"Exactly," Suzanne said. "That's why we contracted private security before any incidents occurred. We wanted to be proactive rather than reactive."
"The night shift was our biggest concern," Troy continued. "Fewer staff, darker conditions, more isolation. Beth and our other night employees are particularly vulnerable."
"The security team has been excellent," Beth offered. "They maintain a constant presence without being intrusive. Our regular clients don't even notice them, but they're always there if needed."
Troy's smile reached his eyes for the first time that evening. "They responded immediately when that woman started causing trouble. Within minutes, they had the situation under control, while our staff called 911."
Chief Flynn's shoulders relaxed slightly, and he nodded in approval. "Having security is a wise move. As you can imagine, law enforcement has been scrambling since the start of this, from the big cities to smaller communities like ours. Having our local celebrity coming forward as a shapeshifter made a big difference in swaying public opinion, I will say."
"We did lose some clients right away," Douglas added. "But for every one who left, we gained three new ones. People specifically seeking us out because they want to support shifters."
Beth grinned as she remembered the impact of Katerina's going public. The fashion designer's graceful revelation of her shifter nature on national television had indeed changed manyminds locally. Beth had witnessed it firsthand - the way regular clients now smiled knowingly when they spotted the familiar Maine Coon lounging on the clinic's front desk, understanding it was actually Katerina in her cat form.
"The interview helped put a familiar face to it all," Troy agreed, pride evident in his voice as he spoke of his wife. "People who've known Katerina for years suddenly realized they'd been interacting with shifters all along without even knowing it."
Beth remembered Liam telling her how so many of the staff had reacted when they learned the truth - not with fear, but with delight that they'd had shifters around them all along, and finally understanding why the clinic's "resident" cats - that would be Katerina and Kester - had always seemed so intelligent and aware.
"It's certainly made our job easier," Chief Flynn continued. "When people see someone they already know and respect is a shifter, it's harder for them to buy into fear-mongering propaganda."
Beth couldn't help smiling as Chief Flynn's professional mask dropped away entirely, revealing the proud father beneath.
"My wife is a fan of Katerina's, and she's over the moon. And I must say she's quite disappointed, like Daniel, that it wasn't catching."
Troy laughed, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Yes, that was the general consensus at the staff meeting we had when we informed everyone that we had shifters here, before Katerina's appearance on the talk show. Everyone wanted to know if they could become a shifter themselves."
Douglas chuckled. "I think every staff member had the same question that day—why couldn't they become shifters too? We had to explain it's genetic, not contagious."
"Like Daniel," Chief Flynn said, shaking his head with fond exasperation. "When he found out, all he could talk about forweeks was how cool it would be to transform into a horse. Said it would make understanding their needs so much easier."
Beth's smile widened, picturing the enthusiastic young man she'd met briefly last summer, with his shock of red hair and freckles so like his father's. She could easily imagine his disappointment at learning he couldn't simply become a shifter through exposure.
"It's funny," she said. "Most of us who are born shifters never think about how special it is until we see that reaction from humans who wish they could experience it."
Chief Flynn's gaze snapped to Beth, his eyebrows shooting upward as realization dawned. "You're a shifter, too?" He studied her with newfound interest, as if seeing her for the first time. "I wouldn't have guessed. If you don't mind my asking—" he hesitated, curiosity overtaking his professional demeanor, "what's your form?"
"I'm a clouded leopard," she answered softly.
The chief whistled low under his breath, clearly impressed. "A wild cat. That explains how you stayed so calm during that confrontation. Predator instincts."
Beth gave him a small, quiet smile, something fierce flickering in her eyes. "Let's just say I can take care of myself if needed."
Beth listened intently as Chief Flynn shifted back to official business, his posture straightening as he addressed the room.
"The police department will arrange for more patrols past the clinic," Chief Flynn told them. "You have our full support. Any shifter who feels threatened or is in danger, need only call. We'll also make sure patrols go past your home."
"It's appreciated," Troy said. "Could you include Kazakis on the patrol list?"
Chief Flynn looked puzzled. "Kazakis? The Greek deli?"
"Kester Kazakis, the owner, is Katerina's brother. It won't take five minutes on Google for someone to make that connection. So the deli will be a target also. In fact, probably more so than the clinic, since Kester actually works there, and owns the deli."
The chief pulled out his phone and made some notes. "Got it. Any others I should be aware of?"
Beth cleared her throat softly. "Carter's Bank should be on that list too."
Chief Flynn's eyebrows shot up. "The bank? Why?"
"Lydia Metaxas, the bank manager, is a shifter. She's planning to come out publicly next month." Beth smoothed her hands over her knees, remembering Lydia's determined expression at their last security meeting.
