The SEAL's Return

by Patricia Potter

  “Good. I’ll pick you up.”

  “Thanks,” Jubal said.

  Jubal made coffee and toasted several pieces of bread from the full larder. He had more than a few thanks to give Josh Manning in addition to his questions.

  With another three hours to kill, he checked his laptop for recent news, particularly about the Middle East. Friends were there. He wished he were there, as well. He felt like a fish flopping on land in this peaceful town in the middle of nowhere.

  One website led to another until he heard an approaching vehicle. He closed the laptop and went to meet his temporary host.

  The top was down on a Jeep and his visitor was accompanied by a Belgian Malinois. Jubal recognized the breed from his SEAL days. It was the service’s dog of choice because of intelligence and size.

  Even if he hadn’t known Josh Manning had been a soldier, he would have instantly recognized him as one. Although there was a slight limp, Manning walked with an assurance that came with being a career warrior.

  They shook hands, each sizing up the other.

  “This is Amos,” Josh said. “He’s also a veteran.”

  The dog lifted his paw politely and Jubal leaned over and shook it. Jubal knew instantly he was going to like both his host and the dog. “Thanks again for the use of the cabin,” he said.

  “Glad to have someone here to take care of it.”

  “That’s what I wanted to talk to you about,” Jubal replied.

  Josh raised an eyebrow. “Okay. Let’s talk while I show you around. Maude’s a great diner but it’s not a good place for private conversation. News and rumors travel with the speed of light.”

  “I discovered that when one of your officers stopped while I was running and knew me by name.”

  “Drove me crazy when I first came here,” Josh said. “Now I just accept it. People here are interested in what’s happening in their universe, and Covenant Falls is their universe. But there’s no malice about it.” He paused, then asked, “You walk up the mountain yet?”

  “Yeah. Right after I arrived.”

  “Me, too.” He turned a corner. “I thought I would show you the falls. It’s our main attraction. It’ll take a little more than an hour going and coming. We can talk, then stop at Maude’s for lunch. I’ll never hear the end of it if I don’t take you there.”

  Jubal mostly listened as Josh drove through town. They passed what looked like an old, rustic saloon with a dozen cars in the parking lot. “That’s the Rusty Nail,” Josh said. “It’s our watering hole. The owner is a vet and makes sure we feel welcome. He’s also a member of our Monday night vet poker game.”

  They passed an inn with a sign portraying a whimsical camel that looked toward the mountains. “The Camel Trail Inn?” Jubal asked.

  “My pride and joy,” Josh said. “My partner—another vet—and I finished rehabbing the inn two months ago. We’re getting tourists, but unfortunately we don’t have enough activities to keep them here more than a day or two. We want to start a wilderness adventure business but we have to have the right person.” He glanced at Jubal. “Would you be interested?”

  “Thanks, but I don’t plan to stay more than a few days.”

  “Heard and understood,” Josh said. “I’ll say no more.”

  After a few more miles, Josh saw a large sign: The Falls of Covenant Falls. Josh turned left and followed a winding road through a virgin forest. Then he stopped in a parking area. “The falls are just beyond the bend.”

  Jubal heard the roar ahead and walked with Josh around the corner to a picnic area. It was empty. The falls were grander than Jubal had imagined. Torrents of white frothy water cascaded over rocky outcrops into a gorge below. Water vapor hung in the air forming a rainbow.

  “Impressive,” he said. He’d seen a lot of waterfalls, but there was a pristine beauty about this one that touched something inside him. He understood now why Josh wanted him to see it. “I would think there would be more visitors.”

  “The locals come here on the weekend and special events,” Josh said, “but we’re trying to attract more out-of-town visitors and new residents. For a long time the majority of the town leaders didn’t want change or growth, but that policy resulted in a town that was dying off. My wife and others are trying to reverse that.”

  “A new mission for you?” Jubal heard the longing in his own voice.

