DOTTIE
My God; am I losing it? Ever since Dani was poisoned, and that has been confirmed by professionals at the lab because Shadow demanded it, I can’t stop the feeling I’m being seriously watched. So, not only am I carrying my automatic but also have a few knives on me, along with the little Ruger LCRx that Shadow gave me the other day. It’s so tiny and only has, I think, six bullets but that’s fine. It’s a backup piece and I can carry it inside of my kutte, or even use the inside of the waistband conceal carry holster she also gave to me. That woman has been a thorn in my side ever since Dani was poisoned. Since that night at the emergency room, and all of us trying to deal with or make sense of the situation my twin ended up in, I’ve been through Shadow’s sprints at the gun range; not to mention she’s had Ollie and his crew of ex-military take me through their paces on hand-to-hand. I know I’m not huge, but damn, I’m not tiny like Tink either. Though saying that, Tink can just about take anyone down and I know this for a fact. I’ve seen her bring her ol’ man Noodles to his knees.
I’m on my way to the sanctuary not to see Ollie but to talk to Paisley and her guy, Enzo, who works with the training aspect of dogs for disabled vets. I’m not one of those but Noodles said theyhad someone return one of the sanctuary’s dogs, and he thought it might be a good idea for Dani and me to have some additional protection. From what I hear, Benji has been helping out with the animals at the Blue Sky Sanctuary. It makes sense because he’s probably better with the four-legged creatures rather than us two-legged ones. Just knowing he’s going to be there has me getting frustrated. Even with all this cloak-and-dagger shit, it’s not helping to keep my mind off of that man. Now I’ve seen him a few times with his hair down, and damn, he’s indeed drop-dead, drool-worthy gorgeous. I’ve seen some of my club sisters giving him the eye, along with the once-over, which has me wanting to cut those bitches. Where did this jealous monster bitch come from? With that said, he’s either blind or just not interested in them, which is fine with me. Not sure why it makes me giddy that he’s ignoring them as now, for some reason, I’m acting jealous of my non-boyfriend and club sisters.
Turning into the entrance of the sanctuary, I drive up to the gate and push the button. Someone asks who I am and, after giving my name, the gate slowly starts to open. Out of the corner of my eye I think I see someone, but when I turn my head and look around there is nothing. That’s strange, but since no one is out there maybe my eyes are playing tricks or the sun on the early snowfall is messing with me. Either way, I’ll mention it to Ollie or Phantom if I see them. As I make my way up the long-ass driveway, I’m surprised by the changes here. Every time I come, more shit has been built or there are a shit ton more animals in the pastures. I do love the idea of helping our ex-military folks working through their issues and healing with the help of abused or abandoned animals, domesticated and/or wild. I drive around the big building, which I know houses some of the people who come here for help. There are also cabins and small, tiny homes on the property for those who need a bit more privacy ortime by themselves. Some haven’t been able to acclimate back to civilian life yet.
Looking up, I see Paisley waving her arms to catch my attention. I turn the steering wheel and head to the smaller barn she’s waiting in front of. Once I park off to the side and get out, walking toward her, she almost skips my way. When within reach she pulls me in for a huge hug, which surprises me with how small she is. Ollie is right, she looks like a curly haired fairy or as he calls her, his Pixie. After we say our hellos, she leads me into the barn where I can hear barking. There are some men and women in the open arena with dogs with a man in the middle. When he sees Paisley, he calls a redheaded woman to take over and he walks our way. Just by the way he walks you can tell he’s ex-military and not just some regular guy. Paisley introduces me to Enzo. After we greet each other, he tells me that when he was in the service he trained all the K-9s that went over with our soldiers, himself included. He asked me what I was looking for and why. As I explained what happened to Dani and the weird feelings both of us are having, his eyes get intense. I even tell him that Benji has felt the vibe of being watched and his head shoots up.
“Ya know Halo, girl? He’s one of the best or was one of the best. The way they treated that Delta Forces Special Operator is truly goddamn horrible. After all he did for them. Well, I’m not surprised as they used me for my skills, not only for K-9 dogs but also for the multi-purpose canines the Special Forces teams used. Sorry, one, please ’cuse my language, and two, I tend to wander off topic. You know, traumatic brain injury and all. Sounds like you and your sister need a guard dog with some special skills. I have a young male, Belgian Malinois, who I think would be a good fit. He’s just under two years old. He was recently returned back to us because the person we trained him for took their own life. His folks didn’t want the training the doghad to go to waste just so they could keep him as a pet, though it killed them to give him up. Would you like to meet our boy, Dottie?”
