Mountain Guardian by Lisa Harris

Author:Lisa Harris
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2021-01-28T14:18:09+00:00

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Keith stared at the petite, slim woman standing in front of him, her dimple showing as she smiled. One thing for sure hadn’t changed about Jenna Murphy. She was as cheerfully determined as ever when it came to rescuing wild animals. “We need to be cautious.”

Anxiety flashed over her features, but then she squared her shoulders as if summoning courage. “I know. Let’s go get the cage. With two of us, he shouldn’t take any time at all. We can surround him.”

Keith squinted, studying the mountain and forest. The shots had come from uphill. He suspected a long range rifle had been used. The knowledge that the shooter was far away didn’t make him any less vigilant.

A slight breeze bent the boughs of the pines. He didn’t detect any movement that might be human. “Okay, but be ready to drop to the ground if you hear anything.” He could handle being shot at, but the thought of anything happening to Jenna didn’t sit well with him.

Jenna ran down the hill and picked up the cage. Keith trailed behind her, assessing the landscape for any movement or sound that was out of place. He stayed close, so if he had to, he could pull her to the ground quickly. Her reflexes weren’t as fine-tuned as his, which meant he’d have to be doubly vigilant to protect her. And he would protect her.

Of course, he remembered her. Over the years, she had come to mind more than once, but he had always pushed those memories down to some hidden place, not wanting to visit the bittersweet emotions that came with remembering.

Seeing her again had shocked him. Jenna was a bright girl who could have done anything with her life. He had always assumed she would move away from the small town of Hope Creek. He never thought he would see her again. Memories threatened to swamp him now, but he refused to let himself get distracted.

Keith remained tuned in to the forest, watching the trees and listening.

Out of breath, she came up to him. “The last time I saw the little guy he was headed in that direction.” She pointed to a stand of lodgepole pine.

“What’s the game plan here?”

Jenna pulled a cloth from her back pocket. “If we can get a covering on his head, it will calm him. Then I can get him in the cage for transport to the center.” She untied the silk scarf around her neck. “You’ll have to use this.”

He nodded. “Let’s get this done so you and the bird can get somewhere safe. And then maybe next time you can forego the trespassing.”

“I have to make the birds my priority. There is not always time to inform the landowner. Everyone around here knows me.” Strength had returned to her voice.

Keith clenched his jaw. When Jenna got an idea in her head, she was like a pit bull. She just wouldn’t let go. “We need to be careful up here from now on, Jenna, even if it was just teenagers being stupid with guns this time.

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