CHAPTER NINE #2
Misty was quiet. “You’re right. I carry a spray on my key chain, but I want more security. I need to learn some karate moves. And I love dogs. I didn’t see how I could have one while sharing space with someone. But now I think I can.”
“Why don’t I help you pick out a dog? And you can start karate lessons with me tomorrow when I’m at the studio.”
“Okay. It's a wise idea even if the man JoEllen saw isn’t Vince.”
“I know someone in the Dog Rescue Program. I’ll give him a call in a little while. In the meantime, let’s enjoy the sunrise.”
As she sat quietly observing her surroundings, Misty realized David was strong, not mean; smart, not foolish; and caring, not self-absorbed. She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye.
He caught her looking at him and smiled, lighting his face, emphasizing his deep-blue eyes.
Caught in the moment, Misty struggled to find something to say. “Thanks for your help.”
His features softened. “Glad to do it.”
Misty finished her coffee and went inside to freshen up. She knew Crystal would be awake and called her.
“Morning,” Crystal said. “I was just about to call you. Nick phoned to say he talked to JoEllen right after we left Jake’s, got a detailed description, and went to the hotel bar where she’d met him.
No one by the name of Vince Tucci was staying at the property, and the bartender said the man hadn’t been there all evening. ”
“What about the description? Does it match Vince Tucci?” Misty asked.
“It’s hard to say. His name was Vince, but there was no last name. He had black curly hair, eye-color uncertain- maybe hazel, and a broad, muscular build. In today’s world, that could mean a lot of different people.”
“No noticeable tattoos?” asked Misty, not feeling much better about it.
“He had none that JoEllen remembered. She’s not the best witness,” said Crystal. “I think she’d had plenty to drink when she saw him.”
“Sounds like her,” grumped Misty. “David wants to teach me a few karate moves and thinks it’s smart for me to get a dog.”
“Superb suggestions,” said Crystal. “Nick said he’d add another lock to your front door.”
“I guess that’s all we can do,” said Misty, disheartened. “I’m not on social media, and I have kept any information about me pretty private.”
“Everyone in our social group in town is aware of the situation and will keep their vigilance,” said Crystal. “For all we know, this person could simply be a regular guy named Vince.”
“That’s what I have to believe going forward,” said Misty. She hated not knowing.
“Have a good day,” said Crystal. “Let me know how you do with a dog.”
“Okay.” Misty was excited to own one.
David came into the house. “Any news?”
“The man JoEllen saw is apparently gone and can’t be identified as Vince Tucci.
But Crystal likes the idea of karate lessons and my having a dog.
She says everyone will keep an eye out for someone looking like Vince Tucci.
” She shrugged. “I guess that’s all I can hope for.
Oh, and Nick is putting a stronger lock on my front door. ”
David studied her. “Okay then. Let’s get ready. We’ll go to breakfast at the Lilac Lake Café before heading over to the pet rescue center. Sound like a plan?”
“Yes. I’m anxious to get back to my cabin to take a shower.”
“And I need to get to work. I’ve told the crew I’ll be late. They’ll go ahead and begin their routines. They know what to do. I’m not worried about them.”
###
When they arrived at the café, Nettie hurried over to them. “Misty, I had no idea you had such a difficult experience with your ex-boyfriend. I want you to know I’ll post a photo of Vince Tucci by the check-in clock. If my staff see him here, they’ll notify the police.”
“Thank you,” said Misty. “Anything to keep him away from me will help.”
“Now, what can I get you two for breakfast? We’re trying a new sausage omelet you might like,” said Nettie, looking at David.
“Great,” said David. “How about you, Misty?”
“I’d like to try a veggie omelet,” she said.
“Coming right up,” said Nettie, disappearing into the kitchen.
It seemed odd not to see Crystal at the café.
She’d been such a part of it for so long.
Misty glanced around. The walls had been painted a deeper green, giving it a different feel, but one that would be elegant for the gourmet dinners Crystal and Melissa hoped to put on together occasionally in the café.
While they waited to be served, Misty observed several of her crowd arrive. Dirk came into the café for his usual coffee before heading to his dental office. Taylor came in to work on her book, and Whitney came with her son in a stroller.
Misty was grateful the café remained a favorite hangout with Nettie and Jason running it. She knew how relieved Crystal was to sell it so she and Emmett could marry and create a family.
