Hidden Danger by Jerusha Agen

Author:Jerusha Agen [Agen, Jerusha]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781956683011
Publisher: SDG Words, LLC

Twenty-Three

Amalia could always get Cora to laugh, and tonight at Cora’s house was no exception.

Until a low growl interrupted the laughter.

Raksa got to his feet next to the sofa where Amalia and Gaston lounged, the big Newfoundland with his head in Amalia’s lap.

The German shepherd barked and bolted to the front door where he continued sounding the alarm.

But for what? Cora’s overused danger response left her frozen on the sofa. Who was outside?

“What’ve you got, Raksa?” Amalia popped off the sofa, Gaston perking up his head to watch his canine brother. Amalia stood at Raksa’s side within a second, her gun already in hand.

The sight of the weapon jarred Cora into action. She hurried to the kitchen where she’d left her phone. Jana trotted after her.

Cora grabbed the device from the counter. A security alert flashed on the screen. She tapped to see the front door camera view. Her pulse tripped.

A man walked up the sidewalk to the door.

Was that…Bradley?

She practically flew out of the kitchen. “Amalia!” She held the phone out to Amalia as she came to a stop behind Raksa, Jana bumping into her leg. “It’s Bradley.”

Amalia grinned. “Just a little excited, huh?” Her gaze dropped to Raksa, still growling at the closed door. “Okay, Raksa. Enough. It’s a friend.” She shot Cora a glance with an angled smile. “According to some, anyway.” She put her hand on Raksa’s collar and scooted him away from the door.

He stopped barking, but his muscles were still tense, his head erect and alert in case Amalia was proven wrong.

Cora swung the door open, welcoming a cold blast of air that robbed her of breath for a moment.

Her brother stood with his hand raised, as if he’d been about to knock.

“Bradley.” She gulped frigid oxygen into her lungs and opened her arms wide. “Thank the Lord, you’re home.”

A small smile tucked his lips at the corners, but he didn’t move into what she’d hoped might become a hug. “Hey, Sis.”

She lowered her arms, swinging one inward to gesture inside. “Come in.”

He carried a duffle bag slung over his shoulder, the same bag he’d arrived with only days before.

Jana pranced around his legs, but he didn’t pet her.

“I’m so happy to see you.”

He gave a short nod, his gaze fastening on Raksa, who met his stare with a challenging one of his own.

“People who look him in the eyes like that can get hurt.” Amalia grinned as Bradley gave her a startled glance.

“Don’t mind Amalia.” Cora smiled at her friend. “Though she is right about Raksa. Or any dog, really. It’s never a good idea to stare at dogs you don’t know.”

Gaston shoved past Raksa, barreling up to Bradley with a massive, wagging body of friendliness. Cora laughed but stopped when she saw Bradley’s eyes widen as he backed up.

“Although this guy wouldn’t mind. He’s always friendly. Gaston, come here, boy.” Cora patted her hands and stepped closer to Bradley to draw Gaston’s attention away. The Newfoundland happily leaned his heavy weight against Cora instead as she stroked his head and neck.

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