Dashing Through the Snow (4 page)

“Agent Wilkes thinks that she thrives on risk and what looks like a misstep is actually pure genius.”

“In what way?” Stephanie held her breath, convinced she was about to get insider information she'd be able to pass along to her friends.

“This might actually be a ploy to send us off in the direction of Seattle when she's headed for L.A. But we have every intention of finding her before she has the opportunity to follow through with whatever her plans might be.”

“She's…dangerous?” A chill went up Stephanie's spine. Looking at her, no one would believe it. Ashley Davison looked as normal as anyone else. She was short, with big brown eyes and long brown hair—as American as apple pie. Cute, too.

Agent Bass hesitated. “We believe Davison is tied in with a terrorist organization and is already responsible for one bombing.”

That said, Agent Bass gestured for the technician to continue with the security tape.

As best she could, Stephanie studied the monitor, keeping her concentration focused on the video of the moving throng of people who flashed across the screen. It didn't take long for her to recognize the man who'd been at the counter.

“There,” she cried, pointing at him. Actually, it was just as easy as she'd hoped it would be. He was several inches taller than those around him. He looked intent and was heading in the same direction as Ms. Davison. “That's him.”

“You're sure?”

“Absolutely.” She punctuated her comment with a nod.

Once more the technician froze the frame and Agent Bass connected with her two male counterparts. “We've ID'd him. Full-frontal view. I'm sending it on to Langley for facial recognition.” She listened for a moment and then said, “Right away.”

Stephanie could hear voices but was unable to make out what was being said.

Just before Stephanie stood to vacate the room, Agent Bass had her answer. She reached for her cell and connected with the other agents. “His name is Dashiell Sutherland, ex–army intelligence.”

Stephanie saw the agent's reaction as she immediately tensed and disconnected the phone.

“What does that mean?” Stephanie asked.

It was almost as if the other woman had forgotten she was in the room. “We want to thank you again for all your help,” Agent Bass said, letting Stephanie know that they were finished with her. “You're free to go now. If we need any further information we'll be in touch.”

As eager as she'd been to get away, Stephanie was even more curious to find out what the FBI was thinking.

“I'm fairly certain the two had never seen each other until today,” she said, coming to the man's defense, although she couldn't be one hundred percent positive. All the banter between them might have been for show.

“Agent Wilkes disagrees, but that's neither here nor there.”

Agents Buckley and Wilkes joined their fellow agent in the room. “If you weren't able to get a flight to Seattle when you needed to be in the area for a certain amount of time, what would you do?” Agent Wilkes asked, as a rhetorical question.

“I'd rent a car,” Stephanie suggested, although she was fairly certain they weren't interested in her opinion.

“That's what I'd do,” Agent Bass concurred.

“We're already checking,” Wilkes confirmed to his fellow agents.

Dash was clearly upset that he'd lost his phone. His jaw was clenched and he glared at Ashley as if she were personally responsible. She was about to defend herself but assumed it'd be best to keep her mouth closed and smile sweetly…until he gave a disgusted grunt and shook his head. At that point she'd had enough.

Ashley held up both arms as if he'd pulled a gun on her. “Hey, it wasn't my fault. You were the one who tossed your coat in the backseat. Did you consider that it might have fallen out?” That was the only explanation that made sense.

“That phone was less than a month old,” he muttered.

“It is what it is. Accept it.” She was unwilling to sit in a car with him for however many miles while he stewed over a lost phone.

“Easy for you to say.”

She agreed with him, but there was nothing they could do about it now. From the scowl he gave her she could tell her advice wasn't appreciated.

“I thought you said you needed a restroom.”

“I do.”

He looked toward the building. “Are you waiting for a handwritten invitation?”

“No…but listen, you can use my phone if you need to…I don't mind.”

“Big of you.”

“Hey, I'm only trying to be helpful.”

Dash plowed his fingers through his hair. His shoulders sagged as he exhaled slowly. “You're right. Sorry.”

She gave him credit for the apology. The truth was she'd been upset, too, when her smartphone ended up in the washer and dryer. It'd taken her a while to get over the frustration of her own stupidity, and now she figured Dash needed time to stew. He'd get over it soon enough, she hoped.

