“When you so aptly pointed out what a great watch dog Half-Breed would be because of how protective he is of you and, well, I guess what I’m trying to say is . . . he’s yours. That is, if you still want him.”
“Oh, David, thank you. Yes, of course I still want him.”
“Do you want me to bring him around to you? Where are you staying?”
I know I wasn’t quite as alert as I would have been had I been more awake, but it was hard to miss the catcher vibrating over my heart.
“Please don’t go to any trouble. I have some errands to run so I can drop by and pick him up,” I said quickly.
“Okay. Sure. I should be here all day. I’m having the window repaired, so anytime you get here is fine with me.”
An hour later, I pulled up in front of the kennels. I recognized the glass repair truck that was parked in front and the repair crew, who were already hard at work fitting a new pane into the large front window. I smiled as one of the workers waved to me, apparently having recognized me as well.
The little bell over the door sang out its twinkling chime as I entered. At the sound of the chime a choir of dogs barking came from the back room.
“Good morning,” David said and graced me with that smile.
I glanced quickly around, but Half-Breed wasn’t lying on his bed in the corner. Leaning on the counter and absent-mindedly toyed with the rawhide at my neck, I asked, “Where’s Half-Breed?”
Jail, Half-Breed chimed.
“He’s still in the crate in back. I didn’t want him getting in the way of the repairmen,” David said.
Good morning, Princess. Nice to see you, too, the wolf’s voice intruded, but he was nowhere in sight.
“I see. Is he ready to go with me?”
“Yeah, I got a collar and special guide leash rigged up for him, so it will make things easier for you. He is a bit headstrong. Come on back and I’ll show you how to put the guide on him.”
Headstrong! Wait till I get out of here! I’ll show him headstrong! Half-Breed’s voice blared into my mind.
My thoughts became stern. HALF-BREED if you can’t behave—
I will if he will! the argumentative wolf interrupted.
I was greeted by the yapping of excited dogs as I followed David into the back room of the kennel. When David opened the crate, I expected Half-Breed to bolt, but he didn’t.
“Now, Pam, this is how you use the guide leash.” David began as he knelt before Half-Breed and placed a wide strap around the wolf’s muzzle.
“Do you really think that’s necessary?”
“I want you to be safe.”
Half-Breed laid down and allowed David to put the collar and guide leash on him.
Unnecessary. I feel totally ridiculous.
Don’t worry, Half-Breed, you’ll only have to wear it until we get into the car. Half-Breed allowed David to lead him over to me in silence. David placed the leash in my hand and Half-Breed sat before me.
“Good boy, Half-Breed,” I said aloud to the wolf and reached down to pet him.
“So, what’s on the agenda for today?” David said.
“Officer Martin called. I have to stop at the police station to review their report and get a copy for my insurance company. Then, I need to run some personal errands.”
“Sounds like you’ll be pretty busy.” His voice was laced with disappointment.
“Why do you ask?” I inquired, against my better judgment.
“Why do you think he’s asking, Princess. He wants to be with you.”
“I was hoping, maybe, that is, if you wanted to . . . that maybe we could have lunch,” David stammered with hope in his voice.
My thoughts immediately went to Moheeladeck, his words clear in my mind, Be mindful of who you really are. How could I let David down easily?
I approve of this line of thinking, Half-Breed chimed in.
I did not ask for your approval nor do I require it, so don’t piss me off, wolf!
“Well, I do have a pretty busy day today and tomorrow the alarm is getting installed, but maybe we can get together for dinner after that,” I answered.
I was all set to politely decline and walk away, but Half-Breed’s nagging set me off.
Princess, why do you encourage that dirty dog? What has our Alpha ordered? Half-Breed’s voice was quick to question.
Our Alpha, I mean Moheeladeck, trusts me, and my judgment. My thoughts didn’t even sound convincing to me.
David smiled. “I kind of was hoping to see you sooner, but if that’s the best time for you, I’ll take it!”
I thanked David again for all he had done for me over the past few days and Half-Breed and I made our way to the car.
Nicely done, Princess, the wolf said, his voice a whisper.
“Thanks, Half-Breed,” I said aloud as I opened the front passenger side door to let him in. I reached to close the door and decided that due to his size it would probably be a good idea to put the seat belt on him. I explained what I was doing, and without argument, he nodded and I strapped him in.
“This will be the first thing to go.” I took the guide strap off him and tossed it into the back seat.
Ridiculous contraption, he muttered.
Soon we were underway. Although the top was up I put his window down and like any dog, he reveled in the breeze blowing in his face.
When we arrived at the police station, Half-Breed had had enough of the seatbelt.
How do I get out of this thing?
I showed him and he pressed the release button with his nose rather than waiting for me to do it. Pretty smart, I thought.
Thank You! He sounded appreciative as he wagged his bushy tail.
He allowed me to lead him on the regular leash but we both knew it was just for show. Please, Half-Breed, stay on your very best behavior here.
As you wish, but know that I will do anything to protect you should danger come to you.
We entered the station and I gave my name to the girl at the desk.
“Miss Hastings, I’m afraid you can’t bring your dog in here,” she said.
“Oh, he’s a service dog.”
