Zoe laughed. “I think she’s happy to see you.”
“Yeah.” He tousled the recovered K-9’s ears and laughed at her antics. “Something tells me she’s ready to go back to work.”
“Won’t she be scared of being hurt again?” Zoe asked.
Captain Roark agreed. “Good point. How about a short retraining session? I’m sure we can find a volunteer to wear the bite sleeve.”
“I’d rather send her after the real thing, but you’re right. It would be a good idea. I’ll check in with Caleb Streeter at the training center and set it up.” He continued to pet the excited dog. “You sure she’s ready for that much running this soon?”
“Absolutely.” Roark smiled at Zoe. “And I owe you a puppy therapy session.”
Although the idea appealed, she demurred. “Can I get a rain check? I’d rather come with my son and he’s in day care during the week.”
“Absolutely. Just let me know when you want to visit and I’ll see that you and your son get the full tour.”
“Thanks.” Glancing at Linc, she couldn’t help smiling. “I think they’re glad to be back together.”
“True. How are things going for you?”
She was touched that someone else was expressing concern. “Pretty good, considering. I still feel terrible that Star was hurt on my behalf.”
“They’re working dogs,” Roark said. “We train for all branches of the military, as you probably know. Our K-9s are expected to do their jobs regardless of danger or injury.”
“That sounds like the description of a human soldier.”
Smiling, the vet agreed. “You’re right. And we retire them after their working days are over, too. In fact, I’m waiting for one special case to be returned from overseas so I can check the dog’s health and see if he’s suitable for adoption, but there have been complications.”
Linc straightened, still smiling broadly. “Sounds like the dog Isaac Goddard’s been trying to adopt. Has there been any word?”
“Yes,” Roark said. “Isaac was notified that Beacon had been cleared to return to the States, but there was an enemy attack on the base over there that damaged the kennels and the dog escaped. It’s a crying shame. Isaac is having a really hard time dealing with the fact that Beacon may never be found and sent home.”
“I understand exactly how he feels.” Linc’s hand was resting on Star’s broad head.
Zoe smiled at both men. “I can see how important all the dogs are to you. I suppose it’s inevitable that you’d get particularly attached to individual animals. I’m glad you get to adopt the retirees.”
“Most of them qualify,” Roark explained. “There’s even a website where civilians can apply to adopt one of our dogs. There’s a long waiting list, though, and strict requirements. The dog’s handler gets first dibs.”
She looked to Linc and Star. “Are you planning on keeping her if you can?”
“Absolutely. But it’s going to be years before she’s put out to pasture. We have a lot of work to do before that.”
“Yes,” Zoe said, “like capturing the Red Rose Killer and figuring out who has been making my life miserable.” She heard a tiny gasp from behind her and turned. It was the vet tech who had taken care of Star when she first arrived, Airman Fielding.
Zoe easily identified with the fear she glimpsed in the young woman’s eyes and offered solace. “Don’t worry about the Red Rose Killer. I’m sure he’d have no reason to bother you, unless you dated him or crossed him somehow.”
“I never met him,” Fielding said. “Excuse me. I have patients to check.”
Linc’s brow was furrowed when Zoe looked to him and said, “She seems frightened.”
Captain Roark agreed. “Rachel’s always been kind of sensitive. Working here, surrounded by animals, is a perfect placement for her. Believe me, she’s a lot calmer than she used to be.”
“Good to hear,” Zoe said. “If she were in one of my flight classes, I’m afraid she’d wash out quickly.”
“Speaking of that, any word on when you can go back to work?” the vet asked.
“Nope. None.” Smiling at Star, she added, “So for the time being, I’ll be Star’s volunteer sidekick. I can brush her and get her dog bones and...”
Linc was laughing when he held up a hand. “Whoa. That’s my job. Sorry. How about you just try to stay out of trouble from now on and give us all a break?”
Eyes rolling, Zoe chuckled, too. “That, Sergeant Colson, is my fondest wish. From your mouth to God’s ears, as they say here in the South.”
Although he didn’t stop smiling, he did say, “I doubt I have much influence on Him.”
“You’d be surprised,” Zoe countered. “God loves everybody who believes in Him. Even stubborn, hardheaded guys like you.”
That made Roark laugh, too. “Look out, Colson. I think she’s got you pegged.”
Although Linc made a face at them both, Zoe thought she glimpsed a flicker of recognition, a spark of truth. She knew he didn’t have to fully accept all his losses, in Afghanistan and before. He simply had to let go of his guilt and anger and hand it all over to his heavenly Father.
As I have to do regarding Boyd, she added to herself, knowing she was right. It wasn’t the understanding she lacked, it was the will to act, the strength to forgive. And the faith to trust so completely that she was able to release her wounded spirit into the care of a loving God.
That wasn’t the same as worshipping on Sunday morning. It went much, much deeper.
“I need to step next door and check in with my bosses before we do anything else,” Linc said.
Zoe didn’t mind. She shrugged and smiled. “Fine with me. As you can see, I’m free.”
He started off, Star at his side, and Zoe followed. “So, what are you planning for later?”
“Don’t know yet. We have several options. I want to ask if the techs found any traces of syrup on the floor of the warehouse.”
“Unlikely, I’m afraid.”
“Probably. But I asked them to look just the same.”
“Thanks. I can’t believe I fell for the ruse.” She kept walking but paused the conversation before adding, “If it really was a trick.”
“Let’s assume it was. That leaves us with fewer suspects.”
“How so?”
“If the same theatrical blood was used, that will combine two of the incidents.”
“Makes sense.” She followed Linc and Star to Captain Blackwood’s open office door. Linc knocked on the jamb.
Justin Blackwood stood behind his desk and Zoe saluted, as did Linc.
“I see Star is back in service. Good to know.”
“Yes, sir. Since Sergeant Sullivan is free to move around the base, I wondered if you had anything we might handle together.”
“Such as?”
Zoe could tell Blackwood wasn’t thrilled with Linc’s suggestion, but as far as she was concerned, it made perfect sense. She cleared her throat. “Excuse me, sir. If I may? Since