After a few more moments of listening, Rafe held the phone away and spoke to Hannah. “He wants you and your grandmother to come in so we can protect you.”

  “What about you?”

  “I’ll try to complete my mission.”

  “Without us?” Hannah scowled. Leaning toward his upheld phone, she began a loud protest. “Fleming is mad at me. He’s mad at Gram, too. With Rafe we triple the reason he keeps coming back. Taking us out of the picture will cut your chances by two-thirds. That’s ridiculous.”

  Rafe pressed the phone to his ear again, ending her tirade. “She didn’t say anything I wasn’t thinking. Yes, sir. I know she’s a civilian, but the older woman isn’t. She’s former CIA.”

  Pulling the phone from his ear as if it hurt, Rafe said, “Whoa! No sir. I’m not joking. She really is.”

  Hannah looked over at her grandmother and saw that she had been listening to the exchange.

  Lucy held up one finger as she continued to speak into her own phone. “Yes. I understand. Unsanctioned. That’s fine with me. It’s looking like you’ll need to contact the head of the Missouri State Troopers and confirm my credentials. Yes, his name is...”

  Rafe provided it. “Wellington. Colonel Roger Wellington. His private number is...” He displayed it for Lucy.

  “All right,” the older woman said. “Tell him to expect a call from DC. It’s about time we coordinated this operation, anyway.”

  “It’s about time all right,” Hannah said. “I’m not happy being the bait on the end of a line that’s being played out with nobody ready to reel it in if the big fish takes the hook.”

  * * *

  Next to the drugstore was a nail salon and past that a health food store. The third business was a chain pet shop. When Rafe spotted it his first reaction was relief. He pointed at its rear door. “See if you can get in that way,” he told Hannah. “If not, we’ll spot for you and tell you when it’s safe to walk around front.”

  “Why?”

  “Because you need food for your furry partner and there wasn’t any in the store where Lucy got the other supplies,” he said. “It’s the perfect cover for you and the dog. If the police start canvassing these businesses you can duck into the dog-washing cubicle and pretend to give him a bath.”

  “I’m surprised they haven’t already done it,” Lucy said. “I saw a couple of units cruising the parking lot while I was waiting to rejoin you.”

  “So did Hannah. It’s probably a matter of manpower. The hospital will be their first priority and it will take a while to clear all the floors.”

  “Okay. We’ll go,” Hannah said, scowling, “but only because I think it’s for the best. If the two of you try to ditch me you’ll be sorry.”

  Lucy gave her a sober look. “Nobody is ditching anybody, is that clear? My handlers know we are working together and so does the state. Parting company now is not in anyone’s best interests.”

  Rafe had led the way to the rear of the pet supply store and was trying the door. “It’s locked, as I’d suspected. Besides, Hannah and Thor will look more normal if they use the public entrance.” Without waiting for consensus he started off, satisfied when he heard the rattle of the shopping cart on the pitted pavement.

  It was closer to retrace their steps from the drugstore so he went that direction. Lack of sirens wasn’t necessarily a good sign because all it meant was that the patrol cars had resumed normal activities such as cruising past nearby stores and offices. Even with his superintendent’s input he was certain the three of them were still being sought, definitely by Fleming’s men and probably by the local police as well. Neither could be allowed to capture them. Not until they were in a position to act to bring down the trafficking ring. How he and his unusual partners were going to do that was beyond Rafe to the extent that he felt the need to rely on divine intervention as well as human aid.

  God is in the details, he mused, praying he’d be alert enough, wise enough, to recognize a viable plan when he saw it. One thing was certain. He had been joined to the most unlikely pair of partners imaginable, not counting the addition of a dog, and it was up to him to make sense of their extraordinary team and put it to use.

  Peering around the corner he watched passing traffic until enough cars had gone by to assure him the coast was clear. “Now,” he called back, gesturing. “Go now.”

  Hood up, Hannah quickly walked past him then slowed her pace to normal and ambled toward the pet shop.

