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.
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
