Darke Heat

by Ellyson, Nese

  “There is always going to be another case and the bad guys will always put anyone around you in danger.”

  This from Dane. Just looking at his face, Bryce could tell Dane was speaking from experience. “I will not have Paige be in danger because some psycho is out for my blood,” Bryce told them.

  “Then why did you agree to stay here?” asked Dane.

  “Do you expect her to stop training dogs and going in where there are potential bombs?” Colt asked. “I’m trying to protect her and I don’t know how you can stand her being in danger. She could get killed.”

  “She chose her profession just like we chose ours, and we have to live with the risks, but it’s the job we feel we need to do. So you need to ask yourself if you are willing to let her do hers, and be willing to do yours, knowing there is danger to those you love. It’s a decision you should make together if you are contemplating any kind of a future with her.”

  “I’m going to bed now. Any more preaching can happen later. Night, gentlemen,” Bryce said, and made his way slowly back to the room he’d been given. Deep in thought, he was still aware that one, or both, of his friends followed him.

  “Bryce, just so you know, Paige has had to live with every one of us working in a dangerous job and it didn’t cause her to back away from entering a profession that was dangerous as well, and one that’s put her in a position to help others.”

  “Colt, I know she has a valuable profession. I and my team have benefited from her talents, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it.”

  “Point taken.”

  Thor was dead on the pit floor. The dogfight was over and another champion found. Willy made sure all the bets were paid out. There were a lot of losers on this fight. Thor was a big pit bull. His loss was going to make a dent. The dog was worth a quarter of a million; now his offspring would be tested to see if any of them would be the fighter their sire was. His cell phone rang. He looked down at the lighted screen and saw that it was Van DeMere

  “Sir, how can I help you?”

  “I’ll be coming into your area tomorrow. I’d like to meet up with you at one of the Indian casinos. There’s one on a reservation near where you are. It’s the Chippewa Cliffs reservation. You know where that is?”

  “Yes, when would you like me to meet you?”

  “Tomorrow morning at eight, and don’t be late.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  The line went dead and Willy was sweating. Mr. Van DeMere was the sickest man he’d ever met, and that was saying something because he knew some really deranged people. He needed to wrap up tonight’s show and get ready for tomorrow. What should he do about the dead dog? Hmm, he’d just dump it over in the lake like the other one.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming tonight. Please be sure to check with our bookie on your way out.”

  His crew would clean up the rest. He’d just get the dog bagged and make the drop off before going home. He’d been burning them, but the light from the fire would attract too much attention, what with the wildfire warnings posted everywhere from the dry summer. Not that he cared if he burned down the area, but the high over growth hid his activities nicely.

  Willy took the dog and threw it in the back of his souped-up truck. He drove to the back of one of the man-made lakes and threw the heavy sack as far as he could. Then he went back to his apartment where one of his regulars would be waiting for him. He had a gram of crack to insure her willingness.

  He needed to get the edge off before he met with Van DeMere.

  Paige woke early wanting to see Sheba and the pups. She loved all her dogs, but she paid extra attention to new puppies to make sure they knew her. Even if her extended family were only canines, they were faithful and she could count on them. Their loyalty was never in question. All the things she wanted, they gave. Her dogs already knew she was worthy. It was everyone else who had to figure it out.

  The puppies greeted her with tiny yelps of affection, and she was pleased to have them. She looked at each of the pups in turn, holding them and talking to them. They mostly resembled dark German shepherds, except for one, which looked like a light-colored Rotty. Hopefully they could be trained to be great bomb sniffing dogs.

  She’d still search the animal shelters for any purebreds. Most police departments wouldn’t pay for anything but a purebred. She’d figure it out. The pups were adorable and Sheba was proving to be a great mother. None of the pups seemed underweight or malnourished, so she was keeping up with them. From the paw size, they were going to be big dogs. She’d need to see about feeding them soon: just another cost of doing business.

