“Huh. So this would kind of be like a direct gift to Their Only Voice.” Mark looked around the room. “Well, what does everyone else think?”
“I’ll have to run some calculations, but I don’t think a zoo trip for a hundred second graders will come close to spending the amount of money we need to unload before the end of the year,” the account said.
“We could set up a fund to pay for the next few years of field trips,” Austin suggested.
The accountant shook his head. “There’s not enough time before the end of the year to make everything nice and legal, and it would just cost money we could give directly to the kids.”
“Then take the entire school,” Austin said. “Think what a great headline that will make in the local papers.”
“I like it.” Mark pointed to the accountant. “Get some numbers drawn up by the end of the day. We want to spend as much of that money as we can without going over.”
“Got it, boss,” the account said.
“Austin, I’ll let you handle things with the school,” Mark continued. “You’ve already got contacts there and can put a positive spin on it for the community.”
“I’ll be there tonight for a parent-teacher conference,” Austin said. “If legal can write up a proposal today, I’ll take it with me to the school.”
“Make it happen, people,” Mark said. “Now get back to work.”
Austin grabbed his laptop, unable to hide the grin. He’d just secured a trip for Michelle’s entire school to a world-famous zoo, where the students would learn about endangered animals and conservation efforts. No way she’d still think he was the bad guy after this.
“Mark,” Austin said, catching him just outside the door. “I’ve spent the last few days thinking about how to get the protesters to stop. Let’s arrange a tour of the animal testing lab for Their Only Voice with a camera crew present. The group’s claims will lose all credibility if the public sees on the five o’clock news that we’re doing nothing wrong.”
Mark pursed his lips, shoving his hands in the pockets of his cargo shorts. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”
“I respectfully disagree. That blog post is still getting shared on social media, and transparency is our best option.”
“Groups like that will twist our words in their favor, and I’m not willing to take that risk. But I like that you’re thinking outside the box. We’ll hit on a solution soon.” He clapped Austin on the back and walked away.
Austin watched Mark disappear into his office, stunned. He understood Mark’s hesitance, but not even considering the idea smacked of having something to hide.
By the time Austin left for the parent-teacher conference, he had a proposal for the principal in his hands. He arrived at the school early enough to run it by Principal Rhodes, and she enthusiastically agreed.
He couldn’t wait to tell Michelle.
“Hi,” Michelle said, looking up from her desk and giving him a tight-lipped smile—one he was starting to recognize as a poor attempt to hide displeasure. “Thank you for coming tonight.”
“Of course.” He took the chair she indicated. “Again, I’m so sorry I didn’t make the appointment myself.”
There was that tight-lipped smile again. “I’m sure you’re very busy.” She slid a progress report across the desk toward him. Only two assignments were listed, but Sydney had received top marks on both. “Now, I know Sydney’s only been here a week, but she’s doing remarkably well. We haven’t had many homework assignments, but she’s turned them all in completed and on time. It’s obvious she’s a very bright student. She’s made a few friends and overall seems to be acclimating well. I think she’s doing as good as can be expected, given the difficult circumstances surrounding the move. Better than expected, even. Now, we have a holiday program a week from Tuesday for just the second graders at ten o’clock. Parents are encouraged to attend and support their students. This is an opportunity for the kids to demonstrate what they’ve learned so far this year, and they really have been practicing hard and are looking forward to it. Sydney is picking up the songs incredibly fast, and I know she’ll do fine at the program, but you could help her memorize the words to some of the more unfamiliar songs at home.” She slid a music score across the table and continued to talk about upcoming projects and what would be expected from the students after the holiday break. Austin listened attentively, but it took everything in him not to jump in and tell her the good news about the school.
“I guess that’s just about it,” Michelle said. “Do you have any questions or concerns?”
“No, but there is something I wanted to discuss with you.”
Michelle placed her hands on the desk, looking him directly in the eye for the first time all evening. “I’m listening.”
“Wellsprings Pharma—”
She stood, pushing back her chair. “I think I’ve heard enough.”
Austin stood as well. “I don’t think you have. I know you’re disappointed that the school can’t fund the San Diego Zoo trip this year due to budget cuts. Sydney’s been talking about it all week.”
“I don’t see what that has to do with that atrocious company you work for.”
“We want to pay for the entire school to go. I’ve already spoken with Principal Rhodes, and she’s beyond excited. I’ll make the announcement at the Christmas assembly and present a golden ticket so the reporters covering the event have something to photograph. And I want you to be the one to accept it.”
Michelle leaned forward, placing her hands on her desk as she struggled to stay upright. “You have got to be kidding me.”
“I assure you I’m one hundred percent serious.”
She folded her arms, chest heaving as she fought back the words she wanted to let fly. “If you think Wellsprings Pharmaceutical can convince the community they’re the good guys through buying off their children, you’re wrong.”
“Wellsprings Pharmaceutical is the good guy,” Austin said. “Yes, we do animal testing. But we’re developing medications that help—and could save—potentially millions. The anti-seizure medication we’re testing right now is life-changing.”
“I’m not against the medications you’re developing—I’m against your methods.”