Their food arrived, and they ate in privacy.
David’s cell rang, and he answered the call. “Hi, Gage. Did you get my message? Okay, Misty and I will be there in a while. Thanks.” He ended the call and turned to her. “Gage Martens, who acts as a vet for the Animal Rescue Center , thinks he might have the ideal dog for you.”
“How exciting! I can’t wait to see it. No matter what, the dog and I must have a special connection, or it won’t work.”
“Absolutely,” said David.
They each paid as soon as they finished, and then the two of them left.
###
The Animal Rescue Center was in a one-story brick building outside of town. Tucked under the shade of a large maple tree, the building had a large fenced-in area beside it where a few dogs were sitting, lying down, or playing. Seeing David and Misty, a few of them began to bark.
Inside, a young man with straight brown hair and butterscotch eyes looked up from behind the desk where he was signing papers. “ ’Morning, David. And this must be Misty.”
“Hello,” said Misty.
David introduced him to Misty. “This is Gage Martens, the new vet here.”
“I’m a recent addition to the area and haven’t met many people socially yet. David and I are planning to join up at Jake’s tonight so I can meet y’all,” Gage said with a southern twang.
“Are you from the south?” she asked. “A new friend living here is from outside New Orleans.”
“I’m from Virginia,” said Gage. He stood, and Misty realized he was taller than she’d thought. “Now, what can we do for you? I understand you’re interested in a dog that would serve as a guard dog. I have a couple in mind.”
“Before you show me, can I just look at all the available ones?” Misty asked.
“Certainly. Follow me,” said Gage.
He led them into a room lined with built-in cages on two of the walls.
“We have cats in a separate section. Every dog here is available for adoption,” Gage explained. “If you see one you’re interested in, we’ll take the dog out of its cage so you can interact with it.”
Misty noticed the carpet in the middle of the room where several toys lay and realized the purpose of the play area.
Taking a deep breath, Misty walked slowly by the cages, looking at each dog. Their hopeful expressions or looks of resignation touched her. She passed several large dogs who would, no doubt, be suitable.
Then, her glance met the brown eyes belonging to a small, curly-haired, tan dog whose pointed nose looked as if she had a bit of Dachshund in her, along with a curly-haired breed, maybe a Poodle. The dog wagged its tail, and Misty couldn’t help smiling. “How about this one?”
Gage frowned. “She’s sweet, but I’m not sure what kind of guard dog she’d make. She likes everyone.”
“I’d like the chance to play with her. What is her name?” asked Misty.
“Sugar,” said Gage. He indicated a big chocolate lab. “Now, Duke here would be a better choice.”
“No,” insisted Misty. “I want to see Sugar.”
Gage opened the cage, and Sugar immediately went into Misty’s arms and kissed her cheeks. Giggling, Misty stroked her head and then took a deep, long look into the dog’s round, brown eyes.
“Will you protect me, Sugar?” she said softly, and Sugar barked and looked around, alert.
“Tell me about her,” Misty said to Gage.
“She’s about four years old, was the only dog of a woman who had to move into an assisted living facility, and she’s a trained therapy dog.
We just got her, so she hasn’t been listed for adoption.
That’s why she’s still here. She’s a great dog, but I thought you needed one that was bigger, more likely to defend you,” said Gage.
“She’s very alert. She can let me know if something is wrong,” said Misty. “I’m much more comfortable with her.” She got to her feet and said, “Come.”
Sugar followed her around the room.
Misty knelt, and Sugar went right up to her and kissed her cheek.
“She’s perfect,” said Misty, standing. “I want her.”
“Okay, we’ll discuss your home and surroundings, and then we’ll fill out the paperwork. I have her medical records. You can see she’s in excellent health. She’s trim and has had all her shots.”
Gage put a leash on Sugar and handed it to Misty.
On the way out of the room, Misty kept her eyes on the floor. She couldn’t bear to see the dogs left behind.
Gage handed her some paperwork, and they went over it together. “If you don’t think it will work out for any reason, you have three days to change your mind. You understand that could be traumatic for the dog, but we want to be sure the placement is satisfactory for you both.”
Misty completed the paperwork, paid the fees, and then turned to David. “Isn’t she wonderful?”
David grinned. “It’s a love match all right.”
Misty laughed and picked up Sugar, who fit comfortably into her arms. “Good girl, Sugar. We’re going home.”