inhale. “Excuse me?”