Kiamichi Refuge by C. A. Henry Read Free Book Online Page A

Erin into Ken’s office. Ken stood and shook Erin’s hand, his white teeth gleaming through a well-groomed beard.
    “Well, Erin, what brings you to town this fine day?” Ken inquired in his smooth baritone voice.
    “I need some advice. It’s not a spiritual problem, though. I just got home from Tulsa yesterday, a while before dark, and found shoeprints in the mud around the house. At least two men evidently scoped the place out while I was away.”
    Ken ran a hand through his thinning dark blond hair. “You should report it to the sheriff’s office. And be extra vigilant. Keep the doors and windows locked, too.”
    “This makes me a bit anxious about you being out there by yourself,” Terri interjected. “Is there anyone who could come stay with you?”
    “Not really. Not at this time, anyway. Maybe I need to get a dog. Do you know anyone who might have one for sale?”
    Ken glanced at Terri, and grinned. “As a matter of fact, our friend Tanner raises and trains police dogs. He’s quite good, too. Several county sheriffs and police departments come to him to train both dogs and handlers, and he sells personal protection dogs, too. I don’t know if he has any available right now, but we can ask. And we can also pray for your safety.”
    ***
     
    Tanner did indeed have a suitable dog. The young male German shepherd was one that Tanner had picked out to keep when the pup was only a few weeks old. The biggest of the litter, this dog was special. He was not only intelligent, he was also eager to learn. Tanner started training him early, and at almost a year old, the pup was way ahead of several older dogs. Not yet fully grown, he was a large, formidable dog already, and Tanner had no intention of selling him.
    When Tanner found out that it was Erin who needed a dog, he told Ken that he had the perfect dog for her. He didn’t mention that Erin was the only one he would even consider as a new owner of his favorite pup.
    ***
     
    “His name is Blitz. It means ‘lightning’ and it suits him. He’s both mentally and physically quick. You will need to spend some time here learning how to handle him, because he has learned some very specific commands, both verbal and using hand signals. I’ll also need to observe the two of you together to be sure he’s bonding well with you, and that he is willing to take commands from you as his new alpha.”
    Erin laughed. “I edit books from home, so my time is flexible. When can we start?”
     

Chapter 6
    Third Week of May
     
    “Blitz, strike!” Erin commanded, watching with satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment as the shepherd lunged toward Ian McClure’s heavily padded legs, taking him to the ground. Ian, who owned a furniture store in McAlester, wore a bite-suit for his role as agitator. He was a childhood friend of Tanner’s and enjoyed helping occasionally.
    Erin told Blitz to release and the dog immediately obeyed. “Good boy, good dog, Blitz!”
    Next, Tanner had Erin run Blitz through a series of commands using only hand signals. The pup had a laser-like focus on her and obeyed without hesitation. It was obvious that a close and loving connection was growing between Erin and her new protector.
    Ian ran a hand through his wavy black hair and commented, “He’s doing well. He’s the smartest dog I’ve ever seen. He catches on quick, and so do you, Erin.”
    “Thanks for helping out today. It’s nice of you to make yourself into a target for those sharp teeth,” Erin joked.
    “You’re very welcome. Sorry to hurry off, but I need to get out of this hot suit and get to the store. We have a truck with a load of recliners coming in today. Tanner, catch you later, buddy. Erin, it’s been a pleasure.”
    As Ian climbed into his pickup, Tanner turned to Erin and teased, “You kinda like sending this big boy to take down and tear up old Ian, don’t you?”
    “I confess that it’s exciting to watch a magnificent animal work, doing what he has been