Seth and Emma met 21 days ago.

SORT OF ENDING OF PREVIOUS POST:

"Okay." Emma watched from the window and saw Seth and Ace jog down the lane. She switched to a back window when they went behind her cabin.

A few minutes later, Seth called, "You can open the front door." She opened the door, and he holstered his weapon. "I didn't see anything. Ace caught a scent. Has Fur Ball quieted?"

"She did about the time you went around back."

"Good. In the morning, I'll check for tracks."

"Thank you. Think it was an animal or a person?"

"I don't know."

"Thank you for showing up."


TODAY'S POST:

Chapter 21 A

Early Friday morning, Emma finished preparing for work while Molly went onto the dog porch. Immediately she barked and growled.

"Molly, what's got into you?" asked Emma. "First last night and now this morning?" She went to the porch to get the small dog. Not seeing her, she called, "Molly, where are you? Seth will be here any minute. I don't have time for this. How'd you escape? Molly?"

*****
Seth parked in front of Emma's garage and opened the cruiser door. Ace jumped over the seat pushing his owner aside and ran toward the backyard. Seth followed.

The sound of growling and Emma screaming, caused Seth to un-holster his gun. As he turned the corner, he saw Emma hitting a large canine with a broom. The canine held Molly in its mouth. Ace attacked. As they fought, Molly fell to the ground. Seth fired his gun. The gun's sharp crack chased away the canine. Emma scooped up Molly's limp body.

Seth checked the blood on Ace and scanned the area. "Emma, we need to get Molly to the vet." He grabbed a blanket from the back of his cruiser and wrapped Molly in it.

As Seth drove, he called Carl. "Molly's been attacked, have Dr. Mason meet us at the vet clinic. Send a crime scene team to Emma's backyard." He listened. "Ace has a nasty bite, but is okay." After listening again, he said, "Not sure about Molly." He hung up.

They arrived the same time as Dr. Mason. Seth stepped from the cruiser. "Thank you for coming in early. I have two victims, Ace and a Pomeranian, Molly. She's hurt pretty bad." He stepped closer to the vet. "I'm paying for both dogs but keep it between us." He walked around and opened Emma's door. "Ready?" She nodded, and he took the blood-soaked blanket holding the small dog from her.

Dr. Mason showed them to an examination room and motioned for Seth to set Molly on the stainless-steel table. He carefully removed the blanket from the barely breathing dog. "Do you know what attacked her?"

"I saw it." Seth shook his head. "But not sure if it was a coyote, wild dog, or mixed."

Tears streamed down Emma's cheeks. "Will she be okay?"

The veterinarian's eyes met hers. "Right now, I can't promise. She's lost a lot of blood. Until I examine her, I won't know how deep the bites are or if any vital organs are involved. Why don't you wait in the lobby?"

As the doctor's words rang in Emma's ears, she collapsed into Seth's arms and melted against his chest before he led her to the waiting room. Silence continued as he held her until his phone rang. "Sorry, I need to take this."

With one arm around Emma, Seth said, "Carl, call Keith and let him know Emma won't be in." He listened. "Thank you. Any evidence?" He set his jaw. "Last night Molly and Ace knew something was wrong. The cut screen's how Molly escaped. See if you can get fingerprints and shoe imprints, maybe a trail. I'll be here a while."

*****
A few hours later Dr. Mason came into the lobby. "Chief Carter and Ms. Winters, please follow me." He led them to a private room.

He had moved Molly to a large pillow on the floor. An IV remained attached. Ace lay next to her. He raised his head when they entered and then lowered it.

The doctor pointed. "Ace won't leave her side. I cleaned and bandaged his wound. As a precaution, he'll need to take antibiotics for a few weeks." Watching Molly, he continued, "I've done all I can for her. She's a fighter that's for sure. She'll need to stay the night. You two might as well go home. I'll call after I close with an update." He glanced at Ace. "Chief, if it's all right, Ace can stay."

Seth nodded. "It's fine. They're best buds."

Emma swallowed. "Can I have a few minutes with her?"

"Sure." Dr. Mason turned to leave. "Tell one of the assistants when you leave. I need to make sure Molly's supervised."

Seth offered his hand. "We will. Thank you for everything." After the doctor shut the door, he watched Emma kneel next to Molly. "Do you need to be alone?"

"If you want, you can stay. I'm going to pray for God's healing hand," she paused, "if it's His will."

He knelt beside her and bowed his head.

After a few minutes, they stood, and Emma went into Seth's arms. "Thank you for staying."

He held her. "It's what friends do for friends."

*****
Inside Emma's house, Seth said, "The crime scene investigators are still here. If it's all right, I'm going to speak with them."

"I'm taking a shower. Maybe it'll make me feel better."

*****
When Seth returned inside, he peeked through her open bedroom door and saw her kneeling in prayer.

God, I come humbly before you. Thank you for all you've done in my life. Thank you for surrounding me with wonderful people. Molly needs your healing hand. I love that feisty little dog. If it's your will, please give Dr. Mason the knowledge to save her. I've missed two days of work this week. I'm not sure I can pay my bills. I want to be independent. I need guidance. Mom and Dad want me to move home. Should I? Please guide me. Amen.

She turned her head when she heard Jake's voice. "Seth, I thought you went to town." Silence. "Oh sorry."

