"L. Lee Lowe - Mortal Ghost" - читать интересную книгу автора (Lowe L Lee)

The dog's persistence irritated him. What would he do with a dog? Most days he didn't even know where he'd
find his own next meal. A dog would make him stand out, far too noticeable. And shackled: he didn't want
any creature's loyalty or devotion. He picked up a stone from the ground.

'I'm warning you,' he called. 'Go away.'

The stupid dog came a few steps nearer.

'I don't want to hurt you. But I will if you don't leave me alone.'

The dog moved forward another inch.

'That's it,' Jesse said.

The rock landed on the dog's flank. The dog yelped and jumped back, then slunk away. At the same time a
voice shrieked in rage. Before Jesse could turn to see who had shouted, something -- someone -- rushed at him
and knocked him flat. He covered his head with his arms as fists pounded at his shoulders, pulled his hair,
pinched his upper arms. After a bit he realised that not much damage was actually being done. He sat up,
pushed his assailant away. Right. A girl.

'What do you think you're doing?' Jesse asked her.
Chapter 1 7

She sprang to her feet and picked up another rock.

'I'll throw it at you. See how you like that,' she spat.

Jesse couldn't help laughing. Her brown eyes blazed at him, fierce with indignation. She was about his own
age, with a long mane of chestnut hair escaping from a thick elastic. A fraction shorter than him, and very
wiry. He had the impression that she was a ballet dancer -- something about the way she stood, moved. She
was dressed in shiny blue Lycra shorts and crop top, white trainers -- typical classy jogging gear -- and her
face was flushed and filmed with sweat.

'Go on, then, throw it,' Jesse said from the ground. 'Hit a man when he's down.'

'Some man,' she said with a snort. She dropped the rock.

The dog in its perversity, in its doggy cunning, came prancing up. Tail wagging, it began jumping up on Jesse
to lick his hands and face.

'Your dog is more faithful than you deserve,' she said.

'It's not my dog.'

'He doesn't seem to know that,' she said.

'It keeps following me,' Jesse said.

'I see. So that's a good reason to throw rocks at him, is it?'