Securing new clients was my first and should be my only line of business.
After climbing out of my truck, an immediate smile crossed my face. The deep rumbling bark was the best welcome in the entire world. The second I unlocked the door, Zorro came bounding out, his tail whapping back and forth rapidly.
“Hi, buddy. Did you miss me? Oh, you little cutie pie. I missed you.” Hunkering over, I rubbed his face and ears before sliding my hand down his sleek back. I adored his shiny black fur, the long feathers crowding close to the ground. While he was a mixed breed rescue dog, he was all Irish setter in appearance, except for the color of his fur. When he jumped up, easily able to look me in the eyes, I hadn’t been prepared for the big, sloppy kiss.
“Okay, sweet baby. Let’s go for a little walk.” I folded my arms as I followed behind him, tipping my head and enjoying the nearly full moon. The night was crystal clear, the near freezing temperatures invigorating. As he scampered off into the darkness, I thought about how lucky I’d been to find the place. With ten acres, a cozy house, and a good-size clinic, I had room to grow. There was even a small barn as well as a garage, although both needed some work. Still, that’s what time and lots of money was all about.
Rome wasn’t built in a day.
A cold shiver trickled down my back and I hugged my arms as I walked further toward the dense patch of trees. “Zorro. Come on, baby. It’s cold.” When I heard nothing, another wave of chills wrapped its bony fingers around every tendon and muscle. “Zorro. Where are you?”
By now, he usually raced back toward me, eager to receive his nightly treat. After a few seconds, panic settled in. I turned in a full circle, listening for any other sounds, including cries from a cougar or other wild animals that lived within close proximity.
When I heard an intense and very deep growl coming from the bowels of the forest, every ounce of mama dog swept away any concept of fear. “Zorro!” I headed straight into the trees where he’d run, stopping within a few yards. While I was barely able to make out his figure, the intense warning growl had come from my pup.
He remained rigid, staring into the darkness. I crept closer, lightly placing my hand on his back. I’d never seen or heard him act this way, but there was no doubt we had some kind of an intruder on the property.
“Come on, boy. Let’s get to the house.”
Zorro huffed then backed away slowly. I did the same, fearful of making any quick moves. If an animal was stalking us, the last thing I wanted to do was turn my back on it. Only when I was within a few feet of the truck did I bound toward the porch, Zorro scampering behind me. Once inside, I slammed and locked the door, leaning against it in order to catch my breath. I tossed my purse then finally dropped to the floor, wrapping my arms around him.
“What did you see out there, buddy?”
The hard thudding of his tail against the wall was followed by his wet nose nuzzling into my neck.
“Good boy. Let’s get you that treat.” My hands shaking, I turned on several lights before making it into the kitchen, immediately hustling to shut the blinds and check the back door. The deadbolt remained in place just as I’d left it. I’d never felt unsafe in the house, not once. Tonight? I had a terrible feeling that the reason for Zorro’s growl was entirely two-legged. I managed to grab a dog biscuit then eased against the counter.
The sound of my cell phone created bile in my throat. It was after one in the morning, for God’s sake. As I walked back into the living room, I scanned the perimeter, searching for any sign of an intruder. I doubted anyone would try breaking in given Zorro’s intense barks, but I planned on checking every window lock.
I took a few seconds before reaching down to grab my purse. By then, the ringing had stopped. I realized I was holding my breath, fearful of seeing the display. When I yanked my iPhone into my hand, I bristled, the screen immediately showing an unknown number.
“Bastards.”
I waited for a few seconds to see if the asshole planned on leaving me a message. The