It had been a few days since Kalkin had torn his brother a new ass for being reckless; however, from all indications, Danielle took care of Aiden as though he were precious cargo. And, little did she realize, he was. Aiden, Kal found out after talking to a couple of his informants, had been born out of a full moon run that went awry. It would seem not only had Tiffany tried to kill her pup, but she raped the kid who got her pregnant. According to his informant, the boy, Emmett, had been on his first run after his seventeenth birthday. Tiffany took advantage of the kid. Violated him and then tried to kill the evidence of their encounter.

If the situation couldn’t get any worse than a kid being born out of a case of statutory rape, it did. The father of the pup went missing as well. No one had seen Emmett since the full moon run. Kal sighed. This shit wouldn’t happen in his pack. It had been one of the reasons he banished Raymond Quincy and his pack of rabid dogs when he did. Humans would have started questioning the disappearance of some of the town folk. Or why huskies were roaming the streets. Quincy took shit too far and believed humans were their prey. Play things for his pack to chew on and toy with. The lawlessness had been out of hand when he fought Raymond and soundly beat his ass into submission. But, to go up against the Quincy pack meant putting his town at risk again, and he wouldn’t do it if he didn’t have to.

Kal walked through the station and spotted Royce with the new deputy, Logan. The guy had above reproach recommendations. He had been on the force in Oregon for ten years, and just wanted a change of scenery. Didn’t hurt he was also a wolf as well or one of their own, too. “Are you ready for your first day?” he asked, walking up to the new recruit.

“I think I am.” Logan smiled. “Thank you for this opportunity.” The man held out his hand and Kal shook it.

“It’s not a problem. If your commendations are any indication, I should be saying thank you to you.” His little town was growing. It had been inevitable. He understood the day would come when they couldn’t always be small and quaint. He'd realized a few things over the last few years. Humans took things in stride more often than not. Most either ignored the truth, accepted it as fact, or didn't stay long. Shifters were known. They didn't hide, but they also didn't go around broadcasting themselves for any kind of attention. Kalkin liked to believe they were a “live and let live” society. He also liked to think the humans in his county understood they could count on him for protection and help if they needed it.

“Royce.” He turned his attention to his nephew. “Why don’t you show Logan the ropes for today and tomorrow?”

“Can do.” His nephew directed their new deputy toward the cells.

With the new recruit taken care of, he turned his attention back to Loraine. “Hey, Lor. Any new info for me?”

The little brunette looked up at him and slipped her reading glasses off her nose. “Depends. Are we talking about the little pup at your neighbor’s house? Or did you mean this?” Loraine held up a manila folder. “Because if you mean this, it’ll cost you,” she teased. The woman had a legendary sweet tooth. Hand her a hot brownie covered with ice cream and chocolate syrup, and she was in heaven. The payment would be worth it.

“What do you want?” He reached for the folder she dangled in front of him.

“A date,” she said quickly.

“With who?” Kalkin was taken aback.

“I want a date with Jace.” Now that wasn’t what he was expecting at all. How the hell did he explain this to his little brother? He gazed at the woman sitting before him. Her cheeks were pink with a hint of blush. Her pulse throbbed against her throat. She’d been deadly serious.

“Um…” He scratched his chin and stared at the file which could potentially explain why Keeley had been so rude to them and why they'd been covered in bruises. Lor fluttered her lashes at him in challenge, even though he could smell her nervousness. “When?”

“Full moon,” she said plainly.

“I don’t—”

She cleared her throat and waved the file in front of him. The little blackmailer. He should paddle her ass like he wanted to do to a certain newcomer. “I think you're going to be very interested in what I found out about those girls.”

“Fuck,” he cursed. “You’re trouble. Complete trouble.”

“But it’s an endearing quality, Sheriff. Yet, I didn’t hear you say yes.” Her perfectly-manicured brow arched and a small smirk formed on her lips. The little imp.

“I should whoop your ass,” he growled. Her tinkled laughter made him smile. “I can’t promise anything, Loraine. You know this. Jace isn’t…normal.” It wasn’t his responsibility to explain his brother’s bisexuality or the fact he had a male lover in another town away from the pack.

“I know all about it, Kalkin. I understand he feels ashamed.” The expression on her face softened and the scent of sorrow rolled off her. “He should be himself wherever he is.”

“I’ll do my best, Lor.”

I’ll hold you to it, Sheriff,” she said, handing over the folder. “Be careful with these two. There is some information in here.” She sighed. “Well, it broke my heart.”

