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Defending Dakota - Gold Coast Retrievers

By Elsie Davis

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Chapter One

“Am I nuts for doing this, Halo?” Dakota scratched behind the dog’s ears, knowing it was one of his favorite spots. “I know it’s crazy, but surely you understand. I mean, you’ve been amazing, and you’ve helped me a lot. I don’t know what I’d have done without you, but this… This is closure. It’s something I need to do.”

She half expected her golden retriever to answer her one of these days. And not for the first time, she wished he could. Four years ago, she’d read an article on Reel Life, the social media site dedicated to sharing life stories. It had given her hope that one day she could put the pain of the past behind her. The article had featured a story about Carol Graves, a woman who bred retrievers specifically for use as rescue, special needs, and therapy dogs. The breeder was very selective who took the puppies home and had clear rules regarding their training.

The woman lived on the outskirts of Redwood Cove, and Dakota had been quick to pay her a visit. She was grateful Carol had understood her need and approved Halo to come home with her. Luckily, Dakota’s aunt and uncle had fallen in love with Halo and were completely on board with her bringing a new dog into their posh California home. As far as they were concerned, anything that brought comfort, security, and peace to Dakota was okay by them—including a seventy pound dog.

Getting Halo four years ago was the best decision she’d ever made. Dakota was more emotionally settled than she’d ever been. She was respected by her peers within the gemologist society, valued by clients worldwide for her expertise in designing unique jewelry, and partner with her uncle in the Decadence Designs jewelry store he’d started with her late father. Life was good. Stable. Secure.
Until a picture in the tabloids changed everything.

Dakota gazed out the window at the flower garden, trying to push the image from her mind. Halo nudged her hand, making sure she was aware he was right there where she needed him. The dog had an uncanny ability to sense her emotions and when she needed help to regain her focus.

She inhaled and exhaled, letting out a deep breath of air. “I’ve made a list, and we need to go to the store for supplies.” Halo barked. “Of course, you’re coming. It’s not like I leave you behind very often, and you know it.” The two of them were practically inseparable, but sometimes business mandated she go alone. Those were the times toughest on Dakota.

She opened the passenger door of her X-terra and let Halo jump in the front seat. Dakota unbuttoned her sweater as she came around the back of the truck. As fall days went, it was unseasonably warm. The weatherman had been quite a bit off on his prediction this morning. But it was good news as far as she was concerned. Creeping around Victor Mateo’s house in the dark tonight would be bad enough, cold and dark would have been miserable.

Dakota put the truck in drive and drove through Redwood Cove, headed for the five-and-dime store. She drove past the Pacific Coast Adventures office, where all the adventurous souls in town would flock early to get signed up for their favorite activities the area had to offer. The Sweets and Treats shop was quiet this time of the afternoon, making it hard to resist the temptation to stop in to get her and Halo a treat. It was the only place in town that had people and dog food on the menu.

A flurry of activity in front of the bridal shop forced her to slow down. The annual wedding-gown sale. Out in front of the store, racks and racks of wedding gowns lined the sidewalk. Women flocked to Redwood Cove, hoping to find something unique and beautiful for their special day, all at a bargain price.
Good luck.

It was like women became obsessed when they fell in love and a man put a ring on their finger. Totally ridiculous. Why couldn’t they get married in a dress they would wear any other day of the year? It was a waste of time and money, but to each his own. And thankfully, nothing she’d ever have to deal with, at least not anytime soon.

Dakota was happy living with her aunt and uncle, and she had Halo. What else did a woman need? The few dates she’d been out on were proof she wasn’t ready for anything with anyone. The reality was that no one could ever meet up to the ideal of her father or the love her parents shared. She’d seen it firsthand and had no intentions of accepting anything less from anyone.

She pulled into a parking spot in front of the store. “Here we are, boy.” Opening the door, she slid out of the truck, Halo’s leash in hand. He moved to sit in the driver’s seat and waited for her to put on his special harness that labeled him as a therapy dog. It gave him special privileges when it came to going into businesses, and it helped keep people away from trying to pet him. He was a full-time working dog, although Dakota liked to refer to him as her best friend.

Aisle after aisle, she pushed the shopping cart and led Halo around the store, picking out what they needed for her mission tonight. Black tights. Black turtleneck. Black skin paint. Black ski mask. Black gloves. Black backpack.
“I think that’s it. Time to go home and work on the rest of the details. We don’t have much time left.” She patted Halo’s head, and he wagged his tail in agreement.

She headed toward the checkout, almost bumping carts with a man who had the same idea. “I’m sorry. You go ahead.” Dakota pointed to the cashier.

The man was incredibly attractive. Brown eyes. Wavy brown hair. A five o’clock shadow that only added to his appeal. But he was apparently incapable of speech.
Dakota pointed again. “You can go first. It’s fine. You don’t have nearly as much as I do.” She smiled at him, trying to be friendly.

He glanced at her cart, then at Halo, and then back at her. His frown spoke volumes. She’d met people like him before and didn’t care what he thought of her bringing a dog into the store.

“Thanks.” He nodded, turned, and dumped his three items on the conveyor belt. A bag of chips, a six pack of soda, and a chocolate bar. His dinner would be about as exciting as he was judging by the quality of food he was buying. Too much sugar. Maybe that’s what ailed his personality.

He was gone minutes later, but not before he cast her one last derisive glance.
Good riddance.

Halo nudged her hand as if sensing her discomfort. She rubbed his head to let him know she was fine. It wasn’t like she was going to let some jerk ruin her night. Tonight, she was going right a thirteen-year wrong.

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