Emma walked into the living room.

Seth's eyes met hers. "I wasn't eavesdropping." He watched for a reaction and got none so continued, "I came in to see if it's okay if I go to the hardware store. Jake's here so..."

"Thank you for thinking to ask. I don't mind you leaving. I'm fine."

He touched her hand. "You're not fine. It should only take about thirty minutes."

Jake moved closer. "I'll keep an eye on her."

When Seth left, Emma tilted her head. "Jake, you don't need to babysit. I'm okay, really."

He pulled her into a hug. "Pumpkin, I can tell from your eyes you're not okay. Seth's right to be concerned."

She forced a smile. "I'm surprised Daddy hasn't shown up. I have you, Pastor Pat, and now Seth, making sure I'm all right. I've been blessed with strong men in my life. But please do what you were doing. If I need you to hold my hand, I'll call."

He grinned. "Promise?"

"Yes. I promise."

*****
When Seth returned, he walked in and didn't see Emma. He checked the backyard, and she wasn't there. As he walked by the kitchen counter, he saw a ledger and glanced at it. It looks like she has thirty-one dollars left for groceries a week after bills are paid. I wonder if tips are figured in.

Emma walked in from the bedroom. "Seth, you're back."

He held up a sack. "I'm putting thumb-turn deadbolts on the front and both the garage doors, the one to the kitchen and the one to the backyard." He held up another form of a deadbolt. "I'm putting this on the porch door."

"Do you feel it's necessary?"

"If I didn't, I wouldn't do it." Seth glanced at the porch. "Someone cut the screen. That's probably what Molly and Ace were upset about last night. I think they were trying to get onto the porch. If they stretched their arm just right through the doggy door or cut it, they could reach the doorknob."

"Then they'd be inside."

"Yep. I'm placing this deadbolt high enough they won't be able to reach it. I have small shrubs, large rocks, and some cement blocks to put along the bottom. If the screen's cut, Fur Ball won't escape."

"Thank you." Emma started to say something, but paused and then faced her bedroom.

Seth touched her arm. "Emma?" She turned. "You were about to say something."

"Not really."

"You know you can talk to me about anything, don't you?"

Emma nodded. "Thank you, but I'm fine."

"I'll be outside repairing the screen."

*****
A little later Jake came in. "I'm getting a drink. It's hot out there."

"Help yourself. There's iced tea in the refrigerator." Emma hesitated and then asked, "Did Seth send you in to check on me?"

"Why would you think that?"

"Because you two are a tag team."

He grinned. "I'd prefer to believe 'great minds think alike.'" He brought his glass of tea over and sat on the couch beside her. "I've watched you grow into a beautiful young lady."

"Thank you. You're like an uncle or big brother. You've attended all my school and church events." She hugged him. "I don't think you've missed a birthday or holiday."

"I haven't." Jake paused, before he said, "I'd give anything if I could heal that little dog."

"I know. Dr. Mason's not sure she'll make it. It's a wait and see situation."

"Dr. Mason's a great vet. He's who we take all our K-9's to."

"I'm glad Seth recommended him. I'm sure he's expensive."

Jake hugged her before he continued, "Since you've now missed two days this week, I'm guessing you're worried about how you're going to cover next month's bills."

"I am. But don't even consider offering money. I won't accept it."

"I wouldn't think of it."

"Thank you."

His eyes met hers. "A different subject. Seth and I've known each other for seven years. Seth and your dad are my best friends. He's a great guy. If you were my daughter, I'd be very comfortable with Seth and your friendship. Just in case you're wondering."

"Why would I be wondering? We're only friends."

*****
Seth turned around when he heard a noise. "Keith, if you're looking for Emma, she's inside with Jake."

"I know. I heard them talking. I really wanted to catch you." When Seth stood from fixing the screen, Keith said, "I overheard Calhoun tell you he was Emma's first love. Although they dated, he lied."

"I know." Seth chuckled. "I spoke with Emma. She said you were her first love and still the only man in her life."

"I have a feeling there's a man capturing my daughter's heart. I wish him luck."

"I'm sure Emma's heart is large enough for both men."

"I bet you're right." Keith held up a sack. "I brought lunch and needed to check on my daughter."

They went inside and ate lunch.

******
Character List:

Police Chief Seth Carter - hero and Beaverton's Police Chief

Emma Winters - heroine and waitress at her parents' bakery and bookstore, but just graduated college with a teaching degree.

Winters - the bakery/bookstore Emma's parents own.

Carl Jones - Seth's good friend and right-hand man

Susan and Keith Winters - Emma's parents and owners of Winters' Family Bakery and Bookstore

Molly - Emma's almost four-pound Pomeranian

Ace - Seth's German shepherd, a trained K-9

Pastor Pat - Pastor of the Church and Emma's Godfather

Jake Baker - Seth's mentor and Winters' family friend

Ray Hudson - Works at the bakery

Peggy Barton - Emma knew her in high school and is the assistant librarian, she's making a play for Seth

Linda Holton - the town librarian

Mayor Castle - mayor of Beaverton

George Elliot - city council member, from old money, and father of Marc Elliot

Marc Elliot - troubled teenager

Ronald Calhoun - dated Emma her senior year of high school