  With Lucy at his side, Rafe continued to scan the traffic. She elbowed him. “Your ten o’clock.”

  He squinted. “I don’t think so.”

  “Not taking a chance,” she said, maneuvering the cart past him and pushing it to the flat red-painted curb that led to the parking lot.

  She paused at the edge.

  Rafe kept his eye on the dark-colored car that had worried her as it turned down a side aisle and cruised closer. By this time Hannah had almost reached sanctuary in the pet store.

  The driver of the car slowed even more as if looking for a place to park—or for the elusive dog trainer.

  In the blink of an eye, Lucy shoved her loaded shopping cart into traffic, let go and screamed.

  The vehicle in question came to a halt when its front bumper collided with the cart. Lucy was gesturing wildly and tugging to free the bent cart.

  Rafe fully expected the driver to stop and get out to check for damage. Instead, as soon as Lucy pulled the cart back he revved the engine and drove away, not slowing until he had reached the busy street and merged with traffic.

  Pausing to watch him go, Lucy turned to Rafe. “She’s safely inside?”

  He swiveled to check. “Yes. They weren’t police so they could have been some of Fleming’s men”

  “I think it’s likely. They didn’t recognize me under this hood so I’m sure they missed seeing Hannah, too.”

  “They or others like them won’t give up.”

  “I know.” The older woman seemed to age right in front of Rafe as her countenance reflected despair. “You’d better go inside with Hannah and get the dog food while I wait for our car. No sense both of us standing out here, especially since you’re a wanted man in the eyes of local cops.”

  Rafe sighed. “You’re right. I just hate to leave you, especially after your suicide maneuver with our supplies.”

  “I have your phone number. I’ll lay low and keep you apprised of the situation out here.” Lucy managed a wan smile. “Go protect our innocent civilian.”

  “She won’t be so innocent by the time we’re done,” Rafe said, pocketing the money. “She’s learning fast.”

  Shrugging, Lucy sighed audibly. “Yeah, that’s what I’m afraid of. A little knowledge can be worse than none in a life-and-death scenario.”

  FOURTEEN

  “Aww, what a sweet puppy,” a patron of the pet supply store said. When the friendly woman reached toward Thor, however, Hannah stopped her.

  “Please don’t touch him while he’s working.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”

  “You can always tell by the vest a dog is wearing. Some will tell you they’re in training and others will say what job they’re currently doing. See? Service Dog in Training.”

  “How long does it take?”

  Good question. “Right now I’m mostly assessing his skills and temperament. I haven’t had him long.”

  “What do you do if he washes out? I mean, some dogs must not make the grade.”

  “You’re right,” Hannah said sadly. She laid a hand atop Thor’s broad head. “I have high hopes for this guy, though.”

  A flash in her peripheral vision caught Hannah’s attention and made her jump. Thor picked up on it and backed around her, trembling and staying tight against her legs.

  The shopper reacted, too, inching away as if suddenly wary of the power the K-9 possessed. By the time Hannah had soothed him and his hackles had relaxed, they had been joined by Rafe.

  “You scared us,” Hannah told him.

  “I did? Are you sure? He’s never acted afraid of me before.”

  The truth of his words was unsettling. “You’re right. I was standing here, talking to a friendly woman, when he acted startled. Funny thing is, I got the same vibes. I suppose I could have been reacting to his fear.”

  “Or sensed danger without spotting the source,” Rafe said.

  “Possibly.” It was her fondest wish he’d never have to use the gun Gram had given him, but it was a comfort to note the bump the weapon made resting at the small of his back.

  “Let’s move to the dry dog food section,” Rafe suggested. “We need dinner for Thor and putting one of those big sacks on my shoulder will help hide my face.”

  Instinctively, Hannah tugged her black hood closer. She would never have thought of disguising herself if Gram hadn’t taken charge.

