Page 6 of Shephard

I pulled out her travel bowls and the doggy bag of dog food I’d shoved into my duffle. “I’ll give you a little teaser prior to bringing your cheeseburger back to the room. Okay?”

Pepper was sitting on her haunches, her tail swishing back and forth. When she woofed twice, I grinned, holding up two fingers. “I remember. Two big, fat cheeseburgers. Don’t worry. Mommy needs to eat first.”

How many times had this beautiful pup saved my life over the last three years? Countless times. I’d fought to bring her back with me from overseas, but didn’t regret the angst, time, or money in doing so. She was my world.

After freshening up, which entailed combing through my wet hair and pulling the long strands into a ponytail, I gave myself a passing grade. Nothing better. I was no beauty queen, although men had called me beautiful before. Those dudes had just been trying to get me into bed.

I added a thin jacket, debating taking a weapon. Yeah, it was a good idea if the place was full of the rowdy type. “I’ll be back, baby. Don’t tear up the place.”

As if she would.

I was surprised to see the rain had moved from a severe flooding storm to slapping you in the face when you walked. I scurried across the broken parking lot, cursing when I almost fell into a crater-sized pothole. The closer I came to the bar and grill, the louder the music. I was more of a rock and classic kind of girl; the honkytonk country touristy bullshit I’d been subjected to since moving to the state had assaulted my senses more than once.

But it was what people expected, just like seeing cowboys in big Stetson hats. Once inside, I was shocked by how huge and actually nice the place was. I wouldn’t call it a dive by any stretch of the imagination. It was large, the bar area illuminated nicely. There was a stage, a dance floor, and plenty of tables. Along with a separate area with pool tables and dartboards. I could see why the place was hopping.

The crowd of mostly men turned their heads, some appearing like famished predators, but most returned to their beers and heady buzz after I issued my harsh look. It worked for most. A spot was open at the bar and at this point, it was mine. I had no intention of engaging in useless conversation with anyone. It wasn’t worth it and I was tired.

The bartender was burly, as to be expected in such a lively place. He eyed me the same as most men, wondering why I’d arrived alone. I wasn’t in the mood to share why I was way too far away from my peaceful cabin.

“You want a beer?”

“Wine if you have something like that. Merlot to be exact.”

He grinned. “We got everything and it’s all good.”

The man had a bar towel positioned over his right shoulder, constantly scanning the entire bar as if looking for trouble.

“Cheeseburgers. I heard they were top notch.”

His chuckle was friendly enough. “They’re pretty damn good.”

“Then I’ll take three with French fries on the side.”

“Hungry lady.”

“I have a companion you wouldn’t appreciate. Two in a to-go box.”

“Whatever you say. I’ll have your wine in a few seconds for you.”

I nodded in appreciation and studied the bar itself. Over the three shelves of liquor bottles several photographs were presented, some in black and white and others in vivid color, all depicting the bar in various years. Celebrities had enjoyed a burger or two in the joint over the years. It was amazing what you could find off the beaten path. I didn’t get out nearly as much as I should.

The wine arrived seconds later, complete with a dainty cocktail napkin. The bartender had obviously mistaken me for a lady. I was shocked to find the vintage a few steps higher than rotgut. I was doing my best to relax when the last two days had been anything but relaxing. My father was fading fast. I should spend more time with him, but he and I had a pretty shitty history. His prison stint hadn’t helped. Still, I was the only family the ailing man had.

I was cognizant my chair was the sudden center of attention only a minute later. What was it about men that they felt the best thing to do was to crowd your space? Sighing, I took another sip of wine, debating grabbing my weapon for another round ofshock factor. I thought better of it until the first jerk placed his hand on the back of my chair.

“Howdy, sugar. Looking for company?”

I didn’t need to say anything, merely giving him a glance that should drive the cowboy wannabe into the ground. He threw up his hands, backing away with a surprised look on his face. The second jerk who tried less than two minutes later received a look harsh enough he should have caught fire. Finally, the group of men hovering around me seemed to get the message.Stay away from the bitch.

The cheeseburger arrived only moments later, a second glass of wine as well and I wasn’t disappointed. The food was fabulous, so much so I gobbled the burger within a few minutes, the fries not long afterwards. I’d been told I could eat like a guy. After washing it down with a gulp of wine, I took a deep breath. Maybe there were still diamonds in the rough.

So my mother used to say, God rest her soul.

If she had one.

The bartender had been decent, placing the to-go boxes in a nice, hefty bag with handles. Easy peasy.

My tummy satisfied, I spun the barstool around, curious as to the makeup of the customers. The people living in Danger Falls were a combination of rich folks who’d longed to retire in the great wilderness and those who’d grown up in the area, trying their best to carve out a life. Maybe I’d become jaded in the ten months since I’d arrived, but I rarely stopped and observed people and their behavior. Even if it was necessary in my job.

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