Tomorrow I'll start figuring it out.
CHAPTER FIVE
Palisade
One week into Easton's community service, and I almost believed things would be manageable. He showed up on time, did his work without complaint, and kept his head down. The animals liked him. The staff tolerated him. Manageable.
Then the news vans showed up.
I was in the middle of examining a nervous tabby cat who did not appreciate strangers when Monique knocked on the exam room door.
"Palisade, there are reporters outside. A lot of them."
My stomach dropped. "How many is a lot?"
“Four vans. Maybe a dozen people with cameras."
Cursing under my breath, I finished the exam as quickly as possible, gave the owner their instructions, and headed to the front window. Sure enough, the parking lot was filling with media personnel, and cameras pointed at the clinic entrance.
"What the hell?" I muttered.
Monique appeared at my elbow. "Easton's agent called this morning. Said they wanted to do a 'feel-good community story' about his rehabilitation. I told them we weren't interested, but apparently they showed up, anyway."
"Where's Easton?"
"Kennel area. He doesn't know yet."
I marched to the back, anger building with each step. Easton was hosing down one of the runs, completely oblivious to the circus forming outside.
"You didn’t know there would be reporters here?" I demanded.
His expression darkened. "I told my agent no. I specifically said…" He set down the hose. "I'll handle this."
"No." I held up a hand. "This is my clinic. I'll handle it."
I didn't wait for his reply. I walked straight out the front door, cameras already tracking my movements.
"Dr. Honors! Can you tell us about Easton Henley's community service?"
"Is it true he's working here as punishment for the horse trailer incident?"
"How do you feel about having a violent offender working with animals?"
I held up one hand, and they quieted.
"Easton Henley is fulfilling a court-ordered community service requirement at this clinic," I said, keeping my voice level and professional. "He's working under my direct supervision. Beyond that, I have nothing to say. This is a veterinary clinic, not a publicity stunt. My patients and their owners deserve privacy and peace. I'm asking you all to leave."
"Dr. Honors, can we get a few photos?"
"If you don't leave, I'll call the police for trespassing. This is private property." I kept my tone firm. "Thank you for understanding."
I turned and walked back inside without waiting for their response, watching through the window as they reluctantly began packing up.
When I turned around, Easton stood in the hallway with Aimee and Monique.
"I'm sorry," he said immediately. "I didn't authorize this. I'll call my agent right now and—"
"Just finish your shift," I said tersely. "We'll deal with this later."
