“Your doctor is right.You need to rest your brain after a knock.Research has shown that ignoring the problem or repeated knocks has repercussions in later life.”He glanced at Henry.“There is a drug I could suggest—”
“No drugs.”Maia sprang to her feet.“We have random testing, and anyone positive gets benched.A repeat offense can lead to a contract cancellation.I’ve worked hard for this and don’t intend to lose my contract through stupidity.Pretending innocence is not an acceptable excuse.”
“It was a suggestion,” Gavin said in a mild voice.“The drug, however, would show up during normal medical tests and raise questions.”
He glanced at Henry, and Henry’s cool demeanor surprised Maia.Shouldn’t he act indignant on her behalf?
“The puppy has recovered well but gets anxious around unfamiliar people.She’s easily startled.You’ll need patience and avoid rapid movements,” Gavin said.
Henry’s icy expression faded, but unspoken communication winged between the two men.Maia shot a glance from one to the other.Her head pounded.She’d think about it later.
“I intended to put the puppy in a box, but she became agitated and wouldn’t stop yelping.It might be best to carry her.Cuddle her and speak calmly.She might cry, but Henry, you’re good with dogs.They trust you.”
Again with the subtext.Maia would ask Henry later.
The puppy must’ve heard them coming.She cowered in the corner of her cage, her entire body shuddering.Maia’s heart broke.It would take time, but Henry was a natural.He’d gain the puppy’s confidence.
“I’ll let you get her out of the cage,” Gavin said.“Maia, you need to sit.At least let me look at the knot on your head.How is your leg?”
“I thought it was improving, but it’s throbbing now.”
“Have you tried heat pads or ice?Either might help.”
“I’ve used heat, and that helped.The doctor said it’s badly bruised.There’s nothing broken, although it’s swollen,” Maia said.
The puppy squeaked, cowering, but Henry drew her out of the cage.“Shush, little girl,” he crooned, gently stroking her head.He opened his shirt and pressed the puppy against his chest before redoing the buttons.Her whimpers gradually ceased, and Gavin smiled.
“Well done.I’ve given her antibiotics for the cuts on her belly and front leg.”He retrieved a white container and gave it to Maia.“She’ll be stronger after the antibiotics course finishes and the chances of infection decrease.”
“Thanks, Gavin,” Henry said.“Send me the bill.”
Gavin nodded and held the door open.“Maia, try more heat pads on that thigh.At the least, it will help with the swelling.”
They drove home slowly since Henry couldn’t fasten his seat belt with the puppy inside his shirt.She’d calmed considerably.
“She’s asleep,” Henry murmured.
“Good.She deserves peace and a happy life.”
And so did she.But her gut insisted Samuel hadn’t attacked her, which meant someone else had.
Chapter 16
“IfwebelieveSamueland he didn’t attack you, then who?I don’t buy the local kids.I can see them breaking into a house, the graffiti because some are wild, but I doubt any would’ve tortured this puppy,” Henry said, pulling into Maia’s driveway, his mind working in tandem with hers.
Maia hobbled from the vehicle, smiling when she heard Juno’s welcoming bark.“Will Juno tolerate the puppy?What are you going to call her?”
“I’ll see how her personality develops unless you have a suggestion.”
Henry stroked the tiny head, whispering to her, and Maia’s heart flipped.For a large man, he was gentle.Juno trusted him implicitly.His passion for the dogs and their confidence in him had attracted Maia’s attention as a child.
Maia pulled out her keys to unlock her front door, then stopped, her heart leaping with alarm.“Henry.”
“What?”
“I one hundred percent locked the door.It’s not locked now.”She opened it, and Juno bounded outside.
Henry tensed.“Stay here while I do a circuit of your house.”
