Caught in Fowl Territory

By JL Paul

It all started with a puppy.
Baseball sensation, Troy Neal, spots someone dumping a puppy on an abandoned road one night. Not able to leave the poor thing all alone, he picks it up, intending to take it to the shelter in the morning.
But all did not go as planned.
He hadn’t intended on meeting the sweet, beautiful kennel attendant, Kendra Browning. And he hadn’t intended on agreeing to adopt the pup.
That girl had a way about her.
Kendra’s love of animals is all that she needs in life. That is, until Troy Neal brings the poor, abandoned pup into the shelter. Arrogant and cocky, he irritates the hell out of her, but he has a big house and a nice yard – just what the pup needs.
He agrees to adopt the pup – as long as she’ll go out with him.
Deals such as this don’t always go as planned...

• Language: English
• Publisher: JL Paul
• Release date: Jan 27, 2016
• ISBN: 9781310659737

JL Paul

I've been writing for years mostly as a hobby. I read constantly, although I'm pretty particular about what I read. I do not have a website for my work yet (yeah, I know, what is wrong with me, right?) but once I do, I'll post the link here.

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Caught in Fowl Territory

JL Paul

Copyright © 2016 .JL Paul

Smashwords Edition

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

All characters in this book are entirely imaginary and any resemblance to persons living or dead or actual events is purely coincidental.

Author’s Note

The characters, teams, and some of the steroid drugs in this story are purely fiction. None of the teams and/or characters is affiliated in any way to the MLB. All of the legal procedures and/or policies are a product of my imagination. In no way is any aspect of this story supposed to resemble any policies or legal procedures to do with ‘real life’ baseball.

Also, all the health, drug, and treatment portions of this story are not real and should not be considered as valid.

Thanks so much for reading!

Chapter One

Slamming the gate shut, Kendra Browning, wiped her hands on the seat of her jeans as the litter of mixed breed puppies jumped up, yipping, tails whipping each other, eager to entice Kendra with their cuteness. She smiled and stuck her fingers through the chain link to allow them each to give her a wet kiss before she pulled her fingers out and left for the evening. She made her way through the kennel, peeking into each cage and run, before pulling the heavy door open and entering the world of humans.

Why are you still here? Gertie Marsh asked. As director, she’d been running the entire animal control department of Park County for as long as Kendra could remember.

Just wanted to get the pups settled, Kendra smiled. She glanced at the dry erase board, making sure she’d written the brand new occupants of run fifteen on its white surface. It’s a shame their mother had to be put down.

She was in bad shape, Kendra, you know that, Gertie told her. It was the best thing for her. The pups are weaned and once we clean them up and vaccinate them, we’ll find them good homes.

I’d take them all home with me if I could, Kendra sighed.

Laughing, Gertie hugged the younger girl’s shoulders. You say that about every animal in here. She let her arms fall and studied Kendra’s face. You’re the hardest working, most compassionate person I know. Someday you’ll have my job.

Kendra’s green eyes widened as she shook her head, blonde ponytail swinging behind her. I don’t think so. I haven’t been to college or anything.

Gertie clucked her tongue. You have more experience than anyone else in this place, except maybe me. You practically run this place.

You’re not going anywhere, are you? Kendra asked, a note of caution in her voice.

Gertie chuckled, glancing at her watch. Not for a while, I promise. It’s getting late, don’t you think?

Yeah, Kendra yawned. I’ll see you in the morning.

They walked out together, pausing to lock the door and set the alarm. Gravel crunched under their feet as crickets sang in the tall grass near the barns. Darkness was looming, sending the squirrels to bed and inviting the raccoons and possums out to play. Warm air circulated in the slight breeze, ruffling Kendra’s hair.

Biding Gertie a good night, Kendra unlocked her truck, the door groaning open, and climbed inside. She followed Gertie’s cute little Prius down the gravel road and away from the sprawling buildings.

The shelter stood on fifteen acres of lush, green land and consisted of three buildings; the offices and adoption center, the kennels, and the barn.

The office building housed not only offices, but records and a family area where perspective adopters spoke with representatives and bonded with potential adoptees. It also had a small room where cases of neglect and abuse were tried instead of clogging up the courtrooms. A retired judge came to the shelter once or twice a month and listened to charges filed against those with little to no respect for the creatures with which they shared the Earth.

