‘Exactly what are you leaving behind?’ asked Pete as he listened to Jimmy’s heartbeat one last time before shutting the door to the dog crate. ‘Because from what you’ve told me about what brought you to this island in the first place, there’s nothing to go back for.’
Verity thought for a moment. ‘You have a point. There’s just my house, which was where my grandparents lived.’
‘You shouldn’t feel loyalty to live in a house just because your grandparents lived there. Houses are just bricks and mortar. You still have your memories. This is your time now. Do what you want to do. And the answer is yes. You should apply for a job with Cooper. After this evening I’ll definitely be recommending you.’
‘I’m seriously thinking about it. It’s just my living arrangements that worry me.’
‘Apply for the job and see what happens. Things always have a way of working themselves out if they’re meant to be.’ Pete pointed to Jimmy. ‘He’s comfortable, and the cameras are on. Let’s go and chat to Sam.’
Despite the animosity between them, Pete was being so kind to Sam. Verity figured that must have been difficult, knowing how Sam had reacted towards him over the years. She followed Pete out of the surgery into the waiting room.
It looked like Sam hadn’t moved a muscle for the past hour. He was sitting in the plastic chair leaning backwards with his arms crossed, his head against the wall. As soon as he realised the door had opened, he sat up.
‘Thank God. I thought you were never going to come out of that room.’
Instantly, Pete put his mind at ease. ‘Jimmy is comfortable and sedated. He has a broken leg but he’s going to make a full recovery. He’s a very lucky dog.’
Verity smiled as Sam looked at the two of them, the relief evident on his face. Knowing that Jimmy was going to be okay, he pressed his hands to his eyes to try and control the tears. Pete passed him a tissue.
‘Do you want to see him?’ Pete gestured towards the open door and Verity led the way.
‘He’s heavily sedated but stable. His leg has been pinned. The implants are hidden under the skin and they’re going to be left in place after the bone has healed. The hardest thing for you both will be the next twelve weeks until he makes a full recovery. We can’t move him tonight but if everything is okay in the morning and after I check him over again, he can go home. He’ll need lots of rest and I’d suggest you keep him crated to limit movement.’
Sam was bent over the side of the crate. He stroked Jimmy gently. ‘I thought I’d lost you there for a minute.’ His voice was full of emotion.
‘We have the camera on him and any movement at all will alert my phone. I’ll be able to see and check in on him at any time through the night but I don’t think he’ll be making any further moves for now. I’ll come across first thing before the puffin count and we can sort out any medication for pain relief, et cetera, before he goes home.’
Sam stood up and Verity was delighted to see him extend his hand to Pete. Pete shook it without hesitation.
‘Thank you,’ said Sam sincerely. ‘I can’t thank you enough.’
Pete nodded his head in acknowledgement. ‘It’s all down to this one, too.’ He gestured towards Verity.
‘Thank you,’ said Sam, turning towards Verity.
‘Now if it’s okay with you, I’d like to go home and have a cup of tea,’ said Pete.
‘Thank you both again. You went above and beyond tonight.’
‘Always happy to do so when animals are concerned.’ Pete now extended his hand towards Verity. ‘Thank you for being my wing woman. You were impressive in there and I couldn’t have done it without you.’
‘Team work makes the dream work,’ trilled Verity.
With one last look at Jimmy, who was still fast asleep, they headed outside and Pete locked up the surgery. ‘I’ll see you both in the morning.’
Verity and Sam watched him walk the short distance to Cliff Top Cottage. ‘How are you feeling?’ asked Verity.
‘Mixed emotions. An hour ago, I felt like the bottom had fallen out of my world. He chases birds all the time but I never thought he’d be stupid enough to launch himself off the cliff. I’m so relieved he’s still here.’
‘Thank God Pete was about.’
Sam looked towards the cottage and nodded. ‘Yes, I’m extremely grateful, and thank you, too. I don’t know what I’d have done if you hadn’t heard me shout.’
‘Let’s not think about that now. Would you like to come back for a drink? I have wine.’
Sam glanced towards the van and nodded. ‘You’re all settled in then? Not a bad view.’
‘Definitely not a bad view.’ She nudged his arm playfully. ‘Let’s get you a drink and we could even throw a few coals on the firepit.’
