Page 42 of Hidden Shadows
He lifted a shoulder. “I guess so.”
“Do you have any pets waiting for you?”
“Nope. I travel too much for that. It wouldn’t be fair to them.”
She nodded. “I’m the same. I always wanted to get an American pit bull terrier, but at this point in my life, that wouldn’t be fair. It wouldn’t be fair on the Hunters either, because it would be them I’d ask to look after him on each trip.”
“Why a pit bull?”
“I once read that they’re the most common type of dog in shelters in the US. It made me sad, and I thought if I just adopted one of them, I’d be doing my part.”
When he didn’t respond, she looked up to see his brows slashed together as he looked down at her.
“What?” she asked when she couldn’t take it anymore.
“You just surprise me.”
“Good surprises?”
His lips twitched. “Maybe one day you’ll get your pit bull.”
Was he avoiding her question? “Hopefully.”
When Beth stepped out of the trailer, her eyes immediately found them through the crowd. She beelined toward them, clipboard in hand.
“Hey.” She stopped in front of Finley, eyes softening as they ran over her. “How’s everything going?”
“Good. No issues at all.”
Maybe because of all the security. The place was crawling with new men. She didn’t know where Beth had found them, but they were all big and strong and looked ridiculously serious.
Relief washed over the woman’s features. “Oh, good.”
“I’d like to talk to whichever security guard is in charge,” Nixon said.
“Of course. Come.” Beth led them to the fair entrance, a few feet from the bridge, where one of the security guards stood. He was as big as Nixon, and there wasn’t even a hint of a smile on his face.
God, the two of them could be brothers.
“Nixon, this is Dexter. Dexter, this is Nixon, Finley’s bodyguard. He has some questions for you.” When her phone beeped, she lifted it and cringed. “Sorry, emergency at the snowman-building station. I’ll be back.”
Nixon nodded, then turned to Dexter. As the two men talked security, Finley’s gaze roamed over the fair.
There were so many people here today. It was hard to believe it was the fair’s first year in operation. But then, Beth and Rad seemed to be good at their jobs and motivated to make the fair a success.
She was about to turn back to Nixon when a small girl caught her attention. She was standing on her own by the frozen lake, crying. Finley frowned. The girl looked to be maybe four or five—too young to be by herself. Where was her mother?
Finley scanned the area, but she couldn’t see anyone who looked to be searching for a child.
She turned back to Nixon, who was still deep in conversation. It was fine. The girl wasn’t far. If Nixon looked for her, she’d be within his sight.
Finley walked forward and crouched next to the child. “Hey. I’m Finley. Are you okay?”
The girl sniffed, tears falling in a steady stream from her eyes. “I can’t find my mommy!”
“I’ll help you.” She held out her hand, and the girl slipped it into hers. “What’s your name?”
“Lydia.”
