All That Remains by Sheri Lewis Wohl

Author:Sheri Lewis Wohl [Wohl, Sheri Lewis]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 9781635559507
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
Published: 2021-09-01T20:35:09+00:00

Chapter Seventeen

Johnnie changed into tights and tied her favorite pair of running shoes. At the front door Cougar sat blocking it, and his intent quite clear: you’re not going without me. Not a chance. Not that it was ever a question. She never ran alone, and even if Shantel went along, a big German shepherd made a world of difference in the safety department. “In a minute, buddy.”

Cougar didn’t abandon his post by the front door. “He’s not taking any chances, is he?” Shantel had also changed into the running attire Johnnie found for her. Because they were nowhere near the same size, a pair of Johnnie’s knee-length tights and a dry-fit shirt were as close as she could get to something that might fit the smaller woman. At least Shantel had her own shoes, the most important piece of running equipment besides good legs.

“He’s a smart guy,” Johnnie said.

“After watching him out in the field, I’d take him anywhere.”

She smiled and rubbed his head. “I’m pretty proud of my buddy. He’s been a joy to work with and a great housemate. A special guy.”

“I have fish.”

Johnnie stopped and stared. “Fish?” Who had fish? Sounded kind of snobby, but they weren’t real pets. They were a hobby.

Shantel laughed. “Here’s the thing. Fish are easy to care for, and with my job, easy is key. They’re fascinating to watch and quite beautiful. It’s the closest I can get to a pet and not do it a disservice.”

Now she smiled and nodded. “I see what you’re saying.”

Shantel laughed even more. “I never heard that phrase until I came here. First time someone said that to me I thought it was crazy. Then I heard it again. And again. Finally made the connection to local vernacular. I stopped taking it literally.”

“I guess it sounds kind of dumb, but around here, it’s just what we say. Kind of like ‘you guys.’ Doesn’t matter if you’re male or female, if there’s more than two of you, it’s you guys.”

“Yes. figured that one out after a couple months here too. My Texas roots come with the all-purpose ya’ll.”

“I haven’t heard you say that.”

“No.” She smiled. “I weaned myself off that one once I went to college. Come on. Let’s go run down a werewolf.”

Johnnie put her hands on her hips. “Gotta say, it sounds a little like you’re humoring me.”

“Of course, I’m humoring you. I’m also giving free rein to my own curiosity and imagination.”

All righty. “I can live with that. I plan to drive in toward Spokane Falls Community College. Some of the parking areas at the trailheads might be closed, as it’s getting near sunset, and I know one that doesn’t close. It’ll get us into some of nicest parts of the park. We can run and search and, in general, enjoy nature.”

“You think we’ll find something?”

A wild-goose chase went through her head. Instead, she said, “Probably not.”

“We’re going to take a run anyway.” Shantel didn’t sound convinced her plan had merit.

She had a counterargument at the ready.

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