She reached for her purse and headed toward the restrooms. As she walked toward the building she noticed a man at a small outbuilding wearing a cap that stated he was a Vietnam veteran. He was apparently a volunteer for the VFW offering free coffee and cookies to travelers. A large jar was set out for donations. She didn't know about Dash, but she could certainly do with a cup.

As soon as she finished in the facilities, she approached the coffee stand and the vet. “Merry Christmas,” she said, beaming him a smile. She opened her purse and took out a few dollars and placed them inside the donation jar.

“Merry Christmas,” the vet returned, and then to her surprise added, “I don't suppose I could interest you in a free puppy?”

“A puppy?” she repeated. “I came for coffee.” She pocketed a couple of cookies as well.

“Sure, sure, help yourself to the coffee, but while you're here, think about the puppy.”

Ashley didn't see any puppies. “What's the deal?”

Frowning, the vet shook his head. “I don't know what's the matter with people these days. I showed up this morning and found a whole litter of puppies someone had dumped in a box in the parking lot. Poor little buggers were near frozen to death. I brought them in here where it's warm and gave them some milk and now I'm looking to find them homes.”

“Have you had any luck?”

“Gave three away already. I only have one left.”

“Really.”

“Cute as can be. Why don't you take a look?”

Ashley was tempted. Pickles, the family dog, had died six months ago, and her mother was an empty nester. Ashley knew her mom missed Pickles. Recently, her mom had mentioned she wanted another dog, but she hadn't finished grieving for the rescue dog she'd loved.

“Okay,” Ashley said, already feeling her heart weaken.

“You'll take him?”

Quickly she shook her head. “I'll take a look…no promises.”

“Good enough.” The vet stood and opened a door on the side of the structure to let her inside. “He's over here,” he said, pointing toward a large cardboard box tucked up close to the heater. A brown puppy of indistinguishable breed was cuddled up on a towel, sound asleep.

Ashley squatted down by the box and the puppy lifted his head and stared directly at her. He had dark round eyes that seemed to look straight through her. She petted his head, and then, as if he'd been trained to weaken her resolve, he licked her hand. He was simply adorable and her heart melted as he rose and stretched upward, bracing his front paws on the edge of the box. His melting brown eyes connected with hers as if to say “Take me, take me.”

“Don't know what breed he is,” the vet said. “Looks like a mixture.”

Ashley agreed. “I'd say he'll probably grow to maturity at twenty or twenty-five pounds.”

The Vietnam vet nodded. “That would be my guess. Not too big and not too small.”

“How old do you think he is?”

The vet shrugged. “Your guess is as good as mine. Maybe six or eight weeks. What kind of person just abandons puppies like this?”

Ashley didn't have an answer for him. “Someone without a heart,” she suggested.

“Guess whoever did was thinking people traveling this time of year would be willing to find homes for them. I'd adopt one myself, but the missus wouldn't take kindly to me bringing home a puppy when we just put in new carpet. The last one chewed up several of her expensive shoes—” He stopped abruptly. “I don't want that to dissuade you, though. Just make sure you give him a chew toy.”

“I was thinking of my mom,” Ashley said, biting down on her bottom lip. “Mom lost Pickles and really misses him. He was a great companion; I know she'd like another dog.”

“Sure would make her a nice Christmas gift, then, don't you think?” the vet said, looking hopeful. “I hate to pressure you, but my shift is over in two hours and if I don't find him a home, I'll have to drop him at the shelter.”

Ashley picked up the puppy and tucked him in her arms and kissed the top of his head. He immediately cuddled up against her. She knew animal shelters were often crowded and her heart squeezed. It was then that she knew what she had to do. She reluctantly returned the puppy to the box.

“So what do you think?” the war vet asked eagerly.

“I'll take him, but—”

“The minute I saw you,” the vet said, interrupting her, “I said to myself, ‘There's a woman with a heart. She'll take this puppy for sure,' and I was right.”

Ashley wished it was that easy. “Before I can take him I need to check with my traveling companion.” The rental car was in Dash's name. He was the one responsible for the car, not her, and he would need to agree.

“Sure, sure,” the vet said. “No problem; take your time. I'm not going anywhere for the next two hours.”

“I'll be right back.” Ashley straightened and hurried to the car, taking two cups of coffee and several cookies with her.

