"Hush, Janet." Devon jumped out of the driver's seat and ran around to the back and opened the door. "His name is Ned, and he's hurt."

"They're all hurt or orphans or just plain crazy." She stood beside Devon. "Why was he barking?"

"I think he knew we were home. He's pretty smart."

"Pretty noisy." She reached out a hand and tentatively touched Ned's silky ears. He lifted his head and looked up at her and gave a crooning sound. "I can see how he'd get to a softy like you. What happened to him?"

"He was shot." She carefully lifted Ned out of the vehicle, carried him up the stairs to the porch, and put him on his feet. "I had to take a bullet out of him."

Janet scowled. "I hope you had whoever did it arrested."

"Didn't have the chance. But I imagine his own er may see to it. He wasn't pleased."

"He has an own er? Thank the Lord." She beamed down at the Lab. "No offense, pooch. But we have a few too many animals around here."

"If Devon decides to give him back," Nick said as he took out the suitcases. "She's not sure he's worthy of the dog."

"Not another one." Janet made a face. "If she's not sure, then we're probably stuck with him. It looks like Gracie's already adopted him."

Gracie was sitting beside Ned on the porch, every muscle of her lean, elegant body breathing maternal protectiveness.

"Where are the other dogs?" Devon asked. "Gracie needs to run and play and just be a dog again. She had a rough time on the island."

"They're down in the paddock teasing that donkey. Someday they're going to get kicked."

It was one of the pups' greatest joys to run back and forth on the other side of the fence trying to get a rise out of the donkey. "Casper will only threaten them. You know he likes the company. Go see Casper, Gracie."

The greyhound didn't move away from Ned.

"It's okay. We'll take care of him, Gracie."