Tough Love

Chapter One Hundred Twenty-Nine

Chapter One Hundred Twenty-Nine

Dani's P.O.V.

I'm laying on the couch, with a book and Scar's head in my lap. He's not asleep and his eyes are constantly checking up on me. I'm sure he can sense how tense I am. I'm so worried that my insides are in knots and I feel like I'm going to be sick. My fears are only made worse when I remember Eli was shot not that long ago. I almost lost him that time and I'm petrified that every time he leaves on a job, it will be the last time I see him. I don't know if my heart can take this.

I bury my face in Scar's fur and try to allow his presence to relax me. That isn't so easy to do and I'm sure I won't release this tension until Eli walks through the door. Hearing his voice would be a bonus, but he spoke to me after the raid and he still nearly died.

I can feel myself start to panic at the thought and I work on calming myself down. Scar whines at me and nudges my hands with his wet nose.

I speak in Dutch to him, "I know. I'm scared too. Maybe you don't get scared, huh? You're a cop so you've seen it all, haven't you? How do they do it, boy? How do they not get scared every time they go out on a call? I get scared at silly little things and they're not even scared when they're getting shot at. How is that even possible?"

Scar simply raises his eyes to look directly at me. The gesture is so small and simple, but it holds much significance to me. It's almost like he's responding to my questions.

I hold my book in one hand, run my fingers through Scar's fur with the other and read while I wait for Eli. I have to do something to distract myself. I've already baked and frosted a cake for him. I just have to wait until I hear from Eli or see him walk through the door. He said he'd call when the transfer was over, so I believe he will do that. I check the phone to make sure it's switched on. Just as I'm doing this, it rings in my hand.

I quickly press the little green button and ask, "Eli?"

His voice is soft when he replies, "Hey, it's me."

The background is very noisy so I hesitantly ask, "Is everything ok?"

"Yeah, the transfer is complete and we're just finishing up with the reports before we can make our way back. How are you doing?"

I rush out, "Are you in one piece? No injuries?"

"No, no injuries. I'm fine. We're all fine."

I let out a long sigh, "And the danger is over, right?"

"Yes ma'am, the danger is over. We'll be heading back soon."

"Then I'm ok. I was so worried."

"I know. I'm sorry about that. Everything is fine. How's Scar?"

"He's ok. He's laying on the couch with me right now..."

I'm almost certain I hear him mutter, "I wish I was him right now."

Instead of bringing attention to his possible comment, I ask, "Eli? Are you sure you're ok?"

"Yeah, I'll just be really glad to get back. Maybe I'm getting too old for these late nights..."

"You're still recovering. You should really be resting, if you don't mind me saying so..."

"You can say whatever you want to me. I'm ok with that. Maybe I'll take a day off tomorrow or at least go in a little later. How would that suit you?"

I won't like not going into work with him or having him there to watch out for me, but I won't be selfish and tell him that. I put his recovery foremost in my mind when I reply, "I think that's a good idea. You need to get some rest."