Page 51 of Through the Fire
Kit scrunched up her face in an exaggerated way to make Dee laugh. “For a tiny toy poodle, maybe, but a bloodhound?” Crouching down next to Justice, she cupped his head in her hands and squished the loose skin forward, so he was all wrinkles and floppy ears and jowls. He groaned with pleasure. Having the attention of multiple kids was heaven for Justice. Kit tipped the dog’s head toward Dee. “Does a face like this say Fifi to you?”
Dee and the twins started laughing. With a final rumple of his ears, Kit released Justice, who immediately rolled over onto his back, angling for belly scratches. The three younger kids complied, and Kit sent Sam an amused grimace.
“I don’t know how we’re going to get him to leave.”
Dee looked up eagerly. “He can stay here with us.”
“Nope.” Jules must have finished texting, because she pocketed her phone. “Theo said Wes is a stand-up guy—despite his…uniqueness—so we’re going to go take care of the cat you’re pet-sitting, and Justice needs to go with Kit and Sam so he can learn new things. Ty and Tio, you’ll be coming with us.”
“Can’t we go with Sam?” Ty asked. “Dog training sounds more interesting than watching Dee clean a litter box.”
Jules looked worried. “With everything that’s happening, I’d rather have you where I can keep an eye on you.”
“We’ll be with a police officer, Sam, and two large dogs, so we should be just as safe as we would be with you,” Tio reasoned. “Plus, you just said that Theo approved of Wes.”
“Please?” Ty gave his sister a pleading look.
After a few moments, Jules gave a reluctant nod. “Okay. You can go with Kit and Sam…if that’s okay with you?” She turned toward Kit.
“Of course. The more helpers we have, the easier training goes.” The twins looked to be in their early teens, so they were old enough to assist, rather than have to be babysat.
“Okay, y’all. Be aware of your surroundings, and let me or Theo know if anything—anything at all—seems wrong.” Jules gave each of her brothers a telling look, and Kit wondered what wasn’t being said. Although she fully understood why Jules had been nervous after the body was found in the burned house, plus the strange fire and kidnapping attempt at the viner, Jules’s reaction seemed slightly off. Kit studied Jules, trying to work out what she wasn’t saying. This odd little family was a mystery.
“I wish I could help train the dogs,” Dee said a little sadly, breaking the strange tension.
Jules gave a small laugh, gently bumping her sister with her hip. “You have an embarrassment of riches.” When Dee just looked at her, puzzled, Jules explained. “Too many animals to pet, not enough time.”
Dee’s face lit up. “That’s the way I like it.”
Kit chuckled. The little girl reminded her of herself. When she was growing up, she couldn’t get enough of animals, either. “Do you have any pets?”
“A cat, Turtle.”
“Turtle?” Kit repeated, amused.
Jules gave an exaggerated what-could-I-do shrug. “It was the only name everyone agreed on.”
“I like it.” Kit grinned at Dee. “It’s unique. I bet there aren’t too many other cats in the world named Turtle.”
Dee’s return smile was huge. “I—”
“Kit!” Elena interrupted, stepping out onto the front porch. “What are you doing here?”
“Elena. Hi.” Although Kit tried to infuse her voice with enthusiasm, it came out flat as all her questions about what had happened a week ago flared to life again. Kit sharply reined in her suspicions, reminding herself that, as far as she knew at this point, Elena had been the victim. “How are you feeling? Are your lungs still bothering you?”
“Better, thank you.”
“I can’t believe something like that would happen at the viner,” Jules said, sympathy thick in her voice. “I’m so glad no one was seriously hurt.”
I can’t believe something like that would happen, either, Kit thought wryly before she caught herself. Remember, she scolded herself, she’s a victim until proven otherwise.
“We’re going to train dogs,” Ty told Elena eagerly. “Do you want to come?” Sam stiffened, sending his brother a sharp glare.
Before she could answer, Kit interjected, “I’m so sorry, Elena, but there’s no more room. Justice would have to sit on your lap, and he weighs almost as much as you do.”
Elena ducked her head, and Kit felt a flash of guilt, despite knowing Sam would not feel comfortable if Elena came along. Ty’s disappointed expression didn’t help. Kit hated mean-girl behavior, and it bothered her that she was acting that way, but her need to protect Sam outweighed Elena’s hurt feelings…or her desire to keep a close eye on the other woman.
“Ready?” she asked with a glance at Sam, pushing away her uncomfortable feelings. He looked relieved, which made her feel better about not allowing Elena to tag along. Sam tipped his chin down slightly in a nod. “Let’s go.”
