A Soldier's Journey (2 page)

A wiry woman came to the car as Andy stepped out. “Lieutenant,” she said. “I'm Karen Conway. Call me Karen. Everyone does.” She held out a weathered hand, and Andy took it.

“We won't waste time,” Karen said. “I know Richard...Dr. Payne...hasn't much of that.”

The way she said
Richard
startled Andy. There was a warmth in it, as if they were more than simply acquaintances. Dr. Payne never talked about his private life.

Before any more thoughts flickered through her mind, she was herded into the ranch house. A dog was at the window, watching. He didn't move until they were all inside and Karen said, “Joseph, say hello.”

The dog approached obediently. He was medium size where she had expected a larger animal. Maybe a German shepherd. But this dog more resembled a small Lassie; his coat appeared woven of shades of tan and black and gray. He had blue eyes that regarded her as cautiously as she expected hers were.

“Joseph?” Karen said again.

The dog held up his paw.

Andy took it gingerly. The fur was soft, and the dog's gaze seemed to reach inside her and ask questions she couldn't answer. Then his tongue flicked out and licked her hand.

“He likes you,” Karen said. “It took much longer for Adam to win a kiss.”

Andy found herself petting the dog.

“Try behind his ears,” Karen said. “That and his stomach are his favorite places.”

Andy followed the advice and with her good hand rubbed behind the dog's ears. Joseph turned on his back and bared his stomach. She rubbed it, stopped when she heard a rumbling noise.

“That's a groan of pleasure,” Karen said with a smile.

“You sure about that?”

“I'm sure.”

Andy went back to rubbing his stomach before straightening up.

“You think he will do?” Karen asked.

Andy stood and Joseph sat in front of her. She hesitated. Joseph lifted the same paw that he had before and looked expectant.

“He's accepted you. Now it's up to you,” Karen said. “He's a smart dog, one of the smartest I've trained, and that says a lot. He had to be to survive. If you feel through the fur, you'll find scars. He's had some rough times. Some hikers found him badly hurt in the mountains. They assumed he'd been dumped by someone and had a run-in with wild animals. One of the hikers, a donor to this program, took him home, but he already had several dogs.

“He called me,” Karen continued. “Said Joseph had a natural empathy that makes him ideal for our purposes. If you have a nightmare, he knows to wake you up. He will remind you when it's time to go to bed. Panic attack? He will physically interrupt you and redirect the panic.”

Andy was stunned. She had read about dogs and vets but hadn't realized exactly what they did. “All of that?” she asked dubiously.

“And more. He can find and locate objects, like your shoes, or your phone or keys. In other words, he can pretty much do anything you want to teach him to do.”

Andy found it hard to believe he could do all that. But if he just interrupted the nightmares, she would be grateful.

“I know it's hard to believe,” Karen said, “but it's really remarkable what these dogs can do.”

“Dr. Payne said they are free. How can you do that?”

“I have sponsors. Dr. Payne is one of them. But there's others, including area veterinarians who donate their services. I do it because my son had PTSD, only it wasn't recognized like it is now.” She paused, then added, “He committed suicide.”

“I'm sorry,” Andy said.

Karen simply nodded. “If you decide you want to come into the program, you'll stay in the bunkhouse with the dog until I think the two of you are ready. But I want to know for sure that you're committed, that you will stick with it. I don't want Joseph disappointed again.”

“What happened?”

“Adam took Joseph home and then discovered his wife was extremely allergic to dog hair. It was either her or Joseph.” She looked sternly into Andy's eyes. “You don't have anyone allergic, do you?”

“No.”

Andy looked down at the dog. He looked up at her. “Are you ready for me?” she asked.

She would have sworn the dog smiled. “Why the name Joseph?” she asked.

“Of the coat-of-many-colors fame,” Karen said. “You will be expected to stay here a short time. Maybe a week, maybe less, maybe more. You'll live in the bunkhouse with the dog while you get to know each other. He's trained, but you're not. You'll learn what he can do for you, and learn to accept what he has to offer.”

Karen paused, then added, “You up for the challenge?”

Andy looked down at Joseph. The brightest blue eyes she'd ever seen looked back as if to say, “What are you waiting for?”

She nodded. She had to be. It was what Jared would want. He used to say that what first attracted him to her was her strength. Instead, she had been a zombie these past months. She hadn't even been able to cry since she'd woken up from surgery. She hadn't remembered everything then; she'd just had a head full of dread. Then it came back slowly. The first gunshot...

