Chapter 25 #2
Brody jumped down and Cole took her hand. “Nine will be happy to see you. She’s missed you. In fact, we all missed you. I worried you read ahead to discover how big Tad’s hose actually turned out to be. I bet it wasn’t more than three inches.”
“Nah. They’re at least eight inches in those types of books,” she said, staring down the path. Her head swiveled from side to side.
“The ex seemed pretty stalkerish. You’re probably right.”
Hannah’s phone rang and she took it from her pocket. Her mom’s number flashed across the screen. “Excuse me. Hello, Mom.”
“Hannah, it’s your father. I set up another flight for you, and I called Kassie Winters. She assured us you’re doing great. Why can’t you return home, then?” he demanded.
“Ugh, I’m sure she meant I’m doing great with my treatment.
I’m not leaving until they say I’m in the clear,” she said, angrily.
“I’m not a child. As an adult, I’ll make decisions concerning my healthcare.
Tell Mom I’m sorry. Why must I return for the holiday when you clearly didn’t plan on visiting me until after the new year? ”
Her dad went silent. Cole squeezed her hand, lending her his support.
“We, ugh, planned to come. You know how the airports can be during the holiday rush. Your mom wanted to feel relaxed when we saw you,” he stammered.
“Does she feel agitated all the other times she sees me? Somehow, I think you’re the one who needs to relax. I’m not coming home. You can’t stick me in a nursing home or put me somewhere, so you can forget your daughter ever existed.”
“Hannah—"
“I’m done with this conversation. Tell Mom I’ll call her later,” she said, hanging up the phone. Her eyes filled with tears and she tried to breathe like Claire taught her.
Cole stopped and Brody leaned against her leg. “Stop for a minute and gather yourself. What’s this all about?”
“It’s nothing,” she said, angrily wiping the tears away.
Cole pulled her into his arms and held her close as he rubbed her back.
“I meant it when I said I’m here for you. If you don’t want to return home, I won’t let them take you,” he vowed.
Hannah stepped back and shook her head. “Do you know how many times they visited me in eighteen months? Twice. My dad paced the room like he wanted to crawl out of his skin, and my mom patted my cheek and kept saying ‘I know you’re in there, Hannah. Please speak to me.’ Why?
For her to tell me how much Dad missed me?
Ha! It probably embarrassed him to see his daughter in such a state. ”
“You’re not a fucking embarrassment. You’re a damn miracle and a fighter.
You survived, Hannah. Do you still have stuff to work through?
Absolutely. But guess what? I do, too. None of us can come back from serving and be the same as we were when we left.
Take Patch, for instance, that bastard has some screws loose. ”
Hannah burst out laughing. “Scarlett told me all about him and his PT time.”
“Don’t let them steal your joy,” he insisted. “Turn off the phone and ignore them if you must. You need to heal, not be distracted by some asshole’s demands.”
“Thank you,” she said, hugging him tightly. Cole’s arms wrapped around her waist. He inhaled the scent of her vanilla shampoo and a hint of maple syrup. It suited her. He didn’t fail to notice how she fit in his arms.
Another staff member appeared on the trail and he stepped back. “Shall we continue?”
“Yes,” she agreed, reaching for his hand. They entered the facility and he introduced her to the new dogs. She spent extra time with the one who still seemed frail, encouraging him to eat his food and praising him. Brody sat at her feet and brooded, making Cole chuckle. How does it feel, big boy?
When he let Nine out of her crate, the puppy went insane, further proving she needed extra help with his manners. She ran around the training area at warp speed and jumped on Hannah, barking.
“Down,” Cole commanded, yet the puppy ignored him as she gave loves to Hannah and chased her tail. “I hope no one witnesses her. They’ll think I’m a poor excuse for a trainer.”
“She’s happy to see us,” she exclaimed. “She’ll calm down.”
“She’s thrilled to see you. Nine has never greeted me this way. Even Brody appears smitten with you. Look, he’s pouting,” Cole said, making her twist to see Brody with his head to the floor, watching her play with the puppy.
