Carolyn McSparren - The Money Man

“Because people have this crazy idea that letting an animal, a pet animal like this, out into the world to fend for itself is all right. I would love to throw those people out into a totally unfamiliar environment and see how well they do.”

“Harsh.”

“Not really. We understand what we’re doing. They—” she touched the pup “—don’t.”

“So what happens now? You put her up for adoption?”

Sarah stared at him. “Why? She already has an owner—you.”

“Oh—no, you don’t. I do not have time or room in my life for a dog. She’s probably not housebroken, she’s probably sick, and I’m away all the time.”

“Take her with you. She can stay here during the day if you like, then you take her home at night.”

“Why not let her stay here all the time, and find somebody else to take her?”

As though she understood that her fate was being discussed, the pup wriggled over, sighed, and laid her head on Mark’s gloved hand. Her ragged little rear wagged gently as she closed her eyes.

“There, you see—” Sarah said. “She is your dog. Besides, somebody has to pay for all the treatment we’ve given her—isn’t that what you say, Mr. Scott? If she’s your dog, she’s your responsibility, and you get the bills.”

“Whoa.”

“No whoa. You brought her, you worked with me, you saw what we did. It all costs money—isn’t that what you say? That we have to make money? Well, Mark, you have just spent about two hundred bucks, and by the time I get through loading you up with all the things you’re going to need for her when she goes home with you tonight, you will have spent a bunch more.” She rubbed the pup’s ears. “Sweet baby, Mommy loves a paying client.”

Sarah raised her blue eyes, and batted her eyelashes at him in a parody of sweet innocence.

For a moment he hesitated, then he began to laugh. The pup woke up for a moment to stare at him, then obviously assumed everything was fine and went back to sleep.

“Okay, Doc, I’ll pay the freight. But I still can’t manage a dog.”

“Didn’t you ever have a dog?”

He glanced away. “Yeah, once.”

“I’ll make you a deal. I’m off in about—” Sarah glanced at her watch “—twenty minutes. Good thing it’s been quiet tonight. Dr. Grayson can take over from here. If she needs me, she can page me. I think it’s stopped raining, so we’ll get the pup a new collar and leash. You can take her out to go to the bathroom, while I collect what you’ll need for her. Then I’ll follow you home and help you get set up.”

“What about food? I just realized I haven’t had anything to eat.”

“Me, neither. We can order a pizza. Deal?”

“You, Doctor, are a monster, you know that?”

“Where animals are concerned, you bet. Deal?”

“Yeah, at least for tonight. Deal. And you can order your clippers. After tonight, I realize you do need them. But I’m not agreeing to keep this thing.”

“Thanks. Stay here. I’ll send Mabel in with a collar and leash.” Sarah walked out of the examining room and softly shut the door behind her. “But you will, Mr. Mark Scott,” she murmured to herself smugly. “You will. You’re the proud owner of a dog.” She pumped her arm up and down. “Yes!”

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