“Good,” Karen said, breaking into that memory. “Joseph has had all his shots, and when you're ready to leave, we'll give you supplies. After that, it's up to you, but we ask that you keep in touch and if for some reason you feel you can't keep Joseph, return him to us.”

Joseph made a low sound, like a rumble, and moved closer to her. She felt his warm body through the jeans that were much too large for her. She reached down and stroked his head. He licked her hand and looked up at her as if she were a goddess.

“When can you get started?” Karen asked.

Andy looked at Dr. Payne.

“Three days?” he asked. “It will take a few days to do the paperwork, discharge you from my care. And it will probably take you that long to buy a few things.”

She bit her lip. Everything was going so fast. “Trying to get rid of me?” she asked.

“Now that you mention it...” He smiled.

“I have to give notice at the coffee shop, but I don't think that will a problem. I broke more than a few cups.”

“Good. Now that's settled,” Karen said. “Can you stay for dinner?”

“Wish we could, but I have a meeting tonight,” Dr. Payne said. “And I imagine Andy has some planning to do.”

He ushered Andy out the door and into his car. Once settled, he asked, “Should I accept the use of the cabin in Covenant Falls on your behalf?”

“You're pushing it, Doc.”

He shrugged. “You can always cancel it.”

She still wasn't sure taking on a dog was a good thing. Since the violent afternoon that had taken everything away from her, she'd changed from a hard-charging, ambitious army officer to someone who couldn't make a decision on what to eat. Mainly because she hadn't cared. Didn't want to care.

Neither was she sure she wanted to form a close bond with the dog. In fact, she was quite sure she didn't. But maybe the dog
would
help. Anything to keep from falling to pieces whenever she heard a loud noise. She would just have to maintain an emotional distance, that was all.

She looked at Dr. Payne. “I'll give it a try.”

She had made her first decision in months.

CHAPTER TWO

N
ATE
R
OWLAND
WIPED
the sweat from his forehead and looked at his watch. Time to leave and meet the incoming vet.

He took one last glance at the interior of the reception area of the inn he and Josh were transforming from an old by-the-hour motel, then locked the door and headed for his pickup truck.

He was the designated welcoming committee. Josh, who owned the cabin, was in Denver, and Clint, the second vet who had been in residence at the cabin, was completing a law enforcement training program in Colorado Springs.

Nate had volunteered before he learned the new occupant was a woman, and an officer at that. Officers didn't bother him much. The woman part did. He'd made an art of avoiding them for the past four years. Burned once, her fault. Burned twice, his fault.

Josh's cabin seemed to have come under a spell. First Josh. Then Clint. After moving in, Josh had gotten married, and now Clint, the second occupant, was more or less engaged. Hopefully. Nate had never been superstitious, but damn, there was something about that cabin that brought even the most marriage-averse people to the altar.

He looked around the freshly painted lobby—warm sand tones with a huge oak beam reaching across the arched ceiling and a stack-stone fireplace. He was more proud of the inn than anything he'd previously built. Josh had provided his own money and a bank loan and turned Nate loose on design. They'd stretched every penny a yard long. The furniture was coming from a firm going out of business, and it was quality at a low price.

All they needed was guests.

The preview opening was scheduled in seven weeks, which was why Josh was in Denver. He was making the rounds of the state tourist association, tourist publications and newspapers. They were offering complimentary three-night stays to anyone who could help them promote Covenant Falls.

He glanced at his watch again. He wanted to be at the cabin at 8:00 a.m. The newest vet was expected between nine and ten. He'd stacked wood for the fireplace yesterday, and he knew that Josh's wife had stocked the kitchen.

He locked the front door of the Covenant Falls Inn and drove to the cabin. The mayor, Josh's wife, called it the Rainbow Cabin. She'd fallen in love with Josh there, almost, she said, from the moment she had seen him. The same thing had happened to Clint when he'd met the town veterinarian.

Josh had said the new resident was a military nurse, a lieutenant. All he knew was that she had been injured and had PTSD. She would be the first female veteran in town, and he wondered how she would fit in, particularly at the Monday-night poker games. But he would do his part in making her welcome. He fervently hoped she was plain and obnoxious.

The cabin was spotless. Someone, probably Eve, had placed flowers in vases on the dining table and on the table next to the sofa. There was a platter of Maude's sweet rolls in the kitchen.

He made a pot of coffee and walked outside to the porch swing. It was a fine April day with a cool breeze and bright sun. He thought about the day he'd met Josh, when he'd hired him to replace the floor on the cabin. His life had changed dramatically. Even the town had a new vitality since Josh's arrival. Clint added his own impact.

Nate wondered if this military nurse would also rock the Covenant Falls boat.

