Reuniting with the Cowboy (15 page)

Mom had forced her to watch the movie before, so she knew how it ended anyway.

Something solid under Ally's head. Solid and it smelled wonderful. Manly cologne.

Huh? She opened her eyes.

Her cheek rested against Cody's shoulder, his head leaning heavily against hers. Level breathing. He was asleep. How could she move away from him without waking him up? Without letting him realize they were basically cuddling on her couch.

Maybe nice and slow. If she supported his head with her hand, put a pillow in her place.

The TV screen was dark. Dogs barking outside. Please, not her intruder again. But something flickered on the dark screen. A reflection. Like fire. And another scent. Acrid and smoky. Something burning.

She jerked away from Cody.

“What! What's going on?” He blinked several times.

“I think there's a fire.” She turned to the window behind them, pushed the curtains aside.

Chapter Fourteen

A
huge glow. “The new barn's on fire!”
Please God, no
. It was perilously close to the barn housing her strays and boarder pets.

“Call 911.” Cody dashed toward the door. “I'll hose down the shelter barn, so it doesn't ignite too.”

Ally jabbed the numbers on the phone.

“911. What is your emergency?”

“This is Ally Curtis. My barn is on fire.” The operator confirmed the address and Ally hung up, then ran out to help Cody.

He was dousing the front of her stray barn. She grabbed another hose and joined him, though the heat was intense behind them.

Howls and yowls filled the night air. Even if they could keep the second barn from going up, the animals inside were still in danger of inhaling smoke. Though it was completely enclosed, there were pet doors out to the fenced dog runs along each side.

Sirens in the distance. The most glorious sound she'd ever heard. Her throat hurt and she rasped a choking cough.

“Ally, get back. They're almost here and you're taking in smoke.” Cody hacked out the last few words.

“I'll go if you will.”

He threw down his hose, grabbed her hand. She tugged him toward the barn with the animals as the fire truck with its siren blaring roared into her drive.

“They'll be fine until the fire is under control. If we go in now, we'll only let a bunch of smoke in.” He coughed, covered his mouth.

Firefighters spilled from the truck, swarming like ants.

“Anyone inside the structure?” a fireman shouted.

“No. But there's an animal shelter chock-full of dogs and cats in the other barn. We hosed down the side closest to the fire.”

They stood back, out of the way as the firefighters rolled out their hose, blasted the fire. An ambulance arrived and soon a paramedic led Ally and Cody to the back, insisting on giving them oxygen.

With the mask strapped in place, Ally breathed deeply. It did feel good. Her lungs eased and the tightness in her throat let up. Within minutes, the fire started to die down.

The paramedic checked them out, removed their oxygen masks.

“Thank you. For saving my animals.” Ally flung herself into Cody's arms and soaked his shoulder as all the sobs she'd held back hit her all at once. “Do you think they're okay?”

“I'm sure they are. Don't you hear all that racket? And look—the wind's blowing the smoke away from them. Besides, if any critters inhaled a bit of smoke, I know a great vet who'll fix them right up.”

As the flames sizzled into billowing smoke, the fire chief ambled in their direction. “I just called the police in. I'm afraid this fire smacks of arson.”

Ally's knees went weak.

But Cody held her up. “Let's get you inside.”

“No.” She mustered all her strength. “I have to check on the animals.”

“Then I'll help you.” His arm around her shoulders. “Let's enter through the back door, away from the smoke.” He turned to the fire chief. “We'll be in the other barn if anyone needs us.”

They rounded the structure. She should move away from him. But she didn't want to.

“I can't believe this,” Cody growled.

“You think it's connected with the break-ins?”

“It's too much to be coincidence. This is getting too dangerous.” Cody let go of her long enough for her to dig out the key and unlock the door.

Inside, there was only the faint smell of smoke. Thankfully all of the animals seemed fine. Just rattled.

They split up, working each side, strolling along in front of the pens, soothing the boarders and strays.

“Ally.” Mitch entered the back door. “You in here?”

“Hi, Mitch.” She stopped, turned toward him, slid her hands into her jean pockets.

“Cody, y'all okay?”

“Fine. Just shaken up.”

“Did either of you see anything? Hear anything?”

“No.” Ally shook her head. “We watched a movie at my house and fell asleep sitting on the couch. I woke up, heard the dogs howling and saw the reflection of the fire in the TV.”

