Page 4 of Saving Her Heart
Of course, he knows about that. Of course, this is how my morning will continue its downward spiral.
"Officer Masterson," Valerie interrupts, limping over dramatically. "I want that woman arrested for gross negligence and that animal removed immediately. Do you have any idea what this is doing to our property values?"
Jax pulls out his notepad, and I know that look. He's about to go full regulation on everyone, starting with me. The boy who once helped me sneak that stray dog into my grandmother's RV is gone, replaced by Officer By-The-Book, who's about to cite me for every possible violation while Valerie watches in vindictive glee.
"First things first," he says, clicking his pen. "Let's secure the animal. Then we'll deal with the ordinance violations."
Violations. Plural.
Gertie chooses that moment to hop onto one of the pool loungers, apparently tired from her morning adventure. She settles down like a dog, watching the growing crowd with mild interest.
"I'll need to see all documentation for this animal," Jax continues, not looking at me. "Ownership papers, vaccination records, and any therapy animal certification."
"It's in Mrs. Parsons' apartment," I say. "Sort of."
"Sort of?"
"It's a receipt from Bob's Feed and Seed."
I see his mouth twitch slightly—the ghost of what might have been a smile if he wasn't so committed to being professional.
"That's not a therapy animal certification."
"I'm aware."
"Then you're aware this violates city ordinances 247.3, 247.5, and 248.1?"
"I've been a little busy chasing the goat to review the specific ordinance numbers."
"There's also the matter of property damage," he continues, as if I haven't spoken, "disturbing the peace, and what appears to be theft of a breakfast buffet."
Behind him, Declan is trying not to laugh and is unsuccessful. The animal control officer has approached Gertie with a lead, and the goat is being surprisingly cooperative, probably exhausted from her crime spree.
"This is all going in my report," Valerie announces. "The board will hear about this. Your employment here is over, Ms. Greene."
Something flickers in Jax's expression at that, but his voice remains steady. "Ma'am, I'll need to interview allwitnesses separately. Officer Hayes, please take Ms. Thornfield's statement. I'll handle Ms. Greene."
Of course he'll handle me. Because this morning isn't humiliating enough.
Valerie looks torn between wanting to witness my downfall and wanting to be the center of attention for her own dramatic retelling. The promise of giving an official statement wins out, and she limps off with Declan, already launching into her tale of assault by a goat.
The animal control officer has successfully leashed Gertie and is leading her toward the van. Mrs. Parsons follows, looking confused but determined.
"That's my Gertie," she calls out. "Harold will be so upset if she's late for her appointment."
The crowd is dispersing, though phones are still out, undoubtedly uploading the morning's entertainment to every social media platform in existence.
Which leaves me alone with Jax for the first time in over ten years.
"You're barefoot," he observes, finally really looking at me.
I glance down at my feet, my shoes abandoned somewhere on the second floor. "Heels aren't ideal for livestock pursuit."
"Livestock," he repeats, and this time I definitely catch the smile trying to escape. "In a luxury condominium."
"It's been quite a morning."
He clicks his pen again, studying me with an intense focus that used to make me feel like the only person in the world. Now it just makes me feel exposed.