A covered walkway led to the kennels. A full veterinary clinic took up the front half of the large building, including an intake area where animal control officers and concerned citizens brought in animals found wandering or abandoned by their owners. The back was divided into three sections; feline, canine and miscellaneous. The shelter accepted all animals, no matter the species.

The last building, set back a ways from the other buildings, was home to horses, cattle, and other livestock. Several fenced paddock areas sat behind the barn and oftentimes a horse or two could be spotted grazing lazily while waiting for someone to take it home.

Kendra loved her job. She’d worked at the shelter since she was fourteen and desperate to get out of the house. She currently held the title of Kennel Supervisor but knew in only a week or two; she’d be in charge of the barn, also. Abner Wilson was retiring after thirty years of service and Kendra had jumped at the chance for more responsibility. Gertie had assured her that she would get it; especially since none of her other employees seemed eager for the job.

After a short drive, she parked her truck in the lot in front of her apartment complex and eased her tired body to the door of her first floor apartment. She dropped her bag to the floor as she pushed play on her ancient machine and scouted the remains in her fridge.

Hi Kendra honey, her mother’s voice called out, bringing a cringe to Kendra’s face. I don’t have a lot of time, as you know, but I wanted to check in with you. It seems like you’re always working, unless you’re avoiding me. I hope that’s not true! Anyway, Raymond says I might be able to come home next week! Isn’t that great? Don’t worry, Raymond has already found a place for me to stay so I won’t be putting you or your brother out. I better go call Kevin now. Love you sweetie!

Slamming the fridge door shut, she grabbed the cordless phone, punching in her brother’s number with all the ferocity of an angry prize fighter.

Kevin, she gasped, interrupting his greeting. Did you talk to Mom?

Yes, Kendra, he sighed. And hello to you, too.

Sorry, she mumbled. But do you think she’s actually ready to come home?

Yes, absolutely, her brother reassured her. She’s doing very well.

She did well before, Kendra said, nibbling on her bottom lip. But look what happened.

Raymond seems to think this time is different, Kevin told her. He said she’s really shown progress. She’s picked up a couple hobbies to keep her mind busy and she’s taking a computer class.

Kendra rolled her eyes at her brother, defender of all those who are helpless, as she opened the fridge again and frowned at the contents. She really needed to find time to shop. Let’s just hope he’s right. Hey, do you want to have lunch tomorrow?

Can’t do lunch but I can meet you for dinner, he suggested. What time do you finish at the shelter?

Whatever time you want to meet, she said with a grin. They bantered back and forth until they finally settled on a time and hung up. She heated a heaping portion of leftover lasagna in the microwave and poured a glass of milk. Taking her meal into the living room, she plopped onto the sofa and switched on the television.

Her mother would be back in town next week. Wonderful. Maybe Raymond found her a place to stay and maybe Raymond was positive she was ready to return to the world, but, Kendra thought as she took a large bite of her lasagna, she wasn’t quite so sure.

Finishing her dinner, she rinsed her dinner and stacked them neatly in the dishwasher before returning to the living room. Her apartment consisted of four rooms; the living room, kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. It was small but she didn’t need a whole lot of room. The only problem was she wasn’t allowed pets.

Although she was perfectly content for the time being, she couldn’t wait to get her promotion and raise so she could maybe afford to rent a little house in the country. Or, perhaps, buy one. Then she could have as many animals as she wanted.

With a wistful sigh, she watched as the sitcom ended and the title sequence for the news began. Living in the medium-sized town of Walton, on the outskirts of Indianapolis, she picked up all the Indy stations. After listening to the horrors that had happened that day and weather man drone on about how warm it would be for the rest of the week, she perked up when the animated sportscaster gleefully proclaimed the Indianapolis Racers claimed another victory, it’s seventh in a row. He hoped they’d hang on to their winning streak so they’d pull further ahead of Madison in the Central Division by the time the MVP break rolled around. With a roll of her eyes, she switched off the TV. She, personally, wasn’t a big fan of the Racers, but her brother certainly was and was sure to discuss this winning streak when they met for dinner.

Stumbling wearily to the bathroom, she flipped on the light and filled the tub with warm water and fragrant bubble bath. She slipped out of her clothes and into the bubbles, allowing the warm water to wash away all the worries from the day.

***

Troy Neal threw his head back and laughed. Next to him, his best friend, Derrick McKinney, nearly snorted beer out his nose as he laughed just as hard.

