Page 61 of Walking Away

Protective of what—and from whom? Darcy wasn’t so sure.

The bell over the door jingled. Scout stepped in, and Rosie’s tail thumped, tension sliding off her like rain off slate. She pulled toward him, whining in recognition.

Scout crouched, rough palm sliding along her neck, eyes never leaving that shadowed corner where Evan sat.

“Funny thing about dogs,” he said, voice even. “They usually know when a man’s no good.”

Evan smiled back, but his eyes stayed cold.

Scout slid into a chair with Darcy while Rosie pressed against his boot, gaze fixed on that same corner. He set a laminated card on the table and tapped it with two fingers.

“Baker sent over the basics,” he said. “Rosie’s command set—use them as written. She was trained on these exact words.”

Darcy scanned the list as Scout demonstrated each one under his breath:

• “Heel.” Rosie tucked neatly to Darcy’s left.

• “Sit.” Instant.

• “Down.” She folded to the floor.

• “Stay.” The leash went slack; Rosie didn’t move.

• “Watch.” Rosie’s posture sharpened—eyes snapping back to Evan.

• “Leave it.” Her ears twitched, but she held position.

• “Out.” She released a soft grip on the leash and looked up for praise.

• “Place.” Rosie trotted to the mat by their table and settled.

• “Quiet.” The next low growl faded before she could voice it.

“See?” Scout said calmly. “She’s clocked him.”

Darcy swallowed. “Is that… normal?”

“For Rosie? Yeah. She’s polite until she’s not.” His tone stayed easy, the meaning not.

“Thank you,” Darcy said softly.

“Anytime.”

Izzy breezed back from the counter, two to-go cups in hand. “Don’t wait up,” she sang. “Evan and I are hiking Fork Ridge Overlook—ten tomorrow morning.”

Darcy’s unease spiked. “Be careful.”

“Relax,” Izzy laughed. “It’s just a hike.”

Scout’s gaze lingered on Izzy, serious beneath the friendly smile. “Don’t worry,” he said to her, low and even. “I’ll be around.”

Izzy bumped his shoulder like it was nothing. Rosie growled as Evan stood; Scout laid a hand on the shepherd’s head.

“Quiet.”

The rumble stopped, but her stare didn’t.

Darcy tightened the leash.She’s not the only one.