A sharp bark from inside caught their attention. Through the window, they could see Holly standing alert, her ears pricked forward as she stared into the darkness beyond the porch.
Lyle tensed, his hand automatically reaching for the weapon at his hip. But before either of them could move, Kenny appeared in the doorway.
"Just a coyote," he said quietly. "Saw it on the thermal scope. But maybe we should call it a night and not be standing outside like a target."
Heather nodded, suddenly exhausted. The emotional weight of the day, coupled with Lyle's declaration that she mattered, left her feeling raw and vulnerable, but in the best possible way. Despite the punch of fear Kenny’s warning gave her.
As they headed inside, Lyle caught her hand again. "We'll figure this all out," he promised. "Together."
And standing there in the warm light of the kitchen, surrounded by people who had become more than just allies, Heather believed him.
13
The next few days settled into an uneasy routine. Heather continued her training sessions at the ranch while Joe worked with the FBI to monitor Richards' movements. The waiting felt like a taut wire, ready to snap at any moment.
People in town were starting to bring their animals to Lyle so he was staying busy caring for the various dogs, sheep, and a very saucy pot-bellied pig.
It was a wonder he could get anything done. Every time a vehicle showed up in the driveway, they all went on high alert and Lyle was at her side until he’d determined the level of danger. Heather was getting a really good taste of the personalities of highly trained military guys. She was a little in awe.
She gathered together Bennie’s belongings when she saw the familiar SUV park next to the barn. “It’s Jerry,” she said to Lyle, who was now standing so close she could barely get Bennie’s crate open. “You’ve seen him here. He’s Bennie’s owner. He works with the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation.”
“Ah. Bennie’s graduating?”
“Yes. I’ve been working with both Jerry and Benny for the past year, and this sweet Labrador is definitely ready for service work. I’m so proud of him.”
“Hey, Heather,” Jerry said, kneeling down to ruffle Bennie’s ears and give the big dog a hug. “My boy’s ready, huh?”
“More than ready. I think I’ve been keeping him because I’ve fallen in love.”
“I know the feeling. I miss him like crazy when he’s with you. I can’t wait to have him with me all the time now.”
“Remember, he’s got a job to do. You both do. So, don’t spoil him.”
Jerry laughed and gave Heather a hug. “Only a little. I promise.”
Heather bent down to hug the dog. “You be a good boy, now. Save lots of people, you hear? Do it for me. And for Becky,” she whispered, burying her face in the Lab’s soft black fur.
She stood and didn’t bother to brush the hair off her face as the wind blew it. Pride and sadness swamped her as she watched Jerry load Bennie into his SUV and drive away.
Lyle bumped her shoulder. “Softie.”
She gave a watery laugh and he wiped the moisture from her cheeks. “I told you I always cry when they leave.”
“You do good work, Heather. One of these days we’ll probably see Bennie in the news saving the day. Giving hope.”
“That’s why I do it.”
“That, and the fact that you adore dogs.”
“True. Speaking of adoring, you need any help with that cute little pig I saw you chasing around the barn a while ago?”
“I hate to admit it, but… Maybe?”
Heather laughed. “Come on. I could use the distraction.”
It was two days later when Darren Richards finally called.
Heather was working with a client's German Shepherd when her phone buzzed. She recognized the number immediately and caught Lyle's eye across the training yard, holding up her phone and pointing to it. He nodded, remembering the FBI's instructions about keeping Richards engaged.
