“Take the batteries out of him. How does little Addyson handle a dog his size?” Taco asked.
“She must have spent a lot of time working with him,” Liam said, tossing the ball again. “Addy mentioned she rescued him.”
“At a horse farm?” Taco suggested. “She doesn’t need a new car. She can saddle him.”
“Can I ask you something?” Liam asked Taco.
“Sure.”
“If Addyson called Whiskey for a ride, would he suggest she walk to his house?”
Taco made a face. “Hell, no. Whatever gave you that impression?”
“Addyson said she walked to Whiskey’s house, and I’m trying to figure out why. If she called him, he’d drive over to get her,” Liam surmised.
“I haven’t spoken with her a ton of times. She’s always reserved and professional,” Taco said. “Maybe she didn’t feel comfortable asking him.”
“It’d make sense if she didn’t walk there and ask for a ride before he left for PT,” Liam mused.
“She’s crazy. What if she passed out while walking to his house? No one drives back here, and it’s still chilly this time of year,” Taco exclaimed.
Whistling for the dog, he brought him back inside and filled his massive water bowl. He saw a jar on the counter labeled “Zeus’ Treats.”
He reached into the jar, and the dog danced around excitedly. “Sit,” Liam commanded. When Zeus placed his butt on the ground, Liam handed him the treat.
He waited to make sure he didn’t choke as he ate it, then examined the rest in the jar. He didn’t recognize them, and they smelled delicious.
“I think she makes his treats, too,” Liam said, impressed.
“He swallowed it whole,” Taco said, mesmerized by the dog. “I bet he’d eat a man’s fist in two minutes.”
“Let’s not take chances,” Liam joked. Checking the time, he’d return in a couple of hours and take him for a walk.
“What do you have planned for this evening?” Taco asked.
“I have an appointment in an hour with Doc. I’ll find out when he plans to release me,” Liam said. “Then I’ll check on Addy and return to take him for a walk.”
“It’s Addy, now? “ Taco said, arching his brow.
Liam grinned. “I’m hoping it lasts long enough for me to get to know her.”
“You’d better make it quick. Leo says we’re spinning up soon,” Taco advised him.
“I’ll be ready. He saw me today and offered me a bunk at the facility,” Liam told him.
“If you need help moving in, let us know,” Taco offered.
“I didn’t bring much stuff. I only planned to stay long enough for treatment and fell in love with the place,” Liam said as he locked the door and returned to the SUV.
“You’ve got our numbers. When you get your release, let us know, and we’ll meet you for a congratulatory beer at the facility. We’re happy to have you aboard.”
“I appreciate it,” he said, driving Taco to the facility and returning for his appointment with Doc.
Entering Doc’s office, he found him with his wife, Kassie, reviewing his records. “What’s the verdict?” he asked impatiently. After spending two months there, he felt ready for a change.
“I’m booting you out of here,” Doc said. “Leo told me he’s offered you a bunk room. Kassie wants to see you back next week about your leg. If you experience any issues, we want you to return immediately,” Doc informed him.
“When can I leave?” he asked, grinning.
