HOME .

The sun was shining with hazy brilliance through the filmy white drapes at the window as Devon opened her eyes.

Something wasn't right, she realized drowsily.

Gracie wasn't on her usual place beside her bed.

That's right, after Gracie had come back from the paddock she'd eaten her evening meal, then settled down beside Ned in the kitchen. It was the first time she'd not spent the night in Devon's room since Devon had brought her home. She must be really concerned about the Lab.

Devon swung her legs to the floor and got out of bed. She'd shower, dress, and check Ned's stitches. Then she had to go to the clinic and ease back into the regular routine.

Sometimes routines were blessedly comforting. When she had been younger, she had been full of the love for adventure and change. That was before she had learned that adventures could be tragic, and changes weren't always happy. She was more cautious now.

That wasn't what Nick called it. He said she was turning into a stick-in-the-mud. He was always urging her to go away, set sail on a cruise, get away from the grind.

Get away from Lester, he really meant. He never mentioned Lester's name, but he'd been with her long enough to know what she was going through.

Maybe Nick would get his way, she thought sadly. She'd almost made up her mind that she'd have to leave this situation behind her.

Her cell phone rang. No ID.

Let it not be Lester.

"Devon Brady."

"Jude Marrok. I have to see you."

She stiffened. "The hell you do. Do you realize what you put me through getting that dog out of Santa Marina?"

"Yes, but I also knew you might be the only one who could."

"It would have served you right if I'd left him there."