An Officer and The Vet: A Bliss Cay Novella, #4

By Freda Ann

College sweethearts, Sam Wolfe and Isla Vanderbilt, were crazy in love, looking forward to spending the rest of their lives together—that is, until tragedy struck. Sam's father died suddenly in an accident that sends him into a tailspin of grief, leading him down a dark path. Hitting rock bottom, he pushes away his family, friends, and the woman he loves most of all, Isla.

 

Twelve years later, Sam is now Sergeant Wolfe and has managed to pull himself and his life back together. But he soon realizes nothing will ever be as magical as it was without the woman who holds his heart.

 

After being involved in an incident that injures Blue, Sergeant Wolfe's K-9, and a fellow officer, Sam and Blue begin suffering from PTSD, which threatens their peaceful existence.

 

Unbeknownst to Sam, his Lieutenant arranges for Isla, the best trauma Vet in Florida, to take over Blue's care while Sam is on vacation with his son in Bliss Cay.

Bound together through Blue's recovery, neither are prepared for what the summer holds. As Isla helps Blue through his traumas, she realizes recovery isn't possible until she sets the record straight with Sam—and it's only through delving into their past can they possibly move on, together.

 

Is the collision of Sam and Isla's worlds only the start of more heartbreak? Or will their re-uniting lead to something beautiful?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Freda Ann
• Release date: Aug 2, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201213268

Book preview

Chapter 1

Sam

"G et down, get down!" Jace yells through the radio.

My K-9 and I drop to the ground. On the way down I hear bullets flying past me. Blue grunts as we crawl behind a nearby tree.

I look around but my partner’s nowhere in sight. My heart races and my eyes scan as far as I can see. Keying the mic, I mutter, Where are you, Jace? Jace—

Bolting upright, my heart is pounding out of my chest. Blue whimpers, pawing my legs and staring up at me. Rustling his ears to comfort both of us, sweat trickles down my face when I notice a glimmer of daylight coming through the blinds.

Forcing out an extended sigh to release some of the anxiety, I tell him, I’m okay buddy, just another bad dream.

He whines and licks my arm before looking me in the eye, ears perked up. I know your pain goes deeper than mine. I’m sorry, Blue, I should’ve seen it coming.

Nudging my hand with his nose, I ask, What? You need to go out?

He sits up, waiting for me to climb off the bed. I’m getting up.

When my feet hit the floor, he jumps down but yelps on impact. Whoa there, buddy. You can’t move that fast, remember? The doctor said you have to go slow for a while longer.

My K-9 partner and faithful companion walks behind me to the back door. I open it and step outside to suck in the fresh air, hoping my heart resumes a normal rhythm soon.

Dr. Scott, the therapist I see, per department policy, told me that the flashbacks may come and go. They can happen when I’m asleep, and possibly while awake. Thankfully, they only appear at night and aren’t as frequent as they were that first month.

Following Blue to the kitchen, he stops and sits at the end of the bar waiting patiently. I pull his food out from the pantry and half-fill his bowl before I turn to him and flick my finger towards his breakfast.

On the way to the bedroom to get ready for my morning run, I hear a knock on the door. I glance out the window and see my brother’s motorcycle in the driveway.

Unlocking it, I pull the door open. Hey Danny, what’s up? I murmur.

Don’t act so happy to see me, bro. He pushes by as I shut the door behind him. Also a cop with my department, he of all people knows what I’m going through.

Sorry, it was a rough night.

Yeah, you look tired. Hard time sleeping or bad dreams?

A little of both, I guess.

You got any coffee?

I turn on the coffee maker and reach for two mugs. My brother opens the drawer and grabs the spoons, placing them next to the bowl of sugar on the bar as the coffee drips.

Maybe you should make a trip to the therapist. I cut my eyes at him while stirring the coffee.

I’m getting real tired of her digging in my head.

I know, Sam, but you don’t want this to go on indefinitely, especially with Josh coming to spend the summer with you.

Ignoring his comment, I ask, So what are you and the kids doing this summer?

I was about to ask you the same thing. Are you guys going to the beach or what?

Yeah, I figured since I have time off, I’d extend it and we’d go to Bliss Cay for the summer. It’s a good place to clear the cobwebs from my head and I know my boy will have a good time. At least there, I won’t have to find as many ways to entertain him. He makes friends pretty easy and likes the water sports.

