AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Miller, I wouldn’t send just anyone your way. I know you could use the help—especially if you’re going to find a way to raise the money you need for the rescue. I really think she could be an asset. She’s probably close to your age and full of… ambition. She could be just what you need to take your mind off of Abigail too.”
“Whoa, wait… she?” Miller straightened. “Captain…is this a set up? With a criminal?”
Captain Tate held up his hand. “Just trust me.”
Miller felt an instant headache coming on. The mention of Abigail felt like a sucker punch to the gut. Interacting with another woman was the last thing he wanted. He was trying to stay as far away from them as possible. His dogs were all he needed.
“I trust you, but I really don’t have time… or energy to waste. I don’t know how she can help unless she’s adept at wielding a pooper scooper. I definitely don’t have people lining up for that job.”
“Well, she doesn’t have much choice. She has to serve fifty hours of community service with you at UnderDogs or she’ll face a lot worse. Let’s go meet her.” The captain rubbed his hands together.
Miller could tell Captain Tate was proud of himself for devising this plan. Although Miller knew he was trying to help him out, it seemed like another task added to his overflowing plate. He needed to raise ten thousand dollars by March 1st if he wanted to keep the dog rescue open for another six months. Now, he was going to have to take care of a grown adult as well.
“Ready?” Captain Tate asked, as they stood outside the interrogation room door.
Miller shook his head and cracked his knuckles.
Upon entering he stopped short. Miller recognized the girl who had her hand up and suddenly brought it down, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
She stood when they entered.
Captain Tate hesitated upon seeing her. “Liza, this is Miller Brooks. He’s the owner of UnderDogs, the local dog rescue you’ll be volunteering at. Were you dancing?”
“Ah, no sorry. Just… stretching,” Liza replied as she recreated the move while standing. As she took a step forward, she halted and squinted.
“Oh my gosh, Books?”
Miller groaned and turned to leave. The captain put his hand on his shoulder and whispered, “Please, Miller. She reminds me so much of Jacklyn.”
Miller ran his hand through his hair. The mention of the captain’s daughter tugged on his heart. For some reason, the captain needed him to do this and he wouldn’t say no. Not now—not after all Captain Tate had done for him.
Pivoting on his heel, he turned back toward the girl.
“Eckland.” He nodded.
“Oh you can call me Liza.”
“Eckland,” he repeated.
“Yeah, that works too.”
“And you can call me Mr. Brooks.”
“Right, I’m so sorry. You just surprised me. I didn’t expect to see you. You look…” Liza trailed off without finishing her thought.
Miller let out a huff. He already knew what she was going to say. He’d heard it a million times before. He looked completely different than when he was in high school. Most barely recognized him. For the most part he appreciated the anonymity. But, the thought of Liza giving him a once over made him unsettled.
“What time would you like Miss Eckland to come to the rescue?” the captain asked.
“Be there Monday at 5 am. Don’t be late.”
“Five? Isn’t that kind of early? Could we maybe do seven?” Liza tilted her head.
“He said five Ms. Eckland,” the captain stated sternly.
“Right,” Liza replied. “Five sounds… perfect.”
“Don’tbe late,” Miller repeated before turning on his heel.
