Page 25 of Catnip, Claws, and Chaos

On second thought, I don’t think I want to know what Rico is.

“Abigail, go ask Logan if he can see this young man and his pet.”

I nod and go through the door behind me, walking swiftly toward Logan’s office. He asked not to be disturbed—I think he had an important phone call or something like that—but this seems like an emergency.

“I don’t care. You’re not getting another cent from me!” I hear him shout from behind his office door. “You’d better not threaten me, you old bastard!”

I tap hesitantly at the door, and Logan stops talking. The door is abruptly wrenched open by a scowling Logan. If looks could kill, I’d be dead.

“What?” he barks.

“Um... ” I clear my throat. “There’s an emergency,” I manage to get out, nodding toward the waiting room.

Logan seems to calm down. Taking a deep breath, he nods. “Fine. Thank you, Emily.” He walks down the hall, leaving me standing there like an idiot. A second later, he’s back with the boy behind him. “Emily,” he says, “can you come in, please? I might need your help.”

I don’t know why, but I have this sinking sensation that I’m about to make a big mistake. But I follow them into the exam room, stepping over the threshold. I have an awful feeling about this. I just don’t know how bad it is yet.

The boy sets the carrier on the table with care. Logan washes his hands thoroughly at a small sink, then turns to the carrier.

“Okay, let's see what we've got here,” he says, his voice calm and reassuring.

Mark steps back, wiping his eyes with the sleeve of his sweatshirt. “Be careful. Rico's really scared.”

Logan nods, then unlatches the carrier door. I hold my breath, still unsure what's going to emerge. Please be a rabbit. Please be a rabbit...

It's not a rabbit.

CHAPTER NINE

Logan

I’m in a black mood. It’s not Emily’s fault. She has nothing to do with my problems and my fucked-up life. Yet only looking at her makes me snap. There’s something about her earnest, unpredictable nature that both fascinates and frustrates me. I’m caught in a constant battle between wanting to keep her at arm’s length and wanting to pull her closer.

My dad called me today. He wants more money, of course. The old bastard threatened me when he realized I had no intention of giving in to him. I’m sick to death of his shit and the mess he’s gotten himself into. Ever since I’ve known him, he’s been one disappointment after another, a constant reminder of everything I refuse to become. When I was younger, I’d watch him stumble home drunk, and I’d promise myself that I would find my path and establish a sense of purpose. That’s what my work gives me, something tangible I can point to and say,This is mine. This matters.

As if this isn’t enough, I also have to figure out how to deal with the most beautiful and mouthiest girl I’ve ever met. Right now, she’s standing in the doorway, and her face has gone pale.

“Um...” She clears her throat, looking uncomfortable. “There’s an emergency.”

The boy, Mark, doesn’t look much better. I know him and Rico well. The pet has been my patient for a couple of years now. He’s got the terrible, unhealthy habit of devouring just about anything that crosses his path. I wonder what it was this time.

I open the carrier, ensuring Rico doesn’t slither out. The poor little guy is making hissing sounds and writhing around in the carrier. With a quick, firm movement, I grab him behind the head just below the jaw and pull him out of the crate. Emily gives a violent start behind me, but at this precise instant, I can’t turn around to see what the hell’s going on with her.

“Mark, buddy, I’m going to need you to give me a hand to help me hold Rico. You too, Emily.”

Behind my back, I hear a strange choking sound, almost like someone trying to swallow a scream.

Mark comes up to me, his face a mixture of concern and determination despite the tear tracks on his cheeks. “What should I do?” he asks between sobs.

The kid loves his snake. I remember that feeling, the first time one of my pets was sick when I was a kid. It changes something in you and makes you realize how fragile life can be. It’s what pushed me toward veterinary school.

“Keep his tail still.” I maneuver the snake’s body so Mark can reach it. The boy’s small hands grip Rico with the right amount of firmness. Turning my head slightly, I say, “Emily, move! I need you here.”

Her face is as white as a sheet. I don’t understand what her problem is, but this isn’t the time for a meltdown.

After hesitating a few more seconds, she walks unwillingly to my side. “It’s not a rabbit.” The sound is so low, I’m pretty sure she didn’t want to say it out loud.

My brow creases into a frown, and I sigh. She’s an odd duck. “Put your hands where mine are and hold Rico as firmly as possible.”

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