  Colt was the first to come into the kennels and see what was going on as the pups were causing quite a ruckus. “I haven’t had much time to check on these beauties. Look at that one. Now that’s a pup,” he said looking at one of Sheba’s babies. His gaze studied the rest of the babies. “Sis, I want that one.” He pointed to a pup with really big paws.

  “You’ll have to pass the home test. I’m not giving her pups to someone who will ignore them.”

  “No prob. I’m thinking of settling down a bit. A dog like that monster will be just right for my place.”

  “Well, let me know when you get the place. Until then he stays with me,” Paige said with vehemence. She realized she wasn’t going to be able to keep all the pups, but she wasn’t ready to have people take them yet. It was too hard to deal with the reality of having them and seeing them leave. It must feel like this to send your kids out into the world. Bryce and Dane came into the kennel next, and checked out the litter.

  “They are going to be monsters,” Dane said.

  “No, they aren’t. They are going to be really well behaved dogs,” Paige said. She knew she sounded like she was in proud mama mode, but anything less than praise was going to earn them a nasty response.

  “They are really cute,” Bryce added. “Are you going to let me have one of these?”

  She looked at him and all the problems seemed to come to a head for her. She couldn’t answer him. Yeah, he’d take one of her dogs… but what about her? What was wrong with her that she wasn’t the one people wanted? She turned and walked away, unable to deal with the question, but threw one last remark over her shoulder. “Sure, Bryce, have a dog.”

  He watched as she ran out the door and back to the house.

  Dane punched Bryce in the shoulder. “What’d you do?”

  “I don’t know,” he said just as bewildered.

  “Well cut it out and go fix it,” Dane replied.

  Bryce stood there, not knowing what had caused Paige to react the way she had. He didn’t know how to make it better. He walked toward the back door, but didn’t dare take a step inside. Paige was slamming cupboard doors as she pulled out what he guessed were the makings for breakfast.

  “Paige, is everything all right?” he asked once he gathered enough courage to open the back door.

  “Everything is fine,” she said, slamming pans and cartons onto the counter.

  He didn’t know what was causing her distress, but he knew he didn’t like it. He crossed the kitchen and grabbed her around the waist, locking both of her arms in the hold. She didn’t protest. All the spark seemed to go out of her as he held her.

  “What is bothering you?” he asked when he finally got her attention.

  “Why would you think there is anything wrong?” she said, her voice sounding angry.

  “Paige, what is it?”

  “It’s you,” she said.

  He allowed her to turn in his arms and he could see tears swimming in her eyes.

  “What have I done?” he asked in confusion.

  “Nothing,” she answered.

  “But…”

  “Bryce, go away and give me a moment. Please,” she said with her head bowed.

  He didn’t know what to make of this.

  “Please,” she whispered.

  “Okay, Paige, but there are only so many more times I’m going to let you pu
t me off,” he said, leaving the kitchen through the back door.

  Put him off? Was he out of his mind? He was the one putting everything between them: the job, the dogs, her brothers. He just didn’t want anything of any permanence with her. She couldn’t believe how much it hurt. A cold blade driven into her chest wouldn’t hurt any more than this slow torture. She needed to leave or have him go. She really couldn’t take much more of this. The phone in the kitchen rang.

  “This is Paige Conner,”

  “Hello, my name is Van DeMere. I’m looking for a trained bomb-sniffing dog. I was told you are one of the best trainers and that I should give you a call.”

  “Well, I’m glad for the referral. I hope whoever told you about me also mentioned I have an extensive background check and vetting process. I’m very careful who gets one of my dogs.”

  “I totally understand. I’m glad to know you’re careful. I’m very interested. When could I come by and check out what animals you have available?”

  “Next week would work for me. What does your schedule look like?”

  “Hmm, I could be there say, next Tuesday. Does that work for you?”

  “That should work out fine. If you call ahead, I could have the dogs ready to go through their paces.”

