Chapter 72: Kirstie's Christmas, Part 12

Back indoors, energies apparently exhausted, the dogs collapse in a heap and peace reigns.

Mac, having claimed prize place in front of the fire, lies eyes closed, upside down, all four legs in the air; doing his best 'Dead Bluebottle' impression. Archie nudges up beside him trying, unsuccessfully, to ease him to one side.

Richard regards the pair, expression neutral. "Is that a natural position for a dog?"

"It's his favourite," I say. "When he's chilled out." Mac's tail twitches and his lips pull back in an up-side-down canine grin.

"Will he stay in that position long?"

"Just until someone offers him food or another..." I mouth the word silently... "... Walk..."

I sit beside Ryan, kiss him on the cheek. Subdued, he returns the kiss, but his voice is slow. "Is everything alright, Kirstie? You were outside a long time talking with..." He jerks his head towards Klempner, returned to his seat at the back of the room.

"It's fine. We were just talking..."