gaze skipped from one kennel to another. It seemed they were all filled with large dogs. Didn’t anyone have a Chihuahua out here in Southern California’s Riverside County?
“I cleaned all the dog runs then took the dogs out to this fenced area in the back where I can run with them,” Nick explained with enthusiasm. “It’s really cool!”
“And did you also roll in the dirt with them?” She indicated his dirty clothing.
He looked down. “I guess this is why you had me wear old clothes, huh?”
Lucy turned to Logan. “He’s safe being alone with these animals?”
“No one’s been bitten yet. And I guess Nick’s had his shots so the animals are protected.” He blew out a low breath. “It’s a joke, Lucy.”
“Yes, I gathered that.” She mentally hated herself for acting so stiff but couldn’t seem to stop herself.
“I have to clean up first,” Nick told her.
“Use the antiseptic soap,” Kristi reminded him.
Nick nodded as he loped off.
“He’s not a typical juvenile delinquent,” Lucy stated almost defiantly.
“I never thought he was,” Logan replied mildly. “I read the judge’s report, Lucy. It sounds like Nick has a knack with computers that will give Bill Gates a run for his money in a few years. I think the judge wants Nick to see a different side of life so he uses his skills only for good and not evil. Another joke.”
“I know that! He’s on the basketball team at school.” Now she sounded defensive. “And he’s worked on cars with Lou Walker since we moved here. He just has too much imagination and sometimes does something before thinking of what his actions might cause.”
“And what have you done since you moved here?”
“I’ve taken kind of a sabbatical from my travel agent job in order to get my house in order. It’s not an easy task,” she replied.
“That’s right, your other house was crashed into or something.”
“The engine landed ahead of the jet,” she said dryly. “Unfortunately, it landed inside my house. Luckily, the jet didn’t.”
“Since you’ve been so busy you probably haven’t seen too much of the area,” Logan surmised. “Perhaps one weekend you’d like to go for a tour.”
“Right now you’re in charge of my son’s community service. I think that’s enough interaction.” She raised her voice. “Nick, I’ll be in the car.” The smile she directed at Logan was patently insincere. It turned more genuine as she looked at the young woman. “It was nice meeting you, Kristi. Dr. Kincaid.” She made her escape.
“It’s Logan,” he called after her departing figure.
Before he could say anything further, Nick emerged, wiping his wet hands on his jeans.
“My mom’s not usually this cranky,” he explained quickly. “I think it’s because I got in trouble. I’d promised I wouldn’t get in any more trouble and then this happened. I think she was afraid I’d end up in jail.” He leaned over to confide, “She kept saying my lawyer looked like Opie, whatever that means.”
Logan chuckled. “I know who you’re talking about. Ritchey Owens does look pretty young to practice law, but he’s good. Besides, the judge doesn’t like to send boys to jail. He believes in a strict work ethic.”
“He just likes you getting free labor,” Kristi teased her boss.
“The judge is your dad, isn’t he?” Nick asked Logan.
“Guilty.”
“You must take after your mom, then.” He shot the vet a grin. “Good night, Logan. ’Night Kristi. See ya tomorrow.”
“Good night, Nick.” Logan turned to Kristi and cocked a questioning eyebrow.
“He did good,” she told him. “He took orders without any arguments. He actually listened to everything I said. Of course, he hasn’t given the dogs their baths yet.” She grinned.
“The ultimate test.” He looked around. “It all looks great. Go ahead and take off.”
She sketched a salute. “See ya on Thursday.” She snatched up a backpack and headed out the rear door. A few moments later the roar of a motorcycle could be heard.
When Logan walked into the reception area, Brenda was shutting down the computer and locking drawers. He looked at her big belly and winced. The fear she might go into labor during working hours had haunted him for the past month.
“I’m out of here,” Brenda announced before breezing out the door.
“Good night,” he called after her.
“Have you seen Beau?” Gwen asked, coming into the room.
He shook his head. “You know how he is when we’re closing up.”
“Come on, you little monster! Show yourself!” Gwen called out.
Beau, a bright red macaw with turquoise and green wings, waddled down the hallway. A flap of his wings bore him up to the counter. He cocked his head to one side.
“Tigger is in his bed, Beau.” Logan held out his arm and the macaw hopped onto it, content that the cat he somehow believed to be his pet was down for the night.
“Magnum,” Beau uttered in his raspy voice.
Magnum was Logan’s Malamute.
“He’s on guard.”
“Like anyone would dare break in here,” Gwen muttered. She eyed her boss. “So that’s Lucy Donner.”
“Nick’s mother, yes.”
“I heard she’s one of the few women to turn you down.” Gwen grinned broadly. “She shot you down again tonight, didn’t she?”
“I didn’t give her any reason to shoot me down,” he defended himself.
“I really like her.”
Logan huffed the exasperated sigh men expel when women think they have the best of them.
“Shouldn’t you be nicer to the boss when you’re due for a raise?” he asked as he set the macaw in a large black wroughtiron cage and secured the door with a lock; the macaw had a habit of escaping.
“I already gave myself a nice one last month. ’Night, boss.” She waved her hand over her shoulder as she headed out the door.
“’Night, boss,” Beau echoed.
“Right, like I’m in charge,” Logan muttered.
Before locking up, he took one last tour of the clinic to make sure all was in order. He was impressed to find the bucket Nick had used rinsed out and hung on its hook on the wall, the broom set back in place and the hose neatly coiled in a corner by the faucet. No trash was left out and covers on trash cans were secured. He didn’t think this was a boy behaving himself because it was his first day working here. He was positive Nick had acted like himself that day.
“I wonder if Dad would consider giving him to me for an additional six months. Magnum, guard!” he ordered the Malamute who lay on a dog bed in one corner. As always, the slightly chewed cell phone lay within reach.
For once, Logan left the clinic not thinking about work. Lucy Donner dominated his thoughts as he walked outside to the small house he used as his living quarters. He chuckled as an idea came to mind.
“Too bad Dad can’t order her into community service.”
Chapter Two
“How