2

At a flash of white fur in the middle of the dark, rain-slicked road, Ward Neuman slammed on his breaks and flicked on his hazard lights. There, curled up, was a puppy. It wasn’t moving.

Heart in his throat, he jumped out of the car and cut across the short distance, taking note of the tire tracks that veered around the puppy, as though someone had turned just in time.

And kept going.

Taking a knee, he carefully approached the wet little black and white bundle of fur, letting out a sigh of relief when the puppy trembled and slowly lifted its head. The poor thing was terrified, but the second he held out his hand it scrambled to its feet and came to him.

Shrugging off his black hoodie, ignoring the rain splattering down, he wrapped the puppy up and lifted…him in his arms.

“Shh, you’re all right.” Ward did a quick check as he brought the puppy to his car, but there was no blood or visible injuries. The puppy was letting out pitiful little whimpers, but he seemed more scared than anything. He carefully set the puppy on the front passenger seat, pulling off the road to the shoulder so he wouldn’t block any oncoming cars.

This road wasn’t a busy one, which led to a lot of drivers going way too fast. The pup was lucky he hadn’t been hit, even though whoever had come close clearly hadn’t cared enough to stop and check on him. Asshole.

Flicking on the heat and turning in his seat, Ward folded his wet hoodie off the shivering puppy’s head and smiled at him. “Hey buddy, did you get lost?” He noticed the collar on the dog’s neck and his brow shot up. Louis Vuitton? Damn. Who spent that kind of money on a dog collar for a puppy who’d grow out of it within months?

Probably someone who’d be missing him now.

And has their servants out looking.

His lips thinned as he shoved away the bitter thoughts. He didn’t have the best impression of rich people lately, but that didn’t matter. The puppy had a license with his name and address. No need to have anyone wondering around in the rain. Rich or not, his owner would be relieved to have him home safe.

“Doesn’t look like you got too far on your little adventure, Boots.” Ward smoothed the puppy’s damp black and white fur away from his eyes as Boots gave him a sleepy look. He needed to be dried up, but he was trembling less and looked about ready for a nap. “Not a lot of houses around here. Let’s see which one’s yours.”

After setting his GPS he drove for about five minutes, turning down a long road, stopping at a large, ornate iron gate. There was a keypad with a speaker built in on a short metal pole by the side of the road. He pressed the call button.

“Hello?” A woman’s voice came through the speaker, sounding nervous.

He noticed a red light at the top of the keypad—likely a security camera—and focused on it, pulling off his ballcap and trying to look as unthreatening as possible. “I’m sorry to disturb you so late, ma’am.” He reached back, lifting up the puppy so she could see him. “But I believe he belongs to you?”

“Yes! Oh, it’s Boots! Boys, someone found Boots!”

Little sobs and cheers came through the speaker and Ward grinned. “He’s a little wet, but otherwise he’s fine. Would you like to come here to get him or—”

“No, no. Please, come through. I’ll open the gate.”

The gate clicked, then began to swing open. He nodded at the camera, then set Boots back in the passenger seat before continuing down the road.

As soon as he started up the steps to the huge front doors of the big mansion, three little boys burst out and came to meet him. There were two more puppies with them, stumbling around their feet and barking as they jumped around Ward, eyes on Boots.

In the doorway a middle-aged woman with light pink skin and brown hair pulled back in a neat bun stood waiting. Her curvy body was covered in what looked like nurse’s scrubs, the fun kind he’d seen some wear, with little cartoon characters all over the crisp, light purple fabric. Not at all what he’d been expecting to find here.

“Boys, please come in.” She held the door open for Ward, looking hopelessly at the boys who were now chasing the puppies in the puddles at the bottom of the steps. She took Boots from Ward. “If you’ll give me a moment, I’ll go fix some coffee so you can warm up. Everyone’s taken some time off, so things are a bit chaotic.”

“No worries.” Ward had a feeling she worked at the house, rather than owned it. And wasn’t the one who usually took care of the kids. He glanced over as one of the boys squealed and fell into the mud with his puppy. “Do you need some help with them?”

The woman hesitated, then sighed. “I hate to impose, but if you wouldn’t mind? There’s a reason I never had kids. I’m their grandmother’s in-home nurse, I don’t usually take care of them, but their uncle went out looking for Boots. I’m sure he won’t be long…”

“I completely understand. My mother raised seven of us, but now, with her grandkids, she’s more than ready with treats and kisses as she sees us all out the door.”

“I can imagine!” The nurse laughed, tucking the puppy under one arm and holding out her hand. “My name is Edith Booth and I’m so grateful you’re here. Thank you for…well, everything!”