Page 10 of Tack’s Bounty

“It’s a ‘how about you deliver a large bouquet of flowers from your flower shop with a card that asks if I can either bring her breakfast when I get off work or take her out to breakfast, depending on her schedule,’” he suggested.

“Oh, that sounds absolutely perfect. Should I sign the card ‘Tack’ or do you want it mushier, like, ‘I’m counting the minutes until I can see you again?’” she giggled, waggling her eyebrows.

He shook his head, staring at her.

“Okay, got it—only your name. Love you, Tack,” she chuckled, kissing his cheek and walking out of the kitchen.

“Mom,” he chided.

“Sometimes you ruin all my fun. I’ll put only your name, though sometimes it’s hard being your mom,” she huffed, grinning at him.

Tack kissed his mom’s cheek and said goodbye to Adley, grabbing another cookie before heading to his bike to ride to work. For now, he needed to concentrate on work. He’d table his thoughts on how he felt about Sophia until he was off work. He needed to be sharp.

Chapter Six

Sophia headed outside to check the squirrel feeders and be in the sunshine for a little bit. She’d had back-to-back appointments with barely enough time to stuff a sandwich in her mouth between them.

She had an hour break before the next appointment, and she wanted some time outside. She noticed the two cameras on the front porch. The installer had been by and installed cameras on the front and back doors, along with the outside door to her clinic, which was part of the house with a separate entrance. He walked the property and drew a diagram of where else he suggested she add them. With her okay, he’d told her they could get them completed in the next two to three days. She appreciated Tack taking care of that for her.

She hadn’t been so interested in a man since Rufus and she had divorced. He made her feel again. She’d been sad when he had to leave for work, but she understood.

She stared at the squirrels running around the yard. It was hotter this afternoon, so most of the animals were in the back under the awnings or in the barn to stay cool.

The rescue part of the clinic was getting full to overflowing. Lake and Freedom had both mentioned Sophia should consider fostering some of the animals with others, but Sophia had concerns. The fosters would need to love animals, have the space for them, and be trustworthy. Sophia had heard stories from colleagues who had their rescue animals used in sporting rings for fighting or hunting. She’d never forgive herself if she sent animals to a foster and they ended up not safe.

“Hey, boss lady, we’ve got a call from animal control. You’re next on the roster to volunteer. It’s a hoarding situation about twenty minutes away. Do you want me to get the rig ready?” Lake called from the porch.

“Sure. Did they say how many?” Sophia called back, already heading toward the porch. No time left for relaxing if there were animals in need.

“He said they were just getting into the area, but he’s estimating thirty-plus dogs and possibly other animals.”

“All right. My other appointments are checkups. Have Freedom reschedule them and tell them why. Explain they’ll get their discount because I rescheduled. Freedom can drive the second rig with a trailer to make sure we have enough room,” Sophia directed, heading inside to change clothes, already running through if there was anything extra they’d need to pack. If they were only twenty minutes away, at least she could send someone back to get more supplies if needed.

Sophia stripped her gloves and apron off. She poured soap on her hands and arms, scrubbing before using the hose to wash off. Once she’d cleaned up a little, she stepped out of her muck boots, pushing her sock-clad feet into the rubber slides. She grabbed a bottle of water, taking a sip instead of guzzling it like her body demanded because she wasn’t sure she could keep it down.

Today was one of the worst puppy mill situations she’d ever seen. She was taking a short break after burying thirty less-than-a-week-old puppies who had succumbed to the heat over the last few days but had still been in crates with live dogs.

The sun was starting to go down behind the horizon. There was one spotlight, but soon, she’d need to head home with the animals. Lake and Freedom had left an hour ago to take the full truckload.

Sophia was waiting for the all-clear from the officers inside the house. They hadn’t brought any animals out in the last thirty minutes, but she was staying just in case.

The animal control officer had seriously underestimated how many animals, but it wasn’t his fault. There had been another barn hidden by large trees and overgrown hedges that couldn’t be seen until they were on the property and cutting through the hedge.

She’d have to get an accurate count after she was back at the clinic, and they’d done thorough checks on all the animals, but her rough estimate was a herd of goats, a small donkey similar to Pudding, multiple breeds making up the sixty puppies and dogs, at least fifteen cats, some with newborn kittens, and twenty rabbits. She was guessing the couple who owned the facility was selling to pet stores.

If she let herself feel anything right now, she’d start crying and wouldn’t stop. For now, she’d hold it together, and then tonight, alone in the shower, she’d let herself cry for the animals that died and the ones that still might pass because they were too sick.

Her stomach growled despite her feeling a little nauseous. She wished she’d had more than a sandwich. She was exhausted, sweaty, and low on fuel for her body. She couldn’t say she was hungry because the thought of eating made her gag a little.

“We’ve got two more,” an officer called as he walked out of the house. Sophia stood up, slipped on her apron and some fresh gloves, waiting to see what condition the animals they were bringing out were in.

“Two German Shepherd puppies. One is super thin. The second has a wound on its leg that looks infected. Both are barely breathing.”

Sophia assessed what she needed to do and directed the officer to help her. Both puppies were dehydrated, and the one with the wound did have an infection. She started IVs on both of them and settled them in separate crates. She’d deal with the other items once they were back at the clinic.

“You’re good to go, Doc. If we find any more alive, one of us will bring them to your clinic. Thank you,” he replied, biting his lip.

She wasn’t sure what all he’d seen in the house, but she’d seen multiple bags of what she assumed were dead animals brought out of it for the last two hours.