“You’ll find we work a little differently,” Doc said with pride. “Allie, do you have anything to add?”
“I introduced her to Ice. They got along famously. They did great with the preliminary round. We still have four other matches for her to try and…”
“No,” Scarlett interrupted. “I want Ice. He’s my partner. I mean…if it’s all right with you.”
The silence seemed deafening as she waited to see if they stayed true to their word. She had a say in her care.
“We’ll proceed with Ice. I recommend Scarlett try using a white cane. I’ll coordinate with Candy in the morning to have a few PT sessions with Ice. If they’re compatible, Ice will house with Scarlett in the cabin,” Allie addressed the group.
Scarlett grinned.
“I see we have made one patient happy today,” Doc teased. “We’ll have a follow-up with Dr. Warren tomorrow. You’ll report to all appointments, Scarlett. We can’t help you if you don’t participate.”
“Yes, sir,” she said, still beaming.
“We’re finished for the day. Please direct your staff to stayon the lookout for our Serenity prankster. Leo and the men have spread out and plan to follow the routine deliveries. Bear will be adding another layer of security here. Ivan and Victoria’s men will stop each vehicle, and we’ll provide a visitor list. They’ll contact us with any discrepancies. Stay vigilant, please.”
Everyone filed out, and Kassie waited until they left. “How did your first day go?”
“Better than expected,” she answered honestly. “I’m curious. You didn’t ask me about the job. Why did you give me one?”
“You need to stay useful to feel relevant. I understand those feelings. It’s only temporary until you master Ice and PT, then I have other plans for you.”
“Oh, what do you mean?”
Kassie patted her hand. “You’ll have to stick around and find out.”
CHAPTER 11
“Do it again,”Candy ordered from her seat on the right. Scarlett blew her hair out of her face, adjusted the dang cane, and held Ice’s halter. They moved slowly through the obstacles. When Ice stopped, Scarlett ordered him to the right or left. When they finished, she gave him an excited rub behind the ears while he licked her face. Six weeks flew by, and her confidence soared when she spent time with her new four-legged friend.
“It’s too easy,” Candy exclaimed. “Ice knows the routine. We need to take her to town. She requires a bigger challenge. Kassie assigned her to the community center in the afternoons.”
“I don’t know. They move effortlessly. Ice listens to her, but the town has obstacles we can’t control,” Allie pondered. “You’re doing amazing, Scarlett. Keep in mind, Ice may be highly trained, but he’s still an animal. He can be spooked or react like any other. It’s important you know how to protect him as much as yourself.”
“Tell me what to do,” she insisted. “He makes me feel more confident.”
“We’ve worked with you for three hours this morning. You’re excelling. It won’t be long until we release him to you full-time. First, we must review your rights and rules. Do you plan to take him home with you or move somewhere else?”
“Why does it matter?” she asked as she knelt beside Ice, and he leaned into her.
“Ice needs playtime. Will you have a fence or a big backyard for him? Do you have a pool? He’s a big fan. How will you get him out when he wants to play? If you’re in the city, what will you do if someone denies you entrance? If someone harasses your dog, how will you handle the situation?” Allie peppered her with questions.
“I see what you mean. I didn’t realize,” she said, feeling like a fool.
“Of course, you didn’t. You’re new to all this. It’s my job to send you off prepared,” Allie explained. “It seems overwhelming, but you’ve started on solid ground. Relax and let us assist you. It’ll come.”
“I know. It feels good to have a bit of independence. Ice makes it feel easy,” she admitted while she snuggled with her partner.
“It will be. Education adds to your foundation. When you leave here, I want you armed with knowledge in addition to the skills,” Candy informed her. “It’s time to say goodbye. We need to get you to the community center for your first day.”
Scarlett pressed her face into his fur, not wanting to leave him. The more time she spent with her four-legged friend, the deeper she fell in love with him.
“They say the dog picks the person. Ice has made his choice pretty clear,” Allie gushed.
Lisa returned to release Ice to play while Scarlett went with Candy to the golf cart.
“Do you plan to drive me into town in this?” Scarlett teased.
