Page 72 of Pick Yourself Up
She nodded. “Lia was nice. Everyone from Phail has been great.”
The chief smiled. “Agreed. I’m sorry this happened to you. I have the overview from everyone, but I’ll need more details from you when you’re ready. Do you know if there were more than these two who are in custody?”
That made her frown. “I didn’t see anyone at all. Someone big grabbed me from behind and put the cloth over my face. I was out in seconds. I should have been able to fight better. I’m sorry.”
Gray huffed out a breath while Marcus smiled. “The man is double your size and had the element of surprise. You’d have to be a combination of Wonder Woman and a Jedi to fight him off.”
Her smile felt more natural this time. “I wish I’d managed to get a kick in.”
Gray chuckled. “Boomer got his teeth on him and scared him spitless.”
She rubbed Boomer’s head. “Good job, Boomer.”
Marcus patted the dog. “Agreed. Sounds like you’re hero material for sure.”
Jolie shoved her way through the men. “Amber. Are you okay? Tell me you’re okay.”
Tears flooded Amber’s eyes again. “I’m okay, Joles. You all saved me.”
Her sister’s arms reached around her, and she squeezed. Jolie swallowed hard. “I’m so glad. I was so scared. Between Boomer and the guys, I knew we’d find you, but I was still so scared.”
“Me too.” Because she’d known they’d find her. Even when she’d been in and out of consciousness with a woozy head, she’d known.
More people arrived and the police chief moved away, making room for Lia. “Hi Amber. Not sure if you remember me, but I’m Lia Moreno. I’m a doctor and I’d like to examine you. Is that okay?”
She didn’t let go of Gray or Boomer. “As long as these two can stay.”
Lia’s face softened. “Of course.” She offered her hand to the shepherd. “Hi, Boomer. I hear you’re the hero of the day. Our dog, Moose, who would love to meet you. He’s huge and doesn’t always smell great, but he’s a good guy.”
Amber found herself smiling as Boomer licked his new friend.
Lia asked questions while she took Amber’s vital signs and drew some blood. “Your oxygen levels are good. I don’t think you got a full dose of chloroform or whatever it was he used. If the cloth is in the car, I’ll get it and test it. However, he may have dropped it on your property. We’ll find it to be sure. Do you know if you banged your head at all? Did he place you or throw you into the car?”
“I’m sorry. I don’t know, but my head is clearing already.”
Lia nodded. “Good. I don’t feel any bumps, and you’re not showing signs of a concussion. I’ll test the blood sample soon to see if there are any lingering issues.”
As she packed up her bag, she looked at her and then at Gray. “You’ve both been through hell in the last couple of hours.”
He stiffened under her. “I wasn’t drugged or kidnapped.”
Lia nodded. “You’d rather it had been you. Trust me, I know a man just like you. Actually, I know a few. It’s sometimes even more of a hurdle for the people who weren’t directly involved in the trauma. You both need to take care of yourselves, physically and emotionally, for the next few days. Talk about it together. Pretending it didn’t happen never ends well. I’ve got therapists you can talk to if that would help. Or me.”
She smiled. “And keep Boomer close. He’s been through the trauma with you. Let him stay as close as he needs and spoil him with lots of love. I’d like to visit the farm tomorrow to follow up with you all. I think you’re going to feel better as the chloroform leaves your system and as you all realize you’re truly safe.”
Amber smiled. “Bring Moose.”
Lia laughed. “That’s a fabulous idea. He and Boomer will get along great, and he’ll love the orchard.”
Lia patted Boomer again. “See you tomorrow, bud. Take care of your humans and yourself.”
Then she left them alone and moved to speak with Marcus.
Amber realized more than a dozen people surrounded her. Thea came over to give her a hug and then gave them some space.
She leaned heavily into Gray. “I’m glad that’s over.”
He kissed her hair. “Me too. Are you really feeling okay?”
