"You think she would?" Layla's eyes widened.
"Better safe than sorry," Tobi told her, and Tyr nodded solemnly in agreement.
"It's not likely," Tyr said. "But best not to take the chance."
"Text me when you get home?" Beth touched Layla's arm gently.
Layla nodded, pulling Beth into a quick hug. "Of course. You do the same."
"Don't worry, I'll make sure she gets there safely," Tobi assured them with a wink, though his usual playful demeanor was tempered by watchfulness as he scanned the parking lot through the windows.
"Goodnight, Beth." Layla squeezed her hand one last time before following Tobi out into the darkness of the quiet hallway.
Layla's car appeared a few minutes later, driving past the clinic toward the road. Above her, a gorgeous white falcon soared, circling above the car.
"Tobi's following her?"
"Just in case that woman is lingering in the area, waiting to follow anyone who leaves. It's not very likely, but it's better to be safe."
Relief washed over Beth as she watched her friend drive away under Tobi's protection. She raked her fingers through her hair, suddenly bone-weary as the adrenaline crash hit.
"I guess I should get on with my rounds, then, and check on the animals."
Tyr fell into step beside her, his tall form casting a shadow in the dim hallway lighting.
"You don't have to stay," Beth told him, feeling guilty at keeping him from patrolling.
"I know." Tyr's voice carried a hint of amusement. "But I will. That woman's hatred ran deep - the kind that often leads to rash actions. I'm not taking chances with your safety."
Beth nodded, focusing on checking water bowls and bedding. Her hands trembled slightly as she changed out a food dish, the evening's events catching up with her.
"Hey." Tyr's cool fingers brushed her arm. "You're safe. We've got your back."
"I know." Beth managed a small smile. "I just keep thinking about Todd. Having to plan his own escape route at that age..."
"He sounds like a bright kid. Resourceful." Tyr leaned against the wall while she worked. "And now he's got backup if he needs it."
Her smile came more naturally. "Yes, he does."
Chapter 9
Beth glanced at the clock for the hundredth time, willing the hands to move faster. The night had dragged after that evening's drama, each creak and shadow making her skin crawl. Even the animals had picked up on her tension, their usual nighttime rustling more subdued.
When Yolanda, the veterinary assistant who covered the early shift, breezed through the door at 4:45 AM, snowflakes dusting her dark curls, Beth's shoulders sagged with relief.
"Oh thank god you're here." Beth wrapped her coworker in an impulsive hug. "I've never been so happy to see anyone."
"Whoa, rough night?" Yolanda patted her back, shooting a questioning look at Tyr who stood guard by the door.
"You could say that." Beth's hands shook slightly as she gathered her things. "I'll fill you in on the gory details later, but I just want to get out of here. The incident report's on the counter. Nothing medical, just... someone being awful."
"Got it." Yolanda's expression softened with understanding as she shrugged out of her snow-dusted coat. "Go home, get some rest. I've got things covered here."
Beth nodded gratefully, tugging on her winter coat. Through the windows, fat snowflakes swirled in the security lights,coating the parking lot in pristine white. The pre-dawn darkness felt heavier than usual, pressing against the glass.
"Ready?" Tyr's quiet voice steadied her nerves as he held the door.
"So ready." Beth pulled her coat tighter against the light, swirling snow. Her boots crunched across the fresh powder as she made her way to her car, fishing her keys from her pocket.