He was looking at the lake when an old Volkswagen turned into the driveway. Yellow. And not old, but ancient. A relic, really. His gaze followed its path until it stopped. He stood, opened the porch door and went out to meet the new resident.

She didn't move. She just sat in the car looking at the cabin. A dog sat protectively next to her. Then, as he reached the car, the driver opened the door and got out. Reluctantly, it appeared.

His worst fears were realized. She wasn't drop-dead gorgeous. Not in the accepted sense. But she had a quality even more dangerous. She was slender, even gaunt, but her face was something out of a painting. Strong lines and jaw, with striking, haunted light gray eyes that dominated all the other features.

Nate realized he had been staring. “Lieutenant Stuart,” he said, holding out his hand. He tried to steady his voice even as he was affected by the ethereal sadness in her. He noticed her left hand was in a leather brace.

“I'm Nate Rowland, your welcoming committee,” he said. “If it's okay with you, I'll show you around, give you the keys and answer any questions.”

She nodded and took his hand, but there was no heart in it. “Thank you. And it's not lieutenant. Not any longer. I'm just Andy Stuart.” She turned, and the dog, outfitted with a service animal's coat, jumped out and stood close to her. “This is Joseph. We're just getting to know each other. I was told he would be welcome.”

“More than welcome. This is a very dog-friendly community,” Nate said. “Can I get your luggage?”

She hesitated, and he sensed that she was reluctant to take any help. “I don't have much,” she said, “but perhaps you can help with Joseph's belongings. He has more than I do.”

She waited while he opened the trunk that was filled with dog food, a dog bed and a cardboard box full of dog dishes, toys and a leash. She was right about her luggage. He saw only a medium-size duffel.

Only too aware of her presence, he picked up the dog bed and the big sack of dog food while she reached for the duffel with her good hand and used the wounded fist to slam the trunk closed. Then she followed him inside. He watched surprise spread across her face as she took in the comfortable interior. “It's very nice,” she said after a moment. “Are you the owner?”

“No. Just a friend of the owner.” Nate placed the dog bed in front of the living room window and, still holding the dog food, led the way into the kitchen. “I made some fresh coffee, and the owner of the town's diner sent over some sweet rolls. They're great. The owner's wife also filled the fridge. You'll find a couple of casseroles and cold cuts along with bread, eggs, milk and sodas.”

“Thank you,” she said. It was politely said with little emotion.

“There's a bathroom next to the master bedroom down the hall. There's also a second bedroom that's mostly a library now. Help yourself to any of the books. There's a desk in there, as well.” He paused, then added, “As for town, you probably drove through it. There's a general store, grocery, hardware store and pharmacy there, along with Maude's Diner. The food is very good, especially the steaks, and they're easy on the wallet.”

She nodded. “I'll remember that.”

She was scarce with conversation, but that was all right. So was he. Usually. “How long have you been driving?” he asked, strangely reluctant to leave.

“Since midnight. I like driving at night and dawn when there's little or no traffic.”

He suspected it was more than that. Depending on the severity of PTSD, late-night and early-morning driving had fewer distractions.

“That car looks like a real collector's dream,” he said, probing for more information, even as he knew he should be leaving. And quickly. She was distant.

“The Bucket,” she said with the first hint of a smile. “She's been with me fifteen years, and she was pretty ancient before that. I've nursed her back to health more times than I can remember, but she's a tough old lady. I couldn't leave her behind.”

He mentally filed that information. Nursed back to health? The car? Was she a mechanic, too?

He was lingering. He had intended to say, “Hello, here's the keys and goodbye.” He gave himself a mental kick. That was exactly what he should do.

“I'll leave you to get some rest,” he said. He took out a sheet of paper he'd prepared. “My number is there, along with several others you might want to know. The veterinarian. The town doctor. Josh Manning, who owns the cabin.”

She nodded.

He handed her the keys to the cabin, then leaned down and scratched the dog's ears. “Joseph? Of the many-colored coat?”

“It seems to have been the inspiration. I had nothing to do with it,” she said defensively.

“He'll have a lot of company around here,” Nate said. Damn, he was rambling on, but he didn't want to leave her alone. There was something broken inside her. Her voice was soft, Southern, but it carried no strength, no conviction that would be expected of an army officer.

He was nearly undone by those haunted gray eyes. They were framed by brown hair that fell to her shoulders, a simple style that he thought was probably for utilitarian reasons rather than vanity, although it suited her. She wore jeans and a simple white T-shirt and looked to be in her early thirties.