“Oh, Brody. You’ll always have my heart from the first day you put a pinecone in my hand. Come here, boy,” she said, holding her arm out to him. Brody jumped up, and his tail wagged nonstop while she kissed his head. Why did he feel jealous of his own dog?
Hannah moved to the sitting area while Cole and Archer worked with the other dogs.
He showed Archer how to use the clicker, what commands to use, and how to say everything in German.
Eventually, he’d teach him the hand signals, too.
He glanced up to see Hannah absorbed in watching him with Nine taking up her entire lap and Brody glued to her side.
Cole whistled and signaled for Brody while Archer put the last dog in his kennel. Brody bounded down to the area, and Cole practiced with him, giving him treats. As soon as they finished, he sent Brody and the puppy outside for a potty break.
“Wow, Cole. I’m impressed,” Hannah said, coming down to meet him.
“I hoped you might be,” he said, winking at her.
“Brody knows his commands. Will the other dogs learn the same exact ones? How do you choose which dog goes with who?” she asked, interested in learning more.
“Leo hired a new guy who’s worked with canines before. Liam will pair with Apollo. He needs someone who won’t bend the rules,” he explained.
“Like hamburgers?” she asked mischievously.
“I knew I’d regret telling you,” he said, laughing. “Leo wants us to stop by the facility. Patch, Knight, Sparky, and he are the only ones there. Do you mind?”
“No. I’m with you and Brody. He’ll watch my six while you’re gabbing. It’ll be nice to see Scarlett.”
“Actually, when we’re on the job, she’s Sparky,” he reminded her.
“Oh, yeah. I forgot,” she said, as she watched him gather items for Nine. “How long will you keep her?”
“Until she learns her manners,” he said, attaching the leash. Brody waited for Cole to release him before running to Hannah’s side, leaving him to carry everything.
Hannah reached over, taking the dog bed and the bag full of treats and toys. “I’ll take these while you carry the food.”
“I can handle it,” he assured her as he picked up the big bag.
“Call it my third win for the day,” she said cheekily as she held the door open for him to pass. Nine tried to pull and tug him, but Cole remained firm.
“Will I be able to pet her at home?”
“Yes, but no giving her people food, or baby talk. I’ll teach you the commands and you can help me train her.”
They got into the truck and drove to the facility. Scarlett met her at the entrance. “Hey, Hannah. How’s it going?” she asked, hugging her.
“I went to Bryanna’s and ate pancakes today. Then, I watched Cole train with the dogs. We walked the trail,” she informed her proudly.
Scarlett listened to ensure Cole didn’t hear her. When she heard him talking to Knight, she asked, “How did last night go? I wish you’d change your mind and stay with me.”
“It went fine,” Hannah said, grinning from ear to ear.
Scarlett narrowed her eyes. “Your voice sounded different. There’s a story there. I’m off tomorrow. Do you want to do something?”
“Can we have lunch at Ty’s? I want to try your husband’s restaurant,” she admitted.
“How about you experience his cooking at my home? Then we can have time for girl talk. Cole’s taking the dogs to the outdoor play area.
Leo asked me to bring you to his office.
Then, we have a meeting. He’s got his panties in a bunch about something,” Scarlett said, leading her to the office.
“I’ll ask Cole to drop you off tomorrow. See ya then.”
Hannah knocked and waited for Leo to answer.
“Damn it, come in,” he barked. Upon noticing Hannah, he winced and rubbed his jaw. “Sorry about all the yelling. Your favorite salesman sent me an invoice with a return surcharge. I’m ready to hunt him down and string him up by the balls, if he even has any.”
“Let me see,” she said, going around his desk. He slid the computer over for her to see his headache for the moment. “Do you use this company all the time?”
“Not anymore,” he grumbled. “Kit Kat expected me home over an hour ago and Derrick’s teething, Grace pooped all over herself and then the wall and Melody’s collecting money for the swearing.
I’ll be lucky if I have balls by the time I get home,” Leo unloaded.
“Then Whiskey has lost his head and mixed the invoices for the Texas team and us. I’ll be here for at least another three hours,” he groaned.
“All right. I’ll accept the position,” Hannah said, feeling sorry for him. “I’ll need my own computer, and I’ll come in when I need to, but I prefer to work from home. As you know, I have some issues.”
