Page 82

‘Thanks. Can I put her in the cage?’ He just wanted to give her a quick snuggle, and he wasn’t going to think on it any more than that — doing so would mean he’d have to admit that there was a possibility he might really be saying goodbye. So he snuggled Mallow, giving her a quick itch and ruffling her crest in the way she usually liked, before snuggling her into the cage that Jake held open. She looked so forlorn and tiny that he wanted to cry, but he wouldn’t. Instead he forced a smile, and petted her head once more. ‘There you go, Chicken-butt. Luxury accommodation for you for the night. Feel better, and I’ll come get you tomorrow.’

‘Thank you for seeing her.’ He pulled a face, knowing how close Evelyn and Angela were. ‘I can imagine I’m not exactly your favourite person right now.’

‘Mallow’s health is more important than that.’ Jake shrugged. ‘It’s not the same duty of care as the Hippocratic oath for doctors, but vets make a very similar commitment to our patients.’

‘Still, thank you,’ he told Jake sincerely as he followed him to reception. ‘I’m really sorry, but I rushed out without my wallet or phone. Can I call you later to settle the bill, or pay you tomorrow when I collect her?’

‘Or I can add it to the rescue’s account. She is a rescue, after all.’

‘Thanks.’ He nodded, and took a deep breath before asking the question he dreaded, but also needed to hear the answer to. ‘How is she? Really?’

‘Stable. Like I said, I’m optimistic about her prognosis, and can call you with an update later today.’

‘Thanks. I’m sure she’ll be fine — Mallow’s a fighter. But I was wondering about Angela.’

‘You know I’ve worked with her closely for years, and that I consider her a good friend as well as a colleague? And that she’s one of my fiancée’s best friends?’

‘I do.’

‘So you also know that I’m not going to betray Angela’s trust.’ Jake folded his arms across his chest and watched him for a few seconds.

‘Which I respect. I just . . . I wanted to know how she is. I’m not asking that you to tell me anything personal, I just want to know if she’s OK.’

‘In honesty, no, not really. She’s really upset still. But, she’s got good friends and family around her, and she’s got Bill’s, and she’ll be OK. It’s just going to take her some time. I understand why you did what you did, and had to make the decision you did, and I’m not going to judge you for it. But I’m not going to lie and tell you Angela’s OK when she’s not. At least, not yet.’

‘I appreciate your honesty.’ He gave Jake a half-smile. ‘And if I can be honest back—’ he waited for the other man’s nod ‘—this isn’t what I wanted, or what I had planned. Or what I expected. This whole thing is such a fucked-up mess.’

‘Not really wanting to be judgemental, Rick, but that might not be the best way to describe your future family — however you feel about it right now.’

‘Not my family, Jake.’ He hadn’t had time to think about what he would say to people, but it was going to come out sooner or later. ‘She lied. The baby isn’t mine.’

‘From the way you said that, I’m guessing it’s not a misunderstanding or mistake.’

‘Nope. Definitely not.’ He was still reeling. ‘But, anyway, I’ve taken up enough of your time. Thank you again. I’ll talk to you later about Mallow.’ He tapped the top of the counter before heading to the door, not really wanting to leave. It wasn’t like he was abandoning Mallow — Jake really was the best person to try and help — but he still hesitated, worried that he might not see her again.

‘Hey, Rick?’

‘Yeah?’

‘I’ve got a bit of time. Want a cuppa?’

‘Sure. That’d be good.’

* * *

‘Wow, that’s a lot to take in.’ Evelyn drummed her fingers on the kitchen counter as she studied Jake. ‘And she really knew all along? She was lying to him the whole time?’

‘That’s what he said.’

‘That’s absolutely hideous. What type of woman would try and trick a man into bringing up a baby that wasn’t his?’

‘The very worst type.’ He shook his head. ‘It’s disgusting, despicable and really quite abhorrent behaviour.’

‘What a total bloody bitch.’ She shook her head, pulling a face.

‘Evelyn!’

‘Sorry, but it’s true. She ruined what could have been a really good relationship by being a lying, nasty, manipulative wretch. Did she honestly think she would get away with it?’