Page 28 of Wired Justice

“Only to put him in a place where he’ll be killed if he isn’t adopted? Through no fault of his own?” Sophie snorted. “I’ll keep him.”

“Right. Because you’re in a position to take care of two dogs.”

She made no response to this, and he glanced over. Her eyes were downcast, her mouth pulled down. Even sad, Sophie’s mouth looked kissable. “I should go back to Oahu and quit this attempt to hike around. Then I could keep both dogs. But I’m not ready to. I want to keep exploring for a while.”

Jake sighed. “You hardly had time to do much of that this time.”

“I’ve been able to see a lot of interesting back roads, got to see the lava hit the ocean, and I’ve run on the rim of the crater, thanks to you. But you are right. Ginger is more than enough for me to deal with while hiking and camping.” She looked regretfully into the back seat. “She seems so happy with him.”

“I’m sorry. I don’t want to give him up either.” Jake shook his head. “I just don’t know what else to do.”

They reached the station, and Sophie’s phone dinged. She pulled it out of her pocket and held it up. “It’s the contact who knows something about the missing persons again. I think we should meet whoever it is when I’m done here. I don’t know how long it will take, but I will likely need a break at around two p.m. Will that be an okay time for you to pick me up?”

“Fine. I’ll deal with the dog situation and keep an eye on Ginger. I’ll be back for you at two.”

“Sure you don’t want to come in and greet Detective Freitan with me? I’m confident she will want to see you—preferably without clothing.” Her eyes sparkled playfully at him. “I cannot help enjoying this a bit after how you used to harass me.”

“And if you were half as uncomfortable as I am, then I apologize again for the teasing,” Jake said. “Freitan is a piece of work.”

“The same has been said about you.” Sophie picked up the small daypack containing her laptop. She petted Tank’s head. “Goodbye, my friend. I hope you quickly find a new home.” She dug into the outside pocket of her pack and pulled out a fistful of cash, tucking it into Jake’s pants pocket. “Here’s some extra money to pay for him to be there longer. Without being put down.”

“I will talk to them. Make sure everything that can be done for him is done.”

“I know you will.” She shut the door with a bang. “I still hate it.”

Tank whined sadly as if understanding exactly what was going on. All three of them watched Sophie walk into the station’s utilitarian storefront doorway, and disappear inside.

Jake sighed and put the Jeep in gear. “Might as well get this over with.”