Page 3 of She Found Me

Mia

The first thing I do when I get in is head to the bathroom. I tie up my hair, strip out of my tight red dress, and get into the shower. I wash off my makeup along with my day, leaving Mia the brand behind until tomorrow. Because that’s all I am when I’m out there. I have a job to do, and I take my role in the Guerra seriously. But that’s my job, and now it’s me time. Once I’m makeup free and refreshed, I put on my comfy shorts, vest top, and trainers and head out.

The smell as I go outside has me smiling. The back of my house is surrounded by fruit trees. Trees I planted when I moved here. The Guerras are known for their lemons, but I prefer apples and oranges. I pull an apple from the tree and bring it to my lips, and I inhale before taking a bite. So delicious and juicy. After pottering around my garden for ten minutes, I mount my quad bike, which is parked at the side of the house. I quickly start the engine and ride through the acres of land to my sanctuary.

As I pull up, Alfie, Emmaline’s son, comes out to meet me. He waves, excitedly beckoning me to get in quickly.

“It’s time, Mia. Come quick. Rosie’s having her babies.”

Sure enough, when I enter, I find Emmaline comforting our latest rescue, a spaniel cross who is in full labour.

“Wow, Rosie, you’re doing so well. You’re such a good girl.” I give her head a stroke and scratch behind her ears.

“Hey, you’re distracting her,” Emmaline jokes, batting me away. Emmaline just wants the best view. She has been caring for Rosie for the past week, making sure everything was ready for the new arrivals. By the looks of the labouring mother, the puppies should arrive very soon. It’s only fair that Emmaline gets to see all the best bits.

Soon enough, the puppies arrive one by one. Emmaline checks them over and hands them to the new mum to clean and feed. Alfie and I watch in awe, the miracle of life happening before us. We now have five new animals to take care of in the sanctuary, however these little beauties will be adopted once they’re old enough. That takes our current total to 105.

I opened the sanctuary about twelve months ago when my house got too crowded with the dogs and cats I had taken in. Most of the animals I rescue are strays. The poor things had been abandoned or were perhaps born on the streets due to their parents being previously rejected and dumped, many of them with medical conditions. Most of the animals won’t ever leave the sanctuary. People don’t want to adopt an animal with extra needs and additional expenses or an older animal that only has a few years left. This was my reason for taking all these animals in. I want every animal to live all their days, especially their last days, in a comfortable, loving environment. That is what I have created here in the sanctuary.

I designed the building myself, as a home from home. There are no cages or crates. We have a living room with sofas and chairs, bean bags, and rugs. There’s a fireplace and a television. All the windows are to the floor so the animals can sit and look outside. The dogs especially enjoy barking at the postman when he arrives—oh, and the window cleaners get a good barking at too.

Then we have the playroom, where the dogs and cats play with toys and run and climb on the soft play equipment. The kitchen has separate areas where the animals can eat individually or as a group. Some of the animals, when they arrive, aren’t used to being in such close proximity with other animals, especially another species of animal. It doesn’t usually take long for them to settle in, though. The eating situation, however, can be a bit difficult. We cater for all their needs, even the grumpy ones who don’t like to share.

The bathroom has walk-in showers and a big, raised bath. In the bedroom, we make sure there is a suitable bed or basket for each animal. They’re each given a new one with their name on it when they arrive. Funnily enough, most of the animals stick to their own beds. We also have extras in there and large cushions in foam kennels in case any of them want to snuggle up, which many do. We dim the light in here during the day. We do this so that the older ones always have a place to go that is calm and relaxed. Each room has a dog and cat flap that take them outside to the business area. These areas are restricted and were designed purely for them to do their business.

Outside, we have acres and acres of grass and woodland that the animals get to explore every day. The sanctuary is also starting to expand with other animals now. It wasn’t planned, but how could I say no to a three-legged rabbit and a blind guinea pig? That’s the next project. A barn building of some description, as it looks like we will also be taking on chickens and a pair of billy goats.

I fund the sanctuary myself, but I have a long list of volunteers who love and care for the animals. We do a lot of pet therapy sessions. Some we run here, where people will come and look after them for day, go for a walk with them, or just sit and watch television with them. Then we have days where we take some of our more relaxed animals out into the community, nursing homes, hospitals and so on, like a therapy treatment. I do have my paid staff who do these activities and run the sanctuary twenty-four-seven. Although I pay the expenses, we do charge for some things, like the sale of puppies and the training and experience days we run. Even though the sanctuary is a charity, we cannot have civilians thinking the Guerra are soft. No, the only reason I am allowed to own such an organisation as this is that—how did my father put it again? Ahh yes, it “enforces once again that the Guerra are in charge of everything, even charity.”

Emmaline is one of my volunteers. She and Alfie come up here twice a week. Alfie adores the animals. He wants to be a vet when he’s older. Emmaline refuses to take any payment for her time, as she says she does it because she enjoys it, and it’s something she and Alfie can do together. So instead, I give the money to Alfie. I’m not sure about Emmaline’s money situation. They live a modest life in a nice three-bed cottage, but Emmaline doesn’t work, and my instinct tells me she isn’t very wealthy.

Once all the puppies have been checked and have their coloured ribbon collars so we can tell them apart, Emmaline and Alfie settle them in a quiet area of the bedroom. Alfie kisses each one good night, promising to see them tomorrow.

“Thank you so much for your help today, Alfie. Here are your wages.” I hand Alfie an envelope.

“Thanks, Mia. You know I’m saving up for my own sanctuary just like this. And then, when I’m a vet, I am going to make all the sick animals better.”

“I know you will, Alfie. You will be a very good vet too.”

Alfie beams, and the two of them leave along with their dog Macy, who always comes with them for a play with the other animals.

The rest of the evening passes quickly. There’s always something that needs doing. A puddle made by one of the older ones who didn’t make it outside or a laundry wash that needs going on. Once we are straight, I settle down in the living area on one of the bean bags. As soon as my bum touches down, I’m swarmed with furballs. Everyone wants cuddles and scratches behind their ears. This is my favourite part of the day.

I’m just dozing off when my phone rings. It’s my brother Van.

“Mia?!” There’s no pleasantries from my brother. Straight to the point.

“Van, how are you?”

“There’s an event tomorrow I need you to attend. Lorenzo’s throwing himself a coronation party.” Van continues, ignoring my question.

“A what? Is that a thing when someone becomes the Chief of Police?” I ask.

“No. It’s a coverup for something. I need you go and find out who is there. See what you can find out.”

“Yes, no problem. Where and when?”

“Villa Mico. The car will pick you up at 7:30 p.m.” And the line goes dead.

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