Wounded at Home

by Mitzi Pool Bridges

  “Personal safety.”

  “Good enough. Would you like to see what Sully can do?”

  She gave a quick glance at the dark sky and turned to look Dirk in the eye. “I don’t think you heard me. I can’t afford Sully, so it would be a waste of your time and mine.”

  There was something about the lady. He didn’t know what it was, but he was intrigued. Evidently, she carried that business-like attitude into her personal life. She stood there with a look in her eyes he couldn’t define. Her dark-brown hair was twisted in a knot at the back of her head, and there were no rings on her hands. He wouldn’t call her a beauty. Her nose was a bit longer than most, her lips a little too full. She dressed so conservatively he wondered if she was trying to hide herself. Most women, beautiful or not, didn’t need a guard dog.

  “It’s never a waste of time when I’m with the dogs.”

  She looked around at the pens and training grounds. “What do you do here?”

  “My brother and I train dogs for the military. We have anywhere from three to six dogs at a time and a long waiting list.”

  “Then why are you selling Sully to an individual?”

  The woman wasn’t stupid. “Our standards are high and, I’m sorry to say, Sully didn’t pass the test.”

  Her gaze went to Sully. “Why not? He’s beautiful and you just said you could show me what he can do.”

  Dirk sat on his haunches, gave Sully’s head a playful squeeze. “We found that Sully can’t handle crowds. Three or four people are okay. More than that, and he forgets his training and either hunkers down or runs off. So, if you’re in need of a guard dog where there will be a large group of people, like at a stadium or such, Sully isn’t the dog for you. However, if you need personal protection, he would be unbeatable.”

  Dirk stood.

  The lady stepped back.

  What was she afraid of?

  “What about the police, don’t they use dogs?” A low rumble made her look up.

  “Same problem.”

  Her brow wrinkled and he noticed her clenched hands. She was nervous and concerned. Maybe frightened. If she was in trouble, and she certainly seemed to be, she needed a well-trained dog.

  It thundered again, louder this time. It was going to rain and he couldn’t wait to dive into the meal Lanie had brought over. What if…? “Lanie brought over a pot of soup and a pie. Why don’t we discuss this over dinner?”

  The woman looked up in alarm. “I can’t do that.”

  “Why not, Ms. Chapman? It’s late. If we stay out here much longer we’re going to get wet, and frankly, I’m starved.”

  “Call me Sky. But I don’t think it wise.”

  It started to rain, gently at first, then harder.

  Sky turned toward her car, holding her bag over her head.

  “Can you get home safely? It looks as if we’re in for a bit of a storm.”

  She stopped. Started to laugh. Only the laugh wasn’t a happy one.

  “That’s the thing. At the moment I don’t have anywhere to go. That was next on my list of things to do. You wouldn’t happen to know where I could rent a house or an apartment, do you?”

  They were getting thoroughly soaked.

  “Come with me.” A house and a dog? He should send her on her way. But he was curious. Ignoring the rain, he started across the grass to the opposite side of the training field, Sully by his side.

  He didn’t hear her following. Turning, he saw her standing there, wet and getting wetter, with a look on her face he couldn’t decipher. Probably deciding whether to flee or to follow.

  Then, she slowly walked his way, her reluctance more than visible.

  He stepped onto the porch of the small bungalow, wiped the rain off his face, watched as she stepped up beside him and did the same. Her hair had fallen from its arrangement on the back of her head and was hanging down around her face. For a moment she looked vulnerable. When she saw him watching, she pushed her hair back and glared.

  It was time to explain. “We provide living quarters for the military handler until he or she is well versed in the commands for the dog they take back and put in the field. We won’t need the bungalow for another four to six weeks. You can stay here for the night if it suits you.”

  “Are you serious?”

  “Of course. If you decide to buy Sully, you would have to be close anyway until you learn the commands.”

  “I’m in a difficult situation right now or I wouldn’t consider it. But if you’ll let me pay, I’ll be happy to get out of this rain and spend the night.”

