Page 55 of Hidden Nature

When Nash made the turn back to the house, he saw the woman and the dog, slow walking on the lake path.

“There’s Lake Walker again.”

“Yeah, I see. That’s gotta be routine, right?”

“I guess.” And Nash had to admit it struck his curiosity.

Who was she, what did she do besides walk with the dog? And why did she walk like someone recovering from a long illness?

And because she did, he felt more admiration than sympathy, because she just kept taking one more step.

Sloan saw the truck, the tree strapped to the roof. The Coopers would put up the family tree tonight, and she wished she could push herself into the spirit.

She’d finally made it to the mark she’d hit on her very first walk out of the hospital. But she was out of breath, and her chest hurt.

Not enough for the big guns, but enough she’d take a couple of Advil when she got back.

“A few steps more tomorrow, Mop. But that’s it for this trip.”

At least she’d convinced her family she didn’t need watching and tending twenty-four/seven.

She’d lost progress, but she’d make it up.

Back in the house, she dumped her coat. She’d hang it up later, but she needed to sit, steady up.

When she felt able, she rose to get the Advil, drink water. She needed to eat something. She heated up a bowl of the turkey noodle soup her mother had made from Thanksgiving leftovers.

When her phone rang, she saw her captain on the readout.

She’d dreaded this. She’d put a call in to him—she had to tell him about her setback.

Nudging the soup aside, she answered.

“Captain, thanks for getting back to me.”

“Sorry for the delay. How are you, Corporal?”

“Well, sir, I had a little incident a few days ago, and pulled a pectoral muscle.”

“Well, damn, Sloan. I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Yes, sir. It’s not serious, and I can treat it at home, no problem. It will take a couple of weeks, possibly three, to fully resolve.”

“I see. And that’s a damn shame, Sloan. A damn shame. You’re missed here.”

“Thanks. I could possibly do some remote work. Paperwork, searches, background checks.”

“We’re covered there, of course, if something comes up…” He let that trail off. “I think it’s best if you remain on leave until after the first of the year. Your duties have physical requirements, and you can’t resume those duties until you have full medical and psychiatric clearance.”

“I understand.”

“I know it’s hard, I recognize that this is hard on you. But we have to think of your health and safety, and the health and safety of your fellow officers.”

“I understand.”

“I appreciate you telling me. We’ll make arrangements here to cover your duties. Take care of yourself, Sloan. You’re a valued member of the Natural Resources Police.”

“Thank you. I will.”

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