The Soldier's Homecoming

by Patricia Potter

  “Sure.”

  “We’ll leave from there.”

  “Fine.”

  “You’re being very agreeable.”

  “I like wine.”

  “Do you want to meet at the adjoining door or in the hallway?”

  She knew what he was asking. The adjoining door in last night’s motel heightened a temptation that was already moving like a forest fire. He was giving her a chance to stop before it became an inferno.

  “The adjoining door,” she said, ignoring the clamor of warning bells in her head.

  “Okay. You unlock yours. I’ll unlock mine.”

  She couldn’t help laughing. “This is ridiculous,” she said, because they were saying much more than their actual words. There was both unsaid trust and promise in their absence. She put down the phone and unlocked the door on her side. The one on his side opened.

  He’d changed into a tan button-down shirt and darker tan khaki pants. He looked fine. Very masculine. Very intriguing.

  “I do like that blouse,” he said. “Ready to go?”

  Jenny grabbed her purse and forced her gaze away from him. On their way out of his room, he put his hand on the small of her back. A courtesy, but she still felt on fire. They wandered down to a small bar area next to a larger dining area and found it empty, except for a waitress.

  Jenny ordered a glass of chardonnay and he a beer.

  “Is there anything I should know about where we’re going?” she asked.

  “I just know her name is Karen Conway. She’s a dog trainer who specializes in matching rescue dogs to veterans with PTSD. She operates mostly on donations, although she does make money training dogs for the general public. Andy thinks she’s one of the most terrific people in the world, although she adds that Karen can be gruff and demanding. She had to stay with her for several days before taking possession of Joseph. She had to be worthy of the dog.”

  “I think I’ll like Ms. Conway.”

  “As far as I can tell, you like everyone.”

  “Not quite everyone,” she said soberly. “I do have an I-would-like-to-punch-him-in-the-face list.”

  “Just a ‘him’? No ‘her’?”

  “Maybe that...idiot who’s a television reporter someplace.”

  Travis grinned. “What else does it take to get on that list? I want to know for my own safety.”

  “Telling me I can’t do something,” she said. “And people who betray other people.”

  “Anyone in mind?”

  “My sister’s ex-husband.”

  “You have a sister?”

  “Two of them. Stacy is seven years older than me, and Lenore is five years older. And I have a niece who is too much like me for her own good.”

  “I don’t know about that,” he said. “I think she’s pretty lucky.”

  Jenny didn’t know how to answer that. Instead, she grabbed the glass of wine as it was delivered and took a quick gulp. “Maybe we should go on,” she said to cover her confusion.

  Travis looked amused. “Do you always get flustered at compliments?”

  She took another sip of wine. She had no snappy reply this time.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  TRAVIS TRIED TO keep his mind on the directions he’d written down as he drove to the address he’d been given.

  It wasn’t easy.

  The scent of roses got in the way. So did thoughts he kept trying to brush aside.

  Jenny Talbot was unlike any woman he’d ever met. She was instinctive, bossy, kind, intrusive, provocative and, dammit, irresistible. She lit up a room. He’d noticed it when she walked through the small Pueblo airport. There was an expectant quality, almost a dance, when she walked, as if she couldn’t wait for the next adventure.

  The traffic was light, and, as per instructions, he drove fifteen miles, until he reached a narrow dirt road, and then he turned onto it. He saw a group of buildings surrounding a small ranch house. A beat-up red truck and a newer sedan were parked in front. On one side of the house, there were fenced kennels, and on the other, there was a one-story building with a chimney. As they approached the house, the dogs in the kennel crowded the fence, apparently curious to see who was visiting. They started barking.

  The door to the house opened, and a tall man in jeans and a pullover Texas Tech sweatshirt approached them. “I’m Richard Payne,” he said as he shook hands with Travis and then Jenny. “You must be Ms. Talbot? Andy Stuart called and suggested you and Karen should meet.”

