Page 75 of Saving Veronica
“No, but it’s something I’ll have to look into.”
“Okay, and two of the mares are pregnant, remember. So, you’ll have those foals you can sell. That’s money coming in.”
“Yes, but if you want me to buy in, I can’t do it for at least another year.”
“Okay, this brings me to my second point. And I’m going to apologize right now for pissing you off.”
“Why?”
“It was me who gave Finn all the medical supplies when he came to look for you.”
“What supplies?” Ronnie frowned.
“I cleaned out the storage room with bandages, IV solution, and the boxes of handwarmers. Along with the gauze and that backboard sample we received in the mail. Everything, completely wiped out.”
“Oh shit, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize that.”
“Don’t worry about it. I’ve thought of you as my little sister since the day Dad and Grandpa brought me out to Gerald’s to examine Kip. Anyway, when Finn offered me money to restock, I refused. I told him I’d put up a bucket to ask for donations.”
“But…” Ronnie encouraged when he paused.
Grady took a deep breath and sighed. “It was Finn’s idea to come up with that costume party fundraiser. I had no clue what he had planned... not until Lorna contacted me with the details. She was asking if I would be willing to contact all my patients to let them know about it. I asked to sit in on that first meeting after Finn found who was going to work with him.”
“Okay.” Ronnie remembered what Lorna had told her about the contest Finn had conducted.
“I went to that meeting and listened to everything they had to say. I agreed with everything except for one thing.”
“Which was?”
“They were doing it to give the money to me to restock. I told them I would give them my client list on the condition if all the money went to you for your medical bills.”
“Grady.”
“Yeah, well, I didn’t know at the time that your bills were already paid.”
“By who?” Ronnie stared at her grandfather. “You?”
“Yes. I may not be as rich as the Larsons, but your grandmother and I are well off. We would have offered you the money for anything you wanted, but knew you would only come to us if you couldn’t work out any other way. Paying your medical bills was a drop in the bucket.”
“Thank you.” Ronnie leaned in and hugged the man. “I wondered why I never got a bill in the mail.”
“Because I had to fill out the paperwork at the hospital and I dealt with it from the beginning.”
“Oh.” She didn’t know what else to say, then turned back to Grady. “So, how much did you make on the fundraiser?”
“Even though I learned your bills were paid, I still wanted the money to go to you. The papers I wanted you to go over was the actual partnership agreement. I’m only asking for a certain amount. Before you say anything. Both Grandpa and Dad left me significant amounts of life insurance that I invested over the years. Like you, my surgery will be paid in full by the time I leave the hospital.”
“Okay, but I still don’t understand.”
Grady opened the folder and pulled out a check. “This is what Finn, Lorna, and Marc gave me this morning. I’m giving it to you so you can buy into my practice. There are a few reasons why I want you as a partner. One, you’re excellent with the animals, and their human owners. Two, you know your shit and are good. Three, I’m not saying it’s going to happen any time soon, but I’m not getting any younger and I don’t have any heirs. I’d like to leave the business in capable hands when I die. And four...” he paused for dramatic effect and smirked. “While I’m out, Dr. Thompson is going to be doing office hours at the clinic. I would like you in as partner, so that you are in charge. What you say goes. He’ll have to listen to you.”
Grady grinned when Ronnie wrinkled her nose at him. “Was he the only one available?”
“Yes, and if at all possible, I’d like you to take the outlying farms and calls to them. When the surgery gets closer, I’ll sit down with the two of you and tell Ted what’s what. But not until you sign these papers.” He pushed the folder toward her and the first thing she saw was the check.
“Holy shit!”
“Yes.” Grady tapped the file. “That’s all I’m asking for. The balance of the check after this, is yours.”
