Page 93 of Bronco

I turn. “Stay here, just gonna check stuff out. He doesn’t normally act like this unless somebody is there.”

“Oh, shit.”

“Don’t worry, just stay here. Lock this behind me. Titan.” He follows me and I unlatch the back door. As soon as the door is open, Titan leaps out and runs into the backyard. I follow behind, trying my best to keep up with him, but he’s super fast. This isn’t like him at all.

I should’ve brought my fuckin’ knife. When I find him, he’s pacing back and forth at the edge of the garden. I don’t see anyone, or any movement, but my dog’s telling me otherwise.

“What the fuck?” I whisper, looking all around the small space.

Titan growls, then barks, coming to stand by my side.

“Was someone here?” I ask him. He growls low. If there was, they’re long gone now. I pet his head. “Good boy.”

I continue to check the rest of the space, but being small it doesn’t take that long. I come up blank, but I trust my dog. Walking full circle, I knock on the backdoor. “It’s me,” I call out.

Amber unlocks the door and pulls it aside. I step back in, Titan at my heels. “Didn’t find anythin’,” I tell her. “But Titan wasn’t happy, best to check it out.” I don’t want Amber to feel unsafe, but now I need to check on her security or get some cameras installed. I know there’s a street camera, but nothing outside except a sensor light.

“Do you think someone was here?”

“I don’t know,” I say honestly. “But the good news is there's nobody out there now. Sometimes he just gets spooked.” She bites on her lower lip. “Just keep the doors locked at all times, double check before you go to bed.”

“I always do.”

“Good.”

Titan lays down again, half-way inside Olive’s bedroom, his head facing us. I know him. I know that he doesn’t just bark at nothing. I don’t like the idea of anyone being around here at nighttime, prowling around Amber’s house.

“I think it’s best if I stay here tonight,” I say. “Just as a precaution.”

“Okay.” She doesn’t sound certain.

I grip her shoulders. “It’s fine, I promise. I’ll be gone early before Olive wakes up.”

She nods.

I was gonna go see the twins tonight, but that’ll have to wait until the morning. I’d rather be here just in case that was someone casing the joint, and they don’t come back. Or better yet, they’ll be met with my 150 pound guard dog. When it comesto security, Titan kicks into defense mode, and I kinda love that about him.

“Look after the kid,” I tell Titan. He rests his head down on his paws, but his eyes are still open.

I check the rest of the house, door and windows, but everything looks normal.

We head to Amber’s bedroom as she changes into her pajamas, and I slide my jeans and t-shirt off. “Sure you’re okay with me bein’ here?”

“Yes, of course. There have been some burglaries in the area lately,” she says. “So who knows, it could’ve been someone trying to break in.”

“I think you need security cameras.” I frown. “I’ll talk to the boys tomorrow, if you’re cool with that?

“Do you think that’s necessary?” There’s a worried tone to her voice.

I pull her into my shoulder as she wraps an arm over my chest. “Nothin’ wrong with updatin’ security,Princess,especially now you have Olive for a little while.”

“I guess not.”

I kiss the top of her head. “Try and get some sleep. Titan will wake us up if he hears anythin’.”

“He’s so protective.”

“Told you, once he gets pets — especially from kids — he’s putty. She’s made a friend for life.”

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