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CHAPTER ONE

HOLDEN

You’re late”

The accusation is tossed my way before the door closes behinda dally eyes and a stethoscope around its neck—proves I technically have one minute to spare

“Actually, I’

My grandfather’s assistant, the one who used to stash Pixy Stix for me in her desk when I’d come to visit every su about Dottie Haynes, it’s that she’s a sucker for a smile

I lower rin Slowly but surely, it works The irritation on her face melts away, and a dose of humor takes its place

“That set you very far around here, handsoh

“Was I being handsome?” I point at myself “I hate when that happens I’m sorry”

“I’ around the corner of the reception desk “I can see sorry written all over you”

“All over my handsome face, you mean?”

She swatsShe smells of licorice and vanilla—war

“I’ll tell you what,” I say as we pull apart “I promise to try to be as un-handsome as I can while I’m here”

She lasses slips down her nose as she moves to the other side of the counter “Handsolad you’re here I can use an extra set of hands” She holds up a finger before lifting a phone from behind her “Honey Creek Animal Clinic This is Dottie”

I glance around the waiting area Pictures of so are tacked proudly to the walls Chairs that ram reupholstered before she passed away line the room

It’s as simple a place as I remember it to be—void of sundry ite to open spaces on the s As a matter of fact, the only hint that this is a business is an oversize sign behind the counter, which e for far ten dollars

No wonder Pap is still working at his age You’d have to at these prices

Dottie places the phone back on the counter

“Easy flight?” she asks as she makes a quick note on the pad of paper in front of her

“I sat on the tarht Got in pretty late, so I grabbed a roo”