Free The Bride Wore Red Boots by Lizbeth Selvig Page B

couldn’t have that. I didn’t know what to do, so I came here tonight to ask for advice. It’s the craziest thing that Gwen had your number.”
    She couldn’t help it; she was moved. Here was a man pulling himself up out of utter poverty who was worried more about an animal than himself. It reminded her of the ranch hands in Wyoming who’d go without food for two days to ride out and find a missing cow and calf.
    â€œI have to be perfectly honest,” she began. “I don’t have any place for a cat to be outside if that’s what he’s used to. I live in an apartment.”
    â€œHe used to live inside at Rory’s,” Buster said, without any urgency.
    â€œOh, Buster, I’m not sure why I came. Maybe to try and talk you into keeping him, I don’t know. But I promised Rory—”
    Her phone rang out, and she saw Joely’s number again. Minor panic filled her.
    â€œI’m so sorry,” she said. “This is a family call. I have a sister who’s ill, so I should take it.”
    Buster stood and pulled Jack from her lap. Mia popped out of the office and answered the phone. “Joely?”
    â€œHello,” replied the voice that turned her throat to sand and her pulse to useless fizz in her veins. “Déjà vu.”

Chapter Five
    â€œG ABRIEL H ARRISON ?” S HE stared around the shelter’s kitchen, surprised and lost for more words.
    â€œAt last. I’ve graduated from Lieutenant.”
    â€œLook,” she said, worry snapping her out of her surprise. “I know that’s the most important issue for you, but I need to know right now everything is all right.”
    â€œEverything is all right.”
    Tension that had twisted up her spine like a steel snake relaxed its grip. Her breath released in a long sigh. “So, why are you using my sister’s phone?”
    â€œI wanted to make sure you answered. I thought you might not if it was me.” She sensed he was telling the truth even though his words were bright with humor.
    â€œHah, you’re probably right. What’s going on?” she asked.
    â€œThere has been a new development with Joely. After a closer look at her MRI, the doctors found a suspicious spot in her spinal cord. It’s not a tumor,” he added quickly. “They’ve taken her down for another image, and this one has her a lot more upset. She missed you when she tried to call and nominated me to try again.”
    â€œIs she in immediate danger?”
    â€œNo. I wouldn’t have purposely lied about everything being all right.”
    â€œI’m sorry. It seems Joely is lucky to have you. You’re becoming her private secretary.”
    â€œHardly. Your sisters and mother do all the work. This just happens to be an unusual day.”
    â€œSo is there something I can do?” She brushed past his conversational chat.
    â€œYes. Joely would like you to talk with her doctor because surgery could get moved up to as soon as tomorrow. She wants your opinion before that happens. Even a phone call between you and Dr. Landon would ease her mind.”
    â€œThe need for surgery will obviously depend on what they decide this object or injury is. Some things would have to be dealt with quickly. Others could wait or be treated with physical therapy and/or drugs.”
    â€œYou have a very calm, professional voice.”
    She wasn’t sure whether that was a compliment or his passive-aggressive way of saying she was unfeeling. He at least made it sound like the former, and she softened, relieved at the less confrontational vibe they’d struck. “I think most doctors have The Voice,” she said. “It’s like putting on protective armor. At any rate, tell Joely of course. I’ll talk to whomever she wants.”
    â€œIt’s getting late there now,” he said. “But is there a chance we could set up a call for