Heart's Refuge (Lucky Numbers)

by Cheryl Harper

  Sarah shrugged awkwardly. “Sometimes unusual engineering is required, but we’ll use that washing machine until the door falls off.”

  Jen crossed her arms over her chest and turned away to study the stack of boxes that explained what had happened to the office.

  Stephanie and Rebecca exchanged a look. Will wasn’t sure what they were saying, but he expected they were communicating about which way they wanted to go with the fund-raising request.

  Sarah must have caught that, too. “Let’s go back to my office.”

  The group was quiet until everyone was settled. Then Rebecca glanced at Will, and he wasn’t sure which way this was going to land.

  Jen was trying to make herself as small as possible in the corner.

  “That shadowing program?” Rebecca tapped her chest. “That’s mine. I started it with the help of the administrator at Holly Heights Hospital.”

  Stephanie reached across the desk to pat Sarah’s hand. “And nobody can say you’re not doing the best you can with what you have.”

  They both turned to Jen, who sighed loudly. “I don’t like you. I don’t want to help you.” She pressed both hands over her face. “But I can’t walk out of here while Meatloaf is galumphing happily around, clueless at how close he is to losing this home, too.”

  Rebecca and Stephanie wore identical expressions—a smug twist of the lips—and Will wondered if they’d also suspected Jen wouldn’t be able to say no in person.

  “We’re going to write you a check for the ‘now’ part of your funding. And that’s it. We’ll talk again when you’re ready to tackle the next piece.” Jen held her hand out toward Rebecca. “And there’s no way we’re going to let her have that much money. What if she needs a plane ticket and she’s out of here with the rest? I mean, what if she follows her daddy?”

  “You think you can be insulting now that you have a lot of money?” Sarah eased up from her desk.

  “Coming from you, that’s hilarious.” Jen squared off against her.

  Will bit his lip, determined not to charge in to defend either Jen or Sarah.

  “Save the drama, both of you. Nobody wants it.” Stephanie waved her hands in the air. “You don’t have to like each other, but put away the weapons.”

  Jen eased back. “Fine, but I expect close oversight because this is a lot of money.”

  Rebecca glanced at Will over her shoulder, her bright blue eyes as innocent as could be, but Will was nearly certain she was working her own plan.

  “We’ll create a board of directors. You’ll all serve on it. Sign off on expenditures.” Sarah sat back down. “I was about to suggest that.” Her lips tightened at Jen’s disbelieving snort. “Honestly.”

  “Great idea. Since Stephanie won’t be here for much longer, thanks to my brother’s insistence that she’s needed in Peru, and no one trusts me to make the proper financial decisions—” Rebecca nodded toward Jen “—she needs to serve.”

  Will might have laughed as he glanced from Sarah to Jen and back. Neither one liked that suggestion. At all.

  “I’d be happy to help.” He rested an elbow on the filing cabinet. “Not that I don’t trust Jen, but it might be nice to have an unbiased member.”

  Sarah and Jen both snorted at that.

  “She was answering your phone yesterday. We all know why.” Jen crossed her arms over her chest.

  Sarah lurched out of the chair again. “Oh, yeah? Why?” She pressed one hand on the desk. “Because he’s a nice guy. He’s keeping his promise by letting me work for him but he’ll always put family first.”

  Rebecca whistled quietly and turned to him. “Hard to say who you’d choose in this epic battle, Will. Glad I’m not in your spot.”

  Will clenched his jaw and bit back the retort that she was the one who’d put him in the crosshairs. He wasn’t sure who would shoot first, but he had no doubt he’d be the target.

  “You’re both right. I have a bias.” He tapped his chest. “And it’s all for me. I’ll make decisions based on what makes the client happy.”

  “That means your sister.” Sarah shook her head. “Which is fine. We’ve worked together so far. I trust you.”

  Sarah eased around the desk, her hand held out to Jen. “You, Will, Rebecca, Stephanie and maybe...I don’t know, someone else, a board of five. To watch over me, make sure I don’t waste your investment or...worse. And you’ll have my eternal gratitude and as many dog kisses as you can stand.”

