Across town, Scout’s instincts wouldn’t settle. He’d shaken enough hands in his life to know when one didn’t belong.
Chapter 33
Keeper
Burke & Rosie the German Shepherd
Rosie was a legend—a dog whose name still made rookies grin. She’d chased fugitives, disarmed violent suspects, and saved her partners more than once. But when Burke jingled his truck keys, she hopped up like a pup, tail thumping, eager for her next assignment.
This time, they were heading to Darcy’s cottage.
Burke called ahead, telling Darcy he’d like to bring Rosie by for a “meet and greet.” He grinned the whole drive over, one hand on the wheel, the other resting on the console. If this works out, maybe she’ll feel a little safer tonight. Lord knows she deserves that.
Rosie panted happily in the passenger seat, ears flicking with every turn. A manila folder rested on the console—official transfer paperwork signed by Jack Baker that morning. Tucked inside was Rosie’s new tag, stampedRetired K-9, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.She wasn’t on the roster anymore, but she still carried the training in her bones.
Darcy and Izzy were on the porch when Burke pulled up.
“Oh my gosh,” Izzy gasped. “Look at her!”
Darcy’s eyes widened as the shepherd trotted up, pressing against her legs as if she’d chosen her. Rosie’s big brown eyes lifted to hers—soulful and steady—and Darcy melted instantly. The dog’s whole body wiggled with joy, tail beating the porch boards until her hips swayed.
“Girls, meet Rosie,” Burke said. “She’s officially retired from the K-9 unit, Baker signed the transfer this morning. She still knows all her commands, but she’s off-duty now: companionship, deterrence, and a solid alarm.”
Darcy bent to stroke her fur, a soft smile pulling at her mouth. “I had a shepherd as a kid. She protected me from everything. I’d love to care for her.”
Rosie licked her hand, sealing the deal.
Burke chuckled. “Looks like she’s already claimed you. Can’t say I blame her—she seems to be enjoying the company of two ladies instead of all the testosterone back at the department.”
He unclipped Rosie’s leash and pulled a tennis ball from his back pocket. “Watch this.”
With a quick throw, the ball sailed across the yard. Rosie launched after it, muscles rippling, airborne before she hit the grass. She snatched it mid-bounce, landed clean, and came barreling back to drop it proudly at Darcy’s feet.
Darcy laughed, light and unguarded. “She’s amazing.”
“She knows it,” Burke said with a grin. “Careful. She’ll have you throwing that ball all night if you let her.”
Izzy crossed her arms and nudged Darcy, winking. “She’s already wrapped around your finger. Or is it the other way around?”
Darcy grinned, nudging her back. “Guilty as charged.”
Burke ran Rosie through a few basics—sit, stay, heel, down. She obeyed each command, settling loyally beside Darcy. It was like she belonged already.
Then, as Izzy ducked inside for tea, Rosie broke from Darcy’s side and padded the porch perimeter, nose low, tail stiff. She traced the railing, paused at the steps, then circled back—mapping the territory the way she’d been trained.
A faint snap from the woods made Rosie’s ears prick. She gave one sharp woof—not panicked, just alert.
Darcy straightened, eyes flicking to the dark tree line beyond the yard. A ripple of unease passed through her.
“Probably a squirrel,” Burke said evenly, voice pitched to reassure. He rested a steady hand on Rosie’s collar. But the crease at his brow lingered, and his gaze stayed locked on the shadows. The feeling hadn’t left him.
Rosie returned to Darcy’s side, posture softening only once she’d checked the boundary.
Burke lingered by the porch rail with Darcy. Rosie nosed between them, protective, planting herself squarely at Darcy’s hip.
Burke leaned down, scratching the dog’s ears with mock sternness. “Now, Rosie, we talked about this on the way over. You watch other people, not me.”
Darcy laughed, but the sound faltered when Burke’s eyes met hers. For a heartbeat, the world felt still. He leaned in, brushing a gentle, tentative kiss across her lips. Rosie promptly wedged her nose between them, whining in protest as if to break up the moment.