“Noted,” he said with a nod, taking the file. “I’ll talk to my brother as well.” Kalkin turned away from the front counter and walked to his office.

The urge to open the file and start reading up on his neighbors overwhelmed him. How bad could it be for it to affect Loraine so much? Well, she always was a little tenderhearted. Kal sat down at his desk and blew out a breath. There in front of him sat the answers to his questions. He opened the file and stared down at the first incident report.

Keeley Blueriver, sixteen. He couldn’t believe what he read. She had been assaulted outside her school. Keeley and Danielle had been on their way home from school when one of the known bullies in the school accosted them outside the gym. When asked who he attacked first, both girls were tightlipped. Separated, Keeley said she was and she hit the boy to stop him. Hit wasn’t the right word. From the EMT report, he had multiple lacerations, bruises and one large bruise consistent with being hit with a baseball bat. The detective assigned to the case had written it off as a previous injury. By the time they were done with the investigation, the boy had been arrested for assault on both girls.

Laying the incident report aside, he picked up their high school and college transcripts. Both girls excelled in school. Both graduated at the top of their class. Right out of school, Keeley had put her computer skills and degrees to work as an author? Quickly, Kalkin looked Keeley up on one of the internet bookstores. Of course, it wouldn’t be so easy. He should have known she would use a nom de plume. Didn’t mean he wouldn’t continue to look for her works.

Then, he saw another, more recent report. Stalker was what Danielle and Keeley claimed. Multiple phone calls. Packages arriving at odd hours of the day and night. One of the attached reports was that of a break in. A growl built in his chest as he continued reading. The male perp stole underwear and personal items from Danielle. Her bedding had been slashed and torn. Her curtains were ripped from her windows and the contents of her closet had been strewn all over the room. Also, a male DNA sample had been left in the middle of her bed amongst the tattered sheets and blankets.

Kalkin saw red.

He flipped through the rest of the papers trying to find an arrest report for the male involved with this case. Nothing. No arrest. No follow up. No nothing. The next report showed another case of packages arriving once more at their home in a new town and a new state. Kal continued reading. There was a pattern there. Whenever this person got too close to them, they would move. In the last five years, they moved six times. That couldn’t be good for Danielle’s or Keeley’s businesses. Then, nothing. They completely disappeared. Their information had been wiped clean, as though they never existed in the first place.

However, what he found increasingly bothersome was the lack of information about Keeley and any incident reports that would cause the injuries both girls sustained recently. Or where they were living at the time. It was as though Keeley shielded her sister. Which made no sense whatsoever, considering what Caden had told him about Danielle. What are you hiding, Keeley Blueriver?

Unless…

To put his thoughts into questions could make protecting them harder. Yet, the longer he sat there staring at a nothing burger, he couldn’t help but wonder if perhaps the Psychic Bounty Hunters were on their trail.

Fifteen years ago, the PBH had been formed after an incident during the war. Those with abilities were sought after. Think of the power a country could wield if they had a seer or a strong psychic at their side. Only it wasn’t just formed to find seers; it was for all those who had special abilities, whatever they might be.

If what his brother said was true, Danielle might be on the run, which would also explain the bruises and the lack of information on both of them. Without proof, though, Kal couldn’t pursue his lead. He had to sit back and watch, which sucked donkey dick. It also meant whatever trouble the girls were dealing with could land in his lap, and in his town. Shit.

“Hey.” Caden’s voice had Kal’s head popping up. “Loraine told me you got some info on the girls. What does it say?” He crossed the space and sat across from Kal’s desk.

“A lot and nothing at the same time,” he said, letting out a rough sigh. “Take a look for yourself.”

Caden picked up the file and started reading it. For long moments he was completely silent, then he found the B&E report. His brother’s body stiffened. His jaw clenched and his hands gripped the folder tight. “Please tell me there is another report where they found the guy.”

“No, they didn't,” Kal answered.

“What the fuck?”

“There is a pattern. If you continue reading, you’ll see the girls moved a total of six times, then disappeared completely. Each time this person started in again, they would bug out. He stared at his brother, letting the information sink in.

“Shit. Do you think it’s why they were all bruised up?” Caden sat a little taller in his chair and closed the file.

“I have to assume so, but there are no reports about it either way. With you believing this girl is special, she seems to get more bad attention than good.” He wasn’t trying to brush off Caden’s assessment. His brother could be right, but without proof, he couldn’t know either way and without the girls talking to them about it, they were flying blind.