Nodding while smiling, I follow Enzo and Paisley into a separate building with row after row of kennels, though not the kind most would think of. There are huge fans on the ceiling and spread out throughout the building. Each enclosure is huge with the beds off the floor like square-framed hammocks, which most of the dogs are resting on. Food and water are in elevated cedar and metal holders that look to be weighted down. Each kennel has only one dog in it, along with a small flat screen on the wall. Most are tuned in to either nature shows or cartoons, though some have regular shows on. When I raise my eyebrows Enzo laughs.
“Yeah, we tend to go overboard, but each and every one of them here deserves it. Research shows that after a dog has retired from the military, if they aren’t given to their handler they partnered with they go into a deep depressive state. So, Paisley over here decided to stop that process. Now our sanctuary is one of the few, not sure what we even call it, ’cause it isn’t a rescue, more of a layover until we can contact the canine’s handler to see if they want them back. Then the long process of getting them reunited starts. That is after all the red tape she goes through just to get them out of the war-torn countries. Most of our elected politicians would rather just leave them there to die or kill them immediately when troops are called home. Yeah, gotta love ‘those’ types of smart folks. I know Paisley refuses to talk politics. I’m just voicing my opinion on the treatment of the dogs, that’s all. If you can give me a minute, I’ll go round up Bowie. Be right back.”
Paisley and I watch Enzo move fluidly through the kennels toward the back. When he’s out of sight she turns to me, reaches out, and gently touches my arm.
“How’s Dani doing, Dottie? Before you leave, I have a little something for her and I made some of my bread for you to take home so both of you can have some home baked comforts. I’m glad she’s okay and finally home. Ollie said that security has been ramped up again. Whoever did this waited until you weren’t on the ranch per se, because Taz and Enforcer had no reason to think that someone would try anything so heinous to one of their own. Have you gotten any leads yet?”
As we talk my mind goes to something Paisley just said. Yeah, she’s right. Whoever did this to my sister did wait ’til our guard was down. Need to tell Tink and Glory, that might be of some help. I feel tingly but not in a bad way. Paisley starts to giggle while pointing down. When I look that way, I let out a scream and almost fall backward, except strong hands grab me from behind. A beautiful dog with a totally black face and snout, with a reddish brown body, is staring up at me. The eyes never leave my face and when whoever caught me puts his hands on me, the pup growls and shows teeth.Well, hell,I think to myself. Enzo walks up with a smirk on his face.
“So got yourself a two-for-one, huh, Dottie? Bowie here is extremely quiet and light on his paws. As you can see, even before I properly introduce you two, he is very protective, which is what we want. I want you to spend some time with him here today if you have the time, and when you think your sister Dani is ready to meet him, both of you come out and we can see if he will be a good fit for you girls.”
The hands holding me up are rough and huge. The way my belly is doing flip-flops I can only assume who it is without turning around. Then Enzo confirms it when he says hi to Halo, who returns a greeting with a grunt. Men, what’s that saying, can’t live with them and can’t live without them or some shit like that.
“Enzo, I’ll talk to Dani but how about the day after next? I’d like to get us a dog as soon as possible, not only because of what’s going on but also for a pet. Oh shit, didn’t ask, can Bowie be a pet too or is he trained to always be on duty? Because if that’s the case then maybe he won’t fit with us as neither of us are huge party people, more like couch potatoes. Bowie, hey, boy, you want to sit on the couch with us and eat popcorn? I think you’ll do, right, handsome boy?”
Everyone laughs even Benji, who hasn’t let go of me or walked around to say hi. Enzo and Paisley tell me to take as much time as I need as they both head off to do whatever they do, which I know is probably overwhelming on a slow day. Not only is Paisley a small and large animal veterinarian, but she also makes farm calls for the larger animals the local farmers or ranchers can’t handle on their own or bring to her. She also has a building full of rescues or whatever that she tries to find homes for, not to mention the new folks who come out to the sanctuary, who all work with the animals as part of their therapy and healing. Thinking about that, I turn, making Benji drop his hands from my arms, and look up at him. Those smoky, dark inky eyes get me every time. Shaking my head before I make a fool of myself, I ask the question that’s been on my mind.
