Hostile Witness (Sanctuary, Inc. #1)

Chapter 6

6

T ia dialed the number for Bayside Animal Hospital. She’d kept up with a classmate from high school on social media, and he’d mentioned working there. And yes, he answered.

“Hey, Mike, it’s Tia O’Rourke. How are you?”

“Good, Tia, I’m good. What a nice surprise. Did you finally get a puppy?”

As much as she loved dogs, she didn’t have the time to devote to train a puppy. “No, not yet. I’m actually calling because I heard you have a K9 there recuperating from surgery whose owner passed away. His name is Flynn. Is there any way I can stop by and visit him for a few minutes?”

“Sure. I’ve got to warn you though; he’s in rough shape. I’ve been here since six this morning keeping an eye on the fella. He’s sedated, but you’re welcome to sit with him for a little bit.”

That was exactly what she’d hoped he would say. “I’m in the empty parking lot across the street from you.”

“Really? Well, come on in.” A few seconds later, Mike opened the door and waved.

She bolted from her car and headed over. Wow. Mike had changed. He wore a white doctor’s coat and was at least half a foot taller than she remembered. What a weird week, seeing acquaintances from her high school days.

“Tia, you look great.” He took her jacket and hung it up on one of the big racks in the foyer. “If you don’t mind me asking, what interest do you have in Flynn?”

“I was on a ride along with the officer who found him yesterday, and I wanted to see how he was doing.”

Mike nodded knowingly. “I operated on him last night. Big guy freaks out every time he wakes up. I decided to keep him slightly sedated for a couple of days so his stitches heal better. He’s holding his own physically.”

Tia was stunned. “Are you the new vet in town?”

“Sure am. I finished my residency a year ago and decided to move back and buy the practice from Doc Wagner.” He grinned. “Do you remember Casey Thomas from Spanish our senior year? We bought this animal hospital together, and we’ve set our wedding date for June.”

Awww. “Congratulations. I’m happy for you guys. And congrats on the veterinary practice, too. Thanks for letting me see Flynn on such short notice. I realize it’s a bit unorthodox to stop by when you’re closed, late on a Sunday afternoon.”

“No problem. We’re open for emergencies.” He leaned in as if he were telling a secret. “I’m glad to have a break from sitting with him. He’s back here in Room Two. Be careful if you touch him. He’s covered in bruises. We had to shave him for surgery, and right now he resembles a mummy with all the gauze. Let him hear your voice before you touch him.”

Tia’s gut twisted when she saw Flynn. How could anybody batter an animal so brutally? “If he wakes up, will he be aggressive?”

“No, quite the opposite. He whimpers when he comes to. This one’s a smart fella, and he remembers the attack. Until the police piece this case together, Flynn here is the only one who truly knows what happened.”

“What’s his prognosis?”

“We’re optimistic and hoping for a full recovery but honestly won’t know for a while.” Mike hesitated. “I’ll leave the door ajar. Call me if he wakes up, and feel free to stay as long as you like. Another vet will take over at six, but I’ll be here until then.” He left the room.

Tia hurt just looking at Flynn. He was a huge dog but so vulnerable. Fighting back tears, she sat in the chair Mike had provided. Now what? Ever so gently, Tia spoke in soft murmurs and stroked the fur on his face from his snout to his ears.

“You’re a brave boy, Flynn. I saw you yesterday at your house, and I’m so sorry this happened. I never would’ve seen you, but I needed a bathroom. Well, the moral of that story is: Don’t drink your whole water bowl before a long car ride.” She chuckled to herself. “Actually, buddy, it was worse than that. I ended up peeing myself and dousing the detective who found you. I’m sure it wasn’t his finest day, either.”

She soothed Flynn’s unbandaged paws with gentle petting. “You know, my third-grade students would be very interested in meeting you if you feel like it when you get better. Which reminds me, I still need to turn in my lesson plans for the coming week. The weekend is so short, you know?”

Tia relaxed into the chair and closed her eyes. She hadn’t been this still in a long time. Life was so busy. There was something quietly profound about touching an injured dog in a tender way. She felt a little bit like she, too, was mending on the inside. “I know all about recovery, Flynn. Got the big scars just like you. It’s a good thing your fur will grow back and cover them. I wish I had fur to cover mine.” She startled when a tongue licked her pinkie finger. The dog stared straight at her.

Oh. “I’m so sorry you lost your person, Flynn. Hang in there. I had a special person once... ”

Mike strolled into the room. “You’ve got the touch with animals, Tia. He’s so relaxed with you. Are you sure you don’t want to give up your teaching job and be my vet assistant?” He laughed, checking Flynn’s monitors and fluid levels. “I’m putting a mild sedative in his drip so he nods off again. We want to keep him quiet until tomorrow morning. Go ahead and pet him some more if you want. He’d probably like that.”

Tia rubbed Flynn’s forehead and ears as he drifted off to sleep again. She whispered in his ear, “I’ll stop by tomorrow after work, big guy.”