“Look, you have to trust me on this. Besides, what’s to say her abilities aren’t why she has this stalker?” Caden placed the file on the desk in front of his brother. “Anyway, instead of picking apart these reports, now we know a little bit more about them.”

Yes, his brother was right. They had more information. Now he could understand why Keeley was so tenacious when it came to her sister. He would be the same way with any of his family. It could also mean they had bounty hunters looking for the girls as well. “True. So, what do you want to do about it?”

“Mate them.” The answer had been simple and true to Caden’s personality. He already proclaimed Danielle was his. What could it hurt? Yet, mating them would mean they could protect them. But, getting past the bitchy veneer Keeley wore as a suit of armor would take some finessing. Both of them would have to work together.

“This could backfire on us.”

“Once they’re our mates, there is nothing anyone can do about it, and if the bastard comes looking for Danielle again, he’ll have to deal with us.” Oh, how simple his brother made it seem. However, there had to be more there, though. He could feel it. Keeley was hiding something.

“I hope you know what you’re doing.” He couldn’t shake the feeling that come the full moon, his life would be ripped apart and would never be the same again.

“Look on the bright side; at least you’ll get past her icy façade. I bet you she is a fiend in bed.” Kal narrowed his eyes at Caden. “Or not.”

“Stop talking about Keeley. Don’t you have milk you need to pick up for Aiden?” Kal didn’t want to discuss what prowess Keeley had or didn’t have in bed. She wasn’t Caden’s; she was his.

The anticipation of running through the woods chasing after her while the full moon blessed their mating…fuck. He was hard just thinking about it. He wanted to feel her lips around his cock. He wanted to know if her pussy would scald him the same as her words did. His shaft throbbed in his pants, pushing against the fly. Was she a screamer? Fuck, he hoped she did scream. He wanted to hear her say his name while he fucked through climax after climax. Goddamn, get a grip asshole. She’s not a piece of meat, she’s a human. Yet, the idea of her growing round with his pups made that need to mate her expand exponentially.

Shit, this could be dangerous. He needed to get with his family and make sure every precaution would be in place. He couldn’t allow those girls to worry about another thing.

“Yeah, I do. It’s a good thing we have a few new mothers around here. I’ll see you at the house.” Caden stood. “You going to be okay?”

“Sure,” he answered.

“Your mouth says one thing, but your body is screaming something else.”

“And my fist is going to be in your face here in a second if you don’t move your ass,” he snarled.

“You’re wound too tight. The reason why I also came to see you is because the women want to know when they can start putting up their posters and stuff for the first festival of the summer.” Damn, he’d seriously been lacking when it came to work. Keeley had consumed his thoughts.

“Tell them next week. We need to get with the deputies and figure out schedules and patrols. We’ll each have to take a shift during the full moon. Also, let Logan know what’s about to go down in town.”

Caden nodded and strode toward the door. “You got it.”

“Also, find out from Mrs. Martin if she’ll talk to the girls about what’s about to happen. We can only do so much.” He didn’t want them freaking out and running either. If they were hiding from PBH, then he certainly didn’t need them running any more than they had. He could protect them, even if they didn’t ask.

He shrugged. “I’ll let Danielle know when I bring her the supply of milk.”

“I’ll stop by and see Mrs. Martin, too. The crew is supposed to be by this week to fix up her place. See you at home.” He watched his brother walk away and went back to reading the file in front of him. There had to be something about Keeley buried in there somewhere other than the incident in school.

“Sheriff?” Loraine tapped on the doorframe.

“Yes,” he replied, closing the folder and setting it aside. “What's wrong, Loraine?”

“There is a man here I think you’re going to want to talk to.” Her carefree personality had gone serious.

Kal stood up and moved around his desk. “Who is it?”

Loraine licked her lips and gazed up at him. “He says he’s the FBI agent investigating Danielle, her sister, Keeley, and a Psychic Bounty Hunter going by the name Simon.”

Keeley stepped from her truck, then walked slowly to the back door of the house, but stopped short when she saw a note taped to the door. She glanced around, immediately feeling a sense of uneasiness wash over her. No! No! It was just starting to feel like home; he couldn't have found them so quickly—could he? She'd cleared everything before they left, and did even more when they arrived. No way he'd be able to find them yet.

