Lily Chao was an extremely intelligent woman. She was a respected professional within the veterinarian field. She was naturally beautiful but her constant bluntness and detached opinions meant no one saw beneath the carefully manufactured veil. Dr Chao owned her own practise where she performed life saving operations that others wouldn't dare try. This private professional remembered every life she hadn't been able to save. A locked cabinet in her office held a folder, within which were pictures, vitals and many notes detailing potential options that may have saved them. Dr Chao wanted to make sure she didn't make the same mistake twice. In 10 years there were only 49 operations that resulted badly, most vets wouldn't be bothered by such a small number in comparison to the time frame but to Lily this wasn't good enough. She was the best. People brought their animals to her from all over the country. She was their last hope.
A more recent development in Lily's life was the start of an adoption scheme. She couldn't bare the thought of putting an animal down just because it didn't have a home so she employed 3 members of staff to look after the animals while advertising them. Dr Chao would carefully assess each client, visiting their house along with three rigorous interviews ensuring the animals were going to get the best quality of care.
It was early afternoon, Lily was on her lunch break so decided to visit the animals. She made sure all of them were happy and felt safe. Her colleague Ben was on shift today, he absolutely loved his job, the other members of staff called him Lofty. He had been called Lofty for so long most of them didn't know where the name originated from. Lofty was actually new to the job, he had been working at a pet shop on the other side of Holby but decided to quit because the shop had been burgled, 3 dogs had been stolen. Lofty had tried to save them but was knocked out in the process and ended up going to hospital with a broken nose. It wasn't all bad for this curly-haired sweetheart, while he was at hospital he was treated by a certain doctor that he rather liked. If only he could pluck up the courage to ask him out.
When Dr Chao walked in she came face to face with Lofty giving a little yorkie an eskimo kiss, cooing at the little pup. 'Well it looks like you and Pixel are getting acquainted' Lily chuckled at the now blushing dark haired lad. Lofty put the dog down in the little pen they had made for them to run around and play in. 'How's Percy doing?' Lily asked glancing round at all the animals. 'He's doing great, especially with Pixel. Surprisingly he's getting on really well with Simba and Nala as well.' Lofty replied grinning at the adorable pug as he played with the two little cats. 'That's excellent. How are Princess and Popcorn? Only a few months to go...' Dr Chao enquired. 'I've given them both a thorough check. They are both healthy and their pups are coming along nicely.' Lofty reported, handing over the notes he had made. 'Excellent. I'd better be getting back to my station. Keep me posted...oh and Lofty keep up the good work...You are definitely in the running for employee of the month' Lily added before leaving.
The day was getting on Dr Chao had just finished a successful operation on a Great Dane who had broken his leg playing fetch in the forest. She ended up having to fit a custom made prosthetic limb. The clients said their goodbyes and gave Lily a bottle of red wine to thank her.
The bell by the door chimed alerting Dr Chao that someone had entered. She stood up, smoothing down her dress she made her way to the reception area. A young man wearing a smart coat and hat put his hand out in greeting 'hello, you must be Dr Chao. I am Detective Hardy. May I ask you some questions' there was a layer of shyness in his voice that was easily picked up on, Lily found it rather endearing.
'Yes, I am Dr Chao, please follow me to my office' Lily shook his hand smiling, then led him to her office.
She gestured him to sit. 'I must say Detective Hardy, your reputation proceeds you. I have heard many things about you...'
'All good I hope...Ethan...you can call me Ethan' the detective smiled, taken by this confident woman. 'Of course, thank you. You may call me Lily. So what do I owe this pleasure, Ethan?' Dr Chao asked with a suggestive tone. 'I'm afraid it isn't good news. I'm sure you're already aware of the dognappings going on in the area. I heard that you employed Mr Chiltern. He is the best lead we have on the case but unfortunately because the man was wearing a ski mask there's only so much information we can obtain from his statement. I am here to make sure you are completely aware of the situation. Do you have CCTV on the premises?' Ethan made a lot of hand gestures as he spoke, Lily just smiled at him, letting him finish. 'I do have CCTV but it's outdated. I have paid for someone to fit better quality cameras. They should be here at some point tomorrow.' Dr Chao explained. 'Right well, that's definitely a good idea...I should probably get going.' Ethan stood up 'oh...here is my card, feel free to give me a call if you have any information relating to the case or if you have any questions...it's my mobile...it'll be quicker than calling the station...'
Lily smiled at him, taking the card, glancing at the number before looking back at him 'thank you, I will. It was nice meeting you Detective Hardy.'
'You too. Please call me Ethan. I'm sure we'll see each other again.' Ethan smiled putting his hat back on. Lily nodded watching the young man leave, she was very intrigued by this detective. She looked down at the card in her hand, 'yes...I'm sure we'll see each other again' she said aloud, smiling to herself.