  If Dirk was any judge of human nature, Sky was in big trouble. He’d try to help as best he could. Then wondered why he cared.

  “Sully seems to like you. Tomorrow is Saturday. I’ll take you out on the field and show you what he can do, teach you a few commands, and see where it goes from there.”

  “I won’t be in your way?”

  “Not in the least. The bungalow is just sitting here.”

  He took out a key and unlocked the door. “Take a look. See what you think. I’ll wait out here.”

  The lady didn’t like to be crowded, so he stayed put.

  She breezed past him in a flurry of wet clothes and a whiff of something that smelled like flowers and went inside. In less than a minute she was back. “It’s perfect. I would love to stay. But I’ll be out of your hair tomorrow if I decide I can’t afford Sully.”

  “Agreed.”

  He handed her the key and though he had another at the house, knew she’d feel safer with one in hand. “Why don’t I leave Sully with you tonight? That way the two of you can get acquainted.”

  “What about his food?”

  “I’ll bring it over in a few minutes.”

  She stood there a moment. “Good. I need to make a run to the store for a few things, but I’ll be right back.”

  “Are you kidding? In this rain?”

  The sky lit up with a streak of lightning followed by a loud clap of thunder as if to emphasize his displeasure.

  “Why not wait until tomorrow? The offer of soup and pie still stands.”

  He couldn’t hold back a smile when she stepped back again. Skittish. “Never mind. I’ll be back in about thirty minutes.”

  “Thanks. That will give me time to take a shower and get into some dry clothes.”

  Something or someone had frightened her badly, and someone was frightening her still, otherwise, she wouldn’t need a guard dog or a place to stay.

  Rain had the dry ground turning to mud as Dirk headed to his house. Did he really want to know what her problem was?

  Yes, he did. Not only was it his vocation as a PI to solve people’s problems, he felt Sky Chapman needed help in the worst way. Though she didn’t look like the kind of person to have an issue that would send her running, one never knew what was going on in another person’s life. Unless he’d lost every ounce of his skill as a private investigator, she was running from a big packet of trouble and was desperate.

  Sully was a good start.

  Until he knew what her problem was, Dirk wasn’t sure Sully would be enough.

  Chapter Three

  The sky lit up and thunder boomed loudly. Sky’s nerves, already on edge, tightened. She didn’t particularly like storms, as lightning made her nervous, but right now, she needed what was in her car. Sky told Sully to stay and plunged through the rain as fast as she could. In the safe confines of her car, she heaved a deep breath before driving it closer to the bungalow. She wanted to shout with relief. At least for tonight, she had a place to stay. And no one knew where she was. It was perfect. Lightning or not, her nerves relaxed a bit for the first time since she’d walked into the county jail to see her sister.

  With Sully by her side, she was safe and wanted to stay that way.

  Protecting them as best she could from the downpour, she brought her purchases to the door, walked inside, and looked around the bungalow. It wasn’t large; probably no more than five hundred square feet,
but it had all of the elements of home.

  It was one large room with two doors at the rear: one led to a bathroom, the other to a tiny closet. The front door opened into a small kitchen with a three-foot tall fridge and a two-burner stove. A table with four chairs was tucked in the corner beneath a window. The living room looked comfy with a small sofa, a comfortable looking recliner, and a couple of tables that held lamps and magazines. A TV that looked a heck of a lot better than hers had once been, sat on a table across from the seating arrangement.

  She kicked off her rain-soaked leather pumps, passed the sofa and its side table holding a magazine with a dog on the cover. Maybe she would look at it tonight. The living room went directly into the sleeping area. The bungalow brought new meaning to open concept.

  She emptied her bag of clothes onto the bed, pulled out her new sweats and a pair of panties and went to the bathroom. It was small with an extra large window—another way out. Though not in the city, whoever built the bungalow had taken safety precautions. She looked around. Everything she needed was here.

