Hannah
Nick called it when he predicted I’d check on Bandit every day. But today, instead of driving by, I park up the street to be less obvious but still close enough to see the front yard. No sign of Bandit, but it’s raining today, so maybe the owner took him in.
Yeah, right. And I’m Mother Teresa. More likely, Bandit dragged himself to shelter somewhere huddled in the backyard, shaking and afraid. The thought of him cold and wet pushes my concern to borderline anger. My friend, Pete, at Animal Services, said they’d send someone out this week. I just wish that was today.
My hand hovers over the handle as I imagine climbing over the fence and rescuing Bandit. I even threw an old blanket into the backseat, just in case. I know it’s a reckless idea that could cause more harm than good to my new practice if I wind up in jail for trespassing, but I can’t seem to bring myself to drive away.
I prop my head on the steering wheel as I weigh my options. Patience may be a virtue, but injustice is a powerful disruptor. A dull knock on my window makes me jump. Marnie smiles and waves at me from under a bright pink umbrella.
Cool, damp air rushes in as I open my window. “Hey, Marnie.”
She tilts her head. “I recognized your car.” She glances toward Bandit’s house. “Nothing’s really changed since you were here last.”
“I know. I’m working on that. Do you know where Bandit is?”
“In the back. There’s an old dog house there. Not in great shape, but better than nothing.”
That’s something, at least. I glance at the clock on my dashboard. Nick will be waiting outside in this rain if I don’t hurry up. “I have to get to work. You still have my card?”
Marnie nods. “Don’t worry. I’ll call if anything changes.”
I smile with gratitude. “Thanks.”
As I pull into the spot in front of my office, Nick waves to me from under a blue and white golf umbrella. I make a dash up the walk, holding my purse over my head.
“Sorry. Running a little behind today.” I fumble with my keys as Nick holds his umbrella over both of us. As soon as the door opens, I rush inside, shake the rain off my arms, and then run a hand over my curls.
Nick closes the door and closes his umbrella, which he props by the door. “Everything okay?”
His concern breaks the chill that settled over me as I sat in my car, looking for signs of Bandit’s condition. “Yeah, I’m fine.”
He tilts his head as he studies me. “Liar.”
I sigh. “Okay, Iwillbe fine. As soon as I know Bandit is getting help.”
“You found out his name?”
“No, that’s what I call him.”
Nick’s concern intensifies his handsome features. He slides his fingers into the top of his jean pockets, shoulders relaxed. “You named him?”
“Don’t worry about it. I’ve got it covered.”
“Are you sure about that?” The man is like a dog with a bone.
“You know, Nick, I have two older brothers already. The last thing I need is a third.”
He holds his hands up in surrender, but his expression looks irritated.
I toss my purse onto my desk chair. “I’m sorry. You’re just trying to be helpful, and I was rude. Yes, I drove by to check on Bandit and even considered climbing the fence to find him. Thankfully, the woman next door told me there’s a doghouse in the back.”
“Remind me to thank his neighbor.” A slanted grin and a twinkle in his eyes accompany his sarcasm.
I know he’s trying to make me smile, but I’m in no mood. “And why would I do that?”
His grin slips, and his tone turns serious. “Because I need my physical therapist’s expertise to get me back to work.”
Point taken. And it’s not like I didn’t think about my patients while I sat in that car, weighing my options. Nick’s only saying what I already considered.
