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“Well, I appreciate the hell out of what you did. I am going to put in the report that I deputized, you, though. You’re former military, right?” I asked carefully.

“Army Rangers. Three tours in Afghanistan, and other places.” Walker’s jaw tightened. “Got out a few years ago.”

I nodded. “That experience will ease the way with my sheriff. There’s a chance Blake could come back on you about the dog, but I’ll make sure you’re covered on our end.”

Walker nodded. “I appreciate that.”

“And I know I threw it out there in the heat of the moment, but if there’s a chance you would actually like to join our little department, I could put in a good word with the sheriff. We don’t have a K9 right this minute.”

Walker gave me a long, considering look. “I don’t really come down off the mountain for a reason. It’s too… people-y down here.”

I laughed and nodded my head. “Yes, we do have people down here. Not a lot on the mountain, huh? That why you’re up there? Looking for quiet?”

“Something like that.” He looked uncomfortable now, like he was done with this conversation. “Look, I’m glad you got your guy. But I should head out.”

“Wait.” I pulled out my card. “Take this. If you ever need anything—and I mean anything—you call me. You helped save the woman I love tonight. That means something.”

Walker took the card, studying it for a moment before pocketing it. “She seems like a good woman.”

“She’s the best.” I glanced back at Jo, who was watching us. “You got someone? Up on that mountain?”

Something painful flashed across Walker’s face. “Had someone. My daughter. She’s with her mother now. Court decided I wasn’t... stable enough.”

The words hung between us, raw and honest.

“I’m sorry,” I said, and meant it.

“Yeah. Me too.” Walker straightened, clearly done with the vulnerability. “I’m heading out. You take care of your lady.”

I hated to see him go. “Hey, Walker?”

He paused at his truck door.

“If you ever want to talk, or just grab a beer, or need help with anything—call me. I mean it.”

For a moment, I thought he’d refuse. Then he nodded once, short and sharp. “Appreciate it, Deputy.”

I watched him drive away, his truck disappearing into the darkness toward the mountain road that led to his isolated cabin.

That was a man who had seen too much. But still had the integrity to step in when someone needed help.

I recognized the pain because I’d carried my own version of it for three years after Holly died.

I walked back to Jo, who was arguing with Sara about whether she needed to go to the hospital.

“I’m fine,” she was saying. “It’s just a sprain⁠—”

“Jo,” I interrupted gently. “I need to go get stitched. We’ll let them X-ray it. Just to be sure.”

She looked at me, and her expression softened when she saw my face. “Only if you come with me.”

“I’m not letting you out of my sight.”

“Promise?”

I pulled her carefully against me, mindful of her wrist. “I promise. I’m never letting you out of my sight again.”

Sara hovered, her expression concerned. “Lane, I can handle the rest of the paperwork if you want to take Ms. Bennelli to the hospital.”