“Benji, if you are part of the therapy here at the sanctuary, what animal has been assigned to you to work with?”
He continues to stare at me like he didn’t even hear my question. Enough of this shit. I reach down and clip on the leash Enzo gave me, which is the American flag, to the harness thingy Bowie is wearing. As soon as it clicks, he’s up on his feet at my side. Well, look at that. I softly say, “Walk,” and as I take a step, he’s right next to me doing the same. I take him around the buildings and through some tall grass before I tell him to sit and stay. Knowing Benji has been following me the entire time likea lost puppy, I finally look his way. When he catches my eyes he softly speaks.
“Dottie, I do take care of the animals here, just not one specifically. I’m in charge of some of the horses and donkeys, along with Sive. She’s kind of in charge of our unit here as she’s worked with both horses and donkeys before, but there’s—I think—five or six of us who handle the stable and the animals that are in there. I’m still in a probation period so I do what I’m told. Best way to just blend into the woodwork.”
Watching and listening to him, it’s beyond apparent he’s been put through the wringer, for sure. I want to ask so badly but won’t because it’s up to him to give me his story, not for me to pressure him into it. Bowie is sitting patiently at my side, eyes entirely on me, though it’s pretty noisy out here. I’m half in love already and, knowing Dani like I do, when she comes to meet him she’ll take not only him but another dog and a few cats if I’d let her. And I don’t care because I also love animals, just now might not be the best time to bring all those fur babies into our home with what we do. Sometimes one or both of us are gone with the club, so who’s going to take care of them? Gotta think about all that kind of stuff when bringing a new fur baby home.
Seeing both Enzo and Paisley, I’m surprised by the container that she’s carrying. They both stop right in front of me with smiles on their faces. Then when they start to talk, you could totally say they shocked the shit out of me when Paisley tells me what has her so happy.
“While you were running Bowie through the different commands, I called Dani and shared our camera with her. She said to bring him home. Well, she actually said to bring three dogs and seven cats’ home and maybe a donkey or two, but I think a good idea is to start by bringing Bowie home and see how it goes. He has a few friends, so if later on you both want more pets we can talk about it at that time. We aren’t that far apartand, worst-case scenario, you can call anyone who works here. The list of phone numbers is in this container, along with a food and water bowl, and a half of bag of the food we feed him here. There are some toys, a bed, and a thinner bed for outside when he’s lying in the sun. Just a few things to get you girls started. I’ve also included the folder I give to each new pet owner so you and Dani can look through it. Now let me love on this boy before he leaves to go to his forever home.”
I watch and even though I can see Paisley is happy he’s found a home, there are still tears running down her cheeks as she kisses on Bowie while rubbing him down. I do the only thing I can to put her at ease.
“Paisley, you’re always welcome to visit or just stop by and check on him. Promise we won’t let you down, swear to Christ.”
She smiles at me mouthing “Thank you” through her tears. All I can do. Then after saying my goodbyes and throwing all the stuff, along with our newest family member in my vehicle, I head home to maybe bring a real smile to my twin’s face. Who can resist a dog, for Christ’s sake, right?
NINE
HALO
BENJI
Watching Dottie leave, my heart starts to race and hurt at the same time. Why can’t I be like other people and just talk or, here’s a concept, hold a goddamn conversation. Feeling eyes on me, I turn to see Enzo watching me. When his eyes meet mine, he gives me a sad smile.
“Brother, been there so many times I can’t even count anymore. Try to remember that Dottie is one of the good ones and deserves not only your words but also your honesty. Anyone with eyes can see she’s really interested in you. That says a lot since, apparently, you don’t seem to see what’s right in front of your eyes, brother. Since I forgot to give Dottie the‘Welcome to the Blue Sky Family’duffel bag,maybe after you clean up a bit you can run it by Tink’s ranch for me. That is, if you want to.”
I feel the smile immediately fill my face as Enzo watches and lets out a loud chuckle. His eyes are sparkling and it dawns on me he is actually trying to help me. I’m beyond grateful and tell him exactly that.
