Page 116 of Animal's Reformation
“Olivia, I have a patient who may go over a bit tonight. Can you stay?” Dr. Mitchell asked.
She nodded. “I’m staying for Dr. Linney’s late patient anyway.”
“Thanks,” he said as he walked through the door, then headed toward his office.
“I’m sorry to keep you late again tonight,” Dr. Linney said. “I asked Janelle if she could come in and cover, but she wasn’t available.”
“Don’t worry about it, I’m good. I know Janelle has another job on her days away from the clinic like I do, so it’s all cool. What time do you think we’ll be done?”
“If Charles Piper’s on time, then around six thirty, but no later than seven o’clock. I’m not sure what time Dr. Mitchell will be done.”
“I’ll ask him, but that should work,” Olivia said, even though dread wove through her. She’d forgotten to bring home the reading test materials the day before, and now she had to go back to the school after work. No one else had the key to her desk but her, so there was really no choice. Olivia had hoped she could’ve left no later than six o’clock that night, but the clinic always seemed to have late-night appointments.
“Hey, Olivia,” Ivy said as she scurried into the reception area and looked over Olivia’s shoulder at the screen. “Seems like we’re busy all day.”
“And night. I have to stay until seven.” Olivia craned her neck and looked up at Ivy.
“Ugh … that sucks. The dentists should really get someone else to help. One receptionist isn’t enough. Janelle is always swamped and working late on the days she comes in, and so are you.” She glanced toward the hallway. “They’re just cheap,” she whispered.
Olivia giggled. “I really don’t mind because I make more money, but I have to go back to Slavens and pick up some stuff I forgot, and I hate going there that late. I know the custodian will be there, but I still get the heebie-jeebies. I need to do some things to prepare for the standardized reading tests the students are taking tomorrow.”
“Why don’t you ask Animal to go with you?”
“That’s a good idea—I think I will.”
“You guys still going strong? I mean, any man who surprises you with window treatments for your whole house is a definite keeper, outlaw biker notwithstanding.”
Olivia laughed. “I keep running around the house like a wacko opening and closing all the shades and shutters. It’s so awesome but also pathetic.” Animal’s rugged face flashed through her mind, and she felt a rush of love. “I still can’t believe he actually went into that store. It’s not really the type of place he’d ever go into.”
“That was just so sweet of him. I better get back to work.” Ivy smiled as she walked into the lobby area. “Thelma Jurist,” she said before escorting the older woman to one of the rooms down the hall.
The morning flew by in a blur of paperwork, phone calls, and patient check-ins, and by lunch hour, Olivia couldn’t wait to go outside and bask in the sunlight while she called Animal. She grabbed her purse and snuck away before any of the dentists or hygienists thwarted her plans.
Miner’s Square was half a block away from the building and right in the center of the business district. Surrounded by banks, small restaurants, and Victorian architecture, this was one of Olivia’s favorite places in town. Benches lined the brick sidewalks, and sprawling oak trees provided ample shade during the day. A large bronze statute of a miner panning for gold stood in the middle of the square.
Olivia plopped down on one of the benches and pulled out her cellphone while balancing a hotdog in her other hand. She took a big bite, wiped the corner of her mouth with a napkin then had a sip of Coke before tapping in Animal’s number.
“You must’ve read my mind, baby. I was just ready to call you,” he said.
“I’m sitting in Miner’s Square eating a hotdog I bought from one of the carts, and wishing you were here with me, sweetie.”
“Me too. I’m stuck repairing a fuckin’ garbage disposal because one of the guys called off this morning. Let’s get together for dinner.”
“I’d love to, but it’ll have to be later. We have some patients coming in late tonight, so I won’t get done until around seven. I need to go to Slavens to get some stuff I forgot to take home yesterday. Can you come with me? I don’t like going there that late.”
“Sure—I don’t want you going there at night. I’ll get Jada to stay with Lucy, and I’ll follow you there. I’ve got your back, babe …always.Have you heard from that fucker?”
“Yeah. He contacted me this morning before I left for work. He’s trying to get me to meet with him this weekend. Are you sure it’s him?”
“Damn straight. I talked to my mom this morning, and she remembered he used that fucking expression ‘my sweet.’ I recalled seeing that when I was reading the messages that morning at your place.”
“Itisthe same guy,” she whispered, shivering despite the heat. “I can’t believe it.”
“And I’m pretty sure he’s the fucker who’s been doing all the murders in our county and some of the neighboring ones. Shadow and I talked for a long time this morning and he’s up on all that shit. Anyway, he’s convinced—so am I—that this Hunter bastard is that fucking serial killer.”
“I was thinking that may be the case this morning. Oh crap … this is scary as hell. I have to call the police.”
“Not yet. Badges just complicate shit. The MC can take care of it, but it’ll mean you making a date with the SOB. I’ll be there the whole time, along with several of the brothers. Are you up for it?”
