Page 33 of Safe With Me

“Good morning,” from Alice.

They greeted each other.

Pax began. “Welcome. Let me show you where to put your things, then we’ll have coffee and treats and talk.”

They disappeared into the back.

* * *

“Damn it, God,” Stephanie said aloud when they left reception and she started to set out the donuts.

“Swearing at God?” a woman’s voice asked from behind her. “I don’t think that’s kosher.”

Steph whipped around. “Hi, Noreen.” The woman was even prettier than she remembered. Her green eyes were a standout with her green scrubs and her auburn hair was beautifully cut to fall to her shoulders. Steph gave a perfunctory smile. “Of course it’s not. But I’m angry about something.”

“I’m sorry. I saw cars in the back. Where are the others?”

“In the office area. They’re setting up their desks and where to store things.”

“Are you okay?”

“Yes, of course.”

Noreen left the main area and Steph was alone with her thoughts. What was Pax going to do without Mutt? She frowned. Yet, the whole thing about the dog was odd. He’d been going to Pax’s house for a few days before Pax took him in. He was scruffy too and had no collar. Hmm. Pax had probably been too upset to think clearly about the call. Her instincts told her something was fishy.

She turned to go back to the common area for the staff. Just then they all came out.

“Get a donut and coffee,” Pax said. “We can sit at the table over there. I’d like to work on the intake form for opening day, too.”

Once they were all settled, Pax said, “Does anyone have any questions?”

“I do.” This from Jon. “We only have one nurse and one receptionist. Will we have breaks?”

“Of course,” Pax said easily. “When you take your morning and afternoon breaks and lunch, we’ll cover for you. We also have some volunteers lined up every day so they can assist too.”

Noreen asked, “How many people do you expect to come here?”

“A lot, actually. We have a website that’s already up, and Steph and I did the personal touch by distributing flyers, so I think we’re well publicized. We’re also on a bus route, and the immediate area is medium size.”

“In other words,” Noreen said laughing, “you don’t know.”

“We’ll have a better idea on the first day.” Pax held up his tablet. “What should be on the intake form? I’ll make the form right now.”

“Name, address, phone, if they have the last two.” This from Alice. “Some will be homeless.”

“Insurance?” Jon put in.

“No,” Pax said. “This is a free clinic.”

“Nature of ailment/why they came in.” Noreen’s voice was full of confidence.

Jon said, “Emergency contact. On another line, Family Members/Guardian for kids.”

Pax added, “Employment or School attending.”

Steph had listened. “Maybe we should have one form for adults, one for children. It would simplify things.”

“Great idea, Steph.”

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