A deputy they didn’t recognize stopped them.
Julian held up his badge. “We’re working with Sheriff Pella. We’re looking for someone named Kenzie.”
“Ah. Okay. Great.” The deputy pointed to a dark-haired woman who stood off to one side. “That’s Kenzie there.”
Julian parked and reached into the back seat for his shirt, tugging it gently from beneath Crank, who no longer seemed afraid. He slipped it over his head, wincing as fabric rubbed against what where probably second-degree burns.
Hunter frowned, leaned over to look at Julian’s back. “You’re burned.”
“What of it?”
“You need medical attention.”
“I’m fine.”
“Okay. You stay here with Crank and Catzilla, while I go get Kenzie.”
“I’ll go.” Julian stepped out, careful not to let the cat escape, and walked over to Kenzie. She was speaking with two men in expensive suits—the men from the wedding portrait.
“Kenzie?”
She stopped talking, looked over at Julian, tearstains on her cheeks. “Yes.”
“I’m Julian Darcangelo, Denver Police SWAT. Sheriff Pella sent us to get Crank and Kahlo. They’re in our vehicle.”
Relief lit up her face. “Oh, thank God!”
One of the men pressed a hand to his heart, his eyes going shut, his head falling back on an exhale.
The other reached out to shake Julian’s hand. “Thank you so much, officer. I’m Chip. This is my husband, Charles.”
“Good to meet you, and you’re welcome.” Julian led them back to the SUV and watched as Crank was reunited with his people and with Kenzie, his tail wagging.
Hunter joined him. “I’m not sure how you’re going to get the cat out of the vehicle without getting sliced up.”
“I’ll go get a carrier.” Kenzie dashed off.
Chip saw the scratches on Hunter’s hands. “Did our Kahlo do that to you? I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t worry about it.” Hunter grinned. “I’ve had worse.”
Julian snorted. “That’s the truth.”
A few minutes later, Kenzie returned with a pet carrier. “Here you go.”
Charles extracted Kahlo from beneath the driver’s seat and tucked her safely inside. “Aw, baby. Have you had a scary day?”
Kahlo gave a pitiful meow.
Then Hunter reached inside the SUV again and pulled out the portrait. “I managed to take this on the way out the door. I’m afraid the rest is gone by now.”
Chip and Charles took the portrait from him, stared in astonishment first at it and then at each other. Then they turned to Julian and Hunter, tears in their eyes.
Chip held the portrait against his chest. “How can we ever thank you?”
“You saved what was important. The rest is just stuff.” Charles smiled through his tears. “Thank you so much.”
“We’re just doing our job,” Hunter said.