Her thoughts drifted to the future. The too-familiar anxiety roared alive inside of her, clawed at her chest, and knotted her insides. She shoved the future aside. Soon, soon she’d think about it, but not today.
She returned to her autumn scavenger hunt, smiling bittersweetly when she saw a family raking leaves and their two young children jumping into the piles. She prayed that one day her girls could experience that carefree attitude.
A few miles down the road, she entered a stretch of land sparse of homes. The area reminded her of her grandparents’ property and brought memories of better times. Summer days running barefoot in the grass, wading in the creek and catching minnows, waking up early for a chance to spot the elusive fox. She’d give almost anything to go back in time, even for a day. The love of her grandparents made up for the lack of affection from her mom.
Straight ahead, she spotted a blob in the road. A second later, she realized it was a dog. She flinched and wished she could close her eyes until she passed. Hadn’t she experienced enough death for one day?
A movement caught her eye. The dog wasn’t dead and struggled to lift her head. She slammed on the brakes and jerked her car to the side of the road. Jumping out, she waved her arms frantically to stop an approaching truck. As it came closer, she recognized the truck and its driver—Carl, the head of maintenance and security.
A moment of relief came over her. He would know what to do.
Carl came to a stop and rolled down his window. “Luna? Are you okay?”
“The dog, it’s been injured but still alive.” Adrenaline stole her breath, but she pressed on, pointing to the pup. “I didn’t want you to hit her.”
“Do you know the dog or who it belongs to?” Carl turned on his four-ways and hopped out.
“No, but I can’t leave the poor thing here to die.”
He stepped toward the dog. “Eastern Veterinary is only a few minutes away. That’s where Rachel takes Roxie if you want to head there.”
She had no idea how she’d pay for the pup’s care, but she knew she couldn’t leave it here. One way or another, she’d take care of it. “I’d appreciate that.”
Crouching down, Carl scrubbed a hand over his jaw. “I don’t think she was hit.”
“What do you mean?” Luna stared at the dog, an emaciated pit-type female with a coarse brown coat.
Blood flowed from a gash in her head, and she foamed at the mouth. Her ribs rose slightly with each pitiful moan. Her tail hung limply behind her.
“My guess is somebody threw her out of a moving car. Happens all the time on stretches of roads like these.” His face tensed, and his eyes took on a dangerous glint. “The injuries aren’t consistent with a vehicle collision, and you can tell she wasn’t taken care of. She has abuse written all over her.”
Luna sucked in a painful breath. She knew more about abuse than any person should, and she wouldn’t let this innocent dog become a victim to it. “Do you think she’ll survive?”
“Hard to say, but the sooner we get her to the doctor, the better.” He stood up and brushed the loose gravel from his pants. “Do you have a towel or blanket?”
“Skye left her blankie in the car last night.”
“Can we use it? The dog needs to stay warm.”
“Sure.” She rushed across the street and grabbed the fuzzy pink blanket from the backseat. As long as she got it back, Skye wouldn’t mind the use of her beloved blankie to save a dog.
Carl took the blanket and gently scooped the dog into his arms. “Do you want to leave your car here and ride together? You can keep an eye on her while I drive.”
“I, um, I can take her.” Her stomach churned.
She liked Carl, considered him a friend even. His tall, broad stature that could easily overpower her should have scared her, but she almost felt safe with him. His expressive green eyes could flash from tender to angry in the space of a second, but never without reason. His warm, genuine smile with slightly crooked teeth had thawed her chilled heart the last several months. He kept his dark auburn hair trimmed tight against his head, a style leftover from his military days, but it suited him. If ever she could trust a man again, it would be someone like him.
But regardless, she couldn’t be enclosed in a vehicle alone with a man, no matter the circumstances.
“Do you know the way to the vet?”
She shook her head, saw the life draining from the pup. “No, but if you give me directions, I can find it.”
“I’ll lead you there. It will be quicker.”
“Thank you.”
He tipped his chin toward her car. “Which seat do you want her in?”