  Travis watched as Jenny spun her usual magic. “I fell in love with Joseph,” Jenny explained. “I understand he was one of Ms. Conway’s therapy dogs.”

  “You like dogs?” Dr. Payne asked.

  “I like anything with four legs,” she replied with that quick grin.

  “Watch out, or you’ll take a dog with you,” he said.

  “I’m not a veteran,” she said.

  “Maybe not officially,” Dr. Payne said, “but I know you were over there with our soldiers. After Andy called, I looked up some of your stories. Impressive. It’s obvious you care about the people you write about. They’re not just stories to you.”

  “Thank you,” Jenny said. “Andy’s been singing your praises, as well. She said she didn’t think she could have made it without you.”

  “It was Joseph who provided the magic,” Dr. Payne demurred. He turned to Travis. “And Josh said good things about you, Major. He told me you were his superior officer. I’m interested in your continuing friendship. But come inside. I have to warn you, there’s a few dogs in there.”

  “How many are a few?” Jenny asked.

  “Four at the moment. They’re learning good house manners. People all around here know Karen takes in strays and readies them for adoption. Only a few go into the intensive training to work as therapy dogs. They have to be smart and have a great temperament.”

  Dr. Payne led the way inside the ranch house. Three dogs, two large and one medium size, came to greet them. Another small dog, with white whiskers, in a face that resembled a monkey’s, didn’t move from a place next to an empty chair.

  “That’s Anna,” said an attractive woman as she entered the room and realized everyone had been looking at the strange little dog. “And I’m Karen Conway.”

  Travis held out his hand. “Ms. Conway, thank you for taking time to see us.”

  She took it with a strong grip. “My pleasure. And call me Karen. Everyone does.”

  She looked as if she were in her fifties and wore jeans and a neat button-up shirt. “Anna was dropped off three weeks ago by someone who found her walking down a road. She was in pretty bad condition. She’s a sweet girl but shy and a bit fearful. I’ve been searching for the owner but no luck.”

  “What is she?” Jenny asked.

  “She looks like a purebred affenpinscher, and if you’ve never heard of one, you’re not alone. It’s a German breed, and the dogs are known for their little monkey faces. I think at one time she had a good home because she’s house-trained, but I suspect the last few years have been pretty rough. She’s not very trusting. It’ll probably be difficult to find her a home because of that and because she’s a senior. Most families want young dogs.”

  “Okay if I pet her?”

  “Sure.”

  Jenny went over and knelt next to the dog. “Hey there,” she said in a low, calm voice. She held out her hand first and let the dog sniff it. She then scratched behind Anna’s ears, murmuring something that Travis couldn’t hear. The little dog’s tongue darted out to lick her hand.

  “You have a way with dogs,” Karen said.

  “They probably know I like them.”

  “Do you have one?”

  “I’ve never had a pet,” she admitted. “My father wouldn’t even consider it when I was growing up. Since college, I’ve been moving around, usu
ally in other countries. I’ve been in the Middle East for five years.”

  “Well, let me know if you settle down. I always have good dogs who need a home. Anna’s inside because she’s still new, and I want her to feel safe and become accustomed to living in a house again.”

  “There’s no hint as to what happened with her?” Jenny asked.

  “No telling,” Karen said. “She could have been abandoned when an owner died. She might have been lost. She’s shy with strangers, but once she knows you, she wants to be held.”

  Karen introduced the other dogs. “They’re potential therapy dogs. The large one is Shelby. I have high hopes for him. He’s in the second month of training. We’re looking for just the right owner for him.” She scratched the dog’s left ear, then in an authoritative voice said, “Shelby, get Richard a beer.”

  The dog barked and, wagging his tail, trotted through an open doorway that apparently led to the kitchen. Several seconds later, he returned with a can of beer in his mouth. He offered it to Dr. Payne.

  “I’m impressed,” Jenny said.

