Shaggy followed his master/dad into the house. He felt furtive and guilty, knowing that, normally, he wasn't permitted inside the house. Until he could help find a way to reverse the amulet's switch, he knew he would have to accept the upstairs room as his own.
Of course, master/dad didn't head upstairs. He walked into his small home office adjacent to the family room, sat down at his desk, and gestured for Shaggy to take one of the chairs arranged in front of the desk. He ran his family much like he managed the employees at his bank, and didn't like much deviation from routine or expected standards.
Master/dad settled back into his chair and leveled a stern gaze. "Son, I had a very upsetting conversation with your coach," Mr. Webster began.
Shaggy wondered if the coach knew that he wasn't really Jared. He was so worried he was barely listening as master/dad continued the lecture.
"You've got to maintain your focus, son," Mr. Webster said. "The coach said you have been coasting, but that's not good enough. Not even close."
Feeling a sense of relief, Shaggy nodded his head.
"Is that it?" Mr. Webster asked. "I want to know that you're listening to me."
"I am listening," Shaggy said. "I will be a better..." He almost said boy, but that didn't sound right. "I will do better."
"You need discipline and focus," Mr. Webster sniffed. "I will see you get it at home, and the coach is in charge at school. Is that understood?"
"Yes," Shaggy said. "But I need to...well, see to the dog..."
"The dog?" Mr. Webster raised his voice, but then took a deep breath. "The dog can be your brother's responsibility."
"But..."
"Jared!" Mr. Webster said with such firmness that Shaggy's old servile instincts kicked into gear. "Forget the damn dog."
"Yes, sir."
"That's better. I am sure you have homework, so go to your room and complete that. I will check to see if you've done it after dinner."
Effectively dismissed, Shaggy rose out of the chair, left the office, and headed toward the stairs. From outside, he heard barking.
"Sorry, boy," he thought to himself. "I have to follow master/dad's orders."
Shaggy collected his books and headed to his room. Poor Jared and the lost collar would have to wait a little longer.