  “I look forward to seeing them in action, Miss Conner.”

  “All right, Mr. Van DeMere. I’ll see you on Tuesday.”

  She hung up the phone with mixed feelings about the prospect of one of her dogs finding another good home. She’d reserve judgment on whether the applicant would be a good fit, but she liked to think most would. This was a better way to deal with the day than rehashing why she and Bryce would never be a fit. The next thing she had to do was figure out if he could be persuaded to move, otherwise it might be best if she made an adjustment to her schedule, so she wouldn’t have to run into him and his latest love interest. She’d done that before, and was not looking forward to reliving it any more now than she did then.

  Paige went to her en-suite where she splashed cold water on her face. She just needed to get her emotions under control. There was no new revelation here. She’d always known where Bryce’s interest lay…anywhere but with her.

  Time to get back to work. She looked into the mirror and wondered if everyone else saw what a fool she was. There was nothing for it but to brave it out. She picked up her phone to check messages. There was one from Officer Jenkins. She listened to him explain how he’d be down next Tuesday during the day if it worked for her.

  She returned the call and left a message that Tuesday would be fine and she would be expecting him.

  When she went back outside, she was once again the composed trainer in charge. Jamie pulled in, just as she was heading toward the kennel. Good, now she could focus on work.

  “Jamie, if you’ll take care of Sheba and her pups, I’d like to put Deeogee through his paces. I’ll be in the barn going through his training, then out to the course. You good?”

  “Yep, those puppies are so cool. Even if they are mixed, they are going to be awesome trained dogs.”

  “Yes, I’m believing we can get them disciplined enough to do their jobs.” She grabbed Deeogee’s leash and headed out.

  It was good to be back into the training. These dogs saved lives, and by her training them, she saved lives. It made what she did important, and every person saved was one less victim of violence.

  It had been her personal mission to save as many people as she could by training dogs that were loyal and ready to help…ever since her first dog saved her.

  Now she could help the military and the police avoid possible explosive traps by training her dogs to sniff them out.

  She was deep into Deeogee’s second run through when Bryce came in. She was sweating and smelled of barn and dog. Deeogee was proving excellent at staying focused on the smell of Semtex. He would make an awesome crowd dog. He wasn’t distracted by the smells of other animals and food. It was hard to get a dog to stay focused when there were lots of stimuli to distract them. Added to that would be the noise, say at a parade. And Deeogee was a champ. She couldn’t be happier with his progress.

  Bryce, however, was a big distraction to her. The dog only looked at him briefly, then went back to work. She wished she had the same level of focus. Instead she was thinking about how disheveled she looked and how she must smell. “Was there something you needed?”

  “No, just wanted to see the training in action. I think you’ve a great set-up here. Are the explosives real?”

  “Yes, but they are missing fuses, so there is no way they can go live,” she answered. She gave several sharp commands that the dog executed perfectly. She rewarded him with a hug and an, “Atta boy.”

  “You don’t give them treats for a reward?” he asked.

  “No, most of my dogs will be in combat situations and treats may not be available, plus I don’t want the dogs to accept bribes of food. Their first loyalty is to their partner.”

  “Have any been bribed or betrayed their handlers?”

  “Of mine, no, but it is possible. My training is to make it so they aren’t tempted by bribes because the satisfaction in a job well done is there.”

  “Are you going to let me have one of your pups?” he asked in a quiet tone.

  “Yes, Bryce. I’m going to let you have one, but if you don’t live up to the care of my dog, I will take him back,” she said.

  “Fair enough,” he responded.

  “Deeogee, come.” The dog immediately obeyed. She left Bryce and headed for the kennel to return the dog.

  The heat was getting to everybody. Even the dogs were panting extra hard to keep cool. After putting Deeogee through his paces, she decided it would be a great time to give him a bath. He loved his baths. It was all great fun to him. In the current heat wave, it would be refreshing.

