Cowboy Creed (Cooper's Hawke Landing Book 1), стр. 42
Grabbing Maggie’s reins, Mindy heard a whimper behind her. She turned to find the dog staring at her. He’d followed her expectantly. “Oh no. I’m sorry. I almost forgot about you.” Mindy bent down and held out her hand. He slowly made his way to her, probably wanting more jerky, but she didn’t have any to give him. Once he was close enough, she rewarded him with a scratch behind the ears. “You were a good dog. I can’t leave you here.” The poor boy had no meat on his bones and he needed a bath and brushing. She picked him up with little effort and climbed into the saddle.
Situating him between her legs in the saddle so he wouldn’t fall, she reached for the reins and clicked her tongue. “Let’s go, Maggie.”
Dog looked up at her with big brown eyes as if to ask where they were going.
“You stayed with her, didn’t you, boy?” Mindy patted the dog’s head.
He continued to stare, while his body shook in fear.
“Listen, I know you have a story but I’m saving you too. Don’t worry. You’ll be safe too.”
Maybe he understood her or maybe he sensed the concern in her voice, but his shaking stopped.
They road for a few hours, taking the trail slow and easy.
The temperature had risen but she still needed the coat—Creed’s coat.
She looked up through the branches of the trees into the blue sky and prayed that the little girl would be okay.
Ahead on the path a squirrel ran. Birds chirped. The mountain brought so much peace.
“I need to tell Creed, don’t I? I need to tell him about Jane,” she said to no one.
The dog perked up his ears from where he slept snuggled against her.
“It’s the right thing to do, no matter what happens.”
Finally the clearing came into view and they rode to the spot where Creed had left his truck and horse trailer. Creed climbed from the driver’s side of the truck, giving her a wave.
“How is Bailey? Did the paramedics come?” She didn’t see the girl so that was a good thing.
“They came and hooked her up to an IV and gave her oxygen. Sheriff Conley said he’ll call me with any news.”
“Are you doing okay?” She saw the worry glint in his eyes.
He swiped off his hat and tore a hand through his thick hair, a sign of his agitation. “Maybe if I’d made it to her sooner.” He shrugged. “Let me help you down. I’ll take the dog.”
She handed him over and slid out of the saddle. “Creed, don’t do that to yourself.”
His breath came out in an imperiled hiss. He put the dog down who loyally stayed by her side. “Let’s get the horses loaded and get back to Hawke Landing.” He took the reins from her and started for the truck and trailer.
Mindy called the dog to follow. He even obeyed when she told him to “stay”. “For the time being I think I need to give you a name. How about Savior? Yes, I think that’s a fitting name.”
While Creed loaded up, she grabbed her empty coffee cup and a full water bottle and poured Savior some. He lapped it up thirstily and when the cup was empty, she poured more until he drank it all. His fur was matted, and he had a cut on his neck that was in early stages of healing. “You were out there for a while weren’t you, fellow.”
Hearing the trailer door slam shut, Mindy picked up Savior and climbed into the passenger seat, settling him in her lap.
Creed gave her a curious look. “I couldn’t leave him behind,” she explained.
“No, that wouldn’t have been good. He’s not wearing a collar so there’s no clue who he belongs to.”
“You did good, Creed,” she said softly.
“Only if she survives.” He turned on the engine.
As they drove away, they were both wrapped in their thoughts. The music played in the background as she stared through the window at the scenery that passed.
They reached Hawke Landing and he parked the truck near the stables. “I’m going to take care of the horses. Do you want to wait or go on in with Willow?”
“I’ll wait.”
When he finished, he didn’t say a word. They walked into the building together for a second time that morning. Willow stood and greeted them. “Fresh pot of coffee is on.”
“Thank you, Willow,” Mindy said when Creed remained silent.
“I’m going to go change,” he muttered.
She watched him stroll down the hall and a second later the door closed softly.
Willow rounded the desk, giving Mindy an understanding smile. “Welcome to the unfortunate times of being in Search and Rescue.”
“Does he always get this solemn after a rescue?”
“Pretty much, especially when it’s a kid.”
“Do you have very many lost kids?”
“More than you’d think. Who do we have here?” Willow petted Savior. “He looks like he’s lived through a storm.”
“I think he has. We found him with Bailey.”
“How about I take him, find him something to eat, and you go to Creed?”
“If you don’t mind.” Mindy did want to help him.
“Not at all.” She took the shaking dog from Mindy.
“Go on, Savior. You need to eat,” Mindy encouraged him.
Heading down the hallway, she knocked on the closed door, hoping he’d speak to her. She wasn’t sure if he preferred being alone after a mission.
“Come in,” came Creed’s mumbled reply.