This is what the job is really all about. Making a difference for the people and pets who need it most.
The right owners—the good ones—they’re always grateful.
As for the bad ones ... well, I don’t like to think about them. I tell myself there’s a special place in hell with their seat reserved.
I scoop up the card reader as I head back to the exam room. At least they’re paying customers. God knows the clinic needs it with how tight things have been.
“Good news,” I say as I open the door. “We’ve found—”
I stop in my tracks as I see Brady holding up his phone, posing with Charlie, who’s slumped on his side, tired but happy and wagging his tail.
What the hell?
Heat turns my blood into lava.
I should have known.
You go and find an abandoned dog, then bring him in just so you can flaunt your heroics on social media. Becausethat’swhat the world needs right now.
Apparently, all good deeds are transactional for earthworms like Brady McMoneybags.
More rich virtue signalers, measuring their morals in likes.
Oh my God.
Charlie doesn’t even know he’s a prop, of course.
The corgi looks up lovingly and licks his face. Brady laughs, and I have to admit—even though I’m pissed enough to spit nails—it’s a charming laugh.
That doesn’t mean this whole thing isn’tgross.
It gives me massive ick, just watching it unfold.
He’s not a good person. He’s not altruistic or kind or selfless.
He’s one more ginormous prick in a city crawling with them, turning a good deed into a spectacle.
No, it doesn’t matter if he’s built like Hercules with an Instagram filter.
As far as I’m concerned, he’s a first-class asshole.
I have plenty of experience to know. After you’ve dated the king of abusive predators and lived to tell the tale, you don’t forget.
He glances up at me with a small smile like a cobra watching its prey.
“Is it good news, Lena?”
I hate that he knows my name.
I inhale a long, slow breath.
Paying customers.
Paying.
Smile, bat your eyes, and shut it.
There’s no way I can unload on him now, especially if I want to get them out of here ASAP.