  Jen’s frown deepened as she considered Sarah’s offer and Will wondered if she was regretting her decision already or if she was trying to wrap her head around the changes in Sarah.

  In high school, that hand would have been a trick, some way to hurt or embarrass Jen.

  But now, Sarah’s hand was shaking. She wanted this. She needed their help.

  And she was smart enough to understand that Jen was the one she had to convince.

  Reluctantly, Jen shook her hand. “Fine. But you see that we’ll always have control, don’t you? We’ll have four votes.”

  Rebecca cleared her throat. “Assuming that we’ll always agree is a pretty big leap, Jen. You know that.”

  Stephanie was grinning. “I didn’t want to say it, but I’m glad you did.”

  “I’m the one who got us these millions, don’t you forget it,” Jen muttered, and stepped over to the couch to rub Bub’s ears.

  Stephanie sighed. “You’ll never let us forget it.”

  When Will’s eyes locked with Sarah’s, his lips were twitching. The three of them might as well have been sisters. They bickered and teased, but they’d managed to stick together for a long time.

  “Maybe you can be the fifth,” Rebecca murmured as she tapped her chin. “After we hire a new shelter manager. You can go back to doing what you’re good at—working the crowd, emptying pockets. Let someone else handle the day-to-day operations. We should try to find someone who has grant-writing skills or a proven track record with another shelter.”

  Sarah wilted at the suggestion that someone else would be taking over. It made perfect business sense to hire someone with experience and a shot at turning the shelter around.

  But Sarah had been eating, breathing and sleeping Paws for Love. How easy would it be to give that up?

  “We’ll get someone with real qualifications. Relevant work experience, a solid business education and a reputation that’s still...smear free.” Jen brushed imaginary lint from her jeans. “And I guess I see how you’d want to serve on the board. If you have to.”

  “She has to.” Will wasn’t sure his opinion bore any weight, but if they couldn’t see how the conversation had leveled Sarah, he’d have to step in.

  Then he remembered that she needed to speak up for herself. She’d done a good job of keeping the doors open. If that wasn’t “relevant experience,” he had no idea what would qualify.

  “We’ve got time to iron that out,” Rebecca said.

  Sarah didn’t argue. And judging by the fatigue in her eyes, she’d pretty much reached her limit.

  “You’ll have the funds on Monday.” He patted her back awkwardly, aware of his audience. “And all those plans for your fund-raising open house, you better get them rolling.”

  Instead of responding with a businesslike affirmative, she stood and wrapped her arms around his neck. Ignoring the rest of the world and interested onlookers was easy with her pressed against him.

  “Thank you for giving me a chance,” she whispered before she stepped back.

  He almost pulled her close again. Will wasn’t quite ready to surrender her, but Stephanie’s and Rebecca’s expressions were the perfect mix of shock and amusement. Jen’s had an added touch of disgust but she didn’t say a word. That had to be progress.

  He needed to clear out his clients while the getting was good and before Sarah folded in exhaustion. Adrenaline would get her only so far.

  “Everyone congratulate me. I’m about to become a cat owner. I’m sure Chloe is dying to make the introduct
ions.” Will ushered them out of the office, but Jen’s feet were glued to the floor.

  “A cat? Really?” She blinked. “Did I fall and hit my head? I’m in cahoots with Sarah Hillman, of all people, and you’re adopting a cat.”

  “Once you meet her, you’ll understand,” he said, and guided Jen over the threshold. “We need a minute.”

  Jen tilted her chin down. “For what?”

  “To talk. About things.” She narrowed her eyes but reluctantly took slow steps toward the lobby.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  FOR SOME REASON, watching Will herd his much smaller, much more stubborn sister out of the office didn’t worry her a bit. In fact, she wanted to laugh and laugh and laugh.

  Hysteria or happiness, sometimes it was a fine line.

  The shrill ring of the phone in the lobby added tension to her relief.

  Despite the celebration going on inside Sarah’s head, her emotions and the sleepless night were about to overwhelm her. Then Shelly stuck her head around the door frame. “Boss, I’m truly sorry to interrupt but the sheriff’s office called. They’ve had a complaint of animal neglect. Deputies are on the way, but they’d like us to be on hand if the dog has to be removed.”

