Page 54 of Barry

“True, I’d have to travel a bit to find one, but … here it goes. I’d like you to consider going to the reserve sheriff’s academy. It would take you six weeks to graduate. Then you could work with the department part-time. Basically, when one of my guys wants to go on vacation or someone needs a day off.” He held up a hand when Barry attempted to decline. “The real reason I want you on the force is because of how you dissected that murder scene. You noticed things that I didn’t. Eyes like yours could be priceless.”

Barry rubbed his jaw and then shook his head. “I gave my word to Melvin. He’s counting on me, and I’m happy with that decision. Besides, I still have my moments with my anger. Working with the animals and my hands, well, itgives me a sense of peace I’ve never had before. I need that. I’m sorry, I’m going to be selfish and say no. But if you want me to help with something specific, I’ll be there in a heartbeat.”

Ken nodded. “It was a long shot, but I had to take it.”

“At least he didn’t tell you to jump off a bridge.” Andrew shrugged.

“Well, there is that. Tell Kathy I said hey, and let her know we don’t foresee anything more on this case. As far as the department is concerned, it’s a closed case.”

“Thanks.” Barry watched him get in his SUV and leave. Andrew stopped him just as he turned to go back into the barn. “Just to let you know, the case the FBI is working won’t be on the television. It will be classified at the highest levels. Jackson Gill’s ties to the domestic terrorist group were recently discovered. I understand they have someone going undercover using Jackson Gill’s identity. Of course, that’s classified at the highest levels.”

Barry nodded. “I won’t say shit to anyone, but that’s good to know. I mean, that his death will be used for some semblance of good.” Barry kicked the ground again. “Seen too much death, Cap. Do you think it’s wrong to say no to Ken?”

Andrew shook his head. “No. Follow your heart and your head on this one. If doing this is where you’re at peace, grab onto it. It took me a hell of a lot longer than it took you to figure out this place is a slice of heaven.” He looked up. Barry followed his gaze, taking in the dazzlingblue sky dotted with white cotton ball clouds. “South Dakota, the land and the people get into your blood.” Andrew turned to him. “We’ll always be here for you, my friend. If life goes to hell in a handbasket, we’ll be here. Don’t ever forget that.”

“Couldn’t do that, Cap.” Barry put his hands on his hips. “Better get back to helping with that stall.”

Andrew looked at his watch. “This is your last day, right?”

“Yes, sir. Senior only wanted a week’s notice. He’s got a new hand coming in next week.”

“Call it, then. Go see your woman and start that new chapter in your life. I’ll help with the stall.”

“You sure?”

“Yep. Don’t be a stranger, you hear?”

“I hear.” Barry extended his hand and was pulled into a bear hug.

“If you ever need anything, I’ve got you.”

“And I’ve got you, Cap. Now that I’ve got my shit together, I’ve got you, too.” They ended the hug, and both of them cleared their throats. Barry chuckled. “Gunny would have a field day with all this mushy stuff.”

Andrew chuckled. “Yep. I miss him.”

“So do I, but you know what he’d say.” Barry chuffed out a hard breath.

“Yeah, he’d say, you two need to screw your head on straight, stop crying, and show up.”

The sad smiles echoed the loss of a man who left theworld far too soon. Barry turned and whistled. Honey came trotting out of the barn where she’d been supervising the work. “Let’s go home, girl.”

He nodded to Andrew and headed to his truck. He was going home to the woman he loved.

Kathy watchedas Barry pulled into the drive. She opened the door, and Mitzi hobbled out of the house. Honey jumped down from the truck, and the two dogs did the normal nuzzle and sniff before Mitzi laid down, and Honey sprinted around her with the zoomies.

“You’re home early.” She smiled at him as he walked across the small yard to where she stood.

“Home. I love that word.” He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into his hard body as he kissed her. The sensation of his strength against her was electrifying. She leaned into his chest when he pulled away and absorbed his masculine scent, strength, and protective hold. The combination was a heady cocktail that altered her perception of the world. When she was in his arms, everything would be okay. Everything had the most wonderful possibilities.

“Something smells amazing.”

She laughed and arched back to look up at him. “Crockpot roast. Nothing special.”

“It smells special.” He opened the door, keeping heragainst him, and backed her into the house. “When is it going to be done?”

She glanced at the clock on the wall. “A couple of hours. I didn’t know you’d be home early or hungry when you got here.” She laughed as he kept shuffling her backward.

“Oh, I’m hungry. I’m starving.” He lowered and bit her neck before picking her up and carrying her the rest of the way to the bedroom.

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