Chapter Three

April 2013
South Dakota, United States

Rain pelted the truck so hard Emilia swore it was actually hailing. There was no use in waiting any longer. The rain wasn't going to let up. She had a few minutes to get her veterinary clinic open and clean up from her emergency on call visit. Bracing her bag tightly under her arm, to hopefully keep the contents mostly dry, she flung the door open and hopped out.

In a matter of moments she was soaked. She slammed the truck door before sprinting across the gravel parking lot. The mad dash gave her reprieve under the front door awning where she shook off as much rain water as she could. Her bag had been spared mercifully but her honey brown curls were a disaster swirling around her face and head.

After unlocking the clinic, drawing up the window shades, and setting her stuff in the supply room she beelined to the restroom. Hot water stung her cool skin while she scrubbed her arms thoroughly, making sure to focus on the underside of her nails.

It had been a long night and she knew being a Monday it would be a packed day. God she needed a day off if only to catch up on sleep. A glance in the mirror confirmed her suspicions that she looked haggard. Her usually luminous golden brown eyes were dim with exhaustion. Her skin was a little sallow. It was obvious her lack of caring what she ate as long as it was a quick meal was having a serious effect. Something to be dealt with another time.

The front door bell jingled, alerting her to a new arrival before they entered the supply room across the hall.

"Morning Kaila." She called.

"Morning Dr. Grainer. I see you've been busy already this morning. Was it the last calves at the Bussey ranch?" Kaila, Emilia's assistant veterinarian technician, inquired.

She slouched out of her drenched coat and placed it on a coat rung. Her straight auburn hair hung limply under the weight of rainwater making her mutter about the shit weather.

Emilia sighed, drying her hands thoroughly.

"No, thankfully Ross said his new hired hand arrived yesterday and they are going to finish the calving themselves. The Nielsen's mare finally foaled."

She smiled, remembering the little foal she helped bring into the world in the early morning hours. He barely took his first breath before he was standing with wobbly knees and prancing about.

His coat was black as night, shining by the barn light as he played and rested with his mum. She had suggested a name and surprisingly Gail Bussey had agreed.

"I was able to name him. Feisty Nightmare. Suits him well, trust me."

Kaila shook her head, her green eyes bright and laughing.

"That's the third one you've been called out for this week. These full moons are a doozy."

The two women returned to the front lobby to finish opening the clinic. Kaila began her morning routine by first setting out a bowl of little spearmint rings at the registration counter. Emilia plucked one of the candies out of the bowl and popped it into her mouth.

"Unfortunately, it's not going to get less crazy for a while. Summer can't get here soon enough."

Spring was always hectic. Between the calving and foaling at the local ranches, regular appointments, and the odd emergency calls she had her hands full. This year though would be a test of her abilities. Her former partner and mentor Dr. Lobkey had retired last fall to his lake house up in northern Minnesota. She knew it was time but she missed him dearly. Dr. Lobkey had built his practice from the ground up and was very successful. She had been lucky to call him partner as well as a dear friend.

Now she would be the only one for emergencies and regular clinic hours until she found a new partner. There had been a letter inquiring about a partnership with a newly graduated veterinarian and his wife but she had yet to read the letter thoroughly. Sighing, as she thought of the impossible schedule she was going to have for at least another two months, she told herself if there was time tonight she would read the letter.

"I have some supply orders to complete."

Emilia