Page 45 of No Bones About It

“People who wish to attend are required to sign up online. They’re vetted by Mead or someone on his team. An undercover FBI agent has managed an invitation for himself and a plus one.”

Her stomach clenched.

Garrett’s arm tightened around her. “No way in hell.”

Marcus nodded. “Another agent’s undercover identity and description had been added as the plus one, but she was injured in a car crash and won’t be able to make it.”

Kimi wanted to help these animals, but she wasn’t sure she was up for what Marcus was implying. How would she be able to keep a blank face while watching such cruelty in action? Did the FBI really want her to do this? Did they expect her to act like she was interested in the fights?

Marcus confirmed her suspicions with another nod. “There are enough physical similarities between you and the agent, Kimi. They’d like you to take her place.”

CHAPTER 16

Bone Up On The Details

Garrett fumed. His blood thumped in his veins, and he wanted to kick the shit out of some hay bales. How dare the FBI put that kind of pressure on Kimi? He wanted to knock a few special-agent heads together. They didn’t have a clue what experiencing that kind of viciousness first-hand would do to a woman like her.

Sure, she was tough on the outside, but her heart was soft. Experiencing the mistreatment of the dogs and the emotions of the people in attendance would be difficult as hell on her.

She’d agreed to discuss the role further. He’d known she would, as had Marcus. Neither of them wanted her to say yes, but she had. Of course, she had. In her mind, there was no other choice. This was a way for her to help take down John Mead, and she would take it.

How was he supposed to handle her going in there alone? Like hell,thatwas going to happen. Garrett didn’t know how, but he’d be nearby somehow.

The security around the compound would be amped up with an actual fight happening, but he had to figure out a way to be there.

A few agents from New Hampshire would arrive in town the next day. They were going to stay at the Phail B&B and come out to speak with Kimi and make a plan.

Kimi’s pygmy goats had arrived, and she was busy introducing them to their new surroundings. The little buggers might be cute as hell, but they weren’t enough to lift his own mood.

Marcus stood beside him, watching the goats and likely coming up with his own plans. Sure enough, he aired one. “I don’t have any jurisdiction in New Hampshire, but I’m going to insist that you and I are on the team that heads in as soon as they secure the warrants. It won’t be the same as being in on the action, but we’ll be there. We’ll be her backup.”

Garrett raised an eyebrow. “Can you insist on something with the FBI? I feel like they make their own rules.”

Marcus nodded. “I’m going to do my damnedest.”

And if that didn’t work, they’d be there, anyway. But they’d be closer if they were part of the team.

“I’m sorry I had to give her the message. I figured she’d be brave enough to say yes, but I was hoping she’d turn it down.”

Garrett snorted. “Not when there’s a chance to save the dogs and send the ones hurting them to jail.” Which was part of what made her so damn special.

Marcus sighed. “Their team will be here tomorrow. I’ll let you know when I’m bringing them out here.” Then his buddy headed off, leaving Garrett to watch Kimi acclimate the new goats, who didn’t seem even a little bit uncomfortable. Not an introvert in the bunch.

The sheep and Angora goats were in the next paddock and moved to the side closest to the new goats. Popcorn and her troop also bounced over to investigate. The peahen led her mate to the space, and Canuck flew in to sit on a fence post. “David Suzuki. David Suzuki.”

Despite his mood, his face cracked in a smile. Animals really were the best thing to make people feel better. He’d checked into the regulations for the animal therapy programs and figured they were already well on their way to compliance. They would have inspections to pass, but he didn’t see any issues they couldn’t easily solve.

After John Mead was sitting his ass in a cell, they could focus fully on that.

Garrett would like to get a few ponies. He’d put out a few feelers but hadn’t found the right ones yet. He wanted ones that would begood for their petting zoo, as well as good for smaller kids with disabilities to ride or touch.

He wanted a couple of horses for the bigger kids and adults to ride as well. They’d all need to be the right temperament for that job. Socks and Mittens would fit the bill but their owner wasn’t selling.

Before he could focus on any of that, he needed to be part of the plan to keep Kimi safe. Nothing mattered without that.

Olaf stayed on the outside of the paddock while Garrett hopped over the fence. Three of the goats swarmed around him. “What do you think Nina is going to name these ones?”

Kimi laughed, and if he didn’t know her so well, he wouldn’t have seen the stress in her eyes. Knowing they’d have lots of time to worry about it, he pulled her in for a kiss while the goats tried to find out if he had any treats in his pocket.

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