Page 132 of Let Me Be the One

KAM WAS SOONheading out for a date, so Tanner told Addie they’d take Blu with them so she could visit with Liz and Frank.

With the dog at his side, and Callie’s hand in his own, they started across the yards. The scent of rain filled the air, a warm breeze heavy with humidity. “I’m glad I got that job wrapped up. Looks like we’re getting more rain.”

“Huh.” Callie stared up at the sky. “Another heavy storm, do you think?”

He shook his head. “Shouldn’t be, but we better get the animals put up for the night.”

Suddenly Blu stopped, his body going rigid. Back legs stiff, ears up, he stared ahead.

“What is it, bud?”

Blu didn’t move, and that told Tanner something was wrong. He tucked Callie behind him. “Maybe you should go back to—”

“No.” She knotted a hand in the back of his shirt. “I’m sticking with you and Blu. We have a date, remember?”

How could he forget? “Might be Dirk or Lang nearby, but stay alert.”

“Do storms spook him at all?”

“No, but could be a coyote.” He hooked the leash toBlu’s collar, just in case. They were close enough to her house to see the front and side. Nothing seemed out of place. Together, each of them watching the area, they moved closer, until Tanner saw the large boxes on her front porch. “Were you expecting a delivery?”

Immediately, she stepped around him. “Yes! That’s my bedding. I can’t wait for you to see it.” She reached over to stroke Blu. “It’s okay, sweetie. Just some packages.”

But Blu wasn’t convinced. Even after they’d reached the porch and Callie had the door unlocked, Blu didn’t want to go in. He circled the packages, his scruff up, and when he reached a smaller box, he jumped back and then snarled.

Callie petted him again. “It’s okay, Blu, That’s probably something for the house, too.”

“You don’t know?” Tanner asked.

“I’ve ordered a lot.” When she reached for it, Blu barked, making her hesitate.

And then the box shifted.

“Damn it.” Tanner was already guessing what might be in that box, but now he’d have to inspect all of them and it was starting to drizzle. “You have a box cutter?”

“Yes.” She darted inside and was back seconds later.

Tanner moved the box with his foot, but it was securely taped. Whatever was in there wouldn’t be able to breathe. Snake or not, he didn’t want it to suffer. “Here. Hold Blu’s leash so he doesn’t get too close. I’m going to take it across the street.”

“I’m going with you,” she said, holding the leash and following him out of the yard a good distance from the porch, until they reached the opposite side of the road. “What if it isn’t just a rat snake? What if it’s something poisonous?”

“Venomous,” he corrected again. “Snakes are venomous, babe.” He knelt down and set the box in the weeds. “Believe me, I don’t plan to handle it if I can help it, but I have to get it out of the box.”

Carefully, he turned the box until the end flaps were facing him, then he cut through the packing tape and stood. Again, using his foot, he tipped the box over and several rat snakes emerged. Not just one. Or three. It looked like five or six smaller snakes had been packed in there, crammed together, and now they angrily slithered away.

Callie whispered, “I’m going to have nightmares for a month.”

No, she wouldn’t. He’d be with her and he’d be damned if he’d let this chickenshit stuff continue.

“Enough.” Furious, Tanner searched the road, hoping he’d see Sutter hunkered down somewhere. There were no extra cars or lurking ex-fiancés. From here, he could see that Kam hadn’t yet left, but trees and honeysuckle blocked his view of Dirk and Lang’s driveway.

“We’re getting wet,” Callie said, reaching out to touch him.

“Come on.” He wanted her inside, and then he’d take care of rounding up the chickens and goats. The only problem was that Blu hadn’t yet relaxed. In fact, he had his nose to the ground and was trying to lead Callie toward the side yard closest to the Garmets’.

“Do you think—”

Just then, Blu angrily lurched away and Callie not only lost her hold on the leash, she almost did a face plant. Tanner caught her, but Blu was on a mission. “Get inside and lock the door. Call Kam.” He took off after his dog.

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