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“It wasn’t too bad,” Gretchen said.

“How about you go back to my place with Lobo and wait for me? I have to work in the morning.”

“You can’t stay now?” Gretchen asked, disappointment evident in her voice.

“No, baby. I need to go to the office and make a report for Sam. The interrogation will take place at MDOL since Sam doesn’t have a place to do it. I want to be there when they interrogate the suspects.”

“Okay. But I need your key.”

Kian took a step back and retrieved his keys from his pocket, removing the housekey and handing it to Gretchen.

“I’ll get an extra one made for you later,” he promised.

“I can do it on the way there. I’ll stop at The Feed Store,” Gretchen suggested.

“Sounds good.”

“Kian?”

Gretchen spotted Killian walking toward them and ran down the steps to give him a grateful hug.

“Thank you for being there for Kian,” she said, still holding onto him.

“You’re welcome. A lot of us were there.”

“I heard two shots.” She turned to look at Kian.

“One of them shot at Sam, but he fired back, and got one of them in the arm. No one was seriously hurt. They surrendered as soon as Sam told them they were surrounded and had no way out.”

“Thank God,” Gretchen breathed out, feeling relieved.

She walked back to Kian and hugged him tightly again, her fears slowly dissipating.

“Is she alright?” Killian asked.

“She’ll be fine. She’s tough,” Kian said.

“I’m sure you’re right. I’ll see you back at the office,” Killian said, nodding at Gretchen before walking away.

Kian kissed Gretchen on the forehead. “I hate to go, but I have to. Just pack some clothes and I’ll see you there later.” He cupped her face and made her look at him. “I’m not sure how long it’ll take, so if it’s too late, just go to bed. I’ll be there.”

Gretchen nodded, tears still in her eyes. “Okay. I’ll wait for you.”

“I hope so and don’t plan on leaving for a while.” He quickly kissed her lips before running down the steps and disappearing into the woods.

Gretchen watched until he was out of sight before entering the cabin. Lobo was lying on the floor, looking up at her expectantly.

“We’re going to stay with Kian now. Let me pack some things for both of us.” She laughed when Lobo placed his head on his paws and let out a big sigh.

After packing a bag for herself and grabbing Lobo’s food bowls and some food, she leashed him up and led him to her car. She knew he would listen to her while they were here and, in the vehicle, but once they arrived at Kian’s place, she was certain he would want to explore and run off. She placed his belongings in the back of the SUV and closed the hatch before driving into town.

After getting a key made at the Feed Store, she drove to his house. As she pulled up the long drive, she couldn’t help but admire the stunning beauty of the house. She anxiously anticipated seeing it fully furnished.

Chapter Thirteen

Kian lingered in the doorway of the interrogation room, watching the two men sitting at the table. They refused to meet his gaze.

“So, explain to me why you felt it was necessary to try and kill a livestock agent,” Sam asked, sitting back in a chair with his arms folded across his chest.

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