“You act like I’m a scientist down in the lab. I have to feed my kids somehow.”
“There are other jobs.”
“Yes. But this one helps people.”
Michelle ran a hand through her hair, agitation making her entire body tremble. “Oh, I see. And animals aren’t people.”
Austin raised an eyebrow, and her cheeks heated with a blush.
“You know what I mean,” she bit out.
“I want you to accept the ticket. You’re Sydney’s teacher, so it makes sense.”
“Get Spencer’s teacher to accept it. I’m sure Mrs. Benson will be more than happy to oblige.”
“Mrs. Benson doesn’t teach second grade. You do, and that’s where the funding was cut.” Austin’s voice was so calm and rational she could scream. “Think how great it’ll feel to accept that on the kids’ behalf. You’ll be a hero.”
“Heroes stand up for what they believe in. You only want me to accept the ticket because I’m a member of Their Only Voice, and that’ll send a message to the media.”
“I’m the marketing director—of course I want that. But I want to help the kids, too. Please, Michelle.”
“You are insufferable.” How had she ever melted at the sight of him? Her hand shook as she pointed at the door. “Goodnight, Mr. O’Neal.”
“Michelle—”
“Goodnight!”
Austin stared at her for a moment, then let out a sigh and left the room.
Michelle waited three minutes, then marched down the hallway. She barely waited for Principal Rhodes to say “enter” before marching into her office.
“Did you tell Austin that I’d accept an oversized golden ticket at the Christmas assembly?”
Principal
Rhodes leaned back in her chair, giving Michelle her full attention. “Yes.”
Michelle collapsed into a chair. “This has to be some kind of sick joke. You know how much I hate Wellsprings Pharmaceutical. Are you seriously accepting money from them?”
“Are you seriously suggesting that I deprive our entire school of an educational and much-anticipated field trip, just because you don’t like the company that’s willing to donate the money?”
Well, when she put it that way. “No,” Michelle said, but her voice sounded sulky even to her own ears.
“Austin specifically requested that you be the one to accept the ticket,” Principal Rhodes continued. “And I’m not about to risk Wellsprings pulling the offer because we ask for a change to the assembly. So you will be the one to accept that ticket. And you will do so graciously, with a smile on your face.”
“He’s inviting the media.”
“Of course he is. Companies like these don’t donate money without trying to get something out of it. As long as my students get to go to the San Diego Zoo next spring, that’s perfectly fine with me. Any questions?”
“No,” Michelle said, trying not to sulk.
“Okay then. Have a good weekend.”
Like she could have a good weekend now. Their Only Voice was going to flip. She pulled out her phone and quickly texted Hudson. You’ll never believe what just happened …
Michelle was still fuming when she got home. She let Bella out into the small backyard, then started making a salad. Okay, so the kids were going to be thrilled that the field trip was officially back on. And Michelle loved that her students would get to make that memory. But one good deed didn’t erase all the bad ones. If they were truly interested in helping animals, they’d stop doing harmful tests on them.
The screech of breaks filled the kitchen, follow by a sickening thud and a howl.
Bella! The paring knife clattered to the tile floor and Michelle sprinted toward the front door. She knocked a nativity off a small end table and it crashed to the ground, shattering. Michelle didn’t care.
Bella lay in the middle of the blacktop, the white fur of her belly streaked with red. Taillights disappeared around the corner.
“No!” Michelle yelled, flinging herself at Bella. A leg twitched as the dog struggled to breathe. Her blood-streaked belly had already swollen.
Breaks screeched again and Michelle threw herself over Bella. But it was just a gray Land Rover stopping to help. The door flew open and a man raced toward her. What was Austin doing here? Michelle didn’t even care. She needed help.
“It was some punk kid on a cell phone,” Austin said. “He got scared and gunned it. I’m calling the police.”
“No!” Michelle grabbed his hand. “There’s nothing they can do now. Please, just help me get her to the vet.”
Austin nodded, shoving his phone back in his pocket. Michelle reached down, tears coating her cheeks as she picked up Bella and the dog whimpered in protest.
“I let her into the backyard.” Michelle fought to keep back the hysteria. “I forgot to check that the gates were locked.”
“It’s okay,” Austin said. “You hold her, and I’ll drive.”
“She’s bleeding.” Michelle wiped away the trickle of blood across Bella’s cheek with a corner of her skirt.
“She’s going to be okay.” Austin helped Michelle into his car before racing to the other side. “Which way to the vet?”
Michelle pointed, mumbling instructions. Bella’s breathing was shallow, and she let out another howl.
“She ran right off the sidewalk and into the car’s path,” Austin said.
“She’s blind,” Michelle said. “Because of a makeup some cosmetic company tested on her.”
“Oh.”
Michelle tightened her grip on Bella, then loosened it when the dog whimpered. “What were you doing in my neighborhood?”
“I was on my way home. It’s quicker to drive through your neighborhood at this time of day.”
“I don’t know what I would’ve done if you hadn’t come along.” Right now, it didn’t matter that Austin worked for an evil corporation. All that mattered was his willingness to help Bella.
The dog let out a pained whine, and Austin pressed harder on the gas pedal.
