Page 15 of Hidden Hero

“How did you know what I’d like to eat?”

Chuckling, they reached the reception area, and he picked up the bag behind the counter. “I didn’t, but I just got the special. A chicken salad sandwich.”

Her eyes widened as her nose wrinkled. “Oh…”

His cocky grin fell from his face as his eyes widened. “What’s wrong?”

“Um… that was the last meal had by the man I just performed the autopsy on.”

Sure he was turning green, Jeremy stammered, “Shit… oh… I… well…”

Cora burst out laughing and shook her head. “I wish you could see the look on your face. All that cockiness just disappeared.”

Brow furrowed, he grumbled. “I don’t see what’s so funny.”

“Sorry, I was just joking. It was mortuary humor… not very funny but amusing just the same. Anyway, I love chicken salad.”

Jeremy recovered quickly at the sight of her mirth, glad to see her smiling.

She reached for the bag and peered inside. “Sandwich, chips, a cookie, and a drink? This is more lunch than I ever have.” She lifted her face to him, her smile still in place. “Thank you, Detective.”

“No problem, Doctor.” He held her gaze again, then dipped his head, turned quickly, and walked out with the report she’d printed for him. And once again, he left the hospital with a smile on his face.

7

Cora pulled into the parking lot of the animal shelter. The trickle of nerves over her visit had grown into a full-blown river of excitement. The last pet she’d owned was her family dog in high school—a loyal companion who had stayed with her parents when she left for college. Her heart was broken when she learned he’d passed away during her first year of medical school.

Until now, her unpredictable hours and demanding lifestyle had made owning a pet impossible. A dog, while appealing, required more exercise and attention than she could provide. However, a conversation with Janice weeks ago about her cat had planted the idea that a feline companion might be the perfect choice. Cora’s grandmother had always had cats, and Cora had adored them, though her heart had been set on a puppy as a teenager. Now, the idea of choosing a cat for a pet that could bring companionship had her hurrying to the shelter’s door.

When she pushed open the glass door, a bell jingled overhead, announcing her arrival. A blend of scents greeted her—disinfectant mingled with the earthy undertone of animals. From the back of the building came a cacophony of barks, the eager chorus of dogs vying for attention. The sound tugged at her heart, and she briefly wondered how many animals the shelter could help.

Her gaze fell on a bulletin board near the entrance, decorated with colorful posters and snapshots of animals who had found their forever homes. Smiling faces of pet owners and their furry companions stared back at her, radiating joy. The shelter had a warm, inviting charm, with rustic wood accents and murals of cats, dogs, and rabbits brightening the walls. It didn’t feel like a sterile facility—it felt like a place of hope.

“Welcome to the shelter!” a man called out as he emerged from the back. Dressed in jeans and sturdy work boots, he appeared to be in his late thirties, with long hair pulled back into a tidy ponytail. His navy-blue shirt bore the shelter’s logo embroidered over the chest. He offered her a kind smile and a nod. “What can I do for you?”

“Hi,” Cora said, her voice soft but tinged with anticipation. “I’ve decided to adopt a cat. Or maybe two.”

His smile widened, crinkling the corners of his eyes. “You’ve come to the right place.” Walking around the desk, he extended his hand. “I’m Joseph, the shelter administrator. We’ve got plenty of furry friends looking for a good home. Let me show you around.”

“I’m Cora Wadsworth,” she said, shaking his hand firmly. She followed him down a hallway that branched off the lobby.

Joseph stopped in front of a room with glass windows, motioning for her to look inside. The space was lined with tidy cages stacked three high. Some were empty, but others housed cats sprawled on soft towels, their fur sleek and well-groomed. A few cages held wide-eyed cats batting at dangling toys, their playful energy contagious. Others offered her a regal stare, lifting their heads imperiously before closing their eyes again as if to dismiss her.

“Oh my… they’re beautiful,” she breathed, staring in awe.

“This is where we house the cats for adoption,” Joseph explained. “There is a room next door for our mama cats still nursing. You can always look there and choose a kitten to adopt when they’re weaned. The vet clinic, Hoofs and Paws, is next door. My wife, Samantha, is the vet there and will happily answer any questions you have about their care.”

A woman with hair tied back in a practical ponytail entered the hallway from a side door as if on cue. She wore a white coat over her jeans with her name, title, and the clinic’s logo.

“Hello,” she greeted with a friendly smile, her eyes sparkling. “I’m Samantha.” Hearing another familiar voice, the dogs increased their choral presentation with frenzied barks.

“This is Cora Wadsworth,” Joseph said.

“Nice to meet you,” Cora said, shaking her hand. “I’ve been thinking about getting a cat for a while and now feels like the right time.”

“You’re in good hands here,” Samantha said. “We’ve got some sweet cats who could use a loving home.” She cocked her head to the side. “Have you owned pets before?”

“Yes, but to be honest, it was many years ago. Between medical school, residencies, moving, and working, owning another pet just wasn’t on my list of things I needed to do. But now, I feel ready.”

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