“Well, it looks like we've got arson to add to our list.” Mitch scribbled something on his pad. “Along with breaking and entering and criminal mischief.”

“Great. But it won't do much good until y'all catch this creep.” Cody raked a hand through his hair.

“I know it's frustrating, little brother. But we'll get whoever is doing this.”

“Thanks for coming, Mitch.” She tried to keep her voice even, though her insides quivered.

“I hope you have insurance.”

“I do.” She hugged herself.

“Good. You'll have to cease construction for a while. It's important the structure stay as is until the arson investigator checks it out.”

“She can't afford this setback.” Cody grimaced. “After the arson investigator, she'll have to wait for an insurance adjuster before she can get back to barn building.”

“Afraid so.” Mitch's mouth settled in a firm line. “Unfortunately, it can be a lengthy process.”

“Since I can't tell you anything, the fire's out and my animals are okay, I'd love to go to bed.” Not to sleep. But to have a good cry before she made a fool of herself on Cody's shoulder again.

“Sure.” Mitch gave her an encouraging grin. “You get some rest.”

“I'll walk you to your door.” Cody fell in stride beside her.

“It's really not necessary.” She had to avoid his shoulder and keep herself together.

“It is to me.” As they stepped outside, his arm settled around her waist. “Sure you're okay?”

She nodded. “I'm starting to get scared, though. Thank goodness whoever we're dealing with has some semblance of a heart. I'm so thankful it wasn't my shelter barn they set on fire.”

“I won't let anything happen to you. Or your animals. If I have to start sleeping during the day and staying awake all night, I will.”

“Thanks.”

They made it to her door and she couldn't resist one more hug. She turned into his chest and he wrapped his arms around her.

“Don't worry. I'll keep you out of harm's way.”

She did feel safe with him near. Bodily protected. But her heart was a whole other matter.

“I've been thinking.” Cody tried to sound nonchalant as he set a kennel in place on a shelf inside the float.

“What's that?” Ally tested the cage for stability and strapped it down.

The sweet smell of hay and peaceful sounds of kittens clambering in his loft couldn't help him. Ally would go into orbit over his idea. “Maybe we shouldn't enter the float in the parade.”

“What?”

“Maybe it's too dangerous.”

“So you think my nemesis will shoot me off the float in broad daylight?”

Cody's stomach twisted at the thought. “I hadn't really thought that graphically. But I don't think we should risk your well-being.”

“The parade is tomorrow. It's a bit late to pull out.” She set a larger kennel on a hay bale. “It will give my shelter publicity. And we've worked so hard. We can't let some coward make us quit.”

“What makes you think we're dealing with a coward?”

“Someone who creeps around in the wee hours tormenting animals, dumping them and starting fires is a coward in my book.” Her tone sounded casual, as if she wasn't worried in the slightest. “Whoever is doing this won't pull anything in public with a crowd.”

“What if I ride the float and you stay home?” Maybe he was worried enough for both of them. He'd barely slept last night, jumping at every sound and peering out his window toward her place at least a dozen times.

“I'm going.” She checked the stability of the kennel on the hay bale.

“Figured you'd say that.”

They worked in silence, setting crates in place. Each kennel had bricks inside to simulate its animal's weight. They'd have to go through the whole routine again tomorrow with actual dogs and cats in the cages. But tonight would ensure there were no mishaps during the parade.

The barn door opened and Mitch stepped inside. “Evening.”

Ally jumped, spun around, clasped her hand to her heart. “You just about gave me a heart attack.”

So she was shook up. But determined.
Lord, keep her safe.

“I need to ask you some questions, Ally.”

“Sure.”

“I know I've asked before, but do you have any enemies?”

“Yeah, whoever's causing mayhem around here.”

“Think concrete. Any neighbors complain about your animals? Or clients? Anybody whose pet died in your care?”

“I don't have any neighbors other than Cody. If any of my clients are disgruntled, they haven't told me.” Her hand shook as she tested another cage on a high shelf. “And usually they just move on to another vet, not burn my barn down. As far as pets dying in my care, it's part of the job.” Sadness tinged her words. “I wish I could save them all, but I'm only human.”

“I need you to go through your files.” Mitch took down a few notes. “List any clients who haven't brought their pets to you in a while. And any whose pets died in your care.”