  “He fetched it from the fridge. Problem is,” Karen said, “I now have to get up and give Richard a glass, since dog germs are all over the can. Haven’t figured out how to solve that problem yet. The other two dogs are Sam and April. They still have some learning to do. They know simple commands. April, shake hands.”

  April came over and offered a paw to Dr. Payne, and then to Jenny and finally to Travis.

  “They are very polite dogs,” Jenny observed with humor. “And the ones outside?”

  “All rescues, up for adoption. We sort of rotate inside time.”

  Bemused, Travis watched the interaction between the three people. As usual, Jenny immediately fit into the group, including with the animals. It was as if she’d known them for months, rather than less than an hour.

  He also saw the emotion in her face as she met the small black dog. He had a bad feeling about it.

  “But enough with showing off,” Karen said, interrupting his thoughts. “What can I get you for drinks? I have iced tea, wine and beer.”

  Travis and Jenny joined Dr. Payne in having beer. They were directed to the table, which was already set. Karen disappeared for a minute and returned with a platter of meat and bowls of slaw, beans and salad.

  “One of Richard’s best friends owns a barbecue restaurant,” Karen confided. “In fact, it’s one of the best in this part of Texas. Richard stopped there on the way and picked up some smoked beef brisket.”

  Travis was hungry. They had skipped lunch, and the brisket was even better than last night’s. He couldn’t remember when he’d eaten more than in the past few days. His gaze met Jenny’s, and they shared a smile.

  As they ate, Dr. Payne turned to Jenny. “We invited you tonight because Andy Stuart wanted you to meet Karen and she’s busy tomorrow. I also had a call from the veterinarian in Covenant Falls who suggested we meet. I know you two don’t have much time and plan to leave tomorrow, after our meeting, so I suggested supper. I thought you could concentrate on the therapy dogs tonight, and we’ll discuss the equine therapy project at our meeting tomorrow.”

  “Sounds good to me,” Jenny said.

  After dinner, the table was cleared, and the four of them settled in the small but comfortable living area. Anna immediately went over and sat by Jenny’s feet.

  “It was really thoughtful of both of you to invite us,” Jenny said as one hand fondled the dog’s ears. She turned to Karen. “I would like to start by asking how and why you started training therapy dogs.”

  Karen nodded.

  “Do you mind if I record it?” Jenny asked.

  “No. But if you print anything, I would appreciate some notice.”

  “Right now, this is strictly for the veterinarian in Covenant Falls,” Jenny said. “But if I do a story, I’ll certainly need more information and would check with you first.”

  Travis sat back while Jenny started the questions. There was little she missed, beginning with how Karen got involved in training therapy dogs.

  “My husband and I were both dog trainers,” Karen said. “We bought this place because it was a lot of land for the price. We trained cattle dogs, as well as other dogs for commercials and films. Our son joined the army and, because of his background, became a dog handler. He was wounded, and his dog was killed, during an engagement in Iraq. When he was shipped home, he wasn’t the same boy.

  “We saw it as soon as he got back, carrying all that pain. The VA diagnosed him with PTSD. They tried to help, but he never came out of it.” She paused and looked down. Her voice grew faint as she continued. “He committed suicide.”

  Jenny reached out to take her hand. Karen looked up, her eyes filled with tears. “My husband died of a heart attack several months later.”

  Jenny held onto Karen’s hand. Waited. Karen regained her composure and gave Jenny’s hand a gratifying squeeze.

  “The one thing that kept me going,” Karen continued, “was wanting to help other young soldiers coming back. Animals are the best way to do it. They aren’t judgmental. You can tell them secrets, and they’re not going to go out and talk about it. They quietly sympathize, help when they can and demand nothing but a little affection. They seem to know when a flashback is coming or when sleep turns into a nightmare and try to wake or comfort their person.

  “That’s how I met Richard,” she continued. “He heard what I was doing and thought I might be able to help one of his patients. He’s sent me several since then, including Andy.”

  The interview went on, and Dr. Payne chimed in a couple of times. Travis sensed definite vibes between Karen and the psychologist. Although they weren’t married, they interacted like a committed couple.