They’d always had six months before the first note arrived. They’d been in Window Rock for less than a month. She tensed with apprehension as she approached the door with caution. What would it say this time? I want to peel the flesh from your body and watch you bleed… The last note had been the worst. Would this one be the final straw? She closed the distance between her and the house. If they were out there, watching her, she couldn’t run. Besides, it was better she found the note than Dani.

She glanced over at the house across the creek and a pang of regret lanced her heart at the thought of never being able to see Kalkin again. As much as the man infuriated her, he also fascinated her. She’d never tell another soul this, but she wanted him with every bone in her body. It had been as though his soul called to hers. The sensation reminded her of music, when it grew with sound, and emotion, drawing the listener in, making them yearn for more.

She approached the step leading to the sliding door, the note blowing in the afternoon breeze. She tried to prepare herself for what it might say. Her hand trembled as she reached up, and pulled the note off the door. She closed her eyes and took a steadying breath. Whatever it said, they’d take care of it together. When she opened her eyes, Keeley read it. Relief flooded her. Her knees went weak. She leaned against the side of the house for support while trying to settle her erratic heartbeat.

The note had been from Kalkin.

His bold, clean handwriting announced Mrs. Martin wanted to see her at three that afternoon. He also let her know she could pick up Aiden's supply of breast milk while she was there, killing two birds with one stone. She couldn't help the smile that floated across her lips when she got to his final sentence. I would have sent you a text, but imagine that, the skittish next-door neighbor won't give her phone number to the sheriff. I guess I'll have to try harder. She snorted. Self-righteous bastard.

As the town's sheriff, and with most of the deputies his brothers, he could have easily gotten ahold of her. As a matter of fact, she’d seen Royce Raferty in town not more than twenty minutes ago while she had been shopping. Come to think of it, it seemed like Royce had become her personal shadow lately. Still a bit shaken up, she took her time heading back to her truck. She opened up the door, then slid into the driver’s seat. Keeley couldn't be mad at Kal for leaving the note; he hadn't known about their past, as neither Danielle nor herself had made a mention of it. Later, she’d tell him not to leave stupid notes on her door. If he needed something, he could wait…or something. She gripped the wheel a little tighter than she should have as she started the truck. The snap in the plastic angered her. If she let go of her control now, she’d mess everything up. Keeley closed her eyes and tried to focus her energy on relaxing. It’d been an innocent mistake. Kalkin couldn’t have known. He was helping her. After a few moments, her heart slowed down and her fear tapered off. So stupid.

She inhaled one more time and caught the whiff of the something. She recognized the smell. It haunted her; sometimes in the morning when she stepped outside with her cup of hot tea, she thought she’d sensed it. Kalkin. Pure male, a bit of wild musk, with a hint of honey mixed in, and the clean edge of soap. She dreamed of it. Her eyes popped open before she glanced around her driveway, expecting him to be standing there. Watching her. Where the hell was that scent coming from?

She looked down, realizing the scent was coming from the note he had written to her. She brought it close to her nose, inhaling deeply. The scent overwhelmed her senses, calming her quicker than those stupid breathing techniques ever did. What the hell? This was what she had been reduced to? Sitting in a truck sniffing a piece of paper? She was pitiful, especially since the man in question would allow her to do so much more than scratch and sniff. She started the truck, put on her seatbelt, then crumbled up the note, throwing it on the passenger seat. She backed out of the long drive then headed for town.

She smiled as the last vestiges of the incident washed away. I deserve a treat after all of this shit. The coffee shop made a sinfully delicious concoction she enjoyed way more than she should, but fuck it, she’d reward herself with another one. Although, because the weather was a bit warmer today, perhaps she’d get one for Danielle, too. Can’t hog it all for myself.

They had a bright red one, with fresh raspberries and blackberries that looked refreshing the last time she was in there, so maybe her sister would like it. She pulled into the parking spot right in front of Mrs. Martin’s Consignment Shop, then put her truck in gear before turning off the engine and getting out. She locked the truck with the fob as she headed toward the front door.

“Hi!” A blue-eyed little devil with an exuberant grin and a slight bounce to his step approached her. “You must be the new lady in town. Mrs. Martin said you'd be here.”

“She did?” She stared down at the boy, who was no more than nine or ten years old. “Well, she’s pretty smart. What’s your name?”

“I’m Bodhi,” he answered. “What’s yours?”

“Keeley.”

“I like your name,” he replied. “It’s pretty.”