  Sully followed behind her and would have gone into the bathroom as well, until Sky told him to stay. He did.

  How she wished she could afford him, but she feared the price of these magnificent dogs was way out of her range.

  Stepping under the spray of hot water, she relaxed completely and wanted to linger, but Dirk would be back soon.

  When she stepped out of the bathroom, she was dry, warm, and comfortable. And Sully was exactly where she’d left him.

  If she could only forget what brought her here, she just might enjoy her stay.

  “Come,” she said. “Let’s see if there is anything in the refrigerator.”

  She found a bottle of ketchup, several bottles of water, mustard, and a bottle of pickles. Whoever had been here must have eaten a lot of hamburgers or hot dogs.

  Opening the tiny freezer, she found several meat patties and a half package of hot dogs. “I was right, Sully.” She looked out the window to see hard rain illuminated in the night sky by occasional lightning. “How does a hot dog sound?” Anything would be better than going out on this dark, rainy night.

  There was a knock at the door.

  “That must be your owner.” She couldn’t help but smile when Sully barked happily.

  “Who is it?” she called out.

  “Dirk.”

  She opened the door. Dirk, soaked to the skin, held out two bags. “Sully’s food?” She reached out and took it from him.

  “And yours. It doesn’t pay to be stubborn around here. Lanie called to ask if you bought the dog and I told her you were staying overnight to decide. She was ready to bring your dinner over herself until I talked her into staying put. Unless you want her to get soaked, take it. You can thank her later.”

  “I’ll do that. But I don’t think Lanie is the only stubborn one around here.”

  Dirk laughed, and took a step closer. Not too close. He was dripping water on the porch and she thanked him in her mind for not stepping inside.

  Sky moved into the kitchen and put the bag on the counter. “Thanks for everything.” She looked around the warm, safe haven. “You’re more than kind.”

  “I told you it wasn’t a big deal. You’re welcome to the bungalow until our next handler is due in.”

  If he kept his distance, she might take him up on his offer. This place was perfect. “Let me think about it.”

  “Sully’s bowls are in the larger bag along with his food. The other is for you.” He moved away. “Hope you enjoy it.”

  “I will. Thanks again, and thank Lanie for me.”

  “I’ll do that.” He looked at Sully, back at her. “Do you have a cell phone?”

  “I do.”

  “Here’s my card.” He took a step forward, turned it over and wrote his number. “Give me a call if you need anything.”

  “Thanks again.”

  She watched him sprint toward the main house. No sense in hurrying. He was already soaked. She had to remind herself how men who looked as good as this one could chew you up, spit you out, and still have an appetite. When he disappeared in the mist and the rain, she shut the door. “It’s you and me, Sully. Are you hungry?” And proceeded to feed and water the dog. “Let’s see what kind of cook Lanie is.”

  The soup was perfect for a night like this and the pie exceptional. Later, she tried to concentrate on the magazine, but the sound of rain became hypnotic and her eyes wouldn’t stay open. When she went to bed, Sully padded behind her and hunkered down on the floor at the foot of the bed. She called him closer and he scooted over until she could reach his head. “Such a good boy.” Her voice was sleepy, her mind drugged, as she ruffled the fur around his head and neck.

  She was exhausted, but the day from hell was over and she’d survived. It shouldn’t take long to go to sleep in the condition she was in, but her mind churned, as she wondered if the Feds had checked her apartment. What would they think when they saw the destruction? It would be just like them to believe she had done the damage herself. She didn’t see how they could, but it would be just like them. She twisted onto her side, hugged the extra pillow close. First thing tomorrow she would call her boss to see if she could work off-site for a few days. Though owed two weeks pay, she didn’t know how to get it without the Feds finding out where she was. She turned over again, stared at the ceiling. Maybe, if she stayed here she’d be safe and could find a way to track the missing millions as well as do her work.