  Sarah’s first instinct was to tell Shelly to...handle it. She’d certainly never answered a rescue call and had zero desire to start with one of neglect.

  But Will and Shelly had both turned to her.

  As if she would know what to do first.

  Apparently, a nap—or exhaustion coma—was out of the question.

  So she’d make it up as she went along. “Grab the surrender forms. Is Les still here?”

  “Yes, he’s got his bag, ready to go.” Shelly pointed over her shoulder. “But the van’s out of commission, remember?”

  “Right.” Sarah tapped her lip as she tried to come up with a reasonable suggestion. Shelly’s smart car wouldn’t haul a Chihuahua. Given her luck, this would be a Great Dane they were talking about. “And Les’s station wagon...”

  “Would have to be unloaded. He doesn’t haul animals around anymore.” Shelly grimaced and Sarah could see the apology about to spill over.

  “No problem. Here’s what we’ll do. You and I ride over in my car, Les follows.” Sarah turned to Will. “You guys understand I have to go. Go ahead and take Jelly. I’ll bring food over later.”

  He was about to argue, so she added, “I’ll be in early Monday. I’ll start the coffee and we can talk money then. You’ve been such a big help.” But you have to go now.

  She hoped he could read her attempt at polite dismissal. The temptation to take the easy way out, to let someone else handle the hard calls, would be impossible to avoid unless Will left now.

  “Boss, to clarify...” Shelly held up one hand. “You want to close the shelter? Saturday’s a good day for walk-in adoptions.”

  “There’s no other option. Put up a sign that says we’ll be back soon, in case anybody comes by.” Sarah pulled her purse out from under her desk and slung it over her shoulder. “This dog needs us now.”

  Stephanie, Jen and Rebecca appeared in the doorway—when had they come back?

  “Wait. I have an idea.” Will propped both hands on his hips and studied the water spots on the ceiling. Whatever he was about to say, he was having a hard time believing it himself. “My truck’s outside. If you have a carrier, I’ll help. And Shelly can stay here, keep the shelter open while you’re gone.”

  Jen did a double take and even Stephanie and Rebecca traded wide-eyed looks.

  “Can I go, Dad?” Chloe elbowed her way into the office and folded her hands under her chin. “Please? I want to help.”

  Will immediately shook his head and Sarah was relieved. There was no telling what they might be walking into.

  “No, you go on with Aunt Jen, take the house tours. I’ll catch up with you as soon as I can.” He put a hand on Chloe’s head. Instead of arguing or wheedling, she glanced over her shoulder at Jen and then sighed.

  Will’s plan made sense. And she wanted his help. So badly. She was afraid. Even with the sheriff’s deputies on hand, the situation could be dangerous. The owner might not be happy with losing his or her animal. But Sarah needed Shelly’s direction, too.

  Sarah wanted to stay here and celebrate her winning proposal.

  But this was a part of the job.

  It might even be the most important part.

  And it was her job. Not Will’s. Not Shelly’s. She was in charge.

  “The sign on the door will be fine, Will. Thanks so much for the offer. But the van needs to move up on the list of priorities, doesn’t it?” She straightened her shoulders.

  Everyone eased out of the office ahead of her, but Will turned back in the doorway to block her. He bent his head down. “Have you ever done this before? Won’t it be dangerous?”

  Instead of annoyance or even anger, Sarah could hear concern in his voice. Whatever courage she’d been building wilted under his warm regard.

  But she wanted Will’s respect. Doing this would prove she was serious about Paws for Love.

  “Nah, the sheriff’s deputy will be there and Les will have a sedative if we need to treat the dog.”

  Will didn’t budge at her breezy tone. If he was learning to read between the lines already, she was going to have a difficult time working with him. His broad shoulders were right there, ready to be leaned on. If he didn’t step away, she was going to fold.

  “I’ve never done it before.” She held a hand over her heart. “But Shelly and Les are pros. We’ve got it.”

