Page 9 of Hero Unbound

Eva forced a smile. “I just like to jot things down so I don’t miss anything.”

Becky let out a theatrical sigh. “Please stay here forever and ever.”

She wouldn’t say that if she knew the truth, but Eva kept her smile pinned on her face anyway.

“Come on. I’ll show you the other two barns and what you’ll need to do. Darn near every animal here needs a full checkup, half of them are behind in immunizations, and there are some basic grooming issues that need to be checked out.”

Eva stood as they began walking toward the door. “That’s a lot.”

“Honestly, they could use someone here with actual training full time. I’m just so far behind with running all over the county that I don’t get here unless there’s an animal in distress. Linear Tactical needs their own vet. But—” Becky waggled her eyebrows “—your being here for the next decade should be close enough.”

Eva forced a laugh. “Let’s start with a month.”

“I’ll take it. I need to get your bank account info so we can do direct deposit. Does that work for you?”

Eva froze. She had no access to a bank account. “Do you think it’s possible for us to do cash? I closed my account and haven’t reopened a new one.”

That didn’t seem to faze Becky at all. “Yeah, no problem. I’ll pay you out of my business account and bill Linear for your hours. I’ll pay you once a week on Friday, if that’s okay.”

A full week before she’d get paid. She’d have to figure out how to live on her last twenty dollars for seven days. But what choice did she have? “Yeah, that’s fine. Thanks.”

They went over to the Mad Zoo next—which definitely lived up to its name. It was much smaller than the horse barn and filled with individual pens and cages—most at child level.

“It’s truly more of a petting zoo than anything, but all the visitors and therapists love it.”

Eva continued to jot down anything she saw that needed to be done, adding whatever Becky requested too.

The final barn, they had to drive to since it was closer to the edge of the property. It had a large corral attached to it where a couple of sheep, a potbellied pig, and various goats wandered about.

“These guys are my favorite because they’re pretty self-sufficient for the most part. Which is good since they’re so far out from everything else.”

Eva pointed over at a smaller, newer-looking building. “What’s that?”

“Shed they put up last year.” Becky walked over to it and opened the door. “No animal stuff in here. Looks like mostly water gear and camping stuff. Kayaks, tents, the usual suspects. Nothing we’ll need.”

Eva poked her head in too then froze as she looked around. The shed was only half full, was clean, and had a wooden floor. Plus, it was far enough from the main Linear Tactical office and house that nobody would pay much attention to it.

This might be the break she’d been hoping for.

She rushed to catch back up with Becky, who was moving toward the barn. Eva took notes as needed, but her attention was still half out on that little shed.

It would be a hell of a lot better sleeping out there than it had been in her car the past few nights. For her and the dogs. Plus, she could unload some stuff and leave it in there.

Becky went through the needs of these animals, then clapped imaginary dust off her hands. “So, that’s it. You think you’ve got it all?”

“I’m really looking forward to it.” More than Becky knew.

“Well, the fresh air and animals suit you. You look way more relaxed now than you did when I arrived.”

“I’m feeling much more comfortable.” Her smile felt real for the first time today.

“Or maybe it’s just that Mr. Intensey-pants isn’t around.”

If Eva had had any more coffee left, she would’ve spewed it. “Mr. Intensey-pants?”

Becky gave a one-shouldered shrug with a grin. “Like I said, Theo is an amazing guy, but he takes everything so seriously. So responsible.”

And so aware. Eva would have to be careful. “I’ll just ignore him and pay attention to the animals.”

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