She raised an eyebrow and after a moment, she said, “I suppose you have papers?”
“Yes, yes of course, but I left them at home.”
She eyed me for several more moments, then studied Half-Breed again. He whined, tilted his head to the side, and raised a paw as if he were pleading with her. I swear he put a spell on her for her features softened and a grin tugged at her lips.
“I suppose if he’s a service dog it would be okay,” she said hesitantly.
“I’ll just let them know you’re here,” she continued as she picked up the phone.
“Someone will be out to escort you in,” she said with a smile.
She’d barely finished speaking when a uniformed officer came through the door. He stopped short at the sight of Half-Breed.
“Ah, Miss Hastings, I’m afraid dogs are not allowed in here.”
“But, he’s a service dog.”
He had the same skeptical look on his face that the receptionist did. I smiled and continued, “I know he’s big, but he’s very well trained and I never to anywhere without him.”
Half-Breed whined again and gave the officer his best begging puppy-dog eyes. My stomach clenched and I held my breath waiting for Half-Breed’s spell to charm the young officer.
After several moments, his frown disappeared and a smile crept across his lips and he said, “Very well then, right this way.” He held the door opened and Half-Breed followed me down the hall. The officer escorted us to a room that reminded me of those interrogation rooms you always see on the TV cop shows. The room was painted that strange shade of green between moss and puce. A long table with a fake wood top and metal legs took up most of the room, but what really drew my attention were the ugly orange plastic chairs.
I sat in one and my back instantly cramped. Just being in the room made my palms sweat. My only comfort was ha
ving Half-Breed plop down at my feet.
I don’t like this place, he grumbled.
I don’t like it either, but we won’t be here very long.
Someone is coming and I don’t like his scent.
Relax, Half-Breed. You really need to behave in here.
The door opened and I was surprised to see Officer Williamson. His dark hair was neatly combed and his blue eyes darted quickly to Half-Breed and back to me. He seemed shorter than I remembered and although nothing about his appearance would indicate a threat, there was something about him that made me feel uneasy.
Half-Breed rose to his feet. I sense danger!
“Sit, boy,” I commanded and although I knew the wolf didn’t like it, he obeyed.
“Good morning, Ms. Hastings,” the officer said, extending his hand. “It’s a pleasure to see you again.” His eyes flashed to the wolf.
“Good morning, Officer Williamson.” I shook his hand.
“I’m sorry Officer Martin couldn’t be here today as planned, but the report is ready for you. I think you’ll find everything in order,” he said as he handed me the folder.
My hand trembled as I took it from him.
“I just need a few more pieces of information from you,” he said as he took a pad and pen out of his uniform pocket.
“Do you remember anything else about that night, Ms. Hastings?”
“Nothing, I—”
“I know you were frightened that night, but sometimes after a few days we remember things that may have seemed insignificant at the time of the incident. Now, try to think, did you get a glimpse of whomever it was that tried to get in?”
A tingle crept slowly up my spine and my muscles tensed. I had gone through this with Officer Martin and wondered why Williamson was doing this.
“It was dark, Officer Williamson. I believe I told you that I only saw him when the lightning flashed.”
“But you did see him?”
“Well, yes. He was standing at the slider.”
“Did you get a look at his face? Do you think you could pick him out in a line-up?”
I inched myself closer to Half-Breed. My palms were sweating and I scooted forward so I was sitting on the edge of the chair.
“No. He had a hood over his head and it was dark.” My hands shook.
“So then you didn’t see his face?”
“No.”
“Where are you staying now, Ms. Hastings?”
DO NOT TELL THIS MAN ANYTHING! Half-Breed insisted.
“Well,” I paused. “I’m actually going to move back into my home today. The alarm is going in and, as you can see, I’ve got a, uh, service dog.” I reached over and began to stroke Half-Breed’s ears. Would Officer Williamson notice my hands shaking?
“Yeah, and he’s a big one!” the Officer responded.
Half-Breed stood up again as if to reinforce the cop’s remark.
“He’s very protective,” I added.
He has no idea what I’m capable of.
Half-Breed, please behave.
“Yes, well, make sure you get a license for him,” the officer added.
“I will. Actually, that’s my next stop,” I assured him.
“Will you be spending the night in your own home then?” Williamson persisted.
“Yes, why do you ask?”
“Well, if you are, we’ll run a few extra patrols on your street just to make sure nothing out the ordinary is going on.”
I don’t like him.
I don’t either, Half-Breed.
“That’s what I’m planning as of right now, Officer Williamson,” I answered with a smile.
“All right, Ms. Hastings, we’ll have this wrapped up if you would just sign there.” He indicated the spot. “There is a copy of the report in the file for you.”
“Thank you,” I murmured.
Sign the darn thing and get us out of here! Half-Breed sounded near panic and I noticed the fur on his neck starting to rise.
I signed the report, grabbed my copy, and stood to leave. Officer Williamson placed his hand on my arm. Half-Breed growled and hoped it was only in my mind and not aloud. It was getting so I couldn’t tell anymore.
“Please be careful with that wolf, Ms. Hastings. Those animals have a reputation for being unstable and dangerous.”