She smiled, allowing his compliment to roll over her. “Thank you. I like yours, too.”

He grinned then waved. “Gotta go! See you around, Keeley.”

“See you around, Bodhi!”

The bell over the door tinkled, announcing her arrival. The front of the store remained empty and she was surprised to not see Mrs. Martin at the front of the shop.

“Mrs. Martin?” Keeley called out as she closed the door. “It's Keeley Blueriver. Sheriff Raferty said you wanted me to stop by?” She frowned when there was still no response. The few times they had come to the store, Mrs. Martin had always immediately greeted them the moment they stepped through the door.

“Mrs. Martin?” She opened up her senses, reaching out in attempt to see if she could find the older woman. She jumped when the curtains to the back shifted and Mrs. Martin stepped through, causing her to immediately shut down the tendrils she had reaching out, looking for anyone else in the shop.

“Hello, Keeley dear. I am sorry, I didn't hear you come in. I’ve been in the back finishing up some last-minute things. I didn't keep you waiting long, did I?” The elderly woman straightened the curtain then waddled down the middle aisle of the store. “Where is Danielle?”

Keeley watched the nearly eighty-year-old woman move quickly and spryly toward her. Mrs. Martin sure could move fast for an elderly woman. “No, ma'am. I just got here. Danielle had a couple patients today, plus she has Aiden to take care of.”

Mrs. Martin clucked her tongue as in disapproval. “Those boys,” she muttered.

“Caden, I believe, is with her.” She pivoted, following the elderly woman with her gaze as she went toward the door and turned the sign. “It’s not a big deal. Danielle and Aiden are two peas in a pod.”

“Follow me, dear.” Mrs. Martin motioned for Keeley as she headed back the way she came.

Keeley shrugged her shoulders and followed the grandmotherly lady. “Sheriff Raferty’s note didn't give me much information. Is everything okay with Aiden's milk? With you?” She stopped as Mrs. Martin pushed past the curtain into the back room.

A small table was set with an elegant lace tablecloth draped over it. A rose painted tea pot along with three delicate tea cups resting on their matching saucers sat on the small table. Off to the side, a two-tiered plate stand was situated, filled with a small assortment of finger sandwiches on the bottom and an array of sweets overfilled the plate on top.

“I thought we could have tea while we talked.” Mrs. Martin took a seat, gesturing for Keeley to take the seat opposite of her. “You like tea, don't you, dear?” Her gentle blue eyes were clear and friendly, overflowing with love and a bit of mischief. If Keeley weren’t careful, she believed the woman could get her into trouble.

“I adore a good cup of tea, ma'am,” Keeley said as she sat down at the table. She quickly noticed a little container beside her cup filled with honey, a favorite condiment she took with her tea. Mrs. Martin poured her a cup, and Keeley quickly dipped her spoon into her honey, then mixed it into her tea.

“How is Aiden doing?” Mrs. Martin poured a cup for herself. “Has he done anything out of the ordinary?”

Keeley picked up her own cup, eyeing the sweet lady across the table from her. Out of the ordinary? “You mean other than the fact that a wolf pup is drinking human breast milk?” She startled the older woman with her quick wit and biting humor. “I am sorry, I just need to ask, why does a wolf pup require human breast milk?”

“Because he was premature, dear.” Mrs. Martin's tone was short and to the point like it was the only explanation needed, and the only one that would be given. “Try one of those sandwiches. The Peshastin Cafe made them special for me,” she stated, reaching for the tiered plate. The elderly woman pulled several of the small triangles off of the platter and onto her plate. “I confess, I ate a couple as I put them out, they are heavenly.” Her eyes twinkled with mirth as she picked up one and ate it.

“Eat up, dear.” Mrs. Martin smiled kindly at her “You are way too skinny, and winter is coming. You will need to keep a layer of meat on your bones to stay warm. Or you will need to have a man to warm you on the long, cold nights.”

Keeley choked on her bite of her first sandwich, a bit surprised at the directness of the woman. First off, she was anything but skinny; second, what man would she be talking about? Did she know about her interest in Kalkin Raferty? Maybe she’d been too obvious. She reached for her tea cup, taking a sip.

“Did I shock you, dear?” Mrs. Martin asked innocently.

“No, ma'am.”

