City Girl, Country Vet by Cathy Woodman

Author:Cathy Woodman [Woodman, Cathy]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Hyperion
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 12

Baby Baby

When I wake up in the morning on Friday, I find Nigel has slipped a letter under the door of the flat—Miff has left her teeth marks in it, but it’s just about decipherable.

Dear Maz,

Re: the chat we had the other night about ways to save money. Working on the principle last in, first out, it is with great regret that I must ask you to give Frances notice to leave the practice with immediate effect. I know I can rely on your discretion.

Yours sincerely, Nigel.

P.S.: Any questions, feel free to call me.

I head down to Reception to unlock the doors, and pick up the phone, checking no one is around to listen in.

“Nigel,” I say, once I get hold of him. “Where are you?”

“I’m having a fishing lesson,” he says. “I assume this call is about my letter?”

“It’s a bit drastic, isn’t it? How’s Izzy going to cope? We need a receptionist to greet clients and answer the phone.”

“We’ll have to manage. There aren’t all that many clients anyway, especially after Old Fox-Gifford’s radio broadcast. Frances told me we had three more transfer to Talyton Manor yesterday.”

It’s pretty worrying, I think, as I go on. “Why do I have to speak to Frances? Isn’t it the practice manager’s role?”

“It’s better if it comes from you. I’d hate Frances to hold it against me—I mean, I’m going to be living in this town long after you’ve gone. I’d rather she held it against you.”

“Thanks a lot.” I pause, catching sight of Frances drawing up in the car park in her battered Morris Minor. “How am I going to tell her?”

“I’m delegating the whole process to you, Maz.” There’s a splash, and Nigel’s voice fades out, then back in again. “I’ve got to go—I think I’ve got a bite.”

A bite? I’m not sure what he’s talking about, but then I remember that he’s gone fishing. I don’t approve. I can’t see what fun there is to be had in sticking a hook through the mouth of a living creature, but then I won’t eat anything that has eyes, potatoes excepted.

“Good morning, Maz.” Frances walks in with a spring in her step. “It’s such a lovely day.”

It seems a shame to spoil her mood straightaway.

“Erm, if you’re okay here, I’ll go and give Izzy a hand in Kennels.”

“Of course I’m okay here—it’s like my second home,” she says and beams, and my heart sinks to the very soles of my Crocs as I retreat.

“Izzy, did you know about this?” I wave Nigel’s note at her. She looks up from where she’s cleaning out Cadbury’s kennel. “About Nigel asking me to fire Frances,” I go on when she stares at me uncomprehendingly.

“Get rid of Frances? Well, don’t expect me to do extra hours.” She is not happy. “I have got a life outside Otter House.”

“I know you have, but if we can’t cut costs there won’t be a job for you either.”

Izzy sits back on her heels, thinking. “All right, when are you going to tell her?”

“Later,” I say.

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