  “Know what my problem is?” Hannah asked as they followed Rafe. “I still think like an innocent bystander. You and Gram are more devious.”

  Rafe gave a soft chuckle. “That’s one way of putting it. Personally, I prefer trained professional.”

  Pensive, Hannah trusted him enough to voice her thoughts. “I wonder if I might have chosen a career in law enforcement if Gram had told me the truth when I was younger.” Seeing him shaking his head she asked, “What?”

  “I don’t picture you as a cop.”

  “Why? Because I’m not smart enough?”

  “No, no.” As he hesitated, Hannah started to get upset. It was only when he said, “You’re too tenderhearted,” that she mellowed.

  “Who says a person has to be tough to be a good cop? I could train K-9s for the police. Maybe even partner with one. Look at how Thor and I are bonding.”

  “It’s not a question of bonding,” Rafe explained. “You’ve seen dogs that were too stubborn to be taught or too timid.” His gaze rested on Thor. “It has more to do with intrinsic strengths and weaknesses.”

  “And you’re saying I’m weak?”

  “That’s not what I meant, either.”

  She didn’t buy his excuse any more than she believed her grandmother’s story about why she’d never revealed the family’s background. Neither of her human companions gave her enough credit. In her heart Hannah knew she was courageous and intelligent. She could and would match them in whatever tasks they took on, even the deadly ones. If she had thought for an instant that she was fooling herself she’d have backed off, but she was not about to let herself or her temporary partners—or God—down. Not for a second.

  Gram and Rafe had been ordering her around as though she was a clueless child. Well, that was over. She was a member of this strange team and she was going to start acting like it. God would not have included her if He hadn’t had a job for her, would He? Of course not. Believers might not always understand divine plans but it was up to them to follow as best they could. She was no different.

  Facing Rafe she stood tall, chin up, and demonstrated her decisiveness. “I’m going to wait back here while you buy the food. Get the one in the red and white bag, high-protein, adult mix. Take it out to Gram so we have all our supplies together when our ride gets here.”

  “I’m sticking to you.”

  “Then put the food in her cart and come back in. I don’t want to be caught without the proper supplies for Thor.”

  Although Rafe arched an eyebrow and tilted his head like a curious pup listening to commands he didn’t quite understand, he did back away. Hannah saw him approach the brand of dry dog food she wanted and point to it, waiting for her response.

  Mouthing Yes, she nodded. He slung one of the medium-size sacks over his shoulder and headed for the checkout counter.

  Watching him go, Hannah had a brief flash of regret that was quickly replaced by a sense of purpose. She had asserted herself and he had listened instead of arguing. It felt good to be in charge for a change. Very good.

  One aisle behind her there were broad windows, a glass-topped door and signs explaining the dog-washing station. Drains in the floor took care of the overflow and soap dispensers stood on a shelf above a raised tub. No one was using the facility at the moment, but there was enough soggy dog hair on the floor to prove it was a popular feature.

  She checked her surroundings, saw no other potential bath customers and entered the small room with Thor. He didn’t need a bath, but it would be a good time to teach him a few simple commands. Shutting the door behind her kept him in while allowing her to also view the majority of the store.

  Nose down, the shepherd investigated the room, checking corners and equipment as if on a mission. Hannah unclipped the leash and let him explore at will to begin with. Then she patted the steps leading to the tub and called his name.

  “Thor. Here. Up.”

  He looked rather confused but interested in what she was doing.

  “Up here, Thor. Come on. You can do it.” One hand on his collar was enough incentive for him to place his front paws on the bottom step. Hannah didn’t rush him.

  “That’s it. Good boy.”

  He took one more step then stopped, shivering.

  Hannah decided to show him the water spray so she turned it on to hot, waiting for it to warm up, and checked the temperature with her other hand.

  Results were almost instantaneous. “Ouch. Hot.” She reached toward the cold tap. Thor jumped off the steps and circled her, facing the closed door. His hackles were up and his teeth bared in a snarl. A low growl rose above the sound of the running water.

