Defy Death: Riley Malloy Thriller, #2

PREVIOUSLY . . .

RILEY

My name is Riley Malloy, I’m a vet tech, and I understand animals, which must be why people call me a dog whisperer. Toby is my five-year-old black and brown German Shepherd-Labrador Retriever mix. He was abandoned at the veterinarian clinic where I worked until the clinic closed. Toby and I moved to Grandma’s cabin near Barton, Georgia, and I found a new job at a fantastic animal hospital with wonderful people. 

My circle of friends in Barton expanded when a lanky deputy with greenish hazel eyes from a nearby county brought two sweet Yorkies and an irritable cat to the clinic after their person crashed her car. The cute deputy, Ben Carter, kind of stuck around when he wasn’t at work after that. He helped me move from Grandma’s cabin into town, laughed at my dumb jokes, yelled at me when a killer shot at me, and is my best friend, along with Toby. Ben became such a frequent visitor in Barton that our local sheriff hired him. In addition to being a stellar law enforcement officer, Ben is very knowledgeable about caring for animals because of the summers he worked with his veterinarian uncle. His uncle thinks Ben should become a veterinarian, and so do I.

My troubles started when I came across threatening yellow notes too frequently for comfort. Even though I didn’t know it, the killer was obsessed with me because I was the last person alive that knew his true identity after he murdered the others. When he attacked, I was ready. Grandma would have been proud.

BEN

Even though my uncle told me I had the natural talent to be a vet, I’ve always wanted to be a law enforcement officer. I loved my job, but working in my hometown, where I knew everyone, was awkward, and I knew it was time for a change when I saw Riley and her green eyes and fiery red hair. She was the prettiest girl I’d ever seen, and I’m lucky that she’s become my best friend. It wasn’t just those green eyes with flecks of gold, though, because she is also smart and nice, and I was in awe of the magical way she related to animals. She even understood Psycho, the name I gave the irritable cat. If anyone should be a veterinarian, it’s Riley.

I moved out of my apartment in Carson to Barton for the opportunity to work with the sheriff because he’s the best in the state at understanding people. He offered me the job, so I could be closer to Riley. I suspect I’m not the only one who is glad her amateur detective days are behind her.

CHAPTER ONE

When Riley and Toby reached the veterinarian clinic, her eyes widened at Doc Thad’s car in the back parking lot. He was their new veterinarian, and Claire, his wife, was learning the office manager’s duties, so Claire could backup Amanda when she began her maternity leave.

Doc Julie Rae’s always the first one into work, Toby. Something’s up. Riley carried the tray with the warm cinnamon rolls as she and Toby hurried inside.

The young, tall, slender veterinarian with a receding hairline hurried from the breakroom to meet them in the hallway. I made coffee, and Claire’s checking the messages from the weekend. I can’t tell you how glad I am that you’re here.

He smiled at the tray. We’ll get through the day after all. What’s the occasion? I thought you brought in cinnamon rolls on the first day of a new hire? Not that I’m complaining, you understand.

Riley shrugged. Doc Julie Rae sent me a text early this morning and asked me to bring them in, so I did.

While they walked to the breakroom, Thad wiggled his eyebrows then continued, Maybe Doc Julie Rae felt sorry for us because she’s not going to be here, and she knows we’re in for a busy day. She called me yesterday and said that Charlie’s elderly aunt in The Bahamas fell when she was cleaning her house roof gutters over the weekend, and Doc Julie Rae and their boys will go along with Charlie to help. Julie Rae will sit with their aunt at the hospital while Charlie and the boys catch up on all the maintenance and outside work. Amanda called a few minutes ago and told Claire she’s on her way to her doctor’s office. It’s early for the baby, but not too early. We’re going to be short vet techs too because Pia’s will be a little late because her son has an ear infection. If she can’t get an appointment right away, she’ll go to the doctor’s office and try to be a walk-in. If Zach doesn’t come in, let’s buy some beer and lock the doors. When I was an undergrad, I heard beer and cookies were good; I’ll bet beer and cinnamon rolls would be fantastic. You’ll have to help me talk Claire into it, though.

Riley set down the cinnamon rolls and poured their coffee.

