Page 13 of Training Rain
“What about equipment?”
“I don’t see anything other than the tent and the ATV, no clothes or coolers, nothing to identify them.”
“Probably just some campers or more likely hunters. It could even be the ranger taking advantage of the park being closed. Can you make out the emblem?”
“No. It’s a pale yellow and there might be a bird or a flag. I’m not sure. It’s too small and too far away.”
Her attention changed. He felt the shift in her mind. “Jess, be careful.”
He turned. The dog’s ribs were clearly outlined through his brindle fur. The wide chest and strong pit bull jaw squared off at Jess. He didn’t move and neither did the dog. He tried a soft, calm voice. “Okay, boy. Just relax.”
He bared his teeth, a low growl was the definitive reply. Jess slowly pulled his handgun from the holster. He hated to do it, but he was not going to be mauled by a starving dog.
“Don’t you dare shoot that dog!” Rain’s voice echoed loudly across the snow. The dog looked up the tree and his bared teeth disappeared, replaced by a long pink tongue and wagging tail.
“Is it your dog?” Jess was impressed by how quickly she’d gotten down the tree. He kept the gun in his hand but did not fire.
She gave him a look that said “you’re an idiot”. “No, it’s not my dog. If it were, it wouldn’t be starving to death in the snow.”
The dog seemed to sense her annoyance and growled menacingly at Jess.
Rain stepped forward and the wagging tail returned. The same dog that had reminded him of Cujo an instant before lowered its front legs so that its chest was scraping the ground before it pushed its way forward toward her. She spoke in sweet tones, and the wagging tail swept snow in all directions.
“You have a way with dogs.”
“Most animals.” She knelt in the snow and let the dog sniff her hand. A moment later he might have been a puppy with a child. The predator had turned into a pet in an instant. “You are a good boy. Why don’t we get you some food? What do you say?”
She stood up and smiled. “I’ve been hearing him howl since I came to the park. He knows people, but he’s afraid. I’m guessing that someone brought him here in the summer and left him behind. Maybe they’d hoped someone would take him home. Maybe they didn’t care. People suck.”
He should have told her they were training and they didn’t have time to take care of a dog, but even Jess was helpless against the joy clearly created by the happy dog.
Evidently Rain’s approval was transferable to Jess as well, the dog licked his fingers as they walked toward their ATV. He jumped into the back of the Ranger as if he was the family dog.
“What are you going to do with that animal?”
She smiled and looked back at the happy beast. “Feed him and see if he has any use. If not I’ll find a family for him.”
“I can’t imagine how he could be, but what if you think he’s useful?”
“Then I’ll keep him.”
He shook his head, imagining the menagerie she must keep at her home in Nevada.
The dog was going to slow them down. Jess pushed the gas, expecting that he would have to go slow to keep the animal in the ATV. However, when he glanced back, the dog had spread himself out and stayed low.
He returned his attention to the snowy terrain in front of him, but not before he noted the smug expression on Rain’s face.
* * *
She hadto have been exhausted. He’d run her ragged all day long. He’d tested her physically over mountains and through streams. Knowing she hated the cold only made her accomplishments more impressive. She’d pushed herself. Yet when they returned to the cabin she quietly fixed dinner and fed the dog.
Once he was fed, she coaxed the beast into the tub and gave him a bath. The animal probably thought he’d won the lottery as he stretched out in front of the fire to dry off.
She’d showered and left her hair loose. As soon as she entered the living room the scent of springtime came with her. He had to command his body to ignore how wonderful she smelled and looked. Finally she sat down on the couch, and he could see the dark rings under her eyes and she lowered herself more gingerly than was typical. She didn’t complain or even grunt. In fact, he thought she might not speak a word if he allowed the silence.
“What will you call your new friend?”
The dog’s ears perked up as if he knew they were talking about him and the information might be important.