  “Something like that. I didn’t know how much I needed one until I came here. But that’s not why you wanted to see me. I gathered from Clint that you have something on your mind.”

  In the short time they’d been together, Jubal sensed he could trust Josh’s discretion. He told him about the kid.

  Josh listened without commenting until Jubal finished. “He’s probably the brother of Lisa Redding, the new doctor in town,” Josh said. “I understand he got into some trouble back in Chicago.”

  “It’s your property,” Jubal said. “I thought you should know.”

  “And you want my input?”

  “It’s your town. Your cabin. Your dock. I don’t want to do anything that would put you in a bad spot.”

  “Can’t see how unless you intend bodily harm.”

  “Other than throwing him into the lake?”

  Josh chuckled. “Haven’t heard anything about it this morning so I think your kid is keeping silent.”

  “He’s not ‘my’ kid.”

  Josh met his gaze. “I would have done the same thing—except maybe throwing him in the lake. I don’t like cold water.”

  “Yeah, but he’s the brother of your new doctor, who, I’d imagine, is important to the town.”

  “She is. We’ve been looking for a doctor for months and Dr. Redding is said to be a very good one.”

  “And,” Jubal continued, “according to the kid, she considers the military ‘fascists.’” He paused. “I wouldn’t want to be responsible for her leaving because of this.”

  “Well, I get the impression she’s made of stronger stuff than to turn and run. She also has a contract. As for the ‘fascist’ comment, I met her several weeks ago and she seemed perfectly fine with me, and I’m pretty sure she knows I’m ex-military. Eve did say Lisa was concerned about Gordon and it was the main reason she moved here.

  “As for the kid himself,” Josh said, “he may not show up. If he doesn’t, I would forget about it. You probably scared the hell out of him. And if you didn’t, the lake probably did.”

  “And if he does?”

  “It would be a step in the right direction.”

  “What could he do around the cabin?”

  “Maybe build a bench on the deck?” Josh suggested. “I’ve always kinda wanted one.”

  “And say nothing to the sister?”

  “We probably should,” Josh said with a wry smile. “But then he might get defensive and act out more.”

  “I know,” Jubal said. “Been there. Done that.”

  Josh chuckled. “Me, too.”

  “What will your wife think about this? I hear she’s the mayor.”

  “Truth be told, I’m not sure. She keeps surprising me. She has a devious soul underneath an innocent facade. She can be more concerned about the end rather than the means. I think she would approve, unless we lose the doctor. Then there will be hell to pay.”

  Jubal didn’t answer. He felt trapped in a spiderweb but then he was the one who decided to reform the kid on his own. He just damn well couldn’t figure out why he cared as much as he did.

  Josh looked at him sympathetically. “Just don’t become a cause with my wife. You’ll never know what hit you. When I came here, I was a confirmed loner, mad at the world. Now I have a ranch, a wife, a son, five dogs, two horses and a crazy cat. And, God help me, I’m a businessman with a huge bank loan.”

  Jubal had no
idea what Josh had been like before, but now his eyes were alive with humor and, obviously, love. For the slightest sliver of time, he felt envy.

  Josh interrupted the thought. “Now it’s time to introduce you to Maude’s steaks.”

  * * *

  LISA KNOCKED ON Dr. Bradley’s door. A kind-looking woman who appeared to be in her seventies opened the door.

  “You must be Dr. Redding,” the woman said. “I’m Gloria Bradley and I’m so pleased you’re here. A physician who has been filling in for him had to leave three weeks ago. Janie can handle a lot of the problems, but my husband took several calls. It worried me to death.”

  She led the way into a comfortable-looking living room. Dr. Bradley sat in a wheelchair next to a table piled high with folders.

  “’Bout time,” Dr. Bradley groused as she was shown a chair next to him. “Thought you were going to be here three days ago.”