You’re lying, Troy accused but Derrick just shook his head.

I’m telling you, man, that’s what she said, Derrick insisted. She was serious, too.

Troy shook his head, amused, and drained his beer glass. He motioned for the bartender to hook them up with a couple more. Derrick, my man, you need to find a good woman and settle down.

Someday, maybe, Derrick smirked. Lord knows that would make my mother happy.

I bet, Troy agreed as he paid for their drinks. He lifted his glass to his friend. Couple more weeks until the break and we’re already sitting pretty.

Hell yeah. Let’s hope we stay that way. Derrick said, clinking his glass to Troy’s. Taking a long drink of his beer, he studied his friend. You’re having a great year, man. What’s your average?

Troy swallowed and smiled. .325 before today’s game. K in the first inning, though, with a guy in scoring position.

So what, Derrick exclaimed. Dude, you crushed that ball in the fifth. I thought it was caught but when it dropped in the corner, I knew you’d triple easily.

Troy leaned his forearms on the bar. We won, that’s all that matters. It sure would be nice to make it past the Divisional round. I’d like to see us at least make it to the Championship.

Hell, I’d like to see us win it, Derrick laughed. He held up his glass again and Troy knocked his into it. To playing ball in October!

Here, here, Troy agreed. Even if it’s only June.

Troy glanced at his watch. I’m getting out of here, man. It’s getting late.

Derrick bumped his fist with Troy’s. See you tomorrow at BP.

Okay, man. Take it easy, Troy said, a slight smirk creeping on his face. Batting practice was a thrill for him lately since he’d gotten hot. He was seeing the ball so well that it seemed like he couldn’t miss. He knew he shouldn’t become too over confident, that most players streaked on and off during the season and his could end at any given time. But he worked hard, stuck to his mechanics, and watched each pitch. He was determined to stretch his hitting streak as far as it would go before it snapped. He wanted to win every game and he wanted that Championship ring.

He climbed into his black Mustang and fired up the engine. He backed out of his parking spot and entered the light Indianapolis traffic. The game ended hours ago and he’d been at Champs, a local pub, since he’d left the stadium. Lately, he hated the still silence of his big house.

He’d chosen it two years ago for its isolation from the big city and for the fresh air. He employed a housekeeper and a groundskeeper but neither was a live-in employee.

With a sigh, he massaged his forehead, thankful that he had taken Derrick up on his invitation to hit Champs before going home. It was late enough that traffic had thinned out reasonably well and it wouldn’t take but twenty minutes to get home.

Cranking up the volume on the radio, he skipped through a few songs before finding one he liked... As the music pumped through the speakers, he debated on whether or not he should call Beth or Renee to keep him company, but decided, in the end, he’d rather just go to bed. Alone.

Exiting the highway, he drove down dark, quiet streets until the houses began to spread out and traffic became infrequent. Trees lined the roads, their leaves fanning overhead, providing a canopy from the sun and the moon. Fenced pastures sprouted up, though at this time of the night, the occupants were most likely dozing in cozy barns or huddled together in herds closer to the farm houses.

His parents lived in Chicago but his grandfather had once owned a farm in downstate Illinois where Troy used to spend his summers. He had loved the quiet, gentle country life and had vowed to one day have his own spread.

Well, he did have a spread, fifteen acres to be precise, though he rarely enjoyed it. He was busy with baseball for about seven months out of the year and spent the winter either vacationing with friends or curled up inside the warm house.

I won’t let that happen this year, he muttered in the dark. I’ll get to know my land this summer and I won’t ignore the outside this winter.

It was a promise he’d made every year since he’d bought the place, but he was determined to keep it this time. He’d always been a lover of the outdoors – perhaps that was why baseball had appealed to him so when he was a boy – and he didn’t want to wait until retirement to do something with his place. Maybe he’d plant a garden or something…

He slowed as he approached a stopped car a few feet ahead of him – red brake lights glowing in dark. As he grew nearer, the car door opened and something tumbled to the side of the road. The car took off and a flash of white fell into his headlights. Slamming on his brakes, he leaned over the wheel to get a better look.

A trembling ball of fur with big eyes peered up at him, too frightened to move.

Putting the car in park, he exited the car slowly. He crept toward the fur ball, hand held out, soft words falling from his lips. The thing trembled harder and stayed put, ducking only when Troy reached to touch it.