Dash was sitting inside the vehicle, tapping his finger against the steering wheel, impatiently waiting for her. It didn't look like his mood had improved since he'd discovered he'd lost his phone. She approached the driver's side with a foam cup of steaming coffee. Dash rolled down the window.

“Do you take anything in your coffee?”

Frowning, he shook his head. “Nothing.”

“You sure? A little sugar might help your disposition.”

His frown darkened. “Very funny. I like my coffee black.”

“Okay.” She handed him the coffee and a handful of store-bought cookies the veterans' organization provided.

“Thanks,” Dash said after taking the first sip.

Ashley remained standing by the driver's side.

“You ready to leave?”

“I have a question.”

He paused and glanced at his watch, letting her know he didn't appreciate the delay. “What is it?”

“Did you have a dog when you were growing up?”

“Yes. So what? Come on, let's go.”

“Just curious,” she said, gifting him with a dazzling smile. “What kind of dog was it?”

“A Dachshund. Is there a point to this conversation?”

“Just curious.” She bit into her bottom lip. “Someone abandoned a litter of puppies here in the parking lot this morning. The vet serving coffee found them.”

His gaze softened. “That's tough.”

“He's looking for homes and has found three people who were willing to help. I was thinking—”

“Ashley, no,” he said, as if reading her thoughts. “As much as I'd like to help, we can't take a puppy with us. You forget that they poop and pee and are a hassle.”

“He wouldn't be any trouble. I'd take care of him, and seeing that we're driving straight through, I thought—”

Again, he interrupted her. “I had the radio on while you were in the restroom and there's snow predicted. We might be forced to spend the night somewhere on the road, which puts me on an even tighter schedule. I can't miss this interview.”

“We lost Pickles this last summer,” she told him, refusing to give up so easily.

“You named your dog Pickles?”

She brightened. “Cute, isn't it?” She didn't mention that she'd been the one to choose his name.

He shook his head. “It's ridiculous. Poor dog probably died of embarrassment.”

“That's not kind,” she flared.

“Okay, fine, I apologize. We need to get back on the road. I'm sorry about the dog. Someone else will give him a good home.”

“The man says he'll have to leave the puppy at a shelter if he doesn't find someone to take him. And besides, the puppy chose me.”

“What?”

“Never mind, you wouldn't understand. Before you say no, come and take a look at him. That's all I'm asking.”

“Not going to happen.”

“Why not?” Now Dash was starting to irritate her.

“I already explained why. Now either you get in the car or I'm leaving you.”

“You wouldn't do that.”

“Don't tempt me. I'm already regretting agreeing to travel with you and I'm not in the best of moods as it is. I suggest you get in the car now.”

Her head came back. “You regret traveling with me?” And this after she'd shared her protein bars and brought him coffee.

He didn't answer.

“That comment was unnecessary.”

“I'm not in the mood. I feel bad about the puppy, but he isn't your problem and he certainly isn't mine, so get in the car.”

Her feelings were hurt, and she'd thought they were getting along so well, too. To this point she'd enjoyed spending time with him and found him easy company. Apparently, she was wrong. “I thought you were a better person than this.”

“Well, I'm not. You can stop looking at me with those big sad eyes because it isn't going to do you any good. Are you coming or not?”

“But—”

“Come on,” he said impatiently. “You're becoming a nuisance.”

“I'm sorry about your phone, I really am, but I promise you a puppy won't be the least bit of trouble…” She paused and widened her eyes. “Wait. What do you mean I'm a nuisance?”

He glared back at her.

“Fine, then. Open the trunk,” she insisted.

“What?”

“You heard me.”

“We're in the middle of nowhere.”

This was a bad idea. A really bad idea. She needed to think this through more carefully. She waited, hoping Dash would apologize or stop her.

He didn't.

“Take back what you said,” she demanded.

Now he looked as if he was about to burst out laughing. “What is this? I haven't heard that since I was in grade school.”

“You're mad about your phone and you're taking it out on me and that poor abandoned puppy.” She stretched her arm out behind her, pointing to the coffee stand. “If you took one look at him you'd change your mind.”

“The only thing I'm changing my mind about is you.” He popped the lever that released the trunk latch.

“Are you going to apologize or not?”

“No.”

“Will you at least look at the puppy?” she tried again. It was the least he could do. “I'll accept that over an apology.”

“No,” he stubbornly replied.