"Something like that," Holt admitted, gesturing at the organized chaos of files covering his desk. "How are things going at the new clinic? I heard from Dean that the clinic renovations were going at top speed to get the clinic operating as soon as possible.”
"It's been incredible to watch," June said, settling into the chair across from his desk. "Lacey is absolutely overwhelmed by everyone's generosity. The building is going to be perfect for what she needs, especially with all the space for wildlife rehabilitation in the back."
"How did the interview with Dr. Vernon go?" Holt asked, remembering the background check request June had made.
"Dr. Judy Vernon seems very nice and definitely qualified for the position. I sat in on the interview after what could only be described as the Sandpiper Inquisition on the way to the interview,” June said, blowing out a breath and shaking her head.
"The Sandpiper Inquisition?" Holt repeated with amusement.
"Lacey was so nervous about trusting a stranger that she basically interrogated the poor woman about her entire life history during the car ride from the new clinic to Teacups," June explained with a laugh. "I had to intervene before she starteddemanding to see Dr. Vernon's college transcripts and personal references."
"I suppose that's understandable given what Lacey has been through," Holt said sympathetically. "Being attacked twice in less than a week would make anyone suspicious of new people."
"Exactly. But once we got to the actual interview and started discussing Dr. Vernon’s veterinary experience, Lacey relaxed considerably. Dr. Vernon has impressive credentials, especially in marine wildlife rehabilitation, which is exactly what the practice needs."
"And you said she seems trustworthy?" Holt asked suspiciously.
"She does, but I know we still need to be careful," June replied. "That's actually one of the reasons I came by. Do you have any information about Dr. Vernon's background yet?"
"Not yet, but I should have a complete report by tomorrow morning," Holt assured her. "My contact is being thorough, which takes time but gives us better information."
"We did find out quite a bit during Lacey's interrogation," June said with a smile. "Dr. Vernon is originally from New York and moved to Florida about fifteen years ago to join a veterinary practice in Miami. Her husband was an investment banker who died recently, and she had a brother who passed away about ten years ago. She didn't talk much about her brother, though she seemed genuinely sad when she mentioned him."
Holt snorted despite his concerns. "It sounds like you and Lacey did such a thorough job of vetting her that maybe we don't need an official background check after all."
"Oh, that was all Lacey," June said quickly, shaking her head. "This whole business of having a faceless enemy is really getting to her. She's second-guessing everyone and everything now."
"I can definitely understand that reaction," Holt said with genuine sympathy. "Being stalked and attacked would make anyone paranoid about potential threats. So, what was the final verdict about Dr. Vernon?"
"Lacey hired her, and she started working today already," June told him. "She's at the clinic with Lacey right now, helping with the setup and equipment installation." She held up her hand as she saw Holt's expression tighten with concern. "Dean is there too, so Lacey isn't alone with someone we don't know well yet."
"Good," Holt said, relaxing slightly. "While Dr. Vernon may seem perfectly nice, we still need to stick to our agreement about not leaving anyone alone until we solve this mystery."
"I know," June agreed with a smile. "That's exactly why I stayed with Lacey at the clinic until Dean arrived to take over the protective detail duties."
Holt's eyes fell on the food June had brought, and his stomach responded with an embarrassing growl that reminded him he'd been surviving on coffee and determination for most of the day. The aroma emanating from the covered plate smelled like heaven.
"Is that your late lunch?" he asked hopefully.
"Actually, this is for you," June said, her smile widening as she pushed the plate toward him. "Margo sent it over specifically for you, along with some of her signature desserts and coffee for both of us."
"Bless Margo's heart," Holt said with a grateful groan as he lifted the cover to reveal what appeared to be a perfectly prepared meal. "I've been so focused on trying to figure out whether there were any formal complaints filed against Lacey or anything that might connect her to the incidents from ten years ago that I completely lost track of time."
"You skipped lunch," June observed with a knowing laugh. "I had a feeling you might be so absorbed in the investigation that you'd forgotten to eat. Some things never change."
The casual reference to his old habits sent a warm flutter through Holt's chest, but he tried to focus on the practical aspects of their conversation.
"Since you're here and clearly have nothing else urgent to do," he said with a teasing smile, "would you be interested in helping me go through some of these files? I haven't even started on that pile over there. Those are all complaints about veterinary services, insurance claims from tourists who had pet emergencies, and general correspondence related to animal care in the area."
"Of course I can help," June said immediately, pulling the stack of files toward her side of the desk. "Do you have a spare notepad and pen so I can take notes on anything that seems relevant?"
"Absolutely," Holt replied, opening his desk drawer and retrieving the requested supplies. "Here you go."
"Thanks," June said, pulling a pair of reading glasses from her purse and putting them on before opening the first file.
Holt had to force himself not to stare at her as she settled into the familiar rhythm of document review. The glasses gave her a scholarly, professional appearance that he found unexpectedly attractive, and the way she focused intently on thepages reminded him of countless evenings they'd spent working together on various projects during their marriage.
"Oh, before I forget," Holt said, reaching for another folder on his desk, "I got the analysis back on the gas canisters that were used in the clinic attack." He pulled out the official report and scanned the key findings. "I was right about them being police grade. They're specifically designed for crowd control and tactical operations, the kind of equipment that's restricted to law enforcement and military personnel."
