"You boys are so sweet," she says. "But that doesn't solve the real problem."
The Russian frowns. "Why not? Money fixes everything."
"Not this." She wipes her eyes, trying to compose herself. "What we need is regular funding. Our monthly operating costs are in the six figures. We're funded entirely by donations, and they've been declining while our costs keep rising. And it's going to get so much worse after Christmas."
Half the people in the bar gasp.
The other half—including me—just look confused.
What the hell happens after Christmas that's worse than a two-hundred-thousand-dollar vet bill?
Mama Paws must notice, because she explains, voice hollow, "Every January, we get flooded with surrenders. People return their…Their…Christmas gifts."
It takes my brain exactly three seconds to understand.
Christmas gifts.
Puppies and kittens given as presents.
Returned like unwanted sweaters when they stop being cute and start being work.
Oh, fuck no.
"No." The word bursts out of me before I can stop it. "Nope. Not happening."
Everyone turns to look at me.
I don't care. I'm on a roll now, fueled by righteous fury and the residual adrenaline from the tree fire.
I spin toward Frank. "You had a fundraising event scheduled, right?"
Frank nods slowly. "Yes."
"Then we'll do three. We'll do seven. We'll do one every night until Christmas. We'll pack this place, charge entry, auction off—I don't know—signed hockey sticks or whatever. We'll make it work."
"Devon..." Kayla's voice is gentle, which means she's about to say something I don't want to hear.
"What?"
Frank sighs. "We're understaffed as it is. We can barely handle regular nights. I don't see how—"
"I can do extra shifts," I cut him off. "For free. We can bring in volunteers—"
"We'll help."
The voice comes from behind me. Deep, steady, sure.
I turn.
The Handsome—Ace—is stepping forward, and several of his teammates are nodding.
"We can organize a charity game," Ace continues, and I'm momentarily distracted by how his voice sounds even better when he's being heroic.Focus, Devon. "Raise awareness. We can showcase the shelter animals during the event, promote it on our social media—"
"Except we have ten games before Christmas," someone interrupts. I don't know his name yet, but he looks somber as fuck.
The Comedian nods. "Half of them away games."
And then, in perfect synchronization, the entire team turns to look at The Adult.
