Cat and Mouse by Anne Barton

Author:Anne Barton
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: murder, series, veterinarian, sheriff, canadian author
Publisher: Books We Love Ltd.

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The following day, Anita had checked out of the Lodge and was about to put her suitcase into her ancient Mazda when Erica stopped on her way into the Woodcutter Inn, a restaurant attached to the Lodge.

“You must be Anita Cruz. Clay Caldwell has told me about you. I’m Erica Merrill, the local vet.” And I can see why his head has been turned, she thought.

“Oh, a vet! That’s good. I seem to have inherited a dog, and I think he needs some attention.”

“Helen Hall’s dog, Chipper?”

“Yes. Is he a patient of yours?”

“No. But I’m the only small animal vet in town. What does he need?”

“He needs his teeth cleaned. His mouth stinks. He’s an old dog, so I guess that’s to be expected.”

“It’s quite common. When do you want to bring him?”

“How about Monday? I’ll be leaving for Tacoma, my current home, to pack up and get moved. How long would he have to stay with you?”

“Generally only for the day.”

“Hmm. The Prentisses have been keeping him and said they would continue to do so. But I don’t want to put them out, especially if he needs any medicine.”

“He may need antibiotics if there is much infection. But don’t worry. Sandra has been shoving pills down their dog, Jock, for years. She’s an expert. Why don’t you bring him in fasting at eight Monday morning?”

“I’ll do that.”

“How about having lunch with me? I’m on my lunch hour.” As they waited for a table, a slender, blond man of about thirty-five entered the restaurant, and seeing him, Erica called, “Neil, come join us. I’d like you to meet Anita Cruz, a new resident of The Muse. Anita, this is Dr. Neil Considine, one of our two physicians.”

“How do you do, doctor,” Anita bestowed her engaging smile on him, and the young doctor joined the two women with alacrity. As they talked over lunch, Erica could see Neil Considine falling more and more under her spell. She could certainly turn on the charm when it came to the opposite sex, yet there was nothing brazen or seductive about it. Erica had felt a pang of jealousy when Clay had first told her about Anita. He had been so obviously charmed by her. But as the meal progressed, she experienced an increasing sense of amusement. It was obvious that Neil and Anita had hit it off. Clay hadn’t a chance!

It was a relief to Erica for another reason as well. She liked Neil and found that he offered her some things that Clay could not. She could talk medicine with him. He enjoyed classical music and live theater, which Clay did not. She had gone with him to an occasional concert or play at one of the universities nearby, Washington State, her alma mater, and the University of Idaho. Neil had diligently courted her, but whenever she seriously considered the two men, Clay, her lifelong companion, came out ahead. She supposed that one day she would marry Clay, but was

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