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With Jolie working down here, he wanted as many layers of protection as he could get.

Jolie walked toward the orchard road with Ford. She wasn’t sure how to feel about finding Cyril still in place or knowing cameras watched them. It was all like a movie and she needed a brain break.

Meeting a new dog would be perfect.

It wasn’t long before they spotted Lorraine with a gorgeous white and copper dog trotting through the forest. Lorraine had the dog on a leash, but he didn’t look in danger of taking off.

When they neared, the humans stopped. Jolie smiled. “Hi Lorraine. It’s so nice to see you again. And who is this beauty with you?”

Lorraine smiled. “He is a beauty, isn’t he? This is Hemsworth, an Australian shepherd.”

Delighted, Jolie laughed. “Hemsworth? That’s perfect for a gorgeous Aussie.”

“I don’t get it.” Ford frowned, making her and Lorraine laugh.

The other woman smiled at Ford. “His previous owner named him after an incredibly attractive Australian actor. Or maybe his brother.”

Ford raised an eyebrow. “Okay, then.”

Jolie squatted down and offered her hand to the dog. “Hello, Hemsworth. You’re beautiful. How do you feel about ducks?”

The dog sniffed her over and licked her hand. He followed the same procedure with Ford. He showed no signs of nerves or anything other than contentment. His eyes roamed the space as if looking for the next human to play with.

Lorraine handed Jolie the leash. “The vet says his previous owner passed away. Hemsworth lived on a farm with all kinds of other animals. The farmer’s family is selling the place and all the stock.”

As they walked toward the pond, Lorraine told them more. “He’s three, even-tempered, and great with kids and other animals. Australian shepherds require a lot of exercise and love outdoor time. He’s herded sheep and geese before. He’ll enjoy indoor time for a while and at nights, but he thrives outside.”

“All of that sounds perfect. I think he’d be happy here.”

Lorraine nodded. “Me too. You’re okay to keep him here for a few days on a trial basis. I know you’re concerned about him getting along with Fox, so you want a few days to be sure.”

Jolie’s heart was already sure. “He’s such a sweetie. I hope they get along.”

Ford chuckled. “We’re about to find out. Fox is hanging out with Thea and Knox.”

Fox spotted them and gave a happy bark. He raced over for his greetings while Hemsworth sat on his haunches and watched.

Then the two dogs went into a mutual sniffing inspection. When they both sat to look at the humans, Jolie laughed. “Looks like they get along just fine.”

Lorraine smiled. “Seems so.”

Hemsworth happily greeted Thea and Knox as well. When he saw the ducks wandering, he stood at attention with his tail wagging and his ears perked up.

Hemsworth looked from Lorraine, to the ducks, and back. Lorraine pointed at Jolie. “She’s your boss now.”

Jolie laughed and unhooked his leash. “Let’s see if the stuff I’ve learned online and from you works.” She pointed at the dog, and then the ducks. “Hemsworth, go. Cast.” From her research, she knewcastwas the traditional term for gathering livestock into a group.

The dog bounced up, tail wagging like he’d been given the best treat in the world. In no time, he had the six ducks in a tight circle. He sat and tilted his head at Jolie.

She laughed and clapped. “Good boy, Hemsworth. That’ll do.”

At the wordsthat’ll do, the dog moved away from the flock and returned to her side, where she rubbed his fur. The ducks wandered off slowly, checking the dog to see if he was going to chase them again. Not a single feather was ruffled. They didn’t appear to mind the dog or the herding process at all.

Ford smiled at her. “Looks like you’ve got a duck herder.”

She nodded. “Look out snails, we’re coming for you soon.” And she couldn’t wait.

With Lorraine’s help, they led Hemsworth through a bunch of exercises. The dog was well trained and followed commands readily. He wasn’t distracted by the world going on around them. In short, he was perfect, and Jolie couldn’t imagine giving him up.