“Thank you, Officer Williamson, I will.” I moved away from him and headed toward the exit.
Once outside, my breath rushed out of me in a deep sigh. I felt as if a huge weight was lifted off me and I could breathe again.
We got all our errands done and went back to the hotel, but there was still some daylight left so I grabbed a couple of bottles of water and a few apples from the hotel room’s mini fridge and put them into my backpack.
“Come on, Half-Breed, let’s go over to the park and maybe we can find a spot by the pond to sit.”
That sounds like fun.
Half-Breed didn’t actually need the collar and leash, so I tossed them on the bed as we left.
It was late in the afternoon and late in the season, so the park was nearly deserted. Half-Breed and I found a quiet bench near the pond, in the sun. The bench was obscured from view by bushes on three sides. Perfect, I thought.
Yes, this is peaceful and the sun feels so nice.
Birds sang in the trees and a flock of geese honked as they flew overhead. The quiet of the lapping water was soothing and the warmth of the late autumn sun caressed my face. My life was in such turmoil lately that this peaceful moment seemed like a slice of heaven, but the moment didn’t last long.
At first all we were aware of was the murmur of male voices. Half-Breed’s ears perked up instantly and the fur on his neck rose. The catcher came to life over my heart.
I know those voices, Half-Breed said in a mere a whisper.
Who is it, Half-Breed?
Shhhh. Don’t say a word. It’s David and that cop that I don’t trust.
Do you think we’re in danger?
Princess, we are always in danger, but with any luck they won’t even know we are here.
As they drew closer their voices grew louder and the conversation became clear.
“You met with her today, right?” David asked.
Half-Breed, that ‘her’ has to be me.
Yes, I’m sure you’re right.
Half-Breed, I’m afraid. We should hide.
Shhh. Stay still and very quiet.
“Yeah,” Williamson answered. “I met with her this morning.”
“Were you able to get her to tell you where she’s staying?” David probed.
“No, she wouldn’t say, but she did say she was going back home tonight.”
They were so close now that I thought certainly they would hear my heart thundering. Half-Breed sensed this. Stay calm. They don’t expect us here and are so focused on their conversation, perhaps they won’t notice us.”
“No problem,” David continued. “Remember that GPS chip you gave me?”
“Yeah.”
“Well, I made good use of it. No matter where she goes, we’ll find her.”
The hair on the back of my neck rose as a new wave of fear passed through me. Half-Breed, they’re tracking me, as if I’m a criminal. What does this all mean? What’s going on?
Princess, please focus. You have to stay very still and silent. Please, the wolf pleaded.
“Good thinking, but she’s got protection. What the heck did you give her that wolf for?” Williamson asked.
“Relax, I had to play the game. Besides, the wolf knows me. He’s not a problem.”
“What do you mean he’s not a problem? Are you sure? He’s pretty big.”
“Positive.”
“If he gets in the way, I’ll just get rid of him.”
“How?”
“I’ll just say he went crazy and I had to, I don’t know ... shoot him.” Williamson chuckled.
“Shoot him!”
“Yeah. After all, the crazy animal did jump through the plate glas
s window at your kennel!”
How dare he? I thought. Half-Breed, this isn’t David, not the David I know. David would never allow such a thing. He . . . How? It can’t be.
I’m sorry, Princess.
I crouched down, threw my arms around Half-Breed’s neck, and buried my face in his fur. My entire body shook and my heart hammered in my chest.
“You know,” Williamson continued, “we really blew it the other night. We could have nabbed her, but she made that 911 call and with Martin driving we had no choice but to respond. When will you see her again?”
“She said after tomorrow. That’s when the alarm is getting installed,” David said.
I wanted to run, but I knew I would not be able to get away from these two men.
“Do you think you can get into the house tonight before the alarm is in and have a good look around?” the officer asked.
“I could, but it’s a waste of time.”
“How so?”
“I think she has the stone on her. She wears it on a piece or rawhide around her neck,” David answered.
A scream rose to my throat and I covered my mouth with one hand to stifle it while my other hand went protectively to the dream catcher. I felt trapped and couldn’t breathe. I forced myself to focus. Panic was not an option.
“She said she was staying at the house tonight so if she’s wearing it why not just get in there, overpower her, grab it, and get rid of the evidence?” the officer asked.
Half-Breed, they’re going to kill me.
“Too messy. Can’t we just do this my way?” David asked as the two men passed by the bushes directly behind me.
Be very quite. Don’t even breathe, Half-Breed warned.
“With that GPS in place, we’ll get the chance to check things out. Maybe she’ll get careless and take the stone off,” Williamson said. Then after a moment of silence, he continued. “So, hot shot, you have a plan for getting that stone?”
“Yeah, I’m going to romance it off her,” David said.
Ha! Romance it off me, not likely. How could I have been so stupid to trust this guy? I held tighter onto Half-Breed.
Williamson laughed. “You’re pretty sure of yourself, you cocky bastard.” David chuckled at the remark. Then Williamson continued. “Well, just be careful and don’t get involved with her. You know there’s no future in that and in the end we aren’t leaving any witnesses.”
According to Legend Page 8