  She dragged the galvanized bucket out to fill for the bath. Deeogee knew what the tub meant and he gave excited barks to show his delight. Maybe she should give all the dogs a bath. It was a thought, but she’d start with Deeogee, who was lathered from all the training she’d put him through.

  While the tub filled with water, she got out the special dog soap and extra towels. In this heat, the towels might not be necessary, but she’d have them on hand just in case. After the tub was filled, she turned the hose off at the spigot and snapped on Deeogee’s leash to lead him to the tub, which was brimming with bubbles. By the time she was finished, she’d gotten a cooling shower as well.

  From the kitchen window, Bryce watched her bathe the dog. He felt his breath hitch at the sight of woman and dog. Deeogee was obviously enjoying her ministrations with delight. He barked and splashed around in his enjoyment. She paid such apt attention to her animals. He had to assume she’d be just as attentive to her male partner or any children she might have. Having been the aforementioned partner once, he could only relish the possibility to explore all the different forms of attention Paige could give to her subject.

  And as for any children she might have, he wanted them to be his.

  What Bryce wouldn’t give to be the one under those capable fingers as they rubbed and massaged the soap into his hide. Oh yeah. He could just imagine how it would feel. He had to give himself a mental pep talk. Here he was getting jealous of a dog. She’d reduced him to the level of an animal. He stomped out onto the porch and into the yard, not sure what he wanted to say, but knowing he wanted her attention.

  This was the second time he’d come outside, so there must be something on his mind. She wasn’t into rehashing things, so if he had something he wanted to say, she hoped to God he’d say it and then go away. She felt the sweat pouring off her. The smell mingled with the wet dog fur made her feel even more at a disadvantage with him standing there all clean and sweet smelling. For a moment, she wished she could mess up his appearance. Bring him down to her level.

  She wasn’t sure what evil possessed her, but she turned the hose on him and sprayed it in his face. The stunned look
he gave her said it all. In moments, his eyes took on the glitter of male outraged challenge. What was I thinking to bait him like that? He reached to grab the hose but she sprayed him again. He yelled and jumped over the tub to grab her. She’d anticipated his move and reared back taking the hose with her and spraying as she went. Deeogee thought this was a new and wonderful game and ran around them barking—his shepherd side trying to herd them.

  Paige got tangled in the hose and tripped and fell in the now wet mud. Bryce took advantage and leaped on her to wrestle the hose away while Deeogee continued to bark and make mock growling noises. The dog kept jumping on Bryce’s back, all hundred and fifty pounds of him. The weight of the dog knocked the breath out of him, but he finally was able to grab the hose out of Paige’s hand and turn it on her, blasting the cold well water right in her face.

  By then she was laughing and gulped a huge amount of water. Wanting to play catch with the water, the dog shoved at Bryce’s hand, so he aimed it at the dog, who chased it trying to catch it in his mouth. Finally, Bryce dropped the hose, his intent solidly on Paige now. Her tee shirt, plastered to her body, was showing the lacy bra she wore underneath. He held her so close she could feel his erection cradled in the juncture of their thighs. The pressure seemed to only increase the sexual ache in that most sensitive spot. She knew Bryce watched her face for her reaction as he moved his hips provocatively upon her. She moaned at the need building inside. His face was etched with sexual intent. Deeogee, not wanting to be left out, stuck his nose in between them to see if he could play.

  “This is not over,” Bryce said through gritted teeth.

  She could tell it was an effort to rein in the lust he must have been feeling. She knew it was going to take more that the hose to cool her off. Thank God, the dog had come between them or they would have been going at it in the yard like animals. Bryce got up and then leaned down to extend his hand and helped her up. They were now both covered in mud. There was some satisfaction in him in not looking so crisp and fresh, but she was so sexually frustrated, it wasn’t as satisfying as she would have liked. She turned to take Deeogee back to his kennel and go get herself a shower.