Raising the Stakes. Karen Rock

held the bottle between her paws, her eyes locked on Vivie’s. Too cute.

      “I’m glad she’s eating so well,” observed Dr. Morrison. “Wasn’t sure if she’d be able to do it. But she seems like a pro now. Once the swelling goes down, she should be able to try regular food.”

      “Of course she’s a champion.” Vivie smiled, feeling absurdly proud. She’d helped the bear eat. Had saved her last night. Everything about this moment felt right. Meant to be. If only Officer Walsh wasn’t in the picture...

      As if on cue, the tall, trim man pushed through the swinging door and came toward them, his face grim.

      “Thank you for caring for the bear today, Doctor Morrison.”

      The older woman smiled up at him. “Always happy to help out the DEC. Any word about the cub’s mother?”

      Vivie tensed, guessing his news from his expression. He glanced at her, his sad eyes belying the firm set of his mouth. “She’s been killed. Just finished up at the court house arraigning the poachers.”

      “You’re sure it’s her?” Vivie gasped, fear snaking through her. She contemplated the oblivious cub who’d nearly finished her bottle. Was this her last meal? If the DEC had its way, it would be.

      He nodded slowly. “Positive. The men confessed to everything.”

      She stroked the cub’s face, imagining armed strangers trekking through her woods, the vicious assault on the mother bear, the frightened orphan with nowhere to turn until it’d found her.

      “So then...” She couldn’t bring herself to finish her sentence.

      Officer Walsh’s face gentled as he gazed at her, then the cub.

      “I’ll be taking the bear and you can return to your diner. Thank you, Vivie, for helping today. If there were more people like you, we wouldn’t have these kinds of incidents.”

      “I’ll get the cub in its carrier.” Dr. Morrison pulled the bear from Vivie and hurried away, leaving a strained silence behind.

      “You’re just like the men you arrested,” Vivie accused when she could speak, despair and fury washing through her. “Killing an innocent animal.”

      Officer Walsh took off his hat, his hair flatter than it’d been this morning, the strain around his eyes turning their color to moss.

      “I’m performing a legal act. A humane one. The cub’s mother is dead and given her injured jaw and age, she’ll starve on her own.” He touched Vivie’s arm lightly and she jerked away. “I have no choice.”

      “You do have a choice. We could save this animal’s life.” She held up her smartphone. “I’ve been studying all day for the test. Give me this chance.”

      His eyes widened. “This isn’t about you, it’s about the bear.”

      Insulted, she stuffed her cell away. “Yes. An animal you’re supposed to protect. I’m taking this seriously. So should you.”

      Silence hung between them, tight and brittle, thrumming.

      He glanced over at the eavesdropping vet tech. “Let’s discuss this outside.”

      In the parking lot, he stopped beside his black SUV, the DEC police emblem painted in gold. She craned her neck to meet his eyes, hoping for some compassion, understanding, agreement, but the emotion she’d glimpsed earlier was gone, replaced by a shuttered expression.

      “I’m taking this very seriously,” he began, his boots planted shoulder width apart, his hands linked behind his back. “Putting the bear down is the only sensible solution.”

      “Sensible or easy?” she asked, feeling violent enough to push that mountain of a man. Get him to wake up. Realize how wrong he was.

      He rocked back on his heels, as if her words had shoved him.

      “It’s not that black-and-white. Let’s say you do pass the test. I help you build a code-approved structure and supervise your apprenticeship. Are you prepared for the rigors of caring for a wild animal? Big game? She could be nearing eighty pounds before she’s released or I locate a permanent home for her.”

      The smell of barbecue floated on the late afternoon air and her stomach grumbled. She hadn’t eaten since...when? The doughnut this morning? If anything, that showed how dedicated she was to the cub. To all of her pet family.

      “If she’s injured, she’d be better off staying with me. Permanently. No release needed.” The sun slanted over a line of birches, spinning the fine hairs on his arms into gold.

      Officer Walsh’s face softened. “That’d be the worst outcome...and unlikely. Wildlife rehabilitators only care for animals until they can either be returned to their habitat or placed in a sanctuary or reserve. Sooner or later you would lose her.”

      “Then let it be later!” she cried, pacing. She’d fight that battle when the time came. For now, she had to win this war. Convince him to give her a chance. The bear had sought a home last night and Vivie would give it to her.

      “And what about your diner?” He tapped the cleft in his chin. “You’re running a business. Taking care of the cub, especially in the early weeks, will be time-consuming.”

      “I can make my own hours. Bake desserts and do the books, the schedules and ordering from home.” She leaned in, sure she could persuade him—if he had a beating heart. “That’s my usual contribution, anyway, since Maggie oversees the cooking and staff. Going in and seeing the customers every day isn’t necessary. Trust me, I’ve got this figured out.”

      She clenched her chattering teeth and thought of the years she’d struggled to put her life together after her own attack. Her hands balled at her sides. She couldn’t—wouldn’t—let this bear be a victim of circumstances beyond its control. It was a survivor, hadn’t given up. And neither would Vivie.

      The bell above the clinic door jingled and Doctor Morrison emerged, lugging the oversize pet carrier. Officer Walsh reached the veterinarian in three long strides and grabbed the handle.

      “Thank you, doctor. I appreciate everything you’ve done. Please send the bill to the DEC.”

      Doctor Morrison glanced between the two of them then nodded. “Will do. Take care, now.”

      Vivie waited until the clinic’s door swung shut to speak again.

      “Please give me the cub.”

      “We both know that can’t happen.” He placed the carrier atop the SUV, beyond her reach, and opened his trunk. “This is life, Vivie. Not everything, or everyone, gets a happy ending.”

      She almost choked. Who knew that better than her? The bear’s fate shouldn’t be decided on someone else’s whim.

      When Officer Walsh placed the carrier in the trunk, the little cub rushed to the wire grate and poked out her nose. Vivie thrust her fingers inside and stroked her fur. She met the animal’s wide, frightened eyes, her heart surging.

      “You can’t do this,” she pleaded, her voice cracking. Was that a rifle behind the carrier? Would he use it to shoot the little bear?

      “It’s the kindest thing I can do for her.” His low words plunged through Vivie.

      She whirled, her vision blurring. “You’re nothing but a cold-blooded killer.”

      His face tightened as he slammed the trunk and pulled his keys from his pocket.

      “It was nice to see you again, Vivie. And believe me. I’m sorry about all of this.”

      “I wish I’d never seen you again.” She collapsed against the side of her truck and watched the SUV drive away, her bear inside.

      Images of the horrible deed about to unfold flashed through her mind—a nightmarish slideshow. How could she have let this happen?

      She