Page 26 of All of Me

He glanced out the window. “I tried to break up with Moira twice because I wasn’t sure what I was sentencing her to, but she’s as stubborn as Dolly, and I’m a lucky bastard that doesn’t deserve her.”

“Have you ever told anyone else this?” Because I wasn’t sure I was comfortable knowing, and I also wasn’t sure if this opened an entirely new can of worms.

Albert nodded. “Jim and Ellie knew, but they wouldn’t tell anyone and to be honest, I doubt if anyone’s interested now.”

“I don’t want anyone’s attention on you two because of me.” He waved a hand as if it didn’t matter.

I decided to change the subject, even knowing I was going to have to make sure my mess—whatever it was—didn’t become theirs. “I was planning on fixing up that old truck. Maybe letting Shae have it if that’s okay.”

Albert brightened as if glad of the change of subject. “That sounds like a good idea. Moira’s taken a shine to him.”

So had I, fuck,so had I.

Moira came bustling in, wiping her hands. “Why don’t you two come for supper? Your young man needs some home cooking.”

I froze. My young man? Talking about sexuality wasn’t something you generally did with neighbors, and they had no reason to suppose my lack of a wife was anything other than being married to my job.

She chuckled. “If you could see your face. He looks at you with stars in his eyes and you watch him like a hawk.”

“I—” I had no idea what to say.

She patted my arm, and I risked a glance at Albert, but I couldn’t see any condemnation or disapproval on his face either. “Okay,” I said slowly. “I’ll tell Shae. We just need a chance to wash up when he’s finished with the dogs.”

She nodded approvingly. “Sounds good. Come hungry.”

“Yes, ma’am,” I said and went out to find Shae. Trusting the phone security we used for work, I called Rawlings.

“This is confidential,” I said, knowing he knew who was calling him. “It could have nothing to do with all this.” I wasn’t puttingAlbert or Moira at risk, but I also needed to know if there was any chance Ryan knew.

“Agreed,” Rawlings answered, so I told him what Albert had said, both about him being in WITSEC, Moira, and the hundred acres. He was silent for a few moments. “The attacks have been on you and yours so far, so I’m guessing you don’t want it to spill over. Make people look at them.”

“My main concern is that any police scrutiny might bring unwanted attention. Albert thinks no one cares now, and I’m hoping that’s true, but I want to be certain.”

“Danny’s the best person to look.”

I knew that, but I also knew that meant Kane would know, and even though I trusted them, I felt like I was betraying Albert’s secrets.

“Look,” Rawlings said. “Danny can look quietly without anyone knowing or tracing it. Even if I asked a guy I know, that might not be safe.”

“Okay,” I agreed, “but—”

“I know,” Rawlings interrupted, “and so does he. Talk to you tomorrow. Jay’s guys are in place.”

(Skip from here if you wish)

Supper was good, and even though we were both desperate to get home I knew Shae had needed this as well. Moira fussed over Shae like he belonged to her and both Albert and I looked on in amusement. It was good for him, and good for her, and to be honest any tie to this place, and me by default, was good for me too.

I still wasn’t convinced I was good for Shae long term, but I was coming around to the thought that I might be good for himright now. Moira, by default, was helping. We left around nine and I filled Shae in on everything Albert had told me. I knewRawlings’s guys would likely be on watch now and I warned Shae about that as well.

We were passing the barn when we both heard a high-pitched bark. Hell, it was dogs, so they’d probably heard us, but Shae stopped. “That’s Lola,” he murmured.

I glanced at him. “Lola?” But he was already heading for the barn doors. His breath came out in a sharp exhale at the same time he saw what I did. The door was slightly open, and I’d been there when he’d made sure it was closed securely. We didn’t worry about any of the dogs getting out, more the chance of anything getting in there, coyotes and the like.

I ran after him as he blurred and heard his cry as hunks of meat came flying over each pen door as he sped around so fast I could barely follow him. He came to a stop in front of me. “Get Moira to call the vet. They’ve been poisoned.”

I sped away and by the time I returned, it was like a scene from a horror movie. One of the puppies was dead. The remaining pittie was lying on its side, fitting, foam coming out of its mouth. Another two looked like they were struggling to breathe. The little ones had vomited and were currently cowering in the corners of their stalls. I looked around. “Vet’s on his way. What can I do?”

“Rinse their paws and mouths, but don’t let them drink water until the vet gets here.” Shae looked around. “Maxie’s missing.” I knew he meant the puppy he’d spent a lot of time with and obviously named. Moira and Albert rushed in. Shae looked helplessly at me.

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