I’m not sure what we’re doing to entertain the kids. Dana thought about taking a week off so we could go to the beach. If we go, I’ll let you know and maybe we can get a place nearby.

That’d be great. Josh would love having his cousins around.

Well, you know they love spending time with him. They think he’s kinda cool.

I laugh. Don’t tell him that, or his head will swell. It’s bad enough most of the girls in school know who he is.

Hmm, that sounds awfully familiar. I hated going places with you when I was that age because no one noticed me with the star football player around.

Are you still holding onto that? That’s what you get for wanting to hang out with your big brother.

You loved it when the girls walked right by me to get to you, Mr. Big Man on Campus. Now you’re reaping what you sow with Josh getting all the attention.

You think you’re funny, don’t you? I pour another cup of coffee before sliding onto the bar stool across from Danny.

He chuckles, Seriously though, unloading those negative thoughts on the therapist might be good for you, especially before the trip. Think of it as cleaning the slate for a peaceful summer.

I’ve been thinking about dad lately.

Wow, that can’t be easy on top of everything else. Dad in general or the accident?

The accident. It’s like the shooting has stirred up everything bad in my life.

You might wanna mention this too when you see the therapist.

When I set my mug on the bar and sit back in the chair, Blue stands and nudges my hand. Petting his head, I look into his eyes. I guess that’s your way of telling me to listen to your uncle?

He whines with his ears perked up.

See, even he knows best. Danny says before glaring at me over the top of his coffee cup.

I’ll make an appointment, okay buddy?

Arff!

After calling my therapist, we settle on the earliest available time for the following day.

Another restless night later, I settle into the chair at Dr. Scott’s office, and recount the nightmare to her before mentioning, I’m taking Josh to Bliss for the summer and will be leaving in a few days.

That’s a good idea. The change of scenery and putting some distance between you and your job can be therapeutic. Being so close to the source of a problem has a way of prolonging it sometimes.

Yeah, my little brother mentioned that too. At times I have to wonder how he got so wise.

I’d say from hanging out with his big brother. She looks at me with a grin.

Thanks, Doc.

You have my number if you want to talk while you’re away. Nodding, I push myself up.

I’m hoping I won’t need it, I call out as I walk out the door.

When I take my phone off silent, I notice a message from my ex, Carrie, after I get in the car.

I’m leaving to drop Josh off at your place. If that’s a problem, let me know now.

Before I can answer her, my phone rings. I recognize the number and answer on the second ring. Hello Lieutenant, what’s up?

Hey, Sam, I wanted to tell you about the Vet I’m getting ready to call. She’s the one I want to take over Blue’s care while you’re in Bliss Cay.

Okay, go ahead.

I listen as he sings the praises of someone named Dr. Jensen. She comes highly recommended and ranks among the top ten trauma Veterinarians in the United States. Dr. Jensen has done extensive research in military and police K-9 trauma that can lead to PTSD. Treat her with the utmost respect and do as she says, copy?

Would you expect anything less, sir?

You forget how long we’ve worked together. I know your stubborn side, and I also know how much Blue means to you. You can’t always have the final say. This is one time I won’t back down if you disagree with Dr. Jensen. I have complete faith in her abilities and you should too. Don’t make me order you, Sam. If it comes to that, we’re gonna have a bigger problem. You get my drift, Sergeant Wolfe?

Sighing, I answer, Yes, sir, loud and clear.

When I hang up, my mood plummets. I know my dog better than anyone, and I don’t like people telling me what he needs—they didn’t train him nor do they live with him.

As I unlock the door, Blue greets me. Hey buddy. Did you miss me? When I squat down in front of him, he licks my face. Missed you too.

Before I can stand, there’s a knock on the door. Oh darn, I forgot Carrie is dropping Josh off. Come in. I yell, pushing myself up.

My son steps into the foyer. Hey, dad. He grins at me before leaning over. Hi, Blue. Are you ready for the beach?

Blue whines and cocks his head at him.

Tell him, Blue.

Arff!

His ears perk up as Josh stands. Come here, you. Where’s my hug?

I step closer and throw an arm around him, squeezing