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“Was the suspect apprehended?”
“No, not yet.” He shrugged. “It was an amateur IED. Someone local. If he knew what he was doing I wouldn’t still be here.”
She looked over her shoulder then smoothed her palms down her thighs. “He mentioned the fire. I’m guessing he doesn’t talk about it much.” She didn’t want to overstep any boundaries.
“Right. He probably didn’t tell you that he saved a kid’s life.” When she shook her head, Dean snorted. “He wouldn’t. He was not much more than a kid himself when the fire happened, and he still blames himself because an elderly man didn’t make it out. Raven couldn’t get to him before the roof collapsed and he was pulled out by a witness.”
“That’s how he got the scars?” she half said to herself.
“Right.”
“Is he always so selfless?”
Dean stretched his leg. “Can we talk straight?”
“I wouldn’t want it any other way.” She already liked Dean. He made her feel welcome and comfortable.
“I was glad when Raven told me there was a stranger in town. I think he sees you as a challenge and that’s exactly what he needs right now.”
Wrapping her head around what he said, she asked, “He told you about me?”
“Yeah.”
“I had a little run in with Chow. Raven and I didn’t have a smooth first impression.”
Dean laughed. “There’s another story in itself where the dog is concerned. He rescued Chow and nurtured him back to health and regained trust for humans. The veterinarian didn’t think Chow would pull through from his serious injuries, but Raven refused to let that happen.”
She was seeing Raven in a different light.
“You can see the bond between dog and man,” she said.
Dean nodded. “You should see him with the horses he’s rescued. Can I ask your opinion? You seem like a smart business woman.”
“Sure.”
“Do I look like a Game Warden?” He struck a pose.
She liked his playful side. “I really don’t know what a Game Warden would look like.”
All smile fizzled from his features. “I’ve had lots of time to think and, I’m not saying I’m cut out for being Warden, but I need a change. I need to venture out on my own, away from my brothers.”
“I understand. You want to find your own path.”
His smile returned. “Yeah, something like that.”
“Follow your gut, Dean. It’ll never steer you wrong,” she said.
His cell buzzed. He checked the screen.
She saw his hesitation. “You can take the call. I’m going to step outside.”
~~~~~
Raven patted Yellow Bee on the neck then moved to Sea Breeze. She didn’t tense under his hand when he rubbed her neck which told him all the training was working. Since they’d rescued her from a kill shelter he’d been working slowly on getting her used to his touch.
Yellow Bee pawed the ground, alerting Raven that they were no longer alone.
He looked over his shoulder and found Parker making her way toward him. He felt a stab to the center of his chest. He wanted to kick himself in the ass.
