Page 37 of Reckless Harmony

He went into the kitchen and studied the blood on his jacket before taking it off and draping it over a chair. He’d drop it off for dry cleaning later today, though he didn’t hold out much hope they’d actually get it clean.

He brewed himself a cup of coffee, checking the time on the microwave. It was just after five in the morning, and despite having been awake all night, he felt jumpy and restless. He’d never quite had a night like last night before.

On the way to the south side, Rayna had gotten another call, this one from a new foster who’d been fostering two kittens for two weeks. One of the kittens had scratched her kid, and she was demanding that Rayna pick up both kittens immediately.

After picking up Mr. Magoo, Rayna stopped at the kitten foster home and grabbed the two kittens before heading back toward the clinic. They hadn’t been at the clinic for more than ten minutes before she’d gotten another call. This one was about a stray cat that had been caught in a trap, and the people wanted it off their property, or they’d leave it in the trap overnight in the cold. They’d left Mr. Magoo and the kittens at the clinic and gone to get the cat before returning to the clinic.

By that time, it was almost three in the morning, and Stark could have left, but he’d stayed instead. Mr. Magoo, an ancient shih-tzu with cataracts and a cheerful attitude despite having what turned out to be a broken leg, was x-rayed and given pain meds and a kennel to rest in. Nathan would cast his leg in the morning with the help of his staff. The stray dog had been put in a larger kennel, her wounds sutured, and her body relaxed after being given sedatives and pain medication.

After examining the stray cat, they discovered that he was friendly but intact. Rayna had arranged to leave him at the clinic to be neutered the following morning while she looked for a foster home for him. Finally, at around four-thirty, with the two kittens in tow, Rayna had dropped him off at his car, and they’d both driven home.

He walked into the den and looked out the window. It was the only one in the house that faced Rayna’s house. He could see the lights on in the kitchen. She apparently wasn’t headed to bed either. Maybe she was as amped up as he was.

I know a way you could help her relax. Help you both relax.

He headed toward his bedroom. Fucking Rayna was not the answer to his restlessness. He flopped down on the bed and stared at the ceiling before standing and checking on Molly. The kittens were sleeping against her, and Molly made a soft chirp to him. He reached into the box and scratched her cheeks before returning to his bed. He sat down and stared at the television, then turned on his gaming system. He would game for a while until his jittery energy was gone.

Two hours later, he was back in the kitchen, yawning hugely and grabbing a glass of water to drink before going to bed. He rubbed his gritty eyes and yawned again. Christ, he was finally feeling the effects of being up all night.

He left the kitchen and hesitated before walking to the den to check out the window again. Rayna was leaving her house. Her hair was in its usual ponytail, but she had changed her clothes. Even from where he stood, he could see the weariness on her face as she climbed into the SUV and started it.

“Christ, does she never sleep?” he said as she backed out of her driveway and drove away.

He closed the blinds and headed back to his room, falling on the bed with a soft groan and closing his eyes.

CHAPTER 15

“I’m so sorry.” Rayna hurried into Brandt Vet Clinic, giving Fatima an apologetic smile. “I meant to be here this morning but got caught up in helping another stray dog.”

“It’s fine.” One of the clinic’s receptionists, Fatima, gave her a bright smile. “I heard you had quite the night last night.”

“It was a bit insane.” Rayna leaned against the counter, hoping she didn’t look as exhausted as she felt.

“You look exhausted,” Fatima said sympathetically, inadvertently crushing Rayna’s hope.

Rayna made a face. “As soon as I’m finished here, I’m going home and straight to my bed.”

The phone rang, and Fatima reached for it. “Head to the treatment area. Dr. Nathan is expecting you.”

“Thanks, Fatima.” Rayna pushed through the swinging doors, stopping short when a giant St. Bernard barked loudly.

“He’s friendly.” Hal, one of the vet techs and the epitome of a silver-haired fox, was holding the dog while another tech clipped its nails. “He just has a lot to say.”

Rayna laughed. “How are you, Hal?”

“Can’t complain. Savina picked up the lab mix half an hour ago. She named her Maeve and texted Reba with her name and suspected age, and we emailed the medical records.”

“She did?” Rayna gave Hal a grateful look. “You two are peaches for taking her on such short notice.”

“Eh, what my girl wants, my girl gets,” Hal said with a grin. “And as soon as you texted a picture of her face to Savina, I knew she’d say yes. She can’t resist labs.”

“That’s why I did it,” Rayna said. “I’m evil like that.”

Hal’s grin widened. “That’s the rumour. I’m just glad the leg didn’t have a fracture. I wasn’t looking forward to carrying Maeve in and out of the house while it healed.”

Rayna grimaced. “So, we’re not entirely certain she doesn’t have a fracture, so it’s probably best if she’s on crate rest and has limited yard time.”

“Nails are done. I’ll take him up front,” the tech said.

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