The Seal's Return

She led the way into a comfortable-looking living room. Dr. Bradley sat in a wheelchair next to a table piled high with folders.

“’Bout time,” Dr. Bradley groused as she was shown a chair next to him. “Thought you were going to be here three days ago.”

She would have been had there not been complications in Gordon’s court case. There was no qualified probation officer in Covenant Falls. An arrangement was worked out with the office in Pueblo whereby the local police in Covenant Falls would keep in contact with Gordon and report any probation violations. But she didn’t want to go into all that with Dr. Bradley. “I’m sorry,” she said. “We had last-minute complications.”

He turned then to the stack of folders on the table. “These are the records of our chronically ill patients. Heart disease, diabetes, cancer.” He discussed each case, often adding a wry comment about personal quirks of the patient.

She took notes on everything and silently vowed to do more research on ailments specific to the community. “I was thinking about holding an open house,” she ventured.

He raised a bushy white eyebrow. “Don’t know if that would be a good idea,” he warned. “The entire town would come to meet the new doctor. And if you had a series of them, you would have to figure out a way to string out the invitations as to not offend anyone. And they would expect to be fed.”

“Maybe not such a good idea?” Lisa winced.

“Don’t think so. If you want to get to know people, go to the churches. You’ll meet a lot of our patients there. You’ll be invited to a lot of homes, but again, people will be unhappy if you go to Mrs. Smith’s house and not theirs.”

She was getting a headache. This country doctor thing was more complicated than she’d thought.

“One more thing,” he said. “A lot of people here don’t have much money, but they have a lot of pride, so my billing system might seem a bit peculiar to someone who hasn’t been in private practice. Janie can fill you in on that.”

She nodded. They had already worked out the terms. She was to receive a salary, not rely on income. The salary wasn’t high but it was better than a resident’s salary and even the fellowship’s. And she had free rent and what looked like a very low cost of living compared to Chicago.

Dr. Bradley looked tired, too tired.

“I’d better go,” she said. “I promised my sister a dog today.”

“Great idea,” Dr. Bradley said. “It’s amazing what they can do in reducing stress.”

Maybe she needed two—or more—dogs. She nodded, even as she wondered whether he meant more than the words indicated. “Thank you for giving me this chance. I’ll keep in close touch.”

“Good. Don’t hesitate to call me if you have a question.”

But she would hesitate. He didn’t look well at all. He skin looked pasty and pale, and his breathing was labored. She’d already stayed too long.

She said goodbye and left.

Kerry was waiting for her when she arrived back at the house.

“Where’s your brother?” Lisa asked.

“He didn’t say.”

Lisa didn’t press her. She didn’t want them tattling on each other. That, she knew, was no way to build trust, which was already sorely lacking.

“Did he eat anything?”

“Some toast, then took off.”

Lisa closed her eyes. Secrecy had become a way of life with him.

At least he couldn’t get in trouble in a town this small. She suspected she would hear about it instantly. She comforted herself with the thought that he was exploring the town, not huddled in his bedroom with his cell phone.

Still, she called him. To her surprise, he answered almost immediately.

“Where are you?” she asked.

“Just hanging around.”

“Meet some kids?”

Silence.

“When will you be back?” she tried again.

“Don’t know exactly.”

“What about lunch?”

“I’m not hungry.”

“You’re always hungry.”

“Not since you made me leave Chicago.” Bitterness was thick in his voice.

She ignored the dig. “I’ll be at the clinic this afternoon,” she said. “And home by five. I want you there for dinner.”

“All right. Gotta go.” He hung up.

He gave up too easily. It worried her.

Lisa looked at her watch, noted the time. She ran a brush through her hair and added a touch of lipstick. Then she went into the kitchen. “Let’s go see about that dog, kiddo,” she said.

The delighted look on her sister’s face lightened her heart. She hoped they could find a suitable dog. At least her sister would have some happiness and maybe her brother would, as well.

CHAPTER FIVE

IT WAS TWELVE on the dot when Lisa and Kerry arrived at the veterinarian’s office. Punctuality had been drilled into Lisa’s head as a child and fortified by college, medical school and residency.

They were greeted by a young woman behind a counter. “Hi,” she said. “You must be the new doctor. Stephanie’s expecting you. I’m Beth Malloy, her vet tech. I’ll tell her you’re here.”

“Thank you,” Lisa said, and looked around the office. It was a pleasant setting with comfortable chairs and light blue walls. She looked at a large bulletin board. There were “lost and found” flyers on dogs and cats and “for sale” flyers for horses. Toward the bottom were photos of dogs with For Adoption headings.

“Hi,” came a voice from behind her. She turned around and saw a tall, lithe redhead.

“I’m Stephanie,” she said. “Welcome to Covenant Falls, Dr. Redding.” Without waiting for an answer, the veterinarian turned to Kerry. “And you must be Kerry. I’m sorry I missed you yesterday. I hear you like animals and might be interested in one of my rescues.”

“Yes...ma’am.” It was obvious, at least to Lisa, that Kerry was nervous.

“Have you had a dog before?” Stephanie asked.

“No.”

“But you know an animal is a lot of responsibility?” Stephanie studied Kerry’s face.

Kerry nodded.

“I have several dogs here in need of a family,” Stephanie said. “Two are puppies, but that takes even more care and time.” She looked at Lisa for guidance.

“Oh, can we have a puppy?” Kerry said just as Lisa was about to announce her preference for an older, well-trained addition to her family.