I better take a cinnamon roll and coffee to Claire since she’s glued to her desk, Thad said; Riley and Toby followed him.

Claire was on the phone when Thad set her coffee and cinnamon roll in front of her. She glanced at him and held up her hand for him to wait then continued listening and writing. After she hung up, she said, I’ve listened to all the messages, and there’s nothing urgent to bring in right away. Doc Julie Rae left a voicemail too. She, Charlie, and the boys were leaving for the airport when she remembered that a new veterinarian who graduated from the University of Georgia called her on Friday because he heard Doc had an opening. He’s been working in Miami for three years, but his wife wants to return to Georgia to be closer to her family. Doc told him the position is filled, but she’d be interested in talking to him.

I’m fired, right? Doc Thad asked.

Sorry, but you’re out of luck, bud. Claire rolled her eyes then sipped her coffee and nibbled on her cinnamon roll.

He’s showing up today, isn’t he? Riley asked.

You’re right, and Doc said we have to be nice to him. Claire smiled. How did you know?

Riley shrugged. Worst possible scenario under the circumstances. You want more coffee?

Doc Thad left for the coffeepot, and Claire said, Poor guy is a bundle of nerves. He’ll be fine when the clients show up because he’ll have patients and be in his element.

Zach returned with Doc Thad with a cinnamon roll in each hand. One of the rolls was half gone. Amanda called you, right? Zach asked. Mom called and wanted to know what we’d heard because her sister-in-law called to ask how her daughter was doing. I guess I’m the cousin designated to be the official family snoop.

Claire giggled. We haven’t heard anything yet. I’ll be your informant. She glanced at her screen. Our first patient of the day will be here in fifteen minutes. You’re up first, Zach. She handed the client folder to her husband, then he and Zach headed to the first exam room to review the file.

After they left, Riley picked up the coffeepot. I’ll start another pot, and I want you to know I envy those two. Did you see how many cinnamon rolls they packed away? If I eat more than one, I’d go from what Pia and I call pleasantly curvy to downright roly-poly round.

Claire snorted. I feel your pain, girlfriend. We hate boys, right?

Darn tootin’. Riley giggled and tossed her head as she headed to the breakroom.

After she started another pot of coffee, Riley returned to Claire’s desk. A woman who sat in the reception area smiled at Riley; Riley returned her smile then grinned at the pug who smiled while she wagged her tail.

Hello, Laverne. You’re looking good these days. Are you feeling better?

Laverne yipped, and Riley giggled.

She’s lost weight and is much more active. We take our walks every morning and evening. In fact, I’ve lost a few pounds myself. Laverne’s person stood and expectantly raised her eyebrows as she peered at Claire and Riley.

You look great. Claire handed Riley the file.

Let’s see how happy the scale is, Laverne, Riley said, and Laverne trotted along beside her while her person followed them.

My friend asked me if I was still feeding Laverne egg like she told me, and I told her that Laverne was under Doc Julie Rae’s supervision and on a special, prescription diet. When my friend told me that I was losing too much weight, I told her I was on a special diet too. She grinned.

Your weight’s good, Laverne. Riley lifted the pug to the examination table. I’ll check your ears. Are you getting enough to eat? Any stomach troubles?

Laverne yipped, and Riley said, Good news.

While Riley checked Laverne’s ears, the woman said, She eats all her food but seems satisfied.

Your ears are fine, Riley said as Doc Thad came into the room.

Hi, Laverne, Ms. Claire told me you’re doing a lot better.

When Laverne lowered her head and whimpered, Riley laughed. Laverne’s feeling a little shy. She thinks you’re nice, Doc Thad.

Thank you, Laverne. That’s the nicest thing I’ve heard all day, Thad said.

He read over Riley’s notes and performed a quick physical exam of the old pug. We can return to your usual annual appointment. Ms. Claire will make it for you. He rubbed Laverne’s ear, and she licked his hand.

After Riley escorted her patient and the client to Claire’s desk, Riley returned to the exam room. While she was cleaning, Doc Thad paused as he was entering his notes on the tablet. I’m really sorry I outgrew understanding what my dog was telling me. I’d forgotten about it until I met you, and now I have great memories of spending time with him. When did you realize other kids didn’t understand what dogs and cats were saying?