He suddenly realized he was staring. “I had better go,” he said. “The television is satellite and has a lot of stations available. There's a path just to the left of the cabin that goes up the side of the mountain. There's some great views there.” He cocked his head. “Anything else you would like to know?”

She shook her head. “It's far more than I expected.” She hesitated, then added, “Dr. Payne said there might be something I can do to pay for the use of the cabin.” It was a question more than a statement.

“Is there anything you like to do?”

“I'm a surgical nurse. Or was one before my hand was damaged. I don't really know anything else.”

“I'm sure Josh and Eve will find something if you're interested. Eve's uncanny in ferreting out talents.”

“Dr. Payne said she's the mayor?”

He grinned. “And a damn good one.”

She nodded, obviously absorbing the information, then went to the door. “Thank you for the welcome,” she said.

It was an obvious dismissal. “Don't hesitate to call if you need anything or have questions,” he said again as he walked toward the door. “Covenant Falls is very safe, and the sunsets are great. Oh, and every Monday night we have a meeting of vets. Seven p.m. at the community center. It's right at the end of this road.”

“And play poker?” Her lips eased slightly into an almost smile.

“You heard about that?” Nate said with a grin. “It's just penny ante. But we enjoy it. And we're happy to have new faces.” Particularly a pretty one, he suspected. He kept that thought to himself and hurried on. “You can bring Joseph. Josh always brings his dog, and everyone has gotten accustomed to having him there.” He headed for the door. He had already stayed longer than necessary. He forced himself down the path to his pickup.

As he opened the truck door, he glanced back. Andy Stuart was watching as he left. Slim and straight and still, she looked like a statue.

He started his pickup and headed toward Lake Road. He swore to himself. Dammit. Why couldn't she have been gruff and rough and thoroughly disagreeable? Instead, she was soft-spoken and appealing. More than appealing. He suspected the haunted gray eyes would stay with him. It was something he did not need at the moment. Or ever.

Hell, he had always been a sucker for a damsel in distress. That particular weakness had nearly destroyed his life. He'd sworn it wasn't going to happen again. He had a chance now to rebuild his career, and he damn well wasn't going to let anything, especially a woman, risk it.

He was going to stay away. A long, long way away.

* * *

A
NDY
WATCHED
HIM
drive away, then turned back to explore the cabin.

Her first impression of the cabin was warmth. Someone had loved this cabin. And that made her ache inside. It was just like the home she and Jared had planned to buy. A large living area with expansive windows, hardwood floors and a huge fireplace.

She went into the kitchen and poured a cup of coffee from the electric pot. Mr. Rowland had put out a cup and bowls of sugar and creamer. She liked her coffee black, and the stronger the better. She had become addicted to it in college and later during long hours in operating rooms.

She took a plate with two rolls outside and returned for the coffee. She didn't want to risk spilling either one with her bad hand. She sat in one of several chairs on the screened porch and ignored the swing. Joseph followed her and sat at her side and regarded the roll enviously.

Andy couldn't help but smile as the dog's tongue lolled out the side of his mouth. She steeled herself against getting too attached to the dog, but she had to admit he was growing on her. She couldn't resist giving him a piece of roll.

She looked out through the pines to the lake. The sky was impossibly blue against the mountains, and a cool breeze was refreshing. The scent of pines perfumed the air.

For the first time since she set off on this journey, she relaxed. Maybe this
had
been a good move, temporarily anyway. She liked Nate Rowland. He hadn't pushed but made her feel comfortable in a strange place under strange circumstances. He was lanky, like Jared, and had a warm smile.

Grief filled her as she saw Jared's smile again, slow to come but then widening until it filled her heart. It was as real today as it had been seven months ago.

She felt the darkness descending again. The despair. Joseph nudged her, and she stood, remembering what Nate Rowland said about the mountain. A walk. Fresh air. That was what she needed. She looked up and saw the path he had mentioned.

“What do you think, Joseph? Should we try it?”

Joseph wagged his tail eagerly.

She silently admitted to doubts. Her hand would be no use if she needed to grab something. But the path was there. Taunting her. Inviting her to leave her safety zone.

She could hear Jared now.
Go for it.

A breeze brushed her face, as if he were there next to her.

She started up the path. Joseph went ahead of her but kept looking back to make sure she was keeping pace with him. She didn't realize how out of shape she was. She hadn't run since Afghanistan.

She was breathing hard when she reached what was obviously a lookout. She paused and looked out over the town of Covenant Falls. It looked like a toy town from here. The lake appeared an even richer blue. On its border was a large park with a beach, gazebo, swings and a large rambling building. Four church steeples were also visible. The main street was the only one that looked busy.