  Karen detailed her training program for matching dogs and veterans. She insisted that the veteran stay at the ranch for anywhere between two to five days to determine whether they were a good fit. “I want to make sure they bond,” she said.

  “Would you use the same procedure for horses?” Travis asked. “Put them in close proximity for a period of time?”

  “Equine therapy is different,” she replied. “The relationship is different. Horses do develop close attachments to humans, but a lot of the therapy for humans is learning new skills, gaining confidence and doing it with others who have gone through similar trauma. Richard can help you more with that tomorrow.”

  Travis sat back and listened, impressed by Jenny’s questions. He could almost see her mind shaping an article.

  Anna raised a paw and put it on Jenny’s ankle as if to say please.

  “Is it okay if I pick her up?” Jenny asked her hostess.

  “Sure,” Karen said. “Once she trusts a person, that’s where she’s happiest.”

  Jenny lifted Anna into her lap. The little dog circled it once and then plopped down, with her tail wagging. She looked up and locked her big, expressive eyes on Jenny, as if Jenny were Anna’s owner, handpicked by Anna herself.

  “You seem to have a fan,” Karen said. “Are you interested?”

  “I thought you had a long procedure,” Jenny said.

  “No. She’s not one of my therapy dogs. She’s too old and shy to be one. She simply needs a home, and it will be difficult to find one. Senior dogs are the last to be adopted, and yet they’re usually among the best behaved and most eager to please. Anna isn’t unfriendly, but she’s cautious of strangers, which is why I haven’t put her out for adoption. It just takes the right person.”

  A little pink tongue reached out and licked Jenny’s hand again. The dog then closed her eyes in what looked like bliss.

  It was nearing nine thirty before Jenny finished. Travis and Jenny thanked Karen and Dr. Payne and headed for the door. Anna followed and tried to leave with them.

  Karen picked her up. “Sometimes dogs pick their own people instead of th
e other way around.”

  “I wish I could take her right now,” Jenny said, “but I don’t have a permanent home.”

  Travis heard the longing in her voice. He inwardly groaned.

  Dr. Payne walked them out. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” he said.

  Travis nodded. “Thanks for arranging this. Stephanie is going to be pleased. She wants to work with therapy dogs, too.”

  “Our pleasure,” Dr. Payne said. “The more therapy dogs we can develop, the better. They’ve done wonders for some of my patients. We owe them.”

  * * *

  JENNY WAS THOUGHTFUL on the drive back to their motel. It hurt, really hurt, leaving Anna, when the dog so clearly wanted to go with her. She knew, though, that she was in no position to have a dog. But those big, solemn eyes seemed to beg to go with her.

  She’d never had a dog, and she shouldn’t want this one now. She was in limbo. Anna was a senior and looked the worse for wear, but Jenny wanted her. Maybe because she needed to be needed. It was a new feeling for her and quite puzzling but there it was. She warned herself there was no way she could take care of a dog, even a small one with a sad, heartbreaking monkey face.

  She tried to think of the job ahead, instead of the dog she couldn’t have. How could she take Anna when she had no home? At least not a permanent one. Then she thought of her niece. Maybe she could share the dog with Charlie. She would call her sister as soon as they returned to the motel.

  “Did you get everything you wanted?” Travis asked.

  “Yes. I really like her. She would make a good story. It might help obtain a few more sponsors for her ‘dogs for vets’ program. I’ll make copies of the interview for both you and Stephanie.”

  “I’m glad you were here,” Travis said. “You asked questions I wouldn’t have thought of. I would have asked the basic questions, but I wouldn’t have dug as deep as you did. You added the human element.”

  “I’m happy I’m earning my keep.” She paused. “I didn’t see a wedding ring on Dr. Payne’s finger,” she said.

  “I didn’t notice.”

  “Women do,” she said. “First thing,” she added. “Do you think Dr. Payne is...?”