Riley sprayed the exam table with sanitizer then wiped it. When I was nine, my friend acted like she hadn’t heard what her dog said when he told her he didn’t want to go outside on the wet grass. I asked if she heard him, and she told me she was too grown up for stuff like that. I thought that was truly strange.

Thad chuckled. I do too, now that I have a different perspective.

When the room was clean, Riley returned to Claire’s desk.

Amanda called. Her doctor put her on bed rest. She was happy the baby’s going to have a chance to grow more before he’s born but annoyed about being stuck at home. We agreed I’d call her every morning and at the end of the day for updates. I did some fancy finagling to talk her out of calling her every hour. Claire rolled her eyes.

That’s good news. Riley smiled.

Claire continued, I told Zach, so he could tell his mother then decided to let Pia and Doc Julie Rae know about Amanda when they call with their updates; I don’t have time to spend my day on the phone reporting back to each one of them. Claire glanced at the day’s schedule. We have a brief lull before the next appointment. Would you watch the desk for me a second? I need a little stretch break that includes rescuing a cinnamon roll. I’ll bring you one if you like.

Riley sighed then shook her head. My round self says yes, but I’ll limit myself to the one I already had which was actually two.

After Riley pulled the folder for the next patient, she checked her texts and read a new message from her Aunt Millie.

Got a call from a Marcy. Wanted your address. Ok?

Riley frowned at her phone. I initially didn’t want anyone to have my address because of Doc Truman, but he’s dead.

She returned Aunt Millie’s text: Did she say why?

Will check.

Riley furrowed her brow. Why would a former work friend call Aunt Millie for my address when she has my phone number?

When the office phone rang, Riley answered it.

Hey, Riley. Are you filling in for Claire? Pia asked. We saw the doctor, and after we fill the prescription for Jackson’s ear infection, we’ll go home. I’ll stay home with him until his fever’s down, then if he’s not up to going to school, his grandmother offered to take care of him. Jordy went with us to the doctor’s office. When the receptionist made the mistake of telling me that Jordy couldn’t be there, I gave her a full blast of my fierce mama glare. I was up all night with my sick child, and I was exhausted. Do you think that’s a good enough excuse? I think I owe her cookies or something. Her face got really red, but she didn’t cry, so maybe she’s tougher than she looks. I’m sorry I’m leaving you short-handed. Is everything okay?

Riley filled her in on Amanda and Julie Rae.

Oh, no. That leaves just you and Doc Thad, Pia said. Wait, I think my fried brain just proved how tired I am because Zach’s there and so is Claire.

Riley giggled. We’re doing fine, and you need a nap.

After Pia hung up, Claire returned with a cinnamon roll and a cup of lukewarm coffee; Riley rose to relinquish the receptionist’s chair.

I always try to catch the coffee before anyone throws it out. Claire sipped her coffee as she sat. Ahh. Perfect temperature.

My favorite too. Riley wiggled her eyebrows.

Claire snickered. Thad shudders, so I thought vet people must be sensitive about coffee. I’m happy that I have a kindred tepid coffee drinker.

Riley told her about Pia’s call.

Claire widened her eyes. I’d have cried. Pia invented the mom glare.

Toward the end of the morning, Riley’s phone buzzed a text from Ben while she cleaned an exam room for the next patient.

First day, and I haven’t been fired.

Riley grinned as she replied: Good job.

Ben: I need to find a place to live that allows dogs.

Riley’s eyes widened then she tapped: You can stay at the cabin, but what’s wrong with Mr. Richard’s house?

Ben: Talk later.

Riley frowned. What is there to talk about?

After the room was clean, she hurried to the front and was still scowling when she reached Claire’s desk.

It has to be Ben. Claire raised her eyebrows at Riley’s sullen expression. What’s up?

Ben texted that he needed to find a place to live that allowed dogs.

A place to live? I thought he was at your cabin and was going to move to Mr. Richard’s house.

I don’t know what’s going on, but he said we’d talk later. What does that mean? Riley’s shoulders slumped.

Claire shrugged. I have no idea. It definitely doesn’t mean that he decided to quit his job in Barton and leave, so nothing else is important. Let me know if we need to find him something else in town. I looked at just about everything here before we moved; house hunting is my new superpower.

