Read Online The Soldier Next Door by Storm Savage - Free Book Online
Authors: Storm Savage
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smile while driving his truck.
“I want to know if the fawns are going to survive. They were so precious. I’ve never held a baby deer.”
“Is that the only reason you rode along?”
Sydnie stared out the passenger side window. He was driving normally today. She sensed him reaching. Is he wondering if he scared me away? They had never discussed their tempestuous relationship. The opportunity hadn’t presented itself amidst the whirlwind of events.
“I enjoy being with you,” she finally replied, turning her head his way. “Last night was extreme.”
“I really like you, baby, but I’ll understand if you can’t handle my demons.” And there it was again—the adorable expression of innocence laced with undeniable allure—the look she could not resist.
“Can we talk about this later? I’m not comfortable having a serious discussion while you’re driving.”
“Afraid I’ll snap again?”
“The thought crossed my mind.” She let out a nervous sigh. “Honestly, I’m not sure what scares me more…your dark side or the fact I cannot stay away from you.”
He didn’t respond. They rode the rest of the way to the state game lands in silence. When they pulled up to a huge metal gate, Mason presented his Military ID to the guard. They were waved into what looked like a reserved area for official personnel only. All the parked cars had marked license plates and most bore an insignia on the side of the door. There were even a couple State Police cars in the lot.
“How did you get them to let us in here?”
“One of the cops is a buddy of mine,” he replied matter-of-fact-like.
“Let me guess…the cop you ran over?”
Mason gave a short laugh. “Yeah, you remember.”
“Hard to forget anything about you.” She couldn’t withhold a smile.
A different guard escorted them into a brick building. They followed him to the very rear where a small makeshift zoo had been erected. On a thick layer of straw laid the fawns. Heat lamps hung above the pen at every corner. A woman dressed in uniform was kneeling on the floor bottle-feeding the babies. Sydnie covered her mouth with one hand in awed silence, watching through teary eyes.
In walked a State Trooper. “You’re still around after last night, hm?” He smiled. “I’m Officer Troy. I heard about what happened.”
“Nice to meet you, I’m Sydnie Parks, Mason’s neighbor.”
He nodded politely. “This could only happen to Mason. Rarely do wildlife babies survive something like this. The fawns were full term and somehow escaped the trauma. Wildlife officials said both are in good condition and are expected to live. Mason’s quick thinking saved them.”
“I’ve never seen a man administer CPR on an animal.”
The officer grinned. “Not sure any of us have.”
“What will happen to them? It would be sad if they ended up back in the hunting field after fighting for their lives.”
“Everyone around here is calling them Mason’s Miracle . God knows he deserves one. But the details will not be in the news. People are not supposed to take matters into their own hands for many different reasons. They should call for help and wait for proper authorities.”
“Is he going to get fined?”
“No, you called quickly. We understand the situation.”
“So what will they do with the deer?”
“There is a private wildlife reserve about fifty miles north that specializes in fundraising. The game commission made plans to take them there when they are strong enough. Mason’s miracle twins will be part of an animal awareness program to raise funds for endangered wildlife. These lucky little souls will live on protected land while becoming accustomed to human interaction. ”
“Aw, that is wonderful news…I can’t believe they survived. Last night was crazy.”
“I’ve never seen anything like it. This truly was a miracle.” Officer Troy gave Mason a friendly slap on the back. “What do you think, buddy? Ready to slow that truck of
“I want to know if the fawns are going to survive. They were so precious. I’ve never held a baby deer.”
“Is that the only reason you rode along?”
Sydnie stared out the passenger side window. He was driving normally today. She sensed him reaching. Is he wondering if he scared me away? They had never discussed their tempestuous relationship. The opportunity hadn’t presented itself amidst the whirlwind of events.
“I enjoy being with you,” she finally replied, turning her head his way. “Last night was extreme.”
“I really like you, baby, but I’ll understand if you can’t handle my demons.” And there it was again—the adorable expression of innocence laced with undeniable allure—the look she could not resist.
“Can we talk about this later? I’m not comfortable having a serious discussion while you’re driving.”
“Afraid I’ll snap again?”
“The thought crossed my mind.” She let out a nervous sigh. “Honestly, I’m not sure what scares me more…your dark side or the fact I cannot stay away from you.”
He didn’t respond. They rode the rest of the way to the state game lands in silence. When they pulled up to a huge metal gate, Mason presented his Military ID to the guard. They were waved into what looked like a reserved area for official personnel only. All the parked cars had marked license plates and most bore an insignia on the side of the door. There were even a couple State Police cars in the lot.
“How did you get them to let us in here?”
“One of the cops is a buddy of mine,” he replied matter-of-fact-like.
“Let me guess…the cop you ran over?”
Mason gave a short laugh. “Yeah, you remember.”
“Hard to forget anything about you.” She couldn’t withhold a smile.
A different guard escorted them into a brick building. They followed him to the very rear where a small makeshift zoo had been erected. On a thick layer of straw laid the fawns. Heat lamps hung above the pen at every corner. A woman dressed in uniform was kneeling on the floor bottle-feeding the babies. Sydnie covered her mouth with one hand in awed silence, watching through teary eyes.
In walked a State Trooper. “You’re still around after last night, hm?” He smiled. “I’m Officer Troy. I heard about what happened.”
“Nice to meet you, I’m Sydnie Parks, Mason’s neighbor.”
He nodded politely. “This could only happen to Mason. Rarely do wildlife babies survive something like this. The fawns were full term and somehow escaped the trauma. Wildlife officials said both are in good condition and are expected to live. Mason’s quick thinking saved them.”
“I’ve never seen a man administer CPR on an animal.”
The officer grinned. “Not sure any of us have.”
“What will happen to them? It would be sad if they ended up back in the hunting field after fighting for their lives.”
“Everyone around here is calling them Mason’s Miracle . God knows he deserves one. But the details will not be in the news. People are not supposed to take matters into their own hands for many different reasons. They should call for help and wait for proper authorities.”
“Is he going to get fined?”
“No, you called quickly. We understand the situation.”
“So what will they do with the deer?”
“There is a private wildlife reserve about fifty miles north that specializes in fundraising. The game commission made plans to take them there when they are strong enough. Mason’s miracle twins will be part of an animal awareness program to raise funds for endangered wildlife. These lucky little souls will live on protected land while becoming accustomed to human interaction. ”
“Aw, that is wonderful news…I can’t believe they survived. Last night was crazy.”
“I’ve never seen anything like it. This truly was a miracle.” Officer Troy gave Mason a friendly slap on the back. “What do you think, buddy? Ready to slow that truck of
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