“Trust me, I can understand. But at the same time, I have to remind you guys what you’re committing to.”
“We’re fucking aware,” Undertaker replied.
I surveyed the stalwart expressions on the faces of the three men. I realized then there was nothing I could do or say that was going to change their minds. Finally, I smiled at them. “Then I have to say I’m very grateful for your help.”
Beside me, Bishop shifted in his chair. “Since Rev and I are fucking clueless about what to do, I sure as hell hope you guyshave a plan as to how we’re going to get into Mexico and go up against some second in command cartel lord.”
Ghost chuckled. “Yeah, we have a plan.”
“It better be some old-school, A-Team or SEAL’s type of shit,” Bishop countered, his expression saying he wasn’t convinced of the El Paso Raiders’ abilities.
Rising from his seat, Ghost narrowed his eyes at Bishop. “Trust us. We have a fucking plan.”
CHAPTER TWO: ANNABEL
Two Months Earlier
With a chart in my hand,I hurried down the hallway. As I opened the waiting room door, heads jerked up and anxious eyes met mine. “Herschel Greene?” I questioned, after glancing once again at the chart.
An elderly woman in a faded, pink polka dot dress rose from her chair. At her feet, a pudgy American bulldog grumbled at being roused.
I smiled at the pair. “Come on back.”
Mrs. Greene returned my smile, and then she and Herschel followed me down the hallway to one of the examining rooms. “I don’t believe I’ve ever seen you here before. You must be new,” she stated as her heels clicked steadily on the tile.
It wasn’t the first time I had faced that question from one of the regulars since being hired at AMC, or Animal Medical Center. Each time I had to answer it, I felt a little more homesick. After all, I’d spent twenty-four years practically in the same place and among the same people. Mainly it was my group of friends I missed the most.
Back home in Virginia, I had never faced scrutiny for being a newcomer simply because everyone knew who I was. It’s almost inescapable when your face is plastered all over campaign literature from the time you’re a baby. Annabel Lee Percy, granddaughter of Hamilton Mullinax—former two term governor, and daughter of Emmett Percy—current incumbent senator.
Pushing my homesickness aside, I replied, “You’re right. I am new. This is my third week. I’ve just moved here to attend veterinary school at Texas A&M.”
“Oh how lovely.”
I closed the exam room door behind us. “And what seems to be the problem today?”
With her lips turning down in a frown, Mrs. Greene gazed adoringly at the bulldog. “My Hershie is terribly sick. He can’t seem to keep anything down.”
As I started to make a note in the dog’s chart, something caught my eye that made the rising apprehension fade and had me biting back a smile. “Mrs. Greene needs to be reminded that Herschel should not be fed high fat treats like cake. Otherwise, no gastrointestinal problems can be found after extensive barium testing.”
Glancing up at Mrs. Greene, I nodded. “Let me get Herschel’s temperature and weight, and then one of the doctors will be in to see you.”
“Herschel sure does like that Dr. Jenkins.”
I smiled as I prepared the rectal thermometer. “Yes, Dr. Jenkins has a great bedside manner.” After I realized how I sounded partial, I quickly replied, “Of course, Doctors Santini and Baldwin do as well.”
“Yes, but Dr. Jenkins is awfully handsome, isn’t he?”
Her words caused me to freeze just before I violated Herschel with the thermometer. When I looked up at her, she gave mea knowing smile and then a wink. “Um, yes, I do suppose he’s handsome.” I quickly focused my attention on taking Herschel’s temperature, which earned a yelp from the bulldog. Once the reading had been made, I said, “One hundred and one on the dot.” When I met Mrs. Greene’s apprehensive gaze, I smiled. “That’s absolutely perfect.”
She exhaled a relieved breath. “I’m glad to hear it.”
After getting a reluctant Herschel on the scales, I recorded his weight. “It’ll just be a moment for one of the doctors.”
“Thank you, Miss…?”
“Percy. I’m Annabel Percy.”
“A lovely name for a lovely girl.”