Riley sighed. You’re right; he’ll still be working for Sheriff Dunn whether he’s at the cabin or in town. I have other things to stress about, like what do I pick up from the grocery store for dinner? Oh wait, it’s his turn to cook tonight.

Claire laughed. Now that you’ve mentioned food, how do we work our lunch breaks?

You, Doc, and Zach take your break first then I will. If a patient comes in with something that can’t wait until Doc finishes his lunch, I’ll ring Amanda’s urgent break bell.

Doc Thad strolled to the desk. Did I hear someone say lunch?

Claire rose from her rolling chair. Let’s grab Zach. I packed your favorite lunch: a ham sandwich.

As they strolled to the breakroom, Doc said, That’s what you always pack.

Because it’s all you’ll eat.

Riley reviewed the files that Claire had set out before she leaned back and stared at the cars that cruised past the animal hospital then picked up her phone, held her breath, and sent a text to Ben. Will you be here for dinner?

Ben: Yes. My turn.

Riley exhaled and smiled. Sometimes the direct approach works.

When Claire returned, Riley put on her jacket and picked up her lunch before she and Toby went outside. While Toby explored the back parking lot and investigated the patch of grass, Riley ate her lunch. Before they went inside, Aunt Millie called.

Just checking in. Did I catch you on your lunch break? I never heard back from Marcy. Is she kind of scatterbrained? It seemed like it when she called.

Riley raised her eyebrows as her aunt continued, I might be unavailable for quite a while. I’m going to Europe for a conference then on to Southeast Asia. I’ll be traveling light, so I won’t be bringing anything back for you, but I might ship you something. Oops. They’re calling for my plane to board. I’ll see you in a month or two.

Aunt Millie hung up. Riley shook her head. This trip must have come up suddenly. I’ve never heard her so rattled.

Toby trotted to the door then turned to grin at Riley with his tongue hanging out, and Riley smiled. You’re right. Our lunch break is over. Time to go inside.

When Riley reached the front desk, Claire exhaled in relief. I just got off the phone. We have a dog coming in that was hit by a car. The dog darted into the road and pushed a toddler out of the path of a speeding car, and the car hit the dog. The driver didn’t stop, but a keen-eyed eleven-year-old girl got the license number.

A broad-shouldered, muscular man carried in a golden retriever with a deformed hind leg and blood from facial lacerations.

Riley hurried to the dog. Hello, Gracie. We’ll take good care of you. This way, sir. She led the way to the trauma room as she called out to Claire, I need Zach and Doc to drop everything and come to the trauma room right away.

When they were in the trauma room, Riley said, Give me one second to grab our rolling x-ray table, then you can set her down. Riley turned to the door as Zach rushed in with the x-ray table.

Here we are. Riley pointed, and the man gently placed Gracie on the table.

I’ll have the x-ray ready for you, Zach said before he left.

Doc Thad came into the room as Riley leaned over Gracie and cooed then listened as Gracie whimpered. I’m so sorry, Gracie. Doc Thad is right here. We’ll take some x-rays, then we can give you something to help you feel more comfortable.

Riley turned to Doc. X-rays first. Gracie’s stomach hurts a lot.

Doc stayed with Gracie as Zach returned to roll the table to the x-ray room.

We’ll take the x-rays. Can you find out what happened? Doc asked.

Riley nodded. Sir, let’s sit in the reception area. Can you tell me what happened?

As they walked together to the front, the man said, Gracie’s my neighbor’s dog. My wife and I were outside with our little Janelle when the neighbor’s cat escaped from their house. It ran toward us and into the street, and Janelle said, No, kitty, then darted into the street before any of us could grab her. I didn’t even see the car, but Gracie did. She raced ahead of me and flipped Janelle across the road. The cat’s owner told me Janelle tucked into a ball and giggled as she rolled onto the grass.

The man shook his head. That’s our daredevil Janelle. The car slammed into Gracie and knocked her down, and the driver kept going. I couldn’t believe it. My wife ran across the street and grabbed Janelle, and I scooped up Gracie. Another neighbor is bringing Gracie’s owner here. If you don’t need anything else from me, I’ll go home.

