What literary device does Steinbeck use to create suspense as we waited for Carlson to shoot Candy's dog?

Steinbeck has Candy lying in bed with his dog. Carlson approaches him about his dog. This moment has been expected for some time. Candy agrees to give up his dog under great duress. Steinbeck keeps Candy on his bunk, face hidden away. He puts in a prolonged moment when we wait to hear the gun shot. This is so effective because we know that in many ways, Candy and his dog represent the same things. Finally the gunshot is heard and we see Candy's body spasm in grief.