Page 42 of Hidden Desires

“Doc, one of the mothers is hurt. She has a few burns on her back. I think she was protecting her puppies from the fire.”

Autumn grabbed her bag and began taking care of the animal, assessing and dressing the wound. She checked over the puppies as well, counting them and noting any disturbances.

After working with the animals for a few minutes, Autumn was satisfied each of them would survive. She doctored the hurt, loved the scared, and petted the contrary. You lose again, Frank. Might as well give up.

“Well, sis, you’re the miracle worker.” Davis wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pressed a light kiss to her temple. “Again.”

It wasn’t often that Davis was nice to her, but he always showed he cared. “Thank you for helping.”

“What was I suppose to do?” He moved away from her and picked up one of the puppies that was whining for attention. “Leave these little guys in there to die. I don’t think so.”

The bloodhound licked at Davis’s fingers and nibbled on them as he scratched its belly. Autumn pet the dog in his arms and shook her head. “You need one of those.”

“Yeah. You gonna take care of him while I’m out of the country?”

“Sure.” She focused her attention on the mother. “I’d rather you have a dog than a kid.”

Davis chuckled. “You and me both.”

* * * *

After fighting the fire most of the night, the crew returned to Autumn’s house. Davis called dibs on the shower first, though all of them felt gritty and were plenty dirty.

Autumn pointed her finger at him. “If you use all the hot water, I’ll murder you in your sleep.”

“Kiss my ass.” Davis hit his rear and headed down the hall.

Kristin grabbed a few towels to throw over the sofa and recliner to keep them from getting dirty and the rest of the crew plopped down, exhausted from the night full of events.

“Bed sounds really nice,” Jeffery commented, rubbing his eyes. “Did you guys find out anything?”

Jackson had the loveseat all to himself and stretched out the length of it. “Yep. Gallagher is running a puppy mill for one thing, breeding mostly pit bulls. There were a few other breeds, but they looked mostly hybrid. We also think he’s into dog fighting. He has a ring in his backyard and everything.”

“What?” Autumn sat up from her spot in the recliner. “You went to Frank’s house today? That’s where you and Davis were all that time?”

Jackson propped his head up with his hands. “Don’t be pissed, Autumn. We’ve all had a long day. I promise you can yell at me first thing in the morning.”

She stared at him, mouth open, eyes wide. “No. I’ll yell at you now if I damn well please! What do you mean he’s running a puppy mill? Did you report him to the police? You should have stayed until they came and took care of everything. They need to be out of there.”

Jackson groaned and dropped his head back. “Here we go.”

“And what about the dog fighting? Did you see them? Did he have the animals fighting while you were there?” Autumn paused and glared at him. “What do you mean ‘here we go’?”

“Autumn, all I’m asking for is a break. I’m tired. I stink, and I really just want some sleep.” Jackson sat up. “So I’m asking you to hold off on the bitching and complaining until morning and then you can have at it.”

“Fine.” Autumn stood and directed her attention to Jeffery and Kristin. “Good night.”

She left the room annoyed and frustrated with Jackson. This was the second time he wanted to wait until morning to talk things over. He never wanted to deal with anything in the moment.

She went straight to the bathroom and ran a tubful of water adding strawberry scented bubbles. She tossed her dirty clothes in the hamper making a mental note to carry them to the wash first thing in the morning. All she could smell was the stench of smoke, and if she didn’t watch it, her entire bathroom would smell that way.

After lighting a few candles, she dimmed the lights, and closed the door. Then, she stepped into the bath and sank back in the large tub. Intent on relaxing, she grabbed her pink blindfold and pulled it over her eyes. It didn’t matter. She wouldn’t let Frank get to her tonight.

She hadn’t been in the bathtub five minutes before the unlocked door opened. Immediately, she knew she forgot something. She pushed the blindfold up and narrowed her eyes at Jackson. “Go away.”

“Why do you do this?” He sat on the edge of the tub propping his head on his fist as he watched her. “Our last fight was only a couple days ago. I was hoping we wouldn’t have another for at least ten years.”

Autumn kept her mouth shut and pulled her blindfold back in place. Of course, it was her fault. Again.

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