“Her stomach’s swollen,” Michelle said. “I think she’s bleeding internally.”
“We’re almost there.”
Michelle was out of the car almost before Austin put it in park. She raced into the office, Austin right behind her. “Please, my dog,” she said. “Somebody hit her.”
The receptionist quickly ushered them into a room. Within moments the vet was examining Bella. But Michelle already knew what he was going to tell her. Bella’s fur was cooler than it should’ve been, and her breathing had slowed down significantly.
“I’m pretty sure she has internal bleeding,” the vet said. “I’m going to do some scans so we can get a better picture of what’s going on.”
Michelle nodded. Austin’s arm came around her shoulder and she leaned into him, relishing the support.
“Did a cosmetic company really make Bella blind?” Austin whispered.
Michelle nodded, more tears breaking free. “I worked in the mail room as an intern during college. When I found out what had happened to Bella, I quit my job and sneaked her out of the building.”
“You stole your dog?” But his tone wasn’t accusatory—it was admiring.
“They were hurting her, and the company never came looking. What’s one less animal to them? She was scheduled to be put to sleep.”
“I had no idea. I’m so sorry.” His hand gently brushed a tear from her cheek, and she leaned into him.
“This is why I have to fight Wellsprings Pharmaceutical,” she whispered.
Bella whimpered from where she lay underneath a CT machine. Austin’s arm tightened around Michelle’s shoulder, and she wanted nothing more than to collapse against him. But she needed to be strong for Bella. She was so glad Austin was here.
After twenty agonizing minutes, the vet came back into the room. “Bella’s bleeding internally,” he said. “Her spleen ruptured on impact, and a lot of her other organs are damaged as well. We can try surgery, but if she makes it through alive, her quality of life will be severely decreased. The kindest thing to do might be to let Bella go.”
Michelle’s knees buckle, but Austin’s strong arm kept her from falling. “Absolutely not. If there’s a chance Bella could pull through, I’m going to take it.”
“Michelle,” Austin said gently. “Surgery isn’t cheap, and Bella’s suffered enough.”
She whirled, wanting to pound on Austin’s chest and scream. “Yes, she has suffered enough—because of companies like yours.” She turned to the vet. “We’re doing the surgery.”
“I strongly discourage it,” the vet said. “You should take this chance to say goodbye. Bella’s at least ten years old. She’s unlikely to pull through the surgery.”
Michelle walked over to the table and gathered Bella into her arms, clinging to her with a desperation she wasn’t sure she could physically contain. The dog gave a whimper, then rested her head on Michelle’s arm with a relieved sigh.
A hand brushed Michelle’s shoulder. “How long has Bella been under the care of this vet?” Austin asked.
“Nine years,” Michelle choked out. “Since I brought her to live with me.”
“And do you trust him?”
Michelle nodded, pushing tears down her cheek with each rapid blink.
“I can tell you love Bella very much. You don’t want to cause her more pain than she’s already suffered. It’s time to let her go.”
Michelle’s heart shattered, both with the pain and truth of his words. She looked down at Bella, who stared up at her with those vacant eyes. Her tongue lolled out the side of her mouth, and her entire body shuddered with each breath.
“Can you give us a minute?” Michelle asked the vet.
“Of course.�
� The vet bowed his head and quietly exited the room.
“I can wait outside,” Austin said.
She glanced up at him, barely able to make out his figure through the blur of tears. “Please stay,” she said, her voice choked.
“Okay.”
Michelle buried her face in Bella’s fur, letting her tears soak the animal. “We’ve had some good times together, girl,” she whispered. “But it’s time for you to go on to the next adventure without me. I will never forget you, and I’ll never stop fighting to prevent other animals from suffering like you.”
Bella let out a whine, her body relaxing in Michelle’s arms.
“I love you,” Michelle whispered.
Bella grunted. Then she closed her eyes and stopped moving.
Michelle let out a sob. Austin left the room and returned moments later with the vet. He gently placed the stethoscope on Bella’s chest, repositioning it three times before finally draping it around his neck.
“She’s gone,” he said. “I’m so sorry for your loss. Take as much time as you need.”
Michelle collapsed, throwing her body over Bella’s as she sobbed. Hadn’t Bella suffered enough? She didn’t deserve to die this way.
A hand rested on her back and Michelle turned, throwing herself into Austin’s arms. “I don’t know what I’m going to do without her.”
“I know.” Austin gently rubbed her back. “But you don’t have to go through it alone. I’m here for you, whatever you need.”
We’re here for you—the slogan of Wellsprings Pharmaceutical. Michelle pushed Austin away. “It’s because of you Bella’s dead.”
Austin took a step back, his eyes bewildered. “I don’t—”
“A company just like Wellsprings Pharmaceutical is the reason Bella couldn’t see that car. You might as well have run over her yourself.”
“Michelle, I—”
“You confused me with your stupid words and compelling eyes or whatever. If I hadn’t wasted precious minutes listening to you, Bella might’ve made it to surgery in time. I didn’t even try to save her. What kind of a mother am I?”
“One who made a hard decision—the right decision,” Austin said.
Mistletoe Match (No Match for Love) Page 5