  Hannah whirled.

  The man standing in the now open doorway was sneering. “Well, well, what have we here. My old friends.”

  She was face-to-face with Deuce Fleming!

  Thor placed himself at her side, obviously ready to attack. Fleming took little notice. His bulk blocked the doorway. Hannah couldn’t tell if there were others with him or if Rafe was on his way back yet. All she knew was that she’d sent her human protector away to bolster her own pride and might be about to pay for her hubris.

  Her grip on the shower hose had slackened from surprise, reducing the water to a trickle. Hot water. Shouting “No!” she aimed the spray at her antagonist’s face and squeezed the handle, sending a scalding stream toward his eyes.

  Deuce grabbed his face and doubled over. Hannah slammed into him with her shoulder, managed to pass and saw Thor jumping his prone body in one leap.

  She scrambled for the exit. A darkly clad figure made a grab for her as she passed, presenting his wrist as the perfect target for the K-9’s canines. One quick nip was all it took to give Hannah a clear path to the front door.

  She straight-armed the exit and ran straight into Rafe’s arms. He shoved her aside and stood as a human roadblock while she and Thor joined Lucy at the open door of a black SUV that was idling, waiting for them.

  Thor didn’t have to be told to get in. He beat Hannah and scrambled across the rear seat. Gram gave her a push from behind then slammed the door. “It’s Fleming!” Hannah managed to gasp out. “He’s in there. We have to get him.”

  Rafe was way ahead of her. He’d already entered the store, gun drawn. In seconds he was back, panting and scowling. “Lost him. Drive around back.”

  Lucy accelerated so fast she almost threw Rafe out before he managed to close the passenger door behind him.

  Hannah hugged Thor and leaned down to keep them out of the line of fire. Deuce Fleming was mad at her before. Now, bested and shamed in front of some of his men, he was bound to be even more furious. That was good only if it made him careless.

  The big SUV slid on a corner, tires screeching. Hannah wanted to know what was happening so badly she chanced a peek. Rafe was braced with one hand on the dashboard, one arm out the open window, ready to fire at Fleming and his fleeing men.

  Lucy muttered under her breath.

  Hannah pulled herself up more to see why.

  The alley was empty. And sirens were wailing in the distance.

  * * *

  Rafe pulled his arm inside and lowered the gun. “I can’t believe this. We lost them.”

  One look at Hannah’s face told him she was crestfallen. Her words affirmed it. “It’s my fault.”

  “Pinning blame is useless,” Lucy said. “Now that we know he’s still in the city, we can inform law enforcement. Who knows. Maybe they’ll spot him for us.”

  “It would help if we knew what they’re driving,” Rafe said. “It must be fast.”

  “Don’t let this car fool you,” Lucy said. “There’s plenty under the hood if we need it, just no sense racing around and calling attention to ourselves if we don’t have good reason.”

  In the back seat Hannah sniffled. Rafe sent her a smile. “Don’t worry about it. We’ll get him. What happened in there, anyway?”

  When she related the story of the hot water, he chuckled. “Serves Deuce right. He should know better than to underestimate you. I wish I could have seen you scald him.”

  “I wish the water had been a lot hotter,” she said honestly before recanting. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because it’s mean. I don’t want to sound vindictive.”

  “See what I was trying to tell you?” Rafe said with a hint of tenderness. “You don’t have the right temperament to be a cop.”

  “I defended myself when it counted.”

  “Yes, but then you wished you hadn’t.”

  “Uh-uh. I never meant that exactly. I wasn’t sorry I acted, I was just sorry I enjoyed it so much.”

  That brought laughter from Lucy. “Might be best if you didn’t try to analyze yourself too much until this is over,” she said, grinning. “We do what we do for many reasons, some of them not the best. Never beat yourself up for survival instincts. Those come with humanity. You wouldn’t be normal if you didn’t choose sides in this war.”