Page 42 of No Bones About It

He laughed at her terrible western accent and then lowered his lips to hers. It was a great way to end the day.

CHAPTER 15

Dog Day Afternoon

Over the next few days, Garrett helped Kimi improve her security. Her locks were good, and she had alarms around the office part of the barn where she kept medication. Now, they’d added cameras and alarms at several points around the barn and her cottage.

Along with several of the men from Midnight Security, they’d also installed alarms at the top of the driveway so she would know when anyone entered. They’d also added alarms and cameras to Garrett’s barn.

Now, they both had apps on their phones so they could see camera feeds and alarm information. Marcus was still a little pissed, but having the extra security installed, and knowing the whole story, helped his friend simmer down.

Together, they’d settled into the routine of taking care of their ever-growing brood of animals. More goats were arriving soon. Pygmy goats. Garrett bet Popcorn would have the entire flock trained to be therapy goats in a few weeks.

Just over a month ago, his life had been quiet with the rescue horses and a couple of people he spent time with.

Now, he had horses, cats, pigs, goats, rabbits, rheas, a parrot, adonkey, and a dog who didn’t like to be out of his sight. He had friends he saw almost every day. He’d made new friends with the team out at Midnight Lake and in the town of Phail.

Most of all, he had Kimi. She was everything. It was fast, but he’d fallen in love with her. After losing his parents and grandparents, he hadn’t trusted in love. Losing Shaggy had made him turn his back on it completely. Now, he was open and ready. Not quite ready to say it out loud, but he was getting there.

A loud whistle pulled his attention to Heath waving from over the fence. Today, the gang was working on the brewery setup in Heath’s barn.

Kimi had a few appointments on nearby farms in the morning, but she’d be back by lunch. He felt like Olaf. He didn’t like Kimi out of his sight.

“Come on, Olaf, let’s go build a brewery.” The dog ignored his stitches but still wore the ridiculous onesie for another day or two. Today’s outfit was navy with a dinosaur pattern. “I’m going to get Kimi to choose some more manly options when she puts in her next order. Just put on your swagger, and it’ll be fine.” Which was exactly how Garrett got through so many times in his life.

He adjusted his pace to Olaf and felt the dog hesitate at the sight of Heath, Nina, and their dog, Animosh. Garrett kept walking. “It’s all good, Olaf. They’re my friends. We thought it might be easier if there was another dog there. This is Animosh, although she gets called Mosh a lot. She’s friendly, and I think you’ll like her.”

Animosh was mostly a German Shepherd and had the intelligence of the breed in her eyes. She was at least three years old and didn’t lack impulse control like many puppies. She listened to instructions easily, and Heath figured she’d be a good friend for Olaf.

They stopped when they were all a few feet from each other. Of course, Nina was the first to speak. “Hi, Olaf. I’m so glad to see you. Kimi fixed you up nicely. I like your dinosaurs. You look dashing.”

Then, the girl plopped onto the ground. Animosh sat beside her, head tilted quizzically at the pit bull, who stood behind Garrett’s legs.

Nina petted her dog. “Animosh, this is Olaf. Olaf, this is Animosh.”

Garrett and Heath exchanged a grin at the girl’s formal introduction.

Nina continued. “You’re going to be friends. Animosh is smart and gentle. None of us are going to hurt you, Olaf. I know some creeps forced you to fight before, but you never have to do that again. Garrett is going to take great care of you. He loves animals, and it’s going to be a good place for you.”

Garrett had to blink back the emotion at her simple words and confidence in him. It really was a good place.

Olaf didn’t run, but he didn’t advance, either. After a few minutes Nina popped to her feet, and they moved toward the barn, keeping a few feet apart.

The barn doors were wide open, and light filled the place. They’d had the equipment delivered over the past few weeks and had them mostly in place. Today was about hooking up things and learning how everything worked.

Levi, Marcus, Troy, and Sean arrived as Nina played fetch with Animosh while Olaf watched. Every few tries, she’d toss another ball to Olaf, encouraging him when he looked at it, even if he didn’t make a move toward it.

When the group moved inside, Garrett squatted down and patted Olaf. “I’m going inside to get some work done. You can come inside, or you can play here with Nina and Animosh.”

He grinned at Nina. “If he stays but gets stressed, just call me.”

She smiled back and sat on the ground again near the dog. “No problem.” Animosh curled up beside her, and they both watched Olaf.

The teen was smart and sensible. He knew she would be fine with the dog and he hoped the little guy sensed it, too.

“Hey Scooby, have you started that brewmaster course yet?”

Garrett rolled his eyes at Troy’s question. “I’ve been in town for about a minute, and I’ve been a little busy.”

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