  ****

  Sky awoke with a start, her heart hammering in her chest. She sat up, unable to breathe. She wasn’t in her apartment. So where was she? Taking deep breaths until the suffocating feeling lessened, she realized that someone was after her. Was he here in the dark and she couldn’t see him?

  Something nudged her arm. She froze. Dear God, the killer was here. How had he found her? Another nudge and she remembered. Taking a deep, shuddering breath, she gave Sully a pat on the head. Her problem was, she wasn’t accustomed to dealing with evil. She dealt with facts and figures. How would she go about the daunting task of finding the missing money so she could find Martin’s killer? She could do a search through the computer, of course. But experts far better than her had already taken that route. What made her think she was smarter than they were? Dory thought her the smart one in the family. Maybe in ways concerning money and finance, but she was ill equipped to tackle this without help. Staggering to her feet, she went to the bathroom and splashed cold water on her face.

  The room was still dark and there were no sounds of rain. Instead of going back to bed she checked to make sure the door was firmly locked before she grabbed a bottle of water out of the fridge and went to the kitchen table. Sully was right behind her.

  Her mind went round and round, trying for a solution to a problem she didn’t want.

  When her water bottle was empty she flipped on the overhead light and picked up her bag, then lined everything up on the table, including her laptop, which was the most valuable. The cup she put in the center, her two ruined rings that had once meant so much, next to it. When the light caught the opal in her ring, her head went light just thinking of all she had lost, and she had to sit down. The furniture she’d so carefully selected from garage sales and thrift stores was in ruins. Demolished. Things she hadn’t wanted to spend a lot of money on, but still wanted for an apartment that reflected her taste. Damaged beyond repair. Costume jewelry that looked more expensive than it had been. Destroyed. Everything she had. Gone.

  Hands trembling, she put her cell phone on the table—at least this one couldn’t be traced, then put the money, still in its bank envelope, next to it all.

  Her gaze scanned the table. Not much to show for almost thirty-three years of life.

  Of course there was her financial portfolio. She would access that only when it was safe to do so. But did she want to? Not now. If the Feds found her, so could the killer. Now that she had time to think, she realized she couldn’t even use her car
.

  Her gaze went to the card Dirk had given her, picked it up and turned it over.

  Contact information for Browning Investigative Services was on one side. On the back he had put his cell phone number.

  Dirk Browning was a PI?

  She powered up her laptop, went to the company website, and scrolled through the commendations they’d received and comments from satisfied customers.

  Had God handed her just what and who she needed when she was most desperate?

  Dirk’s too-handsome face floated before her eyes. So? She would never follow in her mother and her sister’s footsteps. She was stronger than that. And if this man could help her, it would be the answer to her prayers.

  She turned off her laptop and tried to sleep. Fear and worry kept her awake until exhaustion sent her into blackness.

  The next thing she knew, bright sunlight splashed across the bed. Her heart raced as she sat up. Would she be able to stay once Dirk heard her plea for help? Or would he send her and her problem packing?

  Sully whined.

  She let him out into glorious morning sunshine. The air was fresh from the previous night’s rain. Inhaling deeply, she realized spring was in the air. In the distance she could see that the fields were beginning to turn a pretty blue. Was it time for bluebonnets? She couldn’t remember when she’d last seen a field of blue. It must have been when she was a child. Taking another deep breath, she marveled at the beauty around her. For a brief moment she forgot why she was here and simply enjoyed her surroundings.

  Dirk was on the training field with another man, each with a dog. Lanie was at the pens.

  It must be later than Sky thought.

  Still in her sweats, she let Sully in, and went to the kitchen in search of coffee and a coffeepot. Finding it, she put it on and warmed up a small bowl of leftover soup. It would do just fine.

  By the time she was finished there was a knock on the door.

  Sully barked a happy welcome.

  When she opened it and saw Dirk’s good morning smile, her heart went thump in her chest.

  Not because of his cheerful, smiling face, she told herself, but because he might be able to save her life and her sister’s.