As we approach the last kennel, the dog inside figures out we’re coming for her. She begins to jump up and down and spin in circles.
“Now a Belgian isveryhigh energy. So you’ll have to exercise properly on top of her training with Wyatt at the station.
“That’s not a problem,” I say. “We’re training for a marathon, so she’ll have plenty of time and space to run and swim. We own twenty acres on the shore and in the woods.”
“Perfect.” Carol opens the door to Athena’s kennel and slips inside. “Calm. Sit. Stay.”
When she gives the commands, the dog immediately does as she’s told. Opening the door once more, she invites us into Athena’s space. Sophia goes first, crouching down in front of Athena.
“Hello, beautiful girl. Are you coming home with us?” Athena leans forward slowly, sniffing at Sophia’s face before licking her.
“I think she’s mighty pleased with that decision,” Carol jokes. “Do you want to walk with her? Get to know her?”
“Yes!” We both answer at the same time.
Carol gets Athena all set in her harness and leash. Giving us directions and the bag of treats is the last step before our walk.
Heading out the door she directed us to, we choose the path that leads out into the woods, deciding to test her off-leash and recall commands.
My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I see Chief’s name.
“Hey, Chief. You calling to check on your new asset?” I joke.
“No. We’ve got another problem here. They hacked the library sign.” My skin instantly feels clammy with the information. This is definitely an escalation in time frame.
“What’s it say?”
“Sophia Black is Sophia Chiave. She’s brought danger, and the cops are hiding it.This is a big problem. My phone is blowing up. Folks know the Chiave name because of Jack.”
Running my hand through my hair, I inhale a sharp breath. “I know. I’ll call Kane now and meet him. Ripp is at my house. I’ll send him to the library to meet you.”
“Thanks. We’ll get this sorted, son. Tell Sophia not to worry. We’re behind her.”
A beep sounds on the phone. “Mom is calling me. I’ve gotta take this, or you know she’ll be at the station before we hang up.”
“Talk to you soon.” He hangs up, letting me answer the other line.
“Mom,” I answer, ready to defend ourselves.
“You put my sweet girl on this phone right now,” she demands.
“Mom. You are not—”
“You hush. Put her on the phone.”
Hesitantly, I turn my phone over to Sophia who has no idea what’s going on, but knows something is up.
Athena senses the tension, and I know this is probably the last thing we should be doing with her on our first walk.
Welcome to the fire, girl.
We stop walking and sit on a downed log off the side of the trail. Athena immediately sits between Sophia’s legs, nudging at her hand and resting her head down in her lap.
Good girl.
All I can do is watch Sophia, stressed the fuck out as tears stream down her face and she mumbles out a fewyes ma’amshere and there.
I feel helpless right now, and I fucking hate it.
