Fatal Burn by Roxanne Rustand

Author:Roxanne Rustand
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Steeple Hill
Published: 2010-10-06T04:00:00+00:00

Veterinarian Gina Lang looked up from the emaciated dog she’d just finished examining. “Have you heard from the owner yet?”

“Not a word. The sheriff says he hasn’t heard from the Bascombs either, so he stopped by their place and it looked empty, so maybe they left town. Honestly, I’m glad. I hope they just stay away and don’t fight the county on this. I’d love to re-home every one of these poor dogs and give them a decent life.”

The veterinarian gently ran her hand over the knobs of the dog’s spine. “I’m with you a hundred percent. Believe it or not, the Bascombs were once well-known in this region for their champion field-trial dogs, but that was a while ago.”

“If this is how they cared for their dogs, I can hardly believe it.”

“Harvey is—or was—a certified field-trial judge, and his dogs were once high in the regional standings. I understand he’s had some considerable problems, though.”

Kris held her hands out in frustration. “Nothing that could warrant this.”

“I don’t like gossip.” Gina hesitated. “But I guess it’s common knowledge because most of it was in the court reports section of the paper. There were some domestic abuse and DWI charges, then his wife divorced him. There were also some legal issues involving the sale of several dogs. Not, mind you, that any of that is an excuse for neglect. Maybe he got in so far over his head that he just didn’t care anymore.” Gina held the dog’s head gently between her hands and peered into its eyes. “You’re a good boy, aren’t you? You’ll be feeling better in no time.”

“He’s the last one for you to see today. Thanks so much for coming out.” Kris took the leash and led the dog out of the examination area of the kennel office and back to his pen. “Can you send the county a bill and send me a copy, too?”

“You bet.” Gina turned to the counter and began gathering her supplies. “I’ll leave you bandaging materials and antibiotics that ought to hold you for a few days. Can you stop by the clinic to pick up the rest?”

“Absolutely.”

She looked at her watch. “Guess I’d better run. I have a few more calls, and then the kids from the church preschool are coming to the clinic for a tour.” She grinned. “I love it when they come. Everyone is absolutely thrilled.”

From outside came the sound of a truck pulling to a stop.

Bailey, who had been curled up on his bed in the corner of the office for the past hour, raised his head for a single, welcoming woof.

“That has to be a truck from the Rocking R,” Kris said with a laugh. “He’s much more energetic if he doesn’t recognize the vehicle.”

Gina hesitated and looked back, her hand on the doorknob. “You’ve met Trace and Carrie?”

“They’ve been over several times. Nice people.”

“They go to the Community Church here in town. Carrie lights up the place like fireworks when she gets excited about something.

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