Rare Find by Dale Mayer Read Free Book Online Page A

front lift jerked down several more feet. "Shit," Fez muttered. "We're going to kill her yet."
     
    "Better not. I won't be happy if that happens."
     
    The cold voice behind him sent icy shards of fear down Fez's spine. He hadn't expected his boss to show up at this moment. Then, given all the things that had gone wrong, maybe his arrival wasn't so surprising after all.
     
    "Did Roberts come back with you?" Fez asked looking around. Roberts needed to check the delivery over. Make sure everything had survived the journey.
     
    "No."
     
    Fez froze at the icy dead tone.
     
    But the boss's next words were the ones that really made his heart stop. "You know what happens to people who make me unhappy. My neck is on the line with this deal. You screw up, then I screw up. In which case you won't be looking to salvage your job because you won't care. You'll be floating down the damn river as fish food instead."
     
    Fez nodded but kept his face turned away. Fingers of cold reached down deep inside his stomach. His boss never threatened. He promised.
     
    Thankfully, the forklift operator unloaded the cage without any more mishaps and backed away to get the next load. They were late and time was running out. The cages had to be transferred to the new truck, which would be followed by a couple of hours of driving. Fez was taking the truck with this cargo. He sent a silent prayer to the heavens above.
     
    Please let this job go smoothly.
     
    Not that he expected anyone to listen to his request. They hadn't so far.
     

Chapter 5
     
    Saturday, early evening
     
    T abitha paid the taxi before stumbling up the front steps of her house. The sun beamed beautiful farewell rays across the summer sky. Delighted to be home, she sent out a tired but happy wave of energy in greeting to both Tango and Tripod. The returning waves of deep blue and purple exuberance delighted and reassured her that all was well...or mostly well.
     
    The front door was unlocked.
     
    Startled, she stood in the open doorway and studied her house. She took a deep breath and mentally whistled for Tripod. Where the hell was he?
     
    Nails skittered on the tile floors. He tore around the corner of the kitchen and raced toward her. She smiled and murmured in her head, Gentle. I'm tired and if you knock me over I might not make it back up .
     
    He slowed to a skid on the tile, a deep whine coming up from inside his chest.
     
    I'm fine, sweetie. Just seriously tired. I need to go to bed and sleep for a couple of days . "Fat chance," she muttered out loud.
     
    "Fat chance of what?" The deep voice was an electric shock to her tired body. She stiffened as her tired gaze caught site of Ronin then she relaxed again. Strong. Capable. With his take-charge attitude. In her home.
     
    Damn, he looked good there.
     
    Like he belonged. Why had she been worried about having him here…?
     
    Oh yeah, a little thing called felines...like Tango.
     
    Her eyes filled with tears. Damn. She had to be tired to start this. She swiped at her eyes with her sleeve. He opened his arms.
     
    And she ran forward.
     
    His long arms wrapped around her and tucked her up close. Hidden in his embrace, she felt so protected, safe.
     
    And dare she say it – loved?
     
    Something she hadn't felt in a long time. She soaked up his comfort and caring until Tripod nudged her in the ribs.
     
    She gave a small laugh and stepped back. "Hey, big guy. Let's get you some food."
     
    With a teary smile at Ronin, she led the way back to the kitchen. She heard the front door close behind her, followed by Ronin's footsteps. In the kitchen, she stopped. There were pots simmering on the stove.
     
    She spun around, a delighted smile on her face. "You made dinner?"
     
    He shrugged sheepishly. "Spaghetti."
     
    With a hand on the small of her back, he nudged her into the kitchen. A large pot in front burped. He stepped over to it and stirred the contents.
     
    "I can't remember the last time someone cooked me a