"Rope was a favorite of my dog, growing up." Harper had passed a few years back, though, and Alasdair hadn't grown up to be the kind of man who wanted a golden retriever underfoot. "Something he can tug. He looks like he's got shepherd in him. He'll probably want to herd you and everyone else in sight."

He shifted the box to his other arm and winced a little. "Sucks. I dislocated mine a couple of years back in copoeira practice. At least it's only a few days of recovery?" He won't ask if Henry will give him time off. They both know there's no way in hell.