It was a dog – a puppy - but what kind, Troy had no clue. He continued to stroke the mangled fur on top of its head while speaking softly. It was a young dog, he was fairly certain, even though it was a good size already.

Anger shot through his veins as he realized the car in front of him must have dumped the poor thing. Carefully lifting it into his arms, he carried it to his car. The poor thing continued to shake, but didn’t all struggle. If it’d had any fight at all, it had left him.

Not being much of an animal person, Troy wasn’t sure what to do, but he couldn’t leave the poor thing out here all night. He supposed he could take it home and call someone to come get it in the morning.

The dog curled up on the passenger seat, big eyes staring at Troy for the rest of the journey, continuing to tremble.

As Troy entered the gates to his property, the dog finally stopped shaking, the big eyes closed as its muzzle rested on its dirty paws. Troy pulled into the garage and carried his bundle into the house. He set it on the kitchen floor, watching to see what it would do.

Well? Troy asked. The pup lifted its ears. What am I going to do with you, huh?

The puppy continued to stare at him, ears lifting with each word. With all that fur, I can’t tell if you’re skinny or not. Maybe you want some food? Water?

The puppy lifted its ears and cocked his head making Troy laugh. He fetched two bowls, filling one with water. When he set it down, the pup sniffed it only briefly before its pink tongue darted out, scooping water into its mouth.

While it drank, Troy opened the fridge and considered the options. He had no idea what to feed a puppy besides puppy food and he definitely had none of that.

Finding some leftover chicken breasts, he pulled them out of the fridge, cut one up, and warmed them in the microwave. He then placed it in the bowl and set it next to the water. The puppy sniffed this one eagerly and snapped the chicken up so quickly, Troy wondered if he should cut the other one up as well, but, not wanting to make the puppy sick, he decided against it.

Leaving the pup in the kitchen, he pulled a couple towels out of the closet in the guest bathroom. He folded them up and placed them on the kitchen floor. He waited for the puppy to crawl on them but it didn’t; instead, it sat on the floor and looked up at him with its big brown eyes.

Troy crossed his arms over his chest, mustering a glare. You’re not sleeping with me, my friend. It’s the towels or the cold tiles, your choice.

The puppy cocked its head again.

Troy knelt down to ruffle its ears. Good-night, my friend. Don’t chew anything up or…you know…make a mess on the floor.

He patted its head once more and stood. He surveyed the room to make sure there was nothing chewable in reach and left, shutting off the light and securely shutting the door.

Five minutes after he left the room, the puppy crawled into the towel pile, curled up, and closed its eyes.

Chapter Two

Troy pushed the kitchen door open in time to hear his housekeeper, Hildy shriek in perfect harmony with the yelp of the frightened puppy.

With a smirk curling his lips, he surveyed the scene before him. Hildy, with hand clutching her heart, gaped in comedic style at the fluffy puppy cowering under a kitchen chair. He dropped to his knees and talking softly, coaxed the trembling fur ball out from under the chair and to his hand. He scratched the puppy’s ears and felt the tremors slow in the little body.

I see you met my new friend, he called out to the housekeeper.

Troy, Hildy scolded, hands now on her considerable hips. You should leave me a note or give me some kind of warning! I nearly had a heart attack.

As Troy shifted so he was sitting on the floor, the pup crawled into his lap, leaning into his hand.

Sorry, he mumbled, studying the animal. Its white fur was so dirty and matted it was hard to tell if it had any other colors to it. Someone dumped the little guy last night and I couldn’t leave him.

Hildy approached the pair cautiously and squatted lower to have a better look.

Poor thing, she agreed. She tickled one of its overlarge paws with a deep frown. But he’s not going to stay little for long. Look at those paws!

Troy gave her a puzzled look. What does that mean?

Big paws, big dog, Hildy shrugged as she straightened. What are you going to do with it?

Take it to the shelter, I guess, he mused. Why? Do you want him?

Chuckling while shaking her head, she turned away, snatching her favorite apron from a peg near the hall to the mud room.

No, I certainly do not. I think you should keep him, she said as the puppy wriggled out of Troy’s lap and scampered off to sniff the back door. And I also think you should take it outside before it makes a mess on the floor.

Scrambling to his feet, he flipped the deadbolt and yanked opened the door. The puppy rushed outside, tumbled down the deck steps, and loped off to the grass. It stopped suddenly and relieved itself, much to Troy’s