I grab Lucy's duffel bag from the truck bed, the one I packed with her permission from what was left in her van. "I was hoping for a little more enthusiasm than that."
"I'm very enthusiastic. Just sore."
The reminder of her injuries kills my playful mood faster than a bucket of ice water. "How're you feeling? Really?"
"Better. Gabriel's been taking excellent care of me." She gestures toward the house. "Though I'm starting to feel like I'm causing way too much trouble. Surely I don't need round-the-clock babysitting."
"Actually, you do." I set down her bag and pull out the ace I've been saving. "Doctor's orders for the concussion, remember? And besides, our boy here has been acting like his world ended. Mrs. Cross and I had ourselves a little chat about his... dietary situation."
Her eyes widen. "His dietary situation?"
"Turns out Tyson's been getting a few too many treats from certain soft-hearted vet." I can't help the shit-eating grin spreading across my face. "Mrs. Cross thinks he needs to go on a supervised diet. Someone who'll make sure he gets proper exercise and only appropriate snacks."
"Colt, what are you saying?"
"I'm saying this dog needs a caretaker for the next week or so. Someone who knows him, who he trusts. Someone who might benefit from having a furry companion while she recovers." I cross my arms, feeling pretty damn pleased with my own brilliance. "Think you're up for the job, Shortie?"
The squeal of joy that escapes her makes my heart do backflips, but then I watch reality crash back down.
"Wait, this isn't my house. I should askGabriel—"
"Already cleared it with him this morning. Said Tyson's welcome as long as you want him here."
Having the dog here will be good for both of them, and if it gives me an excuse to check on them more often, well, that's just smart planning.
Gabriel appears from around the back of the house, probably hearing the commotion. He gives me a small wave.
"Everything all right out here?" Gabriel asks, approaching with that measured stride of his.
"Just delivering your houseguest," I say, scratching Tyson behind the ears. The dog's already claimed his spot pressed against Lucy's legs. "Hope that's still okay."
"More than okay. Lucy's been too quiet this morning. Dog'll do her good." Gabriel's smile is genuine, but he catches my eye with a look that says we need to talk. Man to man.
"Coffee?" Lucy offers, oblivious to the undercurrent. "I was just making a fresh pot."
"That sounds perfect," I say at the same time Gabriel nods.
Lucy disappears into the kitchen with Tyson trailing after her like a shadow, and Gabriel jerks his head toward the porch. I follow him, both of us taking positions against the railing like we're discussing the weather instead of the woman who's got us both twisted in knots.
"How's she been?" I ask quietly.
Gabriel's quiet for a moment, weighing his words like he always does. "Puts on a brave face, but those ribs are giving her hell. I'm managing the pain meds carefully, making sure she gets exactly what she needs and nothing more."
There's something in his tone that makes me study his face. "Personal experience with that approach?"
Gabriel's jaw goes tight as a steel trap. "Let's just say I've seen what happens when pain medication becomes something else. Lost someone I cared about to pills she hid so well I never saw it coming until she was already gone."
The quiet pain in his voice hits me square in the chest. "Shit, Gabriel. I'm sorry, man."
"It's why I have to ask." He turns to face me fully, sheriff mode kicking in. "In all the time Lucy's been working for you, have you ever seen anything that would suggest she has issues with substances? Anything that would make you think she might have been involved with the Cutter brothers somehow?"
The question hits like a sucker punch. "What the hell are you suggesting?"
"I'm not suggesting anything. I'm ruling things out." His voice stays level, professional. "She's keeping secrets, Colt. You can see it as clearly as I can. I need to know what I'm dealing with."
"What you're dealing with?" I can feel my temper starting to flare, the familiar heat that's gotten me in trouble more times than I can count. "She's not some case to be solved,Gabriel. She's a woman who's been hurt and needs our help."
"Did you take her in just to investigate her?" I challenge him, my voice going hard as nails. "Because if that's what this is, I'm taking her back to my place right fucking now."
