The Good, the Bad & the Beagle by Burns Catherine Lloyd

Author:Burns, Catherine Lloyd [Burns, Catherine Lloyd]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Animals, Retail, YA 10+
ISBN: 9780374300401
Google: jXZzAwAAQBAJ
Amazon: B00IWUI51Q
Goodreads: 21408381
Publisher: Macmillan
Published: 2014-10-14T04:00:00+00:00

Symmetry and Percentages

“Even his bones are beautiful,” Veronica said.

She stood beside her mother, gazing at Cadbury’s X-rays. His guitar-shaped rib cage was lit from behind. Veronica herself had only been subjected to X-rays at the dentist’s office. It was hard to believe that a little dog could have had more medical procedures than its owner. Cadbury had undergone an alarming number of tests in the last twenty-four hours.

Dr. Harskirey walked in and snapped on the overhead lights. She was taller than Veronica’s mother, with wild gray hair that seemed to be fighting a losing battle for control of the ponytail it was half contained by. She was direct, abrupt, and nervous making. Veronica didn’t like her.

“May I speak in front of the child?” Dr. Harskirey said. Veronica didn’t understand how Esme could admire her so much. She seemed so unpleasant.

“Her name is Veronica, Dr. Harskirey,” Mrs. Morgan said. “I believe I introduced you yesterday. And today, actually.”

“I’m sorry,” Dr. Harskirey said. She turned toward Veronica and extended her enormous hand. It was strong and the veins on top were ropy and prominent. She wasn’t smiling. “Veronica,” she said, “I’m going to be straight with you. The news is not good, and I need to know if you would be more comfortable having your mom explain Cadbury’s diagnosis at home later, or would you like to listen to me run through a long list of doctor talk?”

Veronica looked at her mother for guidance.

“Would you give us a moment?” Veronica’s mother said.

“Certainly,” Dr. Harskirey said.

“I’m sorry. I meant alone. Would you please give us a moment alone.” Mrs. Morgan stroked her daughter’s cheek.

Dr. Harskirey looked at her watch. “I have other patients. If I walk out there I can pretty much promise I won’t be back in anytime soon.”

Veronica sensed her mother losing her temper. Her own pulse was racing and she hoped her mother’s neck wasn’t going to explode from tension.

“I certainly don’t want to make trouble, Dr. Harskirey,” Mrs. Morgan said, “but I have to tell you that your bedside manner … well, it stinks!” Mrs. Morgan wiped a tear from her eye. “Could you try to put yourself in our shoes, in Veronica’s shoes, for a minute? I would be so grateful.”

Veronica loved her mother for defending her and Dr. Harskirey actually apologized. Mrs. Morgan pulled Veronica close, wrapping her arms around her the way she did if it was cold and they were outside for too long. “What would you rather, honey? Hear Dr. Harskirey explain the situation or have me do it at home?”

Her voice was respectful, the way Veronica preferred being spoken to ordinarily. But today she wanted a mother who knew more than she did. A mother who would take care of everything and make it better.

“Lovey, what do you think?”

Veronica stared at her mother like a mute.

Dr. Harskirey shifted her weight and looked at her watch.

“Honey? She has other patients. Let’s let her explain.”

Veronica nodded and leaned into her mother. She smelled so good.

“Okay. Here we go,” Dr.

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