Cole readied the dogs and waited for her on the front porch. When she arrived, he held out the leash for Nine. She scratchedbehind Brody’s ears and walked down the steps. He led them to the trail hidden by the trees.
“I love this weather. It’s hard to believe Christmas will be here before we know it,” Hannah said, adjusting the leash like Cole taught her.
“Leo mentioned something about our team participating in the Christmas celebration at the hospital. This year, they invited the community. Tomorrow night, they plan to light the tree in the center of town by the library. Kassie placed tags with codes on them for families in need. Since they have the room at the hospital, they’re thinking of inviting the community and passing out the gifts there. Then, the Grans will send home food and supplies. Hopefully, the seniors will take part in it.”
“Did they say they didn’t want to participate?” she asked as they walked. Her eyes shifted between the barren trees, and she remained alert to any noises besides the leaves crunching under their feet.
“I picked up the Hendricks. They stopped coming after the fire. Then, I scared a few away until I offered a two-hundred-dollar cash prize at Bingo. Their fridge appeared bare and they count on the extra meals from the center to get them through the month,” he explained. “I’m hoping they take advantage of the Winters’ generosity and take home some items to make their lives easier.”
“Sadly, our seniors must choose between food or medication,” she said glumly, glancing behind her. Cole stopped her and Brody leaned against her leg.
“Stop, Hannah. You have three protectors by your side. No one will sneak up behind us or jump us,” he reassured her and rubbed his hands along her arms. The sensation ran through her body, waking it up.
“I don’t know why I do these things. I’ll try to stop,” she said, concentrating.
“Pause and let your body tell you what it feels. You run in flight and fight mode. Think. Do you feel safe?”
Hannah assessed herself. Yes, she did. Between Brody and Cole, no one dared to reach her. But she needed to figure out how to fight for herself.
“I want to learn self-defense. Not the kind they gave me as a supply clerk, but things to take a person down,” she blurted out.
Cole nodded. “I can teach you a few things.”
“No. I’m thinking of asking Victoria. She taught Kassie and Catherine. Maybe Scarlett will join me,” she said, plotting.
“Do you know what Victoria does?” he asked incredulously.
“Yes. It’s precisely why I want her to show me. Men give her space when she walks by. She exudes power and control,” she explained, continuing to walk the trail.
“It’s because she deflates their balls. When we work on Monday, I’m sure Leo will be happy to have us guys show you a few moves,” he offered.
“You said to listen to my body. You can’t fix me, Cole. Having big men touch me while they show me techniques doesn’t interest me at all. I feel safe with you. But if I want a life. I can’t count on you every second of the day.”
“I see your point,” he conceded.
They grew closer to the hospital, hearing the cheers of teens playing soccer. The veterans sat on the sidelines coaching them. Seeing them, Larry rose and waved them down.
“Hey, Cole. You mentioned you might be able to help us out with the bus runs. Barry caught the flu and Kassie won’t let him out of his room until his temp goes down.”
“When do you need me?” he asked.
“Tonight, if possible. I already agreed to drive the van downtown for the kids to Christmas shop and help put up decorations at the center,” Larry informed him.
“Let’s do it,” Hannah pleaded. “I want to meet these people.”
“Sure, Hannah will ride shotgun behind me and help out,” Cole told him.
“Check with Kassie. She might need to fill out some paperwork,” Larry advised.
Cole glanced at his watch. “We’ll have to leave in fifteen minutes. Let’s track down Kassie and get you signed up.”
They filled out the necessary paperwork and Hannah sat behind the driver’s seat. Brody sat beside her while Nine sat on the floor by her feet. Cole drove the bus on the same route as her driving lessons. They stopped at the first house, and he jumped out, escorting two older women. They beamed and patted his muscular arms as he helped them up the steps.
“I guess I have some competition,” she murmured as he sat down and drove down the road.
“You have nothing to worry about. Brody and I only have eyes for you,” he retorted, shaking his head as he glanced in the rear-view mirror to find Brody with his head on Hannah’s shoulder. Her hand stroked his nuzzle.
Hannah leaned over and kissed his dog on the head and Cole nearly hit the mailbox on the side of the road, feeling jealous of his partner.
