Page 17 of Surly Sheriff
He returned — his front view was as good as the back — and hustled them out the door, locking it. Walking down Main Street with Beau beside her, his hand resting lightly on her lower back, Rae felt as if she were in a dreamscape.
For the first timeever, she felt protected and safe.
You’re setting yourself up for a world of hurt,Raegan mocked.
She willed that thought away, savoring the present, storing it for the empty and lonely days ahead, aware that in two weeks, she’d be gone. That depressing thought sapped the last drop of energy from her, and when they stopped alongside Esmeralda, she handed the key to Beau. “You drive.”
He gave her a concerned look but nodded without comment, unlocking and holding open the door. She ducked in under the low roof and settled against the cool seat. Leaning her head back, Rae closed her eyes and shuttered her mind. She was vaguely aware of Beau pulling the seatbelt around her body and securing it. All too soon, the growl of Esmeralda’s engine lulled her to sleep.
Beau nudged her side, startling her from the brief slumber.
She forced her eyes open. “Huh?”
“We’re at the clinic. If you’re too tired …”
“Coming with you,” she mumbled, straightening, and placed a hand over her mouth to stifle a yawn.
It was worth the effort. Kismet’s eyes brightened and his tail thumped when Beau walked into the small room the receptionist indicated. “Hey, boy,” he called out. The dog lumbered to his bandaged feet and pressed his snout into Beau’s hand.
Rae blinked rapidly as tears filled her eyes, understanding exactly what Kismet signaled with that gesture — absolute trust.
Overwhelmed, Rae looked away and glanced around the room. Her eyes widened and her breath hitched when she noticed the cage set against the wall.
Rooted to the spot, a chill snaked up her spine.
She stared at the contraption and curled her arms around her chest, warding off the …
Warding off what?
Evil.
Her breath hitched, and she backed out of the doorway.
Heart thundering in her chest, she tamped down the urge to flee the clinic and run from the terror that consumed her. She focused on her surroundings, scanning the reception area. It was devoid of people which suited her just fine. Breathing hard, she rubbed some heat into her arms and moved to stand before a pinboard covered with pictures of pets.
This is a veterinarian clinic. That was ananimalcage.You are in Nebraska. You're safe.
She sniffed and ran trembling fingertips under her eyes, cursing the moisture she found.
And nearly jumped out of her skin when a man spoke behind her. “He’ll be fine.”
Rae whirled around, her hand over her thumping chest. “What?”
It was a veterinarian, but not the one she met yesterday. “Kismet,” he said. “He will recover.”
She frowned, still trying to gain a sense of control over her panicky emotions.
“Don’t frighten my friend,” Beau warned, stepping up beside her. He placed his open hand against her back, and the anxiety drained out of her.
She was safe.
The man cleared his throat as his gaze drifted between them. “I apologize if I alarmed you, ma’am.” His stare settled on Beau. “As I mentioned this morning, Kismet needs another day on the drip. The grazes on his paws are healing, so there is no lasting damage there. He ate the food we gave him earlier with gusto, and he’s drinking water just fine. I reckon he’ll be good to go in a couple of days.”
Beau nodded. “Thanks again for taking such good care of him.”
“It’s our job. And thanks to you, Kismet has a second chance.”
“He’ll have a good home.” Beau increased the pressure on her back, urging her forward.