  She would have been had there not been complications in Gordon’s court case. There was no qualified probation officer in Covenant Falls. An arrangement was worked out with the office in Pueblo whereby the local police in Covenant Falls would keep in contact with Gordon and report any probation violations. But she didn’t want to go into all that with Dr. Bradley. “I’m sorry,” she said. “We had last-minute complications.”

  He turned then to the stack of folders on the table. “These are the records of our chronically ill patients. Heart disease, diabetes, cancer.” He discussed each case, often adding a wry comment about personal quirks of the patient.

  She took notes on everything and silently vowed to do more research on ailments specific to the community. “I was thinking about holding an open house,” she ventured.

  He raised a bushy white eyebrow. “Don’t know if that would be a good idea,” he warned. “The entire town would come to meet the new doctor. And if you had a series of them, you would have to figure out a way to string out the invitations as to not offend anyone. And they would expect to be fed.”

  “Maybe not such a good idea?” Lisa winced.

  “Don’t think so. If you want to get to know people, go to the churches. You’ll meet a lot of our patients there. You’ll be invited to a lot of homes, but again, people will be unhappy if you go to Mrs. Smith’s house and not theirs.”

  She was getting a headache. This country doctor thing was more complicated than she’d thought.

  “One more thing,” he said. “A lot of people here don’t have much money, but they have a lot of pride, so my billing system might seem a bit peculiar to someone who hasn’t been in private practice. Janie can fill you in on that.”

  She nodded. They had already worked out the terms. She was to receive a salary, not rely on income. The salary wasn’t high but it was better than a resident’s salary and even the fellowship’s. And she had free rent and what looked like a very low cost of living compared to Chicago.

  Dr. Bradley looked tired, too tired.

  “I’d better go,” she said. “I promised my sister a dog today.”

  “Great idea,” Dr. Bradley said. “It’s amazing what they can do in reducing stress.”

  Maybe she needed two—or more—dogs. She nodded, even as she wondered whether he meant more than the words indicated. “Thank you for giving me this chance. I’ll keep in close touch.”

  “Good. Don’t hesitate to call me if you have a question.”

  But she would hesitate. He didn’t look well at all. He skin looked pasty and pale, and his breathing was labored. She’d already stayed too long.

  She said goodbye and left.

  Kerry was waiting for her when she arrived back at the house.

  “Where’s your brother?” Lisa asked.

  “He didn’t say.”

  Lisa didn’t press her. She didn’t want them tattling on each other. That, she knew, was no way to build trust, which was already sorely lacking.

  “Did he eat anything?”

  “Some toast, then took off.”

  Lisa closed her eyes. Secrecy had become a way of life with him.

  At least he couldn’t get in trouble in a town this small. She suspected she would hear about it instantly. She comforted herself with the thought that he was exploring the town, not huddled in his bedroom with his cell phone.

  Still, she called him. To her surprise, he answered almost immediately.

  “Where are you?” she asked.

  “Just hanging around.”

  “Meet some kids?”

  Silence.

  “When will you be back?” she tried again.

  “Don’t know exactly.”

  “What about lunch?”

  “I’m not hungry.”

  “You’re always hungry.”

  “Not since you made me leave Chicago.” Bitterness was thick in his voice.

  She ignored the dig. “I’ll be at the clinic this afternoon,” she said. “And home by five. I want you there for dinner.”

  “All right. Gotta go.” He hung up.

  He gave up too easily. It worried her.

  Lisa looked at her watch, noted the time. She ran a brush through her hair and added a touch of lipstick. Then she went into the kitchen. “Let’s go see about that dog, kiddo,” she said.

  The delighted look on her sister’s face lightened her heart. She hoped they could find a suitable dog. At least her sister would have some happiness and maybe her brother would, as well.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  IT WAS TWELVE on the dot when Lisa and Kerry arrived at the veterinarian’s office. Punctuality had been drilled into Lisa’s head as a child and fortified by college, medical school and residency.

