Page 24

TWENTY-THREE

Scanning the horizon, Johnny Raven assessed the threat. He figured his cabins alongside the river were far enough away from the blaze to cause concern. He’d left no dogs at home. The personal protection dogs he’d trained had already been delivered to their new owners. The next batch would come from a litter of pups especially bred by Blackhawk. Both having an interest in dog training, they’d decided Blackhawk would stay in a cabin close by to assist him. It had become a good and lucrative partnership. In between times, Raven would train suitable rescue dogs. If they didn’t make the grade, he’d still ensure they found loving homes with new owners. He formed a great relationship with the local dog rescue.

He’d driven Styles back to his cabin to shower and change. As Ben and Bear lounged in front of the cold fire, both exhausted from their horrific night, he put on a pot of coffee and made toast and eggs. They couldn’t just descend on Jenna’s ranch this early in the morning and expect her to feed them. He had no idea why Kane had insisted he stay with her when she was surrounded by FBI agents. Maybe Kane had felt the same familiarity he had with him and trusted him to guard his wife. It was very strange how they had clicked immediately, as if they’d been longtime friends. When the cabin exploded into flames, it had seemed natural for him to stay and watch Kane’s back. Maybe it was because he reminded him of a sniper he’d met during a deployment in the desert.

Disobeying orders, he’d flown into enemy territory after the sniper’s ride had been shot down. His chopper didn’t make it either, but the sniper had dragged him from the wreck, and the pair of them spent some time together before they made it out of the country to safety. He had discovered later the man who called himself Junior was the son of a three-star general. He’d been saddened to discover Junior had died along with his wife in a car bombing in DC some years later. Although their paths had never crossed again before his death, he’d never forgotten the skill and courage of the man who’d gotten them through enemy lines to safety. Dave Kane, apart from being younger, and without the broken nose, scars, and tattoos, could be his double. The build was the same and the way he moved, in that fluid confident way, reminded him so much of Junior. It had impressed him how Kane had laid down cover so they could all escape. There was no doubt that Dave Kane was a natural leader. Dragging his mind back to the present as Styles came into the kitchen, he waved him to a chair. “Breakfast?”

“Man, it’s five-star here.” Styles grinned. “You have hot water and solar power. This is a great setup.”

Raven filled a plate and handed it to him. “Thanks. It took some time but it’s home now. If it doesn’t burn to the ground while I’m away.”

“Nah.” Styles picked up his fork. “I spoke to the local volunteer fire chief and he said it’s already under control. They have it surrounded already. Everyone came from all over to fight it.”

Nodding, Raven sipped his coffee. “I’ve had this strange feeling I’ve met Dave before. It’s like we have a past connection. I could have known his brother maybe. He must have been an older brother, and his name was Junior. What do you know about him?”

“He has no living relatives, served in the military, then became a cop in Chicago, I believe. He was shot in the head on the job and came here to semi-retire. Ended up marrying the sheriff.” He chewed and swallowed. “He’s never mentioned a brother or anyone by the name of Junior. There’re no photographs in his home of anyone but him, Jenna, and Tauri. I noticed a few of all of us at cookouts, but then I haven’t worked alongside him. I’ve worked with Jenna, but funnily enough, I was interested in his background too. I guess it’s the cop in me.” He chuckled. “He screams military to me, takes the lead like it’s natural. He’s a good man. I’d follow him into battle. I like him.”

Nodding, Raven smiled. “Yeah. I never figured I’d say this, but I believe we’ll be close friends. He asked me to watch over his wife. He intends on assisting with the fire cleanup and then joining the hunt for the prisoners. He just doesn’t give up.”

“He’s trusting you with Jenna?” Styles’ eyebrows narrowed. “You be careful. Kane is the jealous kind. His family means everything to him.”

Laughing, Raven shook his head. “You don’t need to worry about me. I already have someone I’d like to know better, but I need to get on the good side of her dad before I risk asking her out, even though I believe she’s twenty-two.”

“Oh, Lord.” Styles ran a hand down his face and then looked up as if seeking divine intervention. “Emily Wolfe?” He snorted with laughter. “Good luck with that.”