“No. Sorry. I need a clinic first, and then we have to buy the equipment,” I replied. “But I’ll see what we can do to speed up the process. Mobile vets are extortionate. Maybe I can come on weekends.”
“What’s going to happen to your current practice?” Noah inquired as the waitress approached.
“Oh, I’ve got several guys who’ll take over running it. I’ll be making them partners. Calamity, and I plan to return one weekend a month to ensure everything is fine,” I replied.
“Klutz and I will partner in opening this one.”
“If we had a building and equipment, would you be interested?” Ross asked after exchanging a look with Noah.
“Depends on the quality and placement. We did wish to open a veterinary clinic nearer the sanctuary we’re opening,” Klutz answered him.
“What else are you looking for?” Noah asked, turning to Calamity. The waitress took our orders as Calamity explained what we intended to bring to the community in the way of businesses.
“Are you here in the morning?” Ross inquired.
“Yes, we’re staying until Sunday afternoon when we’ll ride back,” Calamity said.
“Would you be able to meet me, say, at eleven? I have meetings until then, but if you can join me at the mayor’s office, I’ll show you some potential buildings,” Ross offered.
“That would be great,” Calamity replied.
Our meals began arriving, and we moved to small talk.
Calamity
I could feel eyes on me as I parked up with the club falling in behind. A woman in uniform turned and stared at us expressionlessly.
“Here we go, judgy cop bastards,” Falcon muttered.
“Morning, guys,” she said as she hitched her belt and approached. “I’m Sheriff Eliana Cates.”
“Sheriff,” I replied.
“Ross will be out soon. He’s caught up with a nagging councilman,” Sheriff Cates stated.
“Are you joining us?” Rosie asked as she plastered herself to my side.
Sheriff Cates looked Rosie up and down, and I stiffened.
“You’re the veterinarian?”
“Yes.”
Sheriff Cates leaned in. “I know you’re not working, but I have a pregnant German Shepherd, Maise. I’m a bit worried about her; would you mind checking her over later?”
Rosie smiled warmly. “Not a problem. I’ll come after today’s meeting. How old is she?”
“Three, and she’s my fur baby. Masie’s my pet, not a police officer. She’s with my sister as she’s due anytime soon, and I don’t want her going into labour alone,” Sheriff Cates explained.
“That’s pretty good of you. Dogs can get distressed during birth, and they calm down when their owners are close,” Rosie replied.
The door to the offices opened, and Ross rushed out. “Sorry to have held you up. I had a problem to deal with.”
Cates snorted, and Ross rolled his eyes. “I’ve some property to show you, and Eliana wanted a chance to get to know you. We have some pretty nervous locals here, so being seen with Eliana and me should settle some nerves.”
“Okay, we don’t want to rile the townsfolk up against us. Any help to settle in will be appreciated, but we’re a clean club, to make that clear,” I said, holding Cates’s eyes.
“I’m aware of what Rage MC is. Will people be happy if an MC has moved in? Who knows? We are a pretty quiet small town, and we like the vibe we have. If you’re bringing strip clubs and shit, they won’t go down well,” Cates responded.
