Read Online A Little Christmas Jingle by Michele Dunaway - Free Book Online

best. And you know I would tell you if there was anything I could do. But it’s time.”
    Grown men did cry, and Mr. Simons wiped away a tear. “Can I stay? Hold her? I don’t want her to be alone.”
    Kat nodded. “Yes. She’d like that. I’ll go get things ready and give you some privacy to say your good-byes.”
    â€œMr. December’s here,” Angela warned as Kat unlocked a medicine cabinet.
    â€œHe’s going to have to wait,” Kat replied, retrieving the vials she needed. She returned to the room, Mr. Simons’s tears causing her to bite back her own. Pet owners had to see her as competent. Strong, yet sympathetic. Professional. She shaved off a small area of Pebble’s fur and then administered the sedative. After the second medication, Pebbles slipped away quickly.
    â€œThank you.” Mr. Simons stroked Pebble’s still body. Fresh tears began. “That was peaceful.”
    Angela gently wrapped the animal in a blanket and took her from the room. “I’m sorry for your loss,” Kat said.
    â€œWhat will Bam Bam do?” He mentioned his other cat.
    â€œLater, when things have settled down, you and I can talk about whether Bam Bam needs a playmate,” she said. “I’ll help you. But right now Bam Bam will need your full attention and love. He’ll be grieving, too.”
    Louise entered, and Mr. Simons followed her from the room. Kat undid her ponytail, scratched the top of her head, and then secured the strands again. She went to check on Jingle, and heard Jack. He cooed to the puppy in that baby talk that all animal lovers use, but that no one ever admits to. She watched him stroke the dog’s head, his fingers gentle and soothing. He whispered in Jingle’s ear. While Jingle’s right ear twitched slightly, his eyes remained closed. Yet the dog seemed more peaceful.
    â€œYou sweet thing. I’m gonna get them for you. And you’ll never hurt again. I promise.” He glanced up, sensing her presence. He reddened, caught. Who’d have predicted Mr. Rough and Tough had such a soft side?
    Softening, she said, “I’m sure he likes you talking to him.”
    â€œHow’s he doing?” He’d changed from his jeans and flannel shirt and now wore a pair of khakis and a blue oxford button-down that complimented his eyes.
    Kat placed a hand on the dog’s front right paw, one of the few areas that hadn’t been burned. She touched Jingle as often as possible, letting him know she cared. “He’s the same. We’re keeping him sedated. The pain from the burns is unbearable. Later he’ll need laser therapy and skin grafts, but we can’t do those yet.”
    â€œBut he’s okay.”
    â€œWe’re constantly fighting off infection, so I can’t rule anything out, but I am cautiously optimistic. His progress is promising.”
    â€œGood. I need updated pictures.” He held out a small camera.
    Kat was exhausted. She wanted to be alone, grieve for her role in the circle of life. “Tonight is not a good time.”
    He sensed that something was bothering her. “Then when can I get those?”
    â€œHow about Monday morning at eight? We’ll be changing the bandages, so that will be a good time.”
    â€œI’ll be here for that,” Jack said, putting the camera in his jacket pocket. “That’s fine. The more evidence we can present to the jury of this dog’s suffering, the better chance we have for a conviction. It’s not only about demonstrating the horror of the act itself, but of the recovery this poor dog also has suffered.”
    Kat tucked a loose strand behind her ear. “Do you know who did it?”
    One simple nod. “Yes.”
    After the day she’d had, she needed to know. “Who?”
    â€œThe boy’s aunt and her boyfriend.”
    Kat’s hand flew up in front of her mouth as she gasped.