Page 12 of Safe With Me

“No. For personal reasons.”

“Is she from your old world?”

“Yeah, I’m afraid so. Now, let’s see what else you got, Mutt.”

“Please rename him.”

“Nope.” He laughed. “The name stays.”

“Aw, come on. How about Bowser?”

He gave her a withering look.

She laughed at him.

Chapter 3

Pax had refused to check until the day was over to see if his ad for a lost dog was answered. He also had to hire more people. He headed to the exit to make sure the everything was locked up. Once there, he saw people standing in front of the door. He drew it open. “Can I help you?”

The man held out his hand. “Hello, Pax. I’m Caleb Shepherd, Jackson Kane’s brother-in-law. And this my wife Gemma.”

“Now I remember.” Pax stepped aside and allowed them in. “You helped paint this place. And I called you when we found Harlan Ford.”

“Yes.”

“How is he?”

Both their faces beamed. Caleb said, “He’s doing really well. He’s taking art classes and working in town at a gallery.”

Gemma added, "He lives with us, now.”

He transferred his gaze to her. “I’m glad to hear he’s doing well.”

“I work at Pathways so I know about the clinic. And I know Jackson very well.”

“Did you come down here to see me?”

“Yes.”

He motioned to the table. “We can sit over there.”

“No,” Caleb said. “I’d like to show Gemma around.”

“Would you like a tour?”

“Sure.”

When they got to the exam rooms, Caleb grinned. “I did these, babe.”

“That was nice of you to volunteer.” She faced Pax. “Which is why we’re here.”

“To volunteer?”

“Yes. To help you get ready for the opening and afterward.”

“I’ll welcome that. I’m not sure what volunteers we’ll need yet.”

“We’re available now if you can think of anything that needs to be done.”

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