Leo turned in his chair and handed her a brand-new computer, complete with a bag.
“Have you met the assholes who work here? Here ya go. Bear already added all the programs you might need and it’s secure.
I know you don’t like small rooms, but I have a lovely pool area with a table you can use while I hold my meeting.
” He slid a piece of paper over to her. “Here’s your pay, comprehensive health insurance, eye coverage, and dental, thanks to Kit Kat reminding me I have three kids who will most likely need braces. ”
Hannah eyed him speculatively. “You planned this.”
“Hell yes, I did. You’ve already said yes, and you’ll see my offer’s more than fair,” Leo said, standing. “Welcome to the team, Stormy.”
“How did you know about my nickname? Cole only gave it to me this morning,” she exclaimed. Her eyes nearly bugged from her head when she saw the amount Leo filled in.
Leo winked. “I know everything that happens on this mountain. Happy to see you like my offer. Come by in the morning and I’ll formally introduce you. You don’t have to stay long. If you need anything else, find Sparky or me.”
She placed the computer in the bag along with his sneaky contract. “May I review this and give it to you at the end of your meeting?”
“You bet,” he agreed while he escorted her to the pool room.
Cole’s eyes met hers from the kitchen, and she shrugged before sitting down.
Pulling out the papers and contract, she shook her head.
Leo must be crazy for his offer, but she didn’t plan to let him steamroll her.
She crossed out a few lines about reporting for PT, using an office, and attending weekly meetings.
As the supply clerk, she didn’t need to sit in on mission meetings.
She separated the invoices and created Excel sheets listing all suppliers and the items they regularly order. Then, she broke down all the expenses. She needed to find a couple of new companies and lower their outgoing expenses. Hannah made a few notes and glanced up as Cole entered the room.
“You have ten minutes to get to your appointment with Dr. Meyers,” he told her as he glanced at the items on the table. “I’ll drive you over.”
“I’ll explain later,” she said, stacking everything in an organized pile and placing it in the bag.
He took it from her as she held the contract in her hand. Leo met them in the hallway, and she handed it to him. “I didn’t sign it yet, I made a few adjustments. If they’re agreeable, we have a deal. I’ll see you in the morning.”
Leo’s brow arched as he glanced at her contract. “We’ll discuss it in the morning.”
Cole rushed her to the hospital, and she hurried to her appointment.
He lingered in the hallway, watching her until she disappeared from his sight.
“How’s it going, Cole?”
He turned to greet one of the veterans who showed him the bus route to the community center. “I’m doing great. How’s the route going? Have more seniors started using it?”
Larry shook his head. “Word got around about the two-hundred-dollar cash prize, and if attendance picks up anymore, we’ll have to add a second bus.”
“I consider that good news,” Cole said.
“Yeah, it’s good. Kassie’s over the moon. Do you want to volunteer for a few driving shifts? Gene returned home and Bud leaves this week.”
“Sure,” he said, walking toward the sign-up sheets. He went down the list and signed up for once a week through the end of the year. “If no one signs up for the week of Christmas, let me know. I’ll do it.”
“Thanks, man,” Larry said, appearing relieved.
Finding no reason to stay, he glanced one more time toward Claire’s office and returned to the facility.
He planned to pick her up after her appointment.
He entered the kitchen as Leo pulled out a map.
“Here’s where the attacks occurred. Whiskey signed the contract for us to work here.
” He pointed to an area close by. “According to the records, Cole’s boss worked before the attack and the day after.
How many of us got regular days off for an entire six months? It’s fishy.”
“He made the schedules,” Cole added. “John volunteered to go, and I took Brody up to him later. After the accident, while I waited for my papers, I checked the schedule. On the day of the attacks, John got assigned with Brody for every single one. It seemed strange no other dog team led the units.”
Brody rose from his spot and sat at his side.
His wise old eyes begged Cole to find out what happened.
He owed it to Brody and his best friend to find out what happened.
The thought of leaving this soon after meeting Hannah made his gut twist in knots.
What if she suffered an episode while he went on tour with the team?
What about Brody? Somehow, he needed to have them settled before he left.