She takes a shaky breath. “It’s Snorty. He collapsed this morning. He can’t breathe right and he’s making these horrible choking sounds.”
“What can I do?”
“We’re at Washington Park Pet Animal Emergency Facility. The vet says he needs surgery right away. But it’s six thousand dollars, Rio. We don’t have that kind of money. I didn’t know who else to call.”
I open my mouth to ask the question, then close it again. She doesn’t deserve that kind of snark.
Or… maybe she does, given all she put me through.
“Why don’t you ask your rich fiancé?”
“Joseph?” She emits a hollow laugh. “He’s not my fiancé. When are you going to believe me? Can you come, Rio? I’ll explain everything.”
“I’ll be right there.”
I take a deep breath and head back into the boardroom. My hands shake.
This is career suicide. I’m about to blow off the biggest meeting of our lives for a dog. Maddie’s dog.
The same Maddie who nearly destroyed everything I’d worked for.
The double doors feel heavier than before as I push through them.
Everyone freezes mid-conversation. Keith’s mouth hangs open. Steven’s eyes narrow to slits. Prince Michael’s face turns that dangerous shade of red I’ve seen only twice before.
Derek Ward just raises one eyebrow.
“Guys, Mr. Ward,” I say with as much fortitude and confidence I can muster. “I’m sorry. I received an emergency call and I must leave. Prince Michael can speak for me. We’re all one team.”
I don’t wait for their verbal responses. I bolt out of there, through the lobby, past the receptionist who’s watching me like I’ve lost my mind.
Outside, I see Prince Michael’s stretch limo idling at the curb. But the traffic looks bumper-to-bumper.
I spot the green subway entrance on the corner and make a split-second decision. I haven’t ridden the subway in forever, but I race down the grimy stairs two at a time, hoping I’ll arrive on time.
CHAPTER 42
RIO
Ifling open the door of the veterinarian. Then I find Maddie sitting in a corner. Snorty is not with them. My gut clenches.Am I too late? Is he still alive?
“Oh Rio, you’re here!” Maddie says. When she hugs me, I can see Mrs. Smith, her mother, in the corner.
“Where’s Snorty?” I hadn’t realized how attached I’d become to the little guy. If I got here too late, I’d never forgive myself.
“Getting prepped for surgery.”
“Great. I’ll pay the cashier so they can start.”
Once the transaction is finished, the vet comes out to speak to us.
“We’ll monitor Snorty while the anesthesia kicks in. The surgery itself will take about an hour.”
“Will he be okay?” Maddie asks.
“We don’t know yet,” the vet says. “It’s best to be optimistic. But be prepared.”
When he leaves, Maddie takes me to greet her mother, then leads me to smaller waiting area where we can't be overheard.
