Love's Taming(77)
“Shane, I know that. I know what they are. That’s why I want to find some.”
“Babe, you’re still not getting the picture here. These people may shoot visitors before they find out why you’re there and they sure as hell won’t be friendly once they realize your purpose.”
Annie turned her wide-eyed gaze back to him. “Honey, people don’t shoot other people like that!”
He just stared at the innocent beauty in front of him and rubbed his hand over his face. How do I let her know the dangers without taking away that sunshine?
“Baby, you’ve got no idea of the world I have been in and I don’t want you to. If I could keep you wrapped up in a bubble, swear to God I would. You’ve already been terrorized once by part of that world,” he added, noticing her wince. “And I want to keep that world from you.”
Staring at his pale blue eyes that held love and concern for her, she leaned back in her chair. “You’re serious, aren’t you? You’re not just doing some caveman act on me.”
“Yeah, Annie girl. I’m serious. You leave the investigation to me. You do your job, the job that you love, and leave the rest to me.”
* * *
“I was going back over some files and came across the injuries due to a dog attack. Did you ever call the emergency vet?” Suzanne asked.
Annie thought for a moment before remembering the details. “Oh yeah. I got hold of Dr. Ketchum and he said he never saw a dog that evening, but that they had a new receptionist working there so there may have been an error or oversight.”
Suzanne looked concerned. “Error? Mr. Charleston was very sure about what occurred. Why would the emergency vet not remember or have records?”
“I don’t know. His explanation made sense to me at the time, but to be honest with everything going on, I really didn’t follow up any more.”
“Do you mind if I do some digging? Mr. Charleston seemed so sweet and he is so protective over his dog since his wife passed away.”
Smiling at her assistant, Annie agreed. “Sure. Check back with him and then with the vet if you want.”
They turned toward the hall as the yowling of an angry cat was heard. Leon walked in with a cat attempting to rip him to shreds, but he had the animal in a firm grip.
“Could use a little help here Suzanne, if you two are tired of playing detective vet!”
She was already walking toward him, ready to assist. “What a whiner, Leon. It’s just a little kitty!”
Later, Annie came out of an examination room and saw Carl at the front desk. “Hey, I didn’t think you were working today.”
“I needed to get away from my mom for a little bit while the therapist was there so I thought I’d stop by and check on some of my files. I was curious about your consultation from that gorgeous woman a while back. Did Rocky ever come back and bring her animal?” Wiggling his eyebrows, he said, “I was kind of hoping to find out if she was single.”
Annie hesitated, not knowing what to say. It seemed wrong to lie to Carl, and yet, the situation surrounding Rochelle’s visit was so personal. “Um, I haven’t heard from her since she was here.” At least that’s not a lie.
“Too bad. Hey, I’m meeting some friends after work for drinks. Do you want to join us? You can bring your boyfriend.”
“Thanks, but he’s working late and I’ll be here catching up on work as well. But have fun.”
After Leon and Suzanne left for the day, Annie finally finished her reports and shut down her computer. Leaning back in her chair, she closed her eyes and rubbed her temples. Thoughts had been swirling around her mind for hours and she just wished she could turn them off. Shane. Their house. The clinic. Suzanne finishing her program. Leon taking on more responsibility. Matt. The puppy-mills. Shane’s case. Carl. Rocky.
“Auggggh!” she yelled out loud. This is why Shane is the detective and I am the vet. Animals I understand. I assess their condition and then systematically begin to find the causes. Dogs don’t have ulterior motives. Cats may want to scratch you if they are scared, but they’re not trying to kill you.
Standing up from the office chair she tried to roll it back under the counter, but the wheels were stuck on something. Bending down to see what was the obstruction she saw a man’s wallet. Grabbing it, she stood up as she opened it to see who it belonged to. The driver’s license showed it was Carl’s. He’s out with friends and won’t have his ID for bars. Looking at her watch, she wondered if she had enough time to get it to his mother’s apartment before he left with his friends.