  Competent. As if she knew what had to be done and was prepared to do it.

  Will murmured, “I admire your bravery, Sarah. Please don’t get yourself hurt.” Before she could step closer to press her forehead against his chest, he stepped back.

  Everyone had gathered at the doorway. Shelly had a sign in one hand, the paperwork they’d need in the other.

  Jen smacked both hands on the counter. “First order of the board’s business is to overrule this plan. You need help. Will’s offering it. Take it. You two will go in his truck. Les and Shelly will follow. Chloe and I will keep the shelter open. We will reschedule the house tour for later this afternoon. Any proper candidate who comes in that door will not leave until they’ve picked out a dog or cat and you’ve filled out the forms and collected the money. I swear it.”

  Jen’s determined nod was seconded by Chloe’s crossed arms. She’d back Jen up with the force of her personality alone.

  “You guard the back door. I’ll get the front,” Stephanie muttered to Rebecca, who elbowed her in the side.

  “This is a serious situation,” Rebecca said.

  “You can’t overrule me anytime you like. This has nothing to do with money.” Sarah held the door open. “And we don’t have time to waste.”

  “Then grab the carrier and let’s go. We can iron out all the particulars later, after the dog is back here, safe and sound.” Will’s eyes convinced Sarah she could accept help this time.

  The fact that it was Will helping again bothered her, but not as much as the idea of some poor dog needing them while she argued out of pride. “Fine.” She navigated the crowd to pick up the largest carrier they had and shook her head sternly when Will tried to take it from her. “I’ve got it. Let’s go.”

  Sarah and Will waited for Les to pull out ahead of them. She wasn’t sure what to say. This imbalance between them was growing larger instead of stabilizing. At first, guilt had made it awkward between them, but now the overwhelming gratitude made her feel even less worthy of his help. He kept giving.

  And she was taking. Again.

  Her phone rang. She checked the display to see the same strange phone number. The urge to answer was powerful, but there was no way to take that call with Will listening. “Wrong number.”

  Maybe a text. Her fingers hovered over the keyboard but the right message escaped her.

  Will didn’t answer as she dropped her phone back in her
purse.

  “We could have handled this, but I do appreciate your help.” Sarah stared out the window.

  “Sure you could. You’ve handled everything else.” Will turned off the highway onto a dirt road that grew wilder and narrower as they went.

  His answer eased something inside her. Sarah felt a warm glow in her chest that didn’t disappear even as Les pulled over behind two sheriff’s deputies and Will braked behind him. The yard didn’t inspire a lot of confidence. Trash, rusted metal, broken-down machinery littered the place and there, in the hot afternoon sun, stood a pit bull mix chained to a pole. She’d wrapped herself so tightly that her cheek was pressed against the pole with no room for movement.

  And still, when they walked up, her tail was wagging.

  “Collar’s embedded in the skin,” Les muttered. “No water. No food I can see.”

  The rest of them stood back with the deputies while he eased closer to run a hand over the dog’s back. Her ribs were easy to see.

  “Is the owner around?” Sarah asked. She wasn’t sure what she’d do if the answer was yes, but she wanted to see the person who’d treated the dog this way.

  “No one answers the door.” The deputy motioned toward the back. “We did a check but there’s no sign anyone’s home.”

  Sarah shifted back and forth, afraid of what that meant for the dog, but Shelly pulled out her paperwork. “We’ll leave a copy of the surrender form in the mailbox.” Her lips were grim. “If they want their dog back, they’ll come talk to us. We’ll hold her for one week, waiting for the owner to make a claim, but then she’s ours.”

  The deputy nodded. “Yes, ma’am. We’ll leave a number, as well. The owners are welcome to ask for an explanation. We’ll give it.” He ran a hand over his face. “I hate these calls. I’d be more than content to explain to anyone why we don’t treat animals like this.”

  Relieved that this dog’s life was immediately going to get better, Sarah moved over to help Les. “The carrier’s big enough. Here’s the leash.” She bent down next to the dirty dog, who cowered away. When Sarah didn’t move, the dog’s ears shifted forward and all Sarah could see was hope in her eyes.