Blind Trust

If only Malina had come to her for help. Or to Pete. The sister she knew would never have put her son’s safety at risk.

Yet that was exactly what Malina had done.

No one spoke for several long minutes. The only noise inside the vehicle was static-filled voices coming through the radio. Eva realized that she could ask the vet to check Cocoa for signs of injury, too. The poor puppy didn’t look injured from being stuck with the stinky guy for the past four going on five days, but she wouldn’t rest until she knew there were no internal injuries or issues with smoke inhalation, as well.

“Do you have an address for the vet?” the driver asked, breaking the silence. “We’re approaching Jackson Heights now.”

Finn lifted his head and provided directions to the emergency veterinary clinic a few blocks down from the K-9 headquarters.

When they pulled up in front of the emergency veterinary clinic, Eva had to wait for the officer to let them out of the back seat. She and Finn, along with their respective dogs, went inside.

Finn hit the emergency buzzer with his elbow. “Injured K-9 officer! I need help!”

A veterinary assistant instantly came out through the door separating the front waiting room from the back clinical area. “What’s the problem?”

“Abernathy was nicked by a bullet, then brutally kicked.”

The tech’s eyes widened. “I’ll get the vet right away.”

Twenty seconds later, a slender woman with curly red hair wearing a long white lab coat emerged through the doorway. “I’m Dr. Ynez Dubois.” Her French accent was charming, but Eva could tell Finn didn’t notice. “Bring your K-9 officer this way.”

Eva wanted to speak up about Cocoa but held back, understanding that Abernathy’s wound was more serious.

She settled down to wait, lightly stroking Cocoa’s fur while fighting the urge to cough. Her elbow and hip were bruised from hitting the floor on Finn’s command. She’d sacrificed her body to make sure Cocoa was safe. She murmured a prayer of thanks that God had watched over them.

The veterinary tech came out a few minutes later. “My name is Anna Lee. Does your puppy also need to be seen?”

While it wasn’t exactly an emergency, she was here and liked Dr. Dubois. “Yes. This puppy was taken from the guide dog training center four—well, now five—days ago and I’m concerned they mistreated him during that time. He was also stuck in a fire with me and could have smoke inhalation.” She coughed, then continued, “I’d appreciate it if Dr. Dubois would check him out for me when she’s finished with Abernathy.”

“Of course.” Anna crouched beside Eva’s chair and held out her hand for Cocoa to sniff. “You’re a good boy, aren’t you, Cocoa?” She crooned. “And such a lovely name.”

“He’s learning to be a guide dog,” Eva said as Anna gently took Cocoa from her arms. “He led me out of a burning house. I didn’t see any burns on his coat, but if you could ask Dr. Dubois to check out his lungs, I’d appreciate it.”

“I will. Although your lungs don’t sound great, either.” Anna stood, looking down at her.

“I know.” She managed to smile while holding off yet another cough. “Thank you.”

Anna disappeared through the doorway, and moments later Finn returned to the waiting room. His face was grim and gaunt, the wound on his temple caked with blood. Her heart ached for him.

“Abernathy is going to be fine,” she assured him.

He nodded and dropped into the chair beside her. Leaning forward, he propped his elbows on his knees and cradled his head in his hands.

“Finn, don’t.” She stroked a hand down his back. “It’s not your fault. It’s mine. I never suspected Wade Yost of being involved. When he stuck that gun in my side and ordered me to leave... I didn’t know what else to do.”

Finn lifted his head. He shifted in his seat and put his arm around her shoulders, drawing her close. “I’m sorry you had to go through that. I should have figured out the truth sooner. I had no idea Grant Ulrich owned the guide dog training center. And Abernathy’s injury isn’t our fault—it sits with Ulrich and Greer.”