Gracie wasn’t dragged? Riley asked.

No, it all happened so fast; I’m not sure where the car’s bumper hit Gracie, but it might have been on her left. She didn’t have time to get out of the way, and the car didn’t swerve at all.

Thanks for your help, and please give Janelle an extra hug from all of us, Riley said. As Riley hurried to the trauma room, she passed exam room two where Claire was talking with the client and stroking a cat as she placed him into his carrier.

When Claire glanced at her, Riley said, Gracie’s person will be here soon.

Claire nodded then picked up the carrier.

Doc Thad met Riley outside of the trauma room. Her leg has a simple fracture. It doesn’t appear to have been crushed by the tire like I expected. No broken ribs, and there’s no signs of internal bleeding because her abdomen isn’t distended or rigid, but I’d like for you to check.

Zach rolled Gracie back into the trauma room. He had placed a warmed blanket over her. She was a little shocky, and her gums were pale; they’ve pinked up with the warm blanket.

Riley stroked Gracie’s head. I’d like to check your ribs to be sure nothing else is broken. Is that okay?

Gracie whimpered.

Thanks. Riley removed the blanket before she deftly traced Gracie’s ribs with her fingertips then palpated Gracie’s abdomen while she watched Gracie’s face.

Your ribs are sore because they’re probably bruised, but your stomach is soft. That’s good, sweet girl. Your leg has some cuts and is broken, so Doc Thad will bandage and splint it, and you’ll feel more comfortable.

Zach returned with the rewarmed blanket, and Doc Thad asked, Will you see if Gracie’s family is here, Riley? Zach, we’ll bandage the lacerations on her broken leg, then I’ll splint while you clean Gracie’s face and other lacerations.

When Riley reached the front area, her eyes widened at the crowd of people in the reception area. Is everyone here about Gracie?

After the group pelted her with questions, Riley held up her hand for silence. Our hero, Gracie, has a broken leg, but it’s a simple fracture. She doesn’t have any signs of any other injuries. She’s a brave, lucky girl. Who is family?

Everyone in the group turned to look at an older woman who sat near the door. Riley smiled. Come with me.

A man helped the woman rise, then Riley offered the woman her arm.

Thanks, the woman said. My knees are still weak; I was scared to death.

On the way to the trauma room, Riley told the client about Gracie’s injuries. We’ve cleaned the lacerations on her leg, and Doc Thad is putting a splint on her leg for now. He’ll want to keep her overnight for observation, but she won’t be alone. Do you know George, the retired animal control officer? He stays here at night and will call Doc Thad if he sees any problems. Doc Thad may put a cast on her leg before she goes home, but we’ll know more tomorrow.

I can’t tell you what good news this is. I was afraid of the worst. I didn’t see the car hit Gracie, but I ran outside when I heard all the screaming.

Riley helped the client to the trauma room, and Doc Thad smiled. We put on Gracie’s splint, and we’re ready to roll her to a kennel where it’s quiet, so she can relax. Do you have any questions for me?

No, Riley was very thorough. The woman returned his smile then hurried to Gracie and cooed. Sweet girl. Janelle is safe, thanks to you. I’ll see you tomorrow.

Riley walked the woman back to the front where the reception area had cleared except for one man.

Thanks again, Riley. The woman squeezed Riley’s hand. Y’all are awesome.

The man offered his arm, and they left.

This is the first time I’ve seen the three of you in action without Doc Julie Rae or Pia around, and you’re an impressive, tight team, Claire said. I understand now why Thad loves it here so much. Zach had given his client the sack with the medication before he left for the x-ray room, so I made sure she understood when and how to give the medicine, then I did the part I do best: I took her payment and made the next appointment. Oh, and I called George to let him know about Gracie. He’d already heard; George said Gracie and her lady live alone, so he’s going to talk to Thad when he comes in tonight about keeping Gracie a few extra days. He said Gracie’s entire bill would be on him. I love small towns. Claire smiled. I pulled the rest of the files for today. They’re in order if you’d like to review them. We have a new patient coming in later this afternoon. I’ll make sure to assign the patient to you. No sense in overwhelming Zach quite yet.

In the middle