Love's Taming(74)

“What do you hear in the community about other facilities? Ones that perhaps do breeding in massive amounts with no regulations?”

“I’ve never heard of anything specific. But there would have to be some clues to where they are.” she said.

“These dogs eat and they eat a lot. Now, I get a lot of my food from volunteers and donations, but someone who has a large number of dogs would have to be getting a lot of food. Also, these dogs make noise. That’s why I’m out here where I have a couple of acres. Even with this space I got a few neighbors that complain about the barking. Facility like what you are talking about, especially if they are trying to fly under the radar, is going to need a lot more space. Lots of acres to make sure no one is bothered by the barking.”

Shane finished up taking notes and then he and Matt took their leave after thanking her.

While Matt drove them back into the city, Shane pulled out a map. Richland was bordered by farmland and forests leading toward the mountains. “Jesus,” he said looking at the area around the city. “This is like lookin’ for a fuckin’ needle in a haystack.”

* * *

Pulling into the driveway that evening, Shane sat for a moment looking around. The yard was neat, flower beds dormant in the winter, the light in the front windows sending out a warm glow. A wreath on the front door. Home. Our home. Sarge must have heard his truck pull up because he saw him jump up and look out of the window, followed closely by Annie peeking out as well. Beautiful. Six months ago I would have never thought this was possible. A woman I love who lights up the fuckin’ world. A house. A home. Right then Boo jumped up in the window too. A cat. Laughing as he swung out of his truck, he jogged up the front porch steps.

Sweeping Annie up in his arms, he twirled her around the front foyer, carrying her toward the living room where the fire was roaring.

“Hey honey, what’s up?” she asked as he set her down.

“Just glad to be home. Glad to have a home. Glad you’re the one waitin’ when I get home.”

“Wow, what brought that on?” she asked, smiling up into the blue eyes that held her captive.

Shane walked over and sat down on the rug in front of the fireplace, pulling her down with him. Holding her close, he breathed her in. Her hair shown like a new penny in the firelight, her green eyes soft and warm.

“Baby, I’ve been a dick for a couple of weeks, and that stops now.”

Seeing the confusion on her face made him love her more. I’ve been a dick and she’s already forgiven me.

“I’ve been pissed about this case for a long time. I met you and decided to wrap things up and thought the case was over.” He paused for a moment. “I’ve been so pissed about Rochelle bringin’ this to your doorstep, but the reality is that I’ve been at war with myself. I’m the one who brought this to your doorstep to begin with, so it doesn’t make a lot of sense to be pissed at her.”

Annie cupped his face as she spoke, “Shane Douglas you listen to me. If you had never brought Sarge to me we wouldn’t have this. I wouldn’t have this house with the man I love. It’s been a couple of weeks and nothing bad has happened. You’re making sure I am safe. I’m being careful, so stop worrying. I want you here with me, body and soul.”

They lay back on the rug, kissing gently as he slowly ran his fingers though her hair. The fire crackled in the background and for the first time Shane found himself relaxing. Truly relaxing. I could fuckin’ lay here forever with her in my arms.

Just then her stomach growled and she giggled. “Come on honey, I’ve got dinner ready.”

Pulling him up, she led him into the kitchen where she set dinner on the table. Looking over at him, she wanted to ask him a question, but hesitated.

“What’s on your mind, baby”

“How did you know I had something on my mind?” she asked.

“Sunshine, I’ve had my pulse on you since the first night we met. You got somethin’ to talk about, we talk.”

“Well, I was wondering about the case. I know you can’t tell me much, but I was just curious how it was going?”

Shane looked over at her, seated at their table in their house. Smiling back at him. Wantin’ to share in his life.

“We’re still tryin’ to find the dog connection, baby. Lookin’ at puppy-mills now.”

Annie screwed up her face in distaste. “Oh honey, those places can be really awful. Crowded, dirty, no room to run. And that doesn’t even begin to describe the diseases.”

“We talked to a lady at a shelter that said they would need a lotta room so that no one notices the barkin’.”