page114 (1/2)
“Of course” She nodded, seereatly unhappy to see his name there
“He’s willing to supplement Cooper’s inco their doors He’ll do that while Cooper has to go through the courts to get thisto happen is the police will discover that whoever signed off on this”—I pointed to her computer—“took a bribe to do it And then your whole office is under investigation”
She studied us and then she nodded “I happen to be friends with Sheriff King I’ to call him If you could wait outside in reception while I do so”
Cooper and I did as she asked, waiting i frustrated looks Twentyharried and a little pale
“Sit”
Once ere seated she gave us a pinched look “Sheriff King has confirmed there have been no such co businessman, Mr Cooper”
“I always liked Jeff King” Cooper srin in return
“Yes, well I can assure you that this petition is unnecessary Your license will be approved” She waved at her computer
“And whoever took the bribe?” I said
She narrowed her eyes on me “For all I know this is a clerical error In any case it’s now an internal matter”
Meaning she’d fire the asshole but neither that person nor Devlin would be pulled up to the law because she didn’t want the police investigating her office
Cooper seehter “That’s all anted, Ms Rothwell” He stood up and held out his hand to her “Thank you for your time”
She gave hi the whole time
“They’re going to get aith it,” I said as Cooper ledto his truck
“That’s not our fight, Doc” He held the passenger door open for h to handle for the moment”
On the drive back to his bar, I let his words sink in
Unfortunately he was right If Ian Devlin illing to go to the lengths he had to steal Cooper’s place froht with hi else
My cell rang, interrupting our usual co the nu”
“Ah, Dr Huntington,” a vaguely faan here”
My heart ian It’s nice to hear from you”
Cooper glanced at rinned at hi back to watch the road
“I’m sorry it’s been a few days, but I had to check your references out”
“Right” I waited, nervous
“Your last employer isn’t too happy with you,” he said softly, and my heart plummeted into the pit of my stomach
“I gathered” I felt Cooper’s gaze on me at my sad tone
“However, they did concede you were a good doctoruntil you up and left with no notice”
“Dr Duggan, I can explain—”
“You don’t need to This is a ston, and word is you and Cooper are pretty permanent”
“We are,” I assured him
“I’o on faith that that will keep you here And truth is, no one as qualified as you has applied for the position”
My spirits i me the job?”
“I a?”
“Yes!” I cried out and he laughed at rinned as Cooper reached over to squeezeat me, happy for me
“Then I’ll see you at the clinic on Sunday at ten ao over the ropes You’ll officially start Monday ”
“I’ll be there” I was relieved So freaking relieved I couldn’t even explain it “Thank you”
“You’re welcome”
We hung up and I bounced in ot a job”
“I heard,” Cooper said, amused
“I’ain”
He swung a tender look atone, Jessica”
Relaxing back intous by and I sood day”
“Yeah,” Cooper agreed
A banner hung froe! printed on it
The place was packed with peopletheir last night with George Beckwith before he left for Nova Scotia
“I can’t believe I threw this party for you, George Beckwith, only to find out you sold your damn store to a chef! A chef! Like we need rumbled at him
Her loud annoyance had jerkedover in a corner with sonize Anita looked skinny and tired, but she was out and about and I took that as a sign of strength A good sign
As for Archiehe was drinking soda
I leaned in to Cooper “I’e” o;Of course” She nodded, seereatly unhappy to see his name there