“My clients are my friends. I can't think of anyone who would pull this nonsense.”

“We have to get to the bottom of this.” Cody set his hands on her shoulders, forcing her to face him. “Each episode has escalated. We can't sit around and wait until this nut strikes again.”

“All right.” She sighed. “Once we finish with the float, I'll go through my records.”

“I'll be by to get them first thing in the morning.” Mitch tipped his hat. “In plenty of time for you to get to the parade.”

“Do you think she'll be safe tomorrow?” Cody caught Mitch's gaze, sending him mental pleas to make her stay home. “Should she ride the float?”

“So far our perp has skulked around in the middle of the night. I don't think we'll have any trouble in broad daylight with half the town and countless tourists in attendance.”

Mitch didn't play fair.

“That's what I said.” Ally quirked an “I told you so” eyebrow at Cody.

“I'm just looking out for you.”

His surgery was scheduled for Monday—a mere three days away. He needed Ally safe for completely selfish reasons. So he could tell her how he felt about her.

If he lived. And could still form words.

* * *

So far three dog-loaded kennels had snapped into place easily. Now for a cat.

The early-morning sun streaked through the cracks in the old barn as Cody picked up the feline and woofs and yowls reached a fever pitch.

“I know it, boy.” Ally soothed a terrier mix as she tested the stability of the kennels he'd already placed—even more carefully than last night since there was live cargo involved. “We'll get moving soon and maybe someone will fall in love with you and take you home.”

He wasn't sure about the dog, but Cody was head over heels for Ally. And longed to be her protector until the end of time. Unfortunately, his end of time could come Monday.

For now, he just had to get through the parade. He set the cat's carrier on its designated shelf.

Apparently satisfied with his work, she strapped it down. Her hand grazed his, firing excess wattage straight to his heart. She gave him more of a jolt than any caffeine ever had.

The barn door opened again. “We're home,” her mom squealed.

“When did y'all get back?” Ally scrambled down the ladder and Cody hurried to steady it for her.

As Lance entered, the two women hugged.

“Late last night.” Diane's smile seemed lit from within.

Happiness was very becoming on her. Cody had never really noticed her beauty before. A lovely older version of Ally.

“I thought you were meeting us at the parade.” Ally disentangled herself from her mom.

“We wanted to help with setup.” Lance stood awkwardly by. “You don't have to hug me. Unless you want to. I'm just Lance—you don't have to refer to me as your stepdad or anything like that. Unless you want to.”

“Welcome home, Lance.” Ally gave him a genuine hug, nothing stiff or uncomfortable about it. “I'm glad y'all are back.”

“Us, too.” He patted her back, obviously grateful for the lack of tension between them. “What can we do to help?”

“Cody will show you while I show Mom. With your help, we'll get this knocked out in no time.”

As the foursome worked, yips and yowls intensified while Ally and her mom tried to soothe the disoriented critters. It was refreshing to see Ally so relaxed, in her element and content with her mom's new life.

But he'd rather work with Ally than Lance. Chance bumping elbows with her instead.

Two more days. If everything went well Monday morning, maybe he could arrange to bump elbows with Ally for the rest of his life.

* * *

It was so nice to have Mom back. Even though Ally barely had time for a hug before it was time for Lance to drive the truck to the parade with Mom sitting by his side.

The lineup trailed in front of Aubrey Middle School. The Noah's ark float looked great, especially with all the adorable critters peeking through the windows. Barks, yips and meows echoed through the air.

“Wouldn't it be great if you left here today with no animals?” Cody sat on a hay bale between the kennels, not visible from outside the float.

“Let's hope.”

A huge banner down the side proclaimed Ally's Adopt-a-Pet—A Noah's Ark of Hope for Homeless Dogs and Cats, along with the phone number. Caitlyn was manning Ally's booth in the field by the old peanut dryer. After the parade, she and Cody would transport the animals to the booth and hope for adoptive families.

He checked his watch. “It's almost time to begin. Guess we should climb up to our perch.”

And it hit her. She and Cody would be in close quarters in the elevated platform his ranch hands had built over the gooseneck hitch at the front of the trailer. Putting her above the animals to wave at the crowd seemed like a good idea at the time. But the platform was four by four feet—built for one.