Hero's Journey by J. J. Cook, Joyce Lavene, Jim Lavene Read Free Book Online Page B

fire?” Phil the bartender asked. “Are we supposed to believe he’s running around town rescuing small children on his own?”
    Those for, and against that idea, began loudly debating it. Stella started to call for some order in the discussion when Petey blew a whistle. Complete silence, and some angry glances, followed her act.
    â€œWhat Kimmie is saying seems to be true, for the most part,” Stella said. “From what the little girl said, there
was
a Dalmatian puppy at the fire who led her to safety. He disappeared after that and no one saw him again.”
    Tagger rapidly crossed himself several times. “Oh no. Hero is a ghost dog now. He’s out there looking for people to rescue.”
    Stella rolled her eyes. Another legend was about to be born.
    â€œI don’t think he’s dead,” she said. “I think he may have been close by and saw the fire. He’s been in training to respond exactly the way he did. I don’t think there’s anything supernatural about that.”
    Tagger disagreed, crossing himself a few more times.
    â€œIt doesn’t make sense. Why would Hero suddenly take up with some stranger?” Ricky said. “Dogs come back to their homes if they’re able.”
    â€œHe may not have any choice,” JC added. “Maybe someone is keeping him.”
    â€œLike kidnapping,” Banyin suggested. “The same way humans forget who they’re supposed to be with after they’ve been kidnapped.”
    â€œStockholm syndrome,” Kent said. “That’s what they call it.”
    â€œHe’s probably lost and confused,” David continued. “He’s only a puppy. We don’t even know how many homes he was in with Sylvia before we rescued them.”
    Sylvia whined and laid down on the blacktop. Stella assured all of them that they weren’t going to stop looking for Hero. “Whatever is going on with him will make sense once we know all the facts. We have to find him. He’s got good instincts, running into that house today. His training is working out. I think David is probably right—he’s confused. Still, he knew his job and he did it. He’s a member of this fire brigade. Let’s not give up on him.”
    Everyone agreed. No one wanted to give up on finding Hero, even offering their free time for the search.
    Kimmie hugged Stella as the rest of the group went back to cleaning up and putting gear away. “I’m so glad you’re the chief. I wish you’d stay in Sweet Pepper.”
    â€œThanks.” Stella awkwardly patted Kimmie’s shoulder.
    â€œSorry, Chief.” Kimmie sniffed and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. “I couldn’t help myself.”
    It appeared that everyone knew Stella wasn’t an avid hugger. She’d hoped she’d kept those feelings to herself. It seemed important to everyone else and she didn’t want to inhibit them.
    â€œThat’s okay.” Stella smiled. “I know everyone is feeling emotional right now after the fire and Hero going missing. It’s going to be okay, though. We’ll get through it.”
    When the cleanup was done, the engine and pumper shining again, and the hoses put away, everyone said their good nights and headed for their homes or jobs. Tagger stayed at the firehouse on communication duty. Stella could hear him singing as she left.
    She took the Harley back up the mountain. It was dark like nothing in Chicago ever was since there were no streetlights between the firehouse and the cabin. Though she felt like she could travel the road with her eyes closed, she was still careful on the sharp curves. She’d wrecked the Harley once since she’d been in Sweet Pepper—she didn’t want that to happen again.
    She was surprised to see Walt Fenway’s old pickup in the driveway. She was even more surprised to see him sitting at the kitchen table with a thermos of