Part One
"Clyde! Clyde! Aaron turned deathly white as he saw his best friend on the floor, blood pouring from his neck and back, he whimpered as he approached him. Aaron knelt by his side, shaking and tears welling in his eyes. Paddy! Hurry. Paddy!"
"What's happened to him?"
Knowing that his previously clever plan had gone astray Aaron couldn't quite meet Paddy's eyes.
"I don't know. Just help him please. Don't let him die."
"Fine."
"Get him inside now. Now."
Rona took control of the situation as Paddy seemed to have frozen.
"Where are you going?"
Aaron had risen to his feet and started to walk away in the opposite direction to the surgery.
"I've got something I need to sort out."
"Oh no you don't. Paddy grabbed his arm and dragged him into the waiting room locking the door for good measure. I'm guessing you sorting things out is what got Clyde into this mess. What happened to just giving the guy his money back? You promised Jackson."
"Yeah well he's been going on and on at me. I needed to say something to shut him up."
"He cares about you, you daft sod. He didn't want to see you get hurt."
"I haven't been, have I?"
"Look at Clyde. That could have been you."
"You're as bad as him. A right pair of old women."
"You're unbelievable."
"So I've been told."
Aaron attempted to soften Paddy with his most charming smile.
"Do you not care about anyone else? What about the garage or Clyde? What happens if we can't help him?"
"You can can't you?"
For the first time Aaron sounded genuinely worried.
"I hope so. Now you're going to sit here and not move until we've checked him over."
"But-"
"But nothing. He's your dog and your responsibility."
"Paddy! Rona's shrill call sent a shiver down Aaron's spine. Help. We're losing him."
"Help him Paddy. Please don't let him die."
There was no pretence now. Tears were pouring down Aaron's face and he was shaking uncontrollably as he gripped Paddy's hand.
"Let go and don't move."
Paddy sprinted into the back room and closed the door. Aaron waited, pacing up and down unable to stay seated. His mobile rang and Jackson's name flashed across the screen, but he cancelled the call.