“We make the men in this town strong and with very wide shoulders if you haven't noticed. You should take advantage of it. Both you and your sister look like you could use someone to lean on. To help with that burden you both carry around.” Concern filled the elderly woman’s eyes. “Two young women shouldn't have to suffer through pain or loneliness.” Mrs. Martin reached out to touch Keeley's hand. “You both deserve some peace, some happiness. Some love. You just have to be open to it, child. You need to stop running, place your trust in a certain someone and let the chips fall.”

Keeley glanced away as her eyes filled with tears. No one had ever shown her or her sister such kindness. Apparently, it showed, too. Or maybe she was being paranoid. Nevertheless, kindness went a long way with her, seeing as how it meant someone at least cared about her. Not even her parents showed her as much, nor had they done anything for Danielle. No one ever worried about Dani’s or her happiness or well-being, but this woman, who had only known them a short time, did so. “We come with a lot of baggage, Mrs. Martin,” Keeley murmured once she’d was to gain control of her emotions. “More than most men would even want to take on.”

“Bullshit.” Keeley's head jerked up at Mrs. Martin's language. “Don’t look at me like I’ve grown a second head, child. I might be old, but I’m never too old to curse.” She winked. “A woman of my age has earned the right to do as I please. Wouldn’t you agree?” She took a sip of her tea, then motioned to the sandwich Keeley had barely touched. “Is the sandwich to your liking?”

“Yes. Perfect.” She took a bite. “Sorry, you’ve knocked me off balance.

Mrs. Martin patted her hand. “I remember what it was like to be young, to have love, to be loved. You have your whole life ahead of you. It's here, in this town. Don't throw it away. Keeley. You belong here. You know it, too. Don't you?” The genuine concern and gentleness gave her a sense of what it might have been like to have a grandmother…hell, a mother who wanted to be there for her, or her sister. Maybe the woman sitting across from her could be someone she could count on as family. It’d be nice.

“Yes,” Keeley whispered. “There are things, though...” She sighed when the kind-hearted woman raised her hand, stopping her.

“I am not the one that you should be telling these things to, young lady. Deep down you realize your confession is meant for one person. It will just cause unnecessary issues. Ones you don't want or need to be dealing with.” The elderly woman’s tone grew firmer. “When the time is right, you will reveal what you need to. He can be trusted, you’ll see. He will protect you, Keeley, with his life.” She patted her hand again. “Drink your tea, and eat. I am not letting this go to waste.”

“Yes, ma'am,” Keeley croaked, her mind racing with a thousand and one questions. “Mrs. Martin?”

“Yes, dear?”

“In all my life, no one…” Keeley glanced at the sweet older lady. “No one, other than Dani, has ever shown me such compassion or truly understood me. No one has given me the time of day to listen and offer advice if I needed it. I just wanted to, you know, say thank you.”

“Well, then.” Mrs. Martin grinned at her. “I am glad to be able to give you a first, but dear, it won't be the last. Trust me.”

“I do, Mrs. Martin. I do.” Keeley drank her tea and finished her sandwich. Trust, such a tenuous emotional bond she hadn’t shared with many. But Keeley began to realize she could have the same with Mrs. Martin as well as her sister. “Thank you.”

“You're welcome, dear,” Mrs. Martin replied. “Royce will be around in about twenty minutes to escort you home.” Her tone allowed for no further explanation and honestly, she didn't even want to ask, because it’d been the first time in a long time that she relaxed and allowed her mind to calm—not stress about the little shit she couldn’t control, even when she yearned to. “I would like to see Aiden, to make sure he is growing correctly.”

She scrunched up her nose. Aiden was a puppy, why wouldn't he be growing right? As much as she liked the town, they sure were weird, considering she was the queen of weird. Still, the request came out of left field and seemed odd.

“You know Danielle is a veterinarian, don't you?” Keeley observed the older woman, but she just smiled as she reached for another sweet on the plate.

“I do. I have no doubt both Danielle and yourself are providing the best care for him. I just want to see him. Surely it can be arranged? Come into town tomorrow to get his milk.” She popped the morsel into her mouth.

“Sure. Perhaps Danielle and I can go to lunch at the café while you spend time with the pup?”

Mrs. Martin nodded. “Perfect!”

“I will talk to Dani. Make sure she doesn’t have any clients scheduled for lunch tomorrow, then. It’ll be fun for her, too. She rarely gets out because she’s so busy.”

The elder woman gave her a knowing look.

“What?”

“Nothing.” However, the tilt of the woman’s lips said it was something.

Keeley didn’t press, though; instead, she kept the comments to herself, grateful for the chance to get out and be normal for a change.