"I'll take her down to the paddock." Nick whistled for Gracie, and she reluctantly got to her feet. "Come on, girl. You can play mother later. Devon thinks you need therapy."

"Devon is the one who needs therapy," Janet said dryly. "And you don't do anything to discourage her, Nick."

"No, I don't." Nick grinned. "She may be a little eccentric, but she keeps me young. She keeps you young, too, Janet. Admit it."

"I am young. I haven't turned sixty yet. I don't need to work my ass off taking care of critters to convince myself of that." Janet moved toward the door. "Supper will be ready in an hour. Feed the donkey, and bring up those dogs. I need a little help around here."

"Yes, ma'am." Nick disappeared around the corner of the house, with Gracie on his heels.

Janet was frowning down at Ned. "Shouldn't he be lying down? Why don't I take him in the kitchen and settle him on the dog bed? He won't get much chance when the other pups come up from the field."

"Ned can take care of himself." She tugged gently on his collar. "But that's a good idea. I'll give him some water and then I'll-"

"I said I'd do it." Janet strode into the house. "Come on, dog."

"Ned."

"Ned," Janet said, straight-faced. "Heaven forbid I be rude to the mutt."

She was joking. It was as much humor as Janet ever displayed. "Good. Ned is different. I think he's very sensitive."

"Then he'll probably be even crazier than the rest of them. I can't see why you keep bringing them home."

"They need help and give love," she said simply. "And when I give that help, it fills me with warmth. They touch my heart. I can't do anything else, Janet."

"I know you can't." She hesitated. "I've been getting a lot of hang-ups on the house phone since you've been gone. I think he's found out the new number."

Devon tensed. Oh Lord, she hoped not. "Not necessarily."

"Stop burying your head. It was the same the last time. It's him, all right." Janet's hands clenched into fists. "Men like him don't give up. They just keep on coming until you shoot the bastards. I should know. I was married to one for over twenty years."