“I second that,” Cynthia, one of the longest-standing members of the department’s team, chimed in.
“So, I know we have an agenda, but let’s just open the floor. Do any of you have any problems with your current cases? Let’s help one another out. We can go around the room.”
Lucy put her hand up. My legs were crossed, but I squeezed them together, invisible to the others.
“Yes, I have a question.” Her eyes danced with mischief.
“Go ahead, Lucy. You have the floor,” I answered curtly.
“What happens in a misconduct case? Such as if a social worker or department worker becomes involved with a client?” My heart stomped through my chest. My palms were sweating. I maintained my cool as best I could.
“Well, first, that’s a serious allegation, and you would need undeniable proof that something was going on. Remembering that we, as social workers, are involved with home visits and accessing certain services to assist our clients. You would need proof for such a claim, and then the next necessary steps would be taken.” My caramel eyes inflicted my coldest stare back at her.
She smiled. “Just wondering is all.” She rolled her eyes arrogantly.
Brandon sat forward in his seat. “Why do you ask? Do you know someone in that position, Lucy?”
She looked straight at me, and I maintained a neutral if not blank stare. “Oh God, no, no one from this team would do that!”
A few of the others mumbled under their breath before the meeting continued. Maybe Colt and I might need to cool it until compulsory visits were over. I didn’t want to jeopardize him or me. The meeting overall was productive and ended after forty-five minutes. The threat of blackmail from Lucy had me thinking vengeful thoughts. I had the opportunity to confront her as she was the last to leave out of the room.
“What exactly are you doing? I mean, what exactly are you trying to prove? Did I miss something?
Lucy’s dark eyes lit up with envy as she looked at me. “Yes, you can do no wrong in this department. You’re a goody-two-shoes, and I’m sick of it. You got that promotion, and I’m just as qualified as you for the role. In fact, I’ve had just as many cases as you.”
The root cause of the conflict was revealed. I blew out a strong breath. “Look, your time is coming. I don’t know why you would be in a hurry for the role. Better the devil you know. I work late nights, and up until now, I haven’t really had a life outside of helping other people. Think about it.”
Her energy shifted slightly, but she’d already decided to be mad. “Well, I want to hate you, but you make it hard to.” She cracked a smile.
I took the high road and flashed her one back. “See, not so bad after all. I will do my best to give you some cases that can get you to the next level. Would you consider another branch?”
Lucy’s eyes widened. “Now you’re trying to send me away?”
“No, actually, I might have something for you. But you have to lay off.”
She heaved a sigh. “Okay, I could use the extra money. My mother’s having a heart transplant next month.”
The lightbulb flashed, and the sudden change in demeanor became clear. “Give me some time. I think I can create a role you’d like.”
Twenty-Three
Colt
The smell of the sweet California grass had me in a good mood. My girl Bella and I were in the barn. Both of us were feeding the horses and cleaning up. I stared at the clumps of pigeon poop as I looked down at the barnyard floor. The pigeons had formed their little nest at the top of the barn attic. I found it surprising, as normally they liked caves. These cute little gray fluffy babies caught my eye from time to time.
Bella loved them. The chickens were another story. I had to shoo them away from time to time because they were a little too curious. I watched her as she hummed and fed the Palomino horses hay. They chomped happily and neighed back, the horses’ version of talking.
“Daddy, I think we should name the little birds.” Right after she said it, a little fluff ball wobbled on its little legs next to Bella, desperately trying to flap its wings and fly. He couldn’t fly yet.
I pointed behind her feet. “Well, there’s the first one. Name that one.”
She turned around, and I thought the chick might try to fly away, but it didn’t. It stayed put. Bella picked it up in her tiny hands and peered at it. To my surprise, it tucked its wings in and sat peacefully in her hands. Not only a horse whisperer but an animal whisperer.
“Let’s call you Flappy because you flap your wings a lot, trying to fly.”
I arched an eyebrow at her, and Moonlight raised her nose in approval, stomping the ground.
“Oh, you approve, do you?” I fed her a carrot, and her large teeth made quick work of it. Nearly took off a few of my fingers, but I managed to get them out of the way fast enough.
