“Hannah’s in there,” Claire said, confirming Kassie’s observations. “I feel she keeps herself numb and distant. When I say something she doesn’t like, she turns her head to avoid it. The tests show nothing is keeping her from speaking. Hannah’s refusal to leave her room and freezing up at the sight of staff concerns me. It’s like she’s letting life move around her. It’s a safety measure she uses to protect herself.”
“We need to find a way to reach Hannah,” Kassie murmured. “I’ve run out of ideas.”
Claire nodded. “Me too. If something doesn’t change, you’ll be forced to comply with it. Other than not speaking, Hannah’s capable of taking care of her basic needs. I’d hate to see her locked up in a psychiatric ward or placed in a nursing home. If we can break through her walls, she might have a chance.”
“In the meantime, let’s think about it. Christmas will be here before we know it. Maybe we need a miracle,” Kassie said, staring at her notes she pulled while speaking with Brenda Bailey, Hannah’s mother.
“Then let’s hope for one,” Claire insisted. “We can do more for her here if she only gives us a chance. Between the two of us, surely we can find a way to slip past her walls and show her what she’s missing.”
“I’m not giving up,” Kassie said, determined. “All it takes is one small change to create a big one.”
Claire rose from her seat, picked up her computer, and headed toward the door. “Then, let’s pray it happens soon.”
CHAPTER 4
Brody watchedas Patch flipped the burgers on the kitchen grill. His tongue hung out of his mouth as he stayed rooted to his spot as Cole commanded. Yet, his mouth watered at the scent of the patties sizzling to perfection.
Patch’s phone rang and he picked it up. “What’s up, Doc?”
He listened for a minute before he moved to the counter. “When did it start?” He paused again. “I’ll text Leo and let him know I’m heading home. No, Claire. I’m not having this conversation with you. The last time you fixed the heater, it cost us twice as much to repair it, and you voided the warranty. I’ll be home in about half an hour. Wrap up in a blanket and stay warm. Did you call out today? You promised when I showed you your temperature reading,” he growled. “No. Picking up paperwork and returning home doesn’t constitute staying home. Let me finish cooking lunch and I’ll be home soon. I love you, Doc.” He hung up the phone.
Scooping up the hamburgers onto a plate, Patch paid no attention to the dog, who already planned an op. He placed the platter on the kitchen counter and put his utensils in the sink.
“Damn, I don’t have time to clean the grill. Claire will have the whole dam furnace dismantled,” he mumbled as he went towork, scrubbing it while the steam rose in the air, carrying the delicious aroma of freshly cooked meat. Adding everything to the dishwasher, he texted Leo and rushed for the door, leaving the prize for anyone to take.
Brody whined impatiently and listened for his master. He pawed at the floor and crawled closer in stealth mode. His nose reached the counter as he sniffed the charred mouthwatering beef. He stood on his hind legs and his ears perked up as he listened for any sign of Cole. His snout scooped up one of the patties and chewed furiously, wolfing it down. Another took its place and then another until the empty plate contained nothing but the juice. Brody’s tongue soon cleaned it up, leaving a perfectly washed plate. Returning to his position in the corner of the dining room, he waited patiently for his master to return.
Cole entered the hallway, smelling freshly made burgers. His eyes grew wide as he recalled leaving Brody. Hamburgers amounted to kryptonite to the dog and he only hoped he didn’t beg any from Patch. He knew he grew lax with Brody’s training after the night he came home during a thunderstorm to find him hiding behind the couch. Every sound of clashing thunder sent the poor animal over the edge. From the appearance of his living room, Cole knew Brody recalled the explosion, which took his handler’s life. People say dogs don’t remember, but Brody proved them wrong. The only way he coaxed him down from the ledge came from bites of Cole’s burger he picked up on the way home. As a trainer he knew better, but seeing the trauma in the dog’s eyes broke him to this day.
“Patch must’ve done a good job this time,” Marcus said, entering the kitchen. “The smell’s making my mouth water.”
Taco followed and grabbed a bunch of plates. Seeing the one on the counter, he added it to the stack and took it to the table. Scarlett grabbed the buns from the cabinet while Saint grabbed glasses for drinks. Whiskey pulled out a pitcher of tea, somesodas, and water. The team worked in sync, getting everything out. Cole glanced at Brody, who sat perfectly in the corner.
Leo grunted toward the dog. “Wow, he didn’t move an inch.”
“Brody’s one of the best,” Cole said, relieved at seeing the dog behave himself.
“Where did he put the burgers?” Knight asked, searching the oven, microwave, and fridge. “I can’t find them.”
“He texted his furnace went out again, and Claire’s home sick. Check the cabinets. You know how he gets when Claire says she plans on fixing things. She can’t help herself,” Leo said while sitting next to Cole.
Sparky moved out of the way, taking Ice to the opposite end of the table. Taco and Shadow checked all the cabinets. “There’s nothing,” Taco reported.
“I can smell cooked beef. He must’ve stashed them somewhere,” Scarlett offered.
“Wait a minute. Did he take them with him?” Knight asked.
“Surely, not,” Whiskey brushed off the idea.
“He’s not that big of an idiot,” Shadow gave Patch a little credit.
Cole’s head swiveled over to the perfectly poised dog. Brody refused to meet his gaze, making him suspicious. His eyes narrowed in on the animal as he searched around the area for any sign of Brody the Burger stealer. The canine grinned at him with his special smile, and Cole tapped down the urge to strangle the dog.
“I guess we’ll make a trip to the community center. Cole can meet Tess and the townspeople of Serenity. We can talk when we return. Taco, why don’t you call Tess and see if she can help us out? If not, we’ll drop by Ty’s.”
“Will do, boss,” Taco said, pulling out his phone.
“Do you have a spot for me to take Brody for bathroom breaks?”