  They were greeted by a young woman behind a counter. “Hi,” she said. “You must be the new doctor. Stephanie’s expecting you. I’m Beth Malloy, her vet tech. I’ll tell her you’re here.”

  “Thank you,” Lisa said, and looked around the office. It was a pleasant setting with comfortable chairs and light blue walls. She looked at a large bulletin board. There were “lost and found” flyers on dogs and cats and “for sale” flyers for horses. Toward the bottom were photos of dogs with For Adoption headings.

  “Hi,” came a voice from behind her. She turned around and saw a tall, lithe redhead.

  “I’m Stephanie,” she said. “Welcome to Covenant Falls, Dr. Redding.” Without waiting for an answer, the veterinarian turned to Kerry. “And you must be Kerry. I’m sorry I missed you yesterday. I hear you like animals and might be interested in one of my rescues.”

  “Yes...ma’am.” It was obvious, at least to Lisa, that Kerry was nervous.

  “Have you had a dog before?” Stephanie asked.

  “No.”

  “But you know an animal is a lot of responsibility?” Stephanie studied Kerry’s face.

  Kerry nodded.

  “I have several dogs here in need of a family,” Stephanie said. “Two are puppies, but that takes even more care and time.” She looked at Lisa for guidance.

  “Oh, can we have a puppy?” Kerry said just as Lisa was about to announce her preference for an older, well-trained addition to her family.

  “Let’s take a look at them,” Stephanie said. She opened the door between the waiting and office areas and led the way to the back. She opened another door and they walked into a large room. Two golden retrievers stood and frantically wagged their tails. “These two are mine,” Stephanie said. “Sherry and Stryker. They’re search and rescue dogs.”

  “Can I pet them?” Kerry asked.

  “They would be offended if you didn’t,” Stephanie replied with an infectious grin. “Sherry is the one on the right.”

  Lisa noticed that Stephanie watched carefully as Kerry knelt and rubbed her hands through the thick fur of each dog. They responded with thumpin
g tails and happy wriggles.

  Stephanie nodded with approval. “They’re good judges,” she said. She went over to one of the kennels and opened it. “Now this little girl,” Stephanie said as she brought out a blond bundle of fur, “was found in a hoarding situation where there wasn’t enough care. She’s about six months old. She’s very sweet and smart, but she’s been neglected and needs a lot of attention. I’ve been looking for just the right person to take care of her,” Stephanie said.

  “I can do that,” Kerry said as she took the small dog in her arms. The dog promptly licked her face.

  Lisa-the-doctor inwardly flinched, but Lisa-the-sister didn’t have the heart to say no. Kerry hadn’t looked so happy since months before their mother died.

  Stephanie looked at Lisa with a question in her eyes.

  Lisa hesitated, then nodded.

  “What’s her name?” Kerry asked.

  “I’ve been calling her Susie, but if you take her, you can rename her,” Stephanie said.

  “I like the name,” Kerry said. She looked at Lisa, her heart bursting with affection. “Can I have her, Lisa?”

  “You’ll have to feed her, keep her dishes clean and walk her often,” Lisa said. “She’ll be your responsibility.”

  “I’ve started her house training,” Stephanie said, “and she’s doing very well, but you have to take her out often and clean up if she makes a mistake. You might want a crate for when you’re gone.”

  Kerry nodded rapidly. “I will.”

  “She’s not like a toy or a game that you can put aside when you’re tired or busy,” Stephanie continued. “It’s a real commitment. Your commitment. Not your sister’s.”

  “I know,” Kerry said. She looked at Lisa. “I’ll take care of her. I promise.”

  “She’s had all her shots and has been spayed. She’s already been chipped in case she ever gets lost,” Stephanie continued. “She’s in good health now, but she’s gone through some tough times, and she needs security and affection. I have to warn you,” Stephanie added, “she’s still in the chewing stage. You don’t want to leave your shoes where she can get them. Chew sticks are advised.”