Dale grinned, popping open his soda. “Fair enough.” He reached down to pet Ranger, who was sitting between them. “Dad also wants his dog. I hope that’s okay, Mac.”
“Of course,” the guy replied. “But Sam won’t be allowed to take him outside. That will fall to Carter or one of the others.”
Dale nodded. “Thanks.”
As they dug into the pizza, conversation shifted from the long day they’d had to the more pressing matter at hand—figuring out who was behind the recent incidents.
“We’ve all agreed Sadie was just a pawn,” Mac said, wiping his mouth with a napkin. “The real target still appears to be your dad, Dale. The question is, who has a grudge against him?”
“Could be someone from his past,” Cooper suggested, taking a sip of his soda. “Your dad’s been around for a long time. Made plenty of friends and maybe some enemies along the way, too.”
“Yeah, but who would go this far?” Dale asked, frustration lacing his voice. “Whoever it is, they’re willing to use the horses and now Sadie to get to him, and that pisses me off.”
She reached out to place a hand on his arm. “I’m okay. Your dad’s safe now, and we’ll make sure he stays that way. We’ll figure this out.”
Before Dale could respond, Tesla hit his “Hungry” button before walking into the kitchen, weaving around the legs of the chairs, making a wide loop around Ranger.
He wasn’t a fan of the dog but tolerated his presence.
The group laughed, the tension in the room easing just a bit.
Cooper smiled as he watched the cat’s antics. “You’ve got your hands full with that one.”
“You’d think I never fed him,” she said with a shake of her head as she stared down at her cat. “I gave you your dinner a half hour ago, Tesla.” Apparently, Ranger thought she was talking to him because he set his paw on her leg. “Sorry, sweetie,” she said. “Your dad says no table scraps. Besides, I fed you dinner a half hour ago.”
Unphased, the cattle dog set his paw back on the floor then turned to Dale.
He chuckled. “Hey, pal, I’d give you some crust in a heartbeat, but you’re going to have to wait until no one is looking.”
She inhaled. “Don’t you dare. We don’t need to upset the dog too.”
Tesla meowed, regaining Sadie’s attention before wandering off, clearly displeased with the lack of pizza in his future.
Two seconds later, “Mad…Mad” echoed down the hall.
“Sorry, buddy,” she called out. “It’s not good for your belly.”
He’d get over it. He always did.
Mac, polishing off his third slice, stood up and stretched. “I think it’s time for us to head out and let you two get some rest. We’ll be back in the morning to finish setting everything up.”
Cooper nodded in agreement, wiping his face with a napkin. “If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call. We’re close by.”
She rose to her feet along with Dale, and together, they walked the guys to the door.
“Thanks,” Dale said. “I appreciate everything.”
Mac slapped him on the shoulder. “We’ve got your back. Take care of her, all right?”
He nodded, his expression serious. “You know I will.”
Once Mac and Cooper left, the house fell into a comfortable silence. Dale turned her, his gaze softening.
“Sadie,” he began, his voice gentle, “I know you’re not a fan of the safe house idea, but would you consider staying atmy dad’s place tonight? It’s just until your security system is operational.”
She shook her head but smiled, a mix of affection and stubbornness rushing through her. “I appreciate the offer, but I’m not going to let whoever’s behind this scare me out of my own home. I’m staying here. Besides, Tesla would be too spooked to go, and I’m not leaving him.”
Dale sighed but didn’t look at all surprised by her answer. “I figured you’d say that. Which means I don’t have a choice—I’m sleeping on your couch.”
