Read Ill Take Forever for Free Online

Well, we'll be great friends, my pretty dog.' As Shasta watched her talking, he slowly wagged his tail. Jenny smiled and turned to let them back into the house.

    ***
    As spring came to the Sierra Nevada, Jenny spent long hours out of doors, walking with Shasta, hiking the woods around her home, jogging along the roads, practicing the commands, learning more and more about the large dog. She felt protected by his presence. He slept in her room at night, stayed near her during the day. And she found Shasta good company, especially after the long months since Johnny's death.
    She never heard further from Kyle Martin, though she ran into Nate Fisher in town one day and couldn't resist asking him about his search in the storm.
    'Never did find him, guess he left town.' Nate was uncomfortable, and changed the topic. Jenny was puzzled: what was the connection between the two of them?
    Another day in town she was stopped by George Carlisle. George owned one of the largest ranches in the area. While Jenny and George's younger brother had been in the same grade in school, Jenny knew George only slightly.
    'Jenny Warwick! How are you?' George smiled genially, stopping to chat with her before climbing into his car.
    'I'm doing fine, thanks. How's Nick?'
    'Still likes forestry work. Oregon suits him. I see you're starting to get out more.'
    'Winter’s hardly conducive to being out doors a lot. I love spring.' She smiled, her hand resting on Shasta’s head, patting it absently.
    'Getting over Johnny?' he asked gently.
    'Yes. I still miss him, but the worst is over. Life does go on.'
    'I'm glad. Maybe we could have dinner one evening,' George suggested.
    'I'd like that.' She smiled and moved away as he climbed into his car. She considered the possibility of going out with George. She didn't know him well, and was a little surprised he’d showed an interest. Maybe he was just being neighborly. She had been almost a recluse since Johnny was killed. It would do her good to get out again.

    ***
    Shasta quickly learned his territory and would roam the area around the home when let out, never going far, always returning promptly when Jenny called. They enjoyed hiking further from home. Jenny was glad to get out in the fresh air and glad for a companion on her walks. She was healthier and more fit than ever.
    Her phone was ringing when Jenny got home one day from an excursion. She dashed in to grab it, slightly out of breath.
    'Is this Jenny Warwick?' an unknown voice inquired.
    'Yes. Who is this?'
    'Stuart Brownley. We've never met, Mrs. Warwick. I'll be in Palmer this afternoon and wondered if you could spare me a few minutes of your time. I work for the US Justice Department.'
    'Is this the IRS?' Quickly she reviewed tax filings she’d done on behalf of her clients. None were complicated or questionable. Was it a random audit?
    He chuckled. 'No, Mrs. Warwick. The Treasury Department has that responsibility. This is a different matter. May I stop by and see you?'
    Jenny was perplexed. She had no idea why someone from the Justice Department would want to see her. If she wasn't going to be audited by the IRS, what could it be?
    'What is this about, Mr. Brownley?'
    'I would rather explain in person, if it's all right with you.'
    'I guess so. I'll be in all afternoon. Do you know where I live?'
    'Yes. I’ll be there before three.'
    Jenny hung up slowly. If this was a legitimate call, why come to her? Wouldn't they ask her to come to their offices? She looked at Shasta, glad she had him for protection. Though, it was unlikely a robber would call to make an appointment.
    Shortly after two-thirty, a nondescript black sedan pulled into her driveway, stopping close to the house. Jenny watched from the front window as the man walked up to her door. He was of average height, brown hair, brown suit. Brownley suited him.
    Shasta barked and ran to the door. Jenny followed.
    She opened the door to his knock, instructing Shasta to sit at her left knee. The