Page 23 of Blast from the Past

“When your dog is out of the woods, I need you to come by the station.” He is calm as he speaks. “I need to get your statement.”

“And my dog?” Anger infuses every word. “Are you going to try to take him from me?” Not that Zeus is my dog. Not that it matters. He saved my life and I will fight for his to my last breath.

He shakes his head. “No, ma’am. In my eyes, he’s a hero and deserves to be spoiled by his momma.”

Sliding back into his car, he doesn’t say another word before driving off.

Taking my hand in his, Shane leads me inside the veterinary practice before taking me to a hard grey chair in the waiting area. I stare in disbelief at all the blood coating my hands and clothes before turning to him. I sob into his chest as he holds me tightly.

His phone rings but he doesn’t answer.

Chapter Thirteen

Shane Blake

Four hours later, Kimberley, the veterinarian, walks out of the back with a tired smile. Both of us are on our feet in a heartbeat.

“He’s fine,” she reassures quickly. “There was a lot of damage, and he’ll have to stay here for a few days. But I see him making a full recovery and coming home sometime next week.”

Mercy starts sobbing once more and I hold her tightly, supporting her. My woman really needs a break. Maybe some food and a nice long nap.

“Thanks, Doc,” I say with a nod.

“Take your girl home, get cleaned up, and get some rest. You can come back later this afternoon to see him once the anesthesia wears off.”

With another nod, I turn and lead Mercy back to my truck. She stares out the window as we slowly drive home. I know Tommy needs to get her statement but that can wait until tomorrow. But I do need to sort my business.

There are several missed calls on my phone, but I skip them all and scroll to Kalum’s number before hitting “dial.”

“Where are you?” he asks immediately, his voice filtering through the speaker system inside my truck.

“It’s a long story but I need you to clear my calendar for the next week.”

“Shane, where are you?” he asks again but with a note of urgency.

“Why? What happened?” Mercy cuts in.

“Shit…” he breathes harshly before speaking. “Charlotte went into labor.”

Shock courses through me and I don’t know what to say. Mercy stares at me for long moments before taking over.

“Which hospital?”

“Memorial.”

“Who is with her?” she asks.

I don’t know,” he replies. “I called Karmen, and she said she would meet you there.”

“Thanks. I’ll keep you updated.”

She ends the call before scrolling to Karmen’s name and hitting “call.”

“We need a shower before heading out,” she says, giving me something to do.

Her words have me focusing on the task at hand, and I concentrate on the road in front of me and getting us safely to my house.

“Where the hell are you?” Karmen asks loudly when she answers her phone.

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