Free Prey (BookStrand Publishing Romance) by Mary Lou George Page B

way, I guess I am rather mouse-like. When it matters, I’ll stand my ground.”
    Sam nodded and linked his arm with hers. “I wouldn’t expect any less from you. Come on, Mighty Mouse, let’s make the rounds.”
    Every one of his patients they visited that day communicated to her that something was wrong in New Crescent. They were unable to give her any additional information, but it was inescapable and utterly unanimous. They were scared, not for themselves, but for humans. Jade knew that fact alone was significant. In Sam’s truck on the way back to the clinic, she finally told him.
    “They can’t identify this thing, and that fact must scare them just as much as the creature itself.” Sam said.
    “Good observation. Their senses are so much more acute than ours. They are rarely surprised by anything really. This thing has them shaken to the core. Soon, everyone in town is going to notice that they’re acting strangely.” She looked at Sam fiercely.
    “That’s not good. People who don’t understand will panic.” Sam spoke without taking his eyes off the road. “I’ll bet Travis is one step ahead of us on this one, but when we get back to the clinic, I think we should call him.”
    Jade agreed and sat back in her seat. “I like your bedside manner. Is it a bedside manner when you’re a vet?”
    “That question keeps me awake at night, but I’m glad you approve. No dissenting opinions today then I take it.”
    She shook her head. “Not so far, but there will be some, so don’t get your hopes up.”
    He smiled and maneuvered the truck into the parking area next to the clinic. “Oh, trust me, Jinx, I can’t wait.”
    The first thing they did when they got inside was call Travis. Sam explained what Jade had found out. He asked Travis if Reggie or Gillian had come up with anything. He listened, then shook his head. Saying goodbye, Sam hung up the phone. He started to say something and was interrupted by his cell phone. He held a finger up and answered it.
    “Hi, Michelle.” He looked at Jade apologetically and walked out of the room.
    Jade tried not to wonder why it bothered her so much that he needed privacy when he spoke to the beautiful woman.

Chapter 9
     
    Jade got tired of waiting for him to come back, so she walked into the kennel and checked on all the overnight patients. They’d taken Billy home earlier in the day between their farm visits. It was gratifying to see his tail wag with enthusiasm when he caught the scent of his home. The animals at the clinic were good company. As she waited for Sam, she communicated with them. They wanted to go home. The vet’s was never a place they wanted to hang out. She did what she could to ease their worries and looked up when Sam finally returned.
    She didn’t wait for him to speak. “I didn’t know if we were done for the day, so I stuck around.”
    Sam shook his head. “Sorry about that. Michelle can be labor intensive.” He walked over to her and gave her his hand to help her rise from her cross legged position. “I’m going to have to get you a pillow so you’re not always sitting on the hard floor.”
    Jade dusted off the seat of her jeans. Sam watched silently. She looked up at him with a frown. “What is it?”
    He snapped out of his trance. “Nothing, you caught me, I was just appreciating the grown up you.”
    Jade smiled shyly, she could feel the heat as a flush rose up her neck and stained her cheeks. “I’m glad you approve.”
    “What’s not to like?” His expression was serious. “I think you’re wrong to reject all romantic opportunities. I can only imagine what you went through with your father, but not all men are like that.”
    “I know that. Look at Travis, Chase and you yourself. It’s not like I haven’t known good men. You’re all great catches for the right woman. I’m just happier alone.”
    “You don’t know that. How can you know that? Have you ever had a long term serious relationship with a man?” He