Free To Love and Heal (The Power of Love Series) by Tamra Rose

Haley.  It was from a story that I
found online about stray dogs that have saved soldiers in Afghanistan and
Iraq.  Haley alerted Caleb and the other soldiers in his living quarters
to a suicide bomber who had snuck onto the base during the night.  He was
apparently planning to detonate the bomb in the barracks, but it went off just
outside during the ruckus after Haley started barking and then ran after him. I
know Caleb is worried about what will happen to her now that he's back
here."
    "I would imagine she's being looked after by the other
soldiers."
    "I'm sure she is – but eventually they'll be leaving,
too.  I just think that it would really help Caleb get to a better place
if he had her here.  She saved his life, and unlike the soldier who did
the same and was killed, it's not too late for him to feel like he's repaid the
favor, so to speak."
    Representative Lawton studied Anna closely.  "And
what did you say this man's relationship is to you?  He's remodeling your
house?"
    "Yes." Silence hung between them for longer than
Anna was comfortable with.  "But I'm not going to lie to you. 
I've grown to care about Caleb and I want to help him get back to the person
that he was before all this happened to him.  I know dogs have been
brought back for soldiers before."
    "Then you must also know that it's no easy feat to
pull off.  Aren't there some rescue organizations that have been set up
specifically for bringing some of these dogs over here?"
    "Yes, and I did look into them.  But even if they
added Haley to the rescue list, it would be a while before anything could
happen, and I really think it's critical to reunite her with Caleb as soon as
possible."
    "Do you even know what this would cost – if the dog
can actually be found, which there's no guarantee at this point."
    "It's about four-thousand dollars on average to fly a
dog back from Afghanistan or Iraq."
    "And this money is coming from … where?"
    "I'll pay for it."
    Representative Lawton appeared unconvinced. "You have
that kind of money just lying around?"
    "No, I would have to tap into my savings. But it's
worth it to me."
    Representative Lawton shot Anna a knowing look. 
"That must be one hell of a house remodeler."
    Anna managed a half smile.  "Yes, he is … and I
also think Haley is one hell of a dog who deserves a chance at a better
life.  So it's a win-win situation."
    As Representative Lawton clasped her hands together and
looked up at the ceiling, Anna could almost hear the wheels turning. 
Finally, she looked back at Anna.  "I tell you what – let me reach
out to a few people.  I can't promise anything, but maybe there's a way we
can get the ball rolling on this without you having to dig into your own
pockets.  With this economy, that should be the last option.  My
husband also sits on the board of Vantage Airways, and like I said, I can't
promise anything, but maybe that can be of some help to us."
    Anna smiled appreciatively.  "Thank you so
much."
    Representative Lawton tilted her head sideways. "Let
me guess – you already knew my husband was on the board of directors for the
airline."
    Anna grinned.  "I might have read that
somewhere."
    Representative Lawton shook her head, but smiled
nonetheless.  "Someone obviously did her homework. Well, I admire
your tenacity, and Caleb is very lucky to have someone like you in his
corner."
    Anna thanked the congresswoman as she rose from her seat, a
spark of hope unfurling in her heart.  Now all she had to do was get Haley
back in Caleb's corner as well, knowing that the special bond they shared just
might make all the difference in the world.

 
    SIX
     
    "Wow – things are really coming together," Anna
remarked as she paused in the living room on the way to the kitchen for her
morning cup of coffee.
    Almost two weeks has passed since their conflicted parting
of ways in the guesthouse, and Anna had since done her best to keep things on a
strictly professional level – not the easiest