“Let’s take a look at them,” Stephanie said. She opened the door between the waiting and office areas and led the way to the back. She opened another door and they walked into a large room. Two golden retrievers stood and frantically wagged their tails. “These two are mine,” Stephanie said. “Sherry and Stryker. They’re search and rescue dogs.”

“Can I pet them?” Kerry asked.

“They would be offended if you didn’t,” Stephanie replied with an infectious grin. “Sherry is the one on the right.”

Lisa noticed that Stephanie watched carefully as Kerry knelt and rubbed her hands through the thick fur of each dog. They responded with thumping tails and happy wriggles.

Stephanie nodded with approval. “They’re good judges,” she said. She went over to one of the kennels and opened it. “Now this little girl,” Stephanie said as she brought out a blond bundle of fur, “was found in a hoarding situation where there wasn’t enough care. She’s about six months old. She’s very sweet and smart, but she’s been neglected and needs a lot of attention. I’ve been looking for just the right person to take care of her,” Stephanie said.

“I can do that,” Kerry said as she took the small dog in her arms. The dog promptly licked her face.

Lisa-the-doctor inwardly flinched, but Lisa-the-sister didn’t have the heart to say no. Kerry hadn’t looked so happy since months before their mother died.

Stephanie looked at Lisa with a question in her eyes.

Lisa hesitated, then nodded.

“What’s her name?” Kerry asked.

“I’ve been calling her Susie, but if you take her, you can rename her,” Stephanie said.

“I like the name,” Kerry said. She looked at Lisa, her heart bursting with affection. “Can I have her, Lisa?”

“You’ll have to feed her, keep her dishes clean and walk her often,” Lisa said. “She’ll be your responsibility.”

“I’ve started her house training,” Stephanie said, “and she’s doing very well, but you have to take her out often and clean up if she makes a mistake. You might want a crate for when you’re gone.”

Kerry nodded rapidly. “I will.”

“She’s not like a toy or a game that you can put aside when you’re tired or busy,” Stephanie continued. “It’s a real commitment. Your commitment. Not your sister’s.”

“I know,” Kerry said. She looked at Lisa. “I’ll take care of her. I promise.”

“She’s had all her shots and has been spayed. She’s already been chipped in case she ever gets lost,” Stephanie continued. “She’s in good health now, but she’s gone through some tough times, and she needs security and affection. I have to warn you,” Stephanie added, “she’s still in the chewing stage. You don’t want to leave your shoes where she can get them. Chew sticks are advised.”

Lisa started having doubts after the last comment but by then Susie’s head was resting on Kerry’s shoulder and the dog looked like she’d reached heaven.

“What is the fee?” Lisa asked.

Stephanie smiled. “We don’t charge anything if we find the right home, but I belong to a rescue group that accepts donations to help cover their costs. The name and address of the group will be on Susie’s paperwork and it’s completely voluntary. I’ll never know whether you contribute or not.”

Lisa looked down at Kerry. “What do you think, sis?” she asked, even though the answer was obvious.

“I want her. Please. Can I take her now?”

Lisa looked at Stephanie, who hesitated. “You’ll need a collar and leash. Dog dishes. One for water, one for food. Dog food, of course. You can get that at the grocery store here in town. They have several good brands. You might want a dog bed. The general store has those, along with dog toys.”

Lisa nodded, her mind a cash register as it started adding costs.

“Why don’t we have lunch at Maude’s?” Stephanie suggested. “We can talk about training Susie. Then you can pick up what you need before taking her home.”

Lisa hadn’t expected a new member of the family this fast. She’d intended to discuss the possibility first. She’d always been a planner, someone who looked at all aspects of an action before making a decision. But lately it seemed decisions were being made for her.

Then she saw the broad smile on Kerry’s face and nodded. Her sister obviously didn’t want to leave the dog, and apparently Susie didn’t want her to leave either as she pressed her body against Kerry’s. She was claiming Kerry as much as Kerry was claiming the dog.

They walked several doors down to Maude’s and went inside. Maude greeted Lisa like an old friend even though it was only the second time they’d met. She walked them to one of the few remaining booths and gave them menus.

Stephanie talked about Susie and what she’d observed since the dog had been with her, then asked Kerry about herself. “I heard you like horses, too.”

“Oh, yes,” Kerry said. “Mrs. Manning told Lisa she’d teach me to ride.”

“What else do you like? In school, for instance, what’s your favorite subject?”

“English and history.”

“You’ll have to go to our pageant Saturday night,” Stephanie said. “It’s all about the history here and the gold rush.”

Kerry looked at Lisa. “Can we?

“Sure,” Lisa said. “I’d like to see it, too.”

Lisa listened to Stephanie and Kerry talk about Susie and the dos and don’ts of raising a puppy. She reminded herself that she needed to get home, check on her brother and read the files Dr. Bradley had given her. She planned to spend the entire day at the clinic tomorrow. There were a number of shots to administer to incoming first graders along with three scheduled annual physicals.

Конец ознакомительного фрагмента.

Текст предоставлен ООО «ЛитРес».

Прочитайте эту книгу целиком, купив полную легальную версию на ЛитРес.

Безопасно оплатить книгу можно банковской картой Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, со счета мобильного телефона, с платежного терминала, в салоне МТС или Связной, через PayPal, WebMoney, Яндекс.Деньги, QIWI Кошелек, бонусными картами или другим удобным Вам способом.