Page 20 of River

“I need to do that too. So, what do I need to buy?” Gage asked.

I shook my head. “I’m going to ask one of the workers. I only had one dog when I was little; he was already grown. I need to find out about the food and everything else. I’ll also need to get a dog bed. I imagine there are a ton of things I’ll need,” I said, babbling away. I forced myself to shut up.

“Kat, are you alright? I thought maybe you and River would get together after that kiss before we went to Iran.”

“No, we’re not together,” I said quickly. “Oh yeah, I need to buy a leash to take her on walks. I also have to pick out a name. Have you named your puppy?” There I go again, babbling like an idiot.

“My puppy’s name is Rex because he’s going to be massive one day, and I wanted to give him a big dog’s name.”

“I think Rex is a perfect name. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”

“Okay, see you tomorrow. I might even see you at the pet store.”

I nodded and left. I went to the pet store and bought so much stuff that it barely fit in my little Cooper. It’s a small car, but I love it.

I refused to think about what River and Charlotte were doing. I thought he was done with her months ago. I refused to get all worked up over River. He never said anything to me about wanting to be with just me.

Everything was in my head. River never once said he wanted me. It was just that one hot kiss. I have to stop imagining things. Just because I’ve wanted him for so long doesn’t mean he’s wanted me. Besides, it’s against the rules. So screw him, if he ever kisses me again, I’ll bust his lip.

I loved my puppy. She was so good about going potty in the backyard. I decided to take her for a walk on her new leash. I should have gotten a puppy years ago.

I laughed more than I walked. My little girl kept getting tangled up in the leash. I almost tripped before realizing I needed to keep the leash away from my legs.

I called my mom and told her about Penny—I loved that name for her. I took pictures and sent them to my family. I was getting ready for bed when my phone rang. When I answered, it was a voice from the past.

“Captain Jackson, what are you doing?”

“I’m in a pickle. I need your help with something we might get thrown in the brig for.”

“What is it?”

“I just found out Janelle had a child. Her mother called me. My daughter’s name is Sierra Jackson. Janelle died, and her father wants to marry my daughter to an old man. I have to save her. She’s my daughter. Steven is going with me, andI’m sure we’ll have more help. I’m hoping to get in and out in three days,” Joel explained.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve been to Afghanistan,” I said, picturing the city where Janelle lived with her family. I haven’t been back there since I was shot in the back. I knew that place inside out, but I’m sure it’s changed. The Taliban has taken over the entire place. They would kill an American on the spot—or hold them prisoner for ransom and do all kinds of horrible things to them,” I was almost raped and murdered when I was in that country.

“You know that place better than anyone. The Taliban will kill my daughter if they find out who her father is. Did you know Janelle was pregnant?”

“No, but it doesn’t surprise me that she didn’t tell you. She thought you didn’t love her.”

“It wasn’t that—I wanted to marry her. It was her who didn’t love me. I wanted her to go to America with me. She didn’t want to leave her mother. She never said anything about a baby. I do know her father was a bastard back then, too.”

“When are you leaving?”

“Tuesday morning.”

“That’s in two days.”

“Yep. What do you say?”

“Of course, I’ll help you save your daughter. Where do you want me to meet you?”

“We’ll pick you up at five on Tuesday morning. You might not want to tell anyone where you’re going.”

“I’ll just say I’m taking vacation time. Do you know where I live?”

“Yes, you’re about sixty miles from me. Steven will be at my place tonight. We’ll see you soon. Don’t worry aboutwhat to pack; I’ve got everything you’ll need. Goodnight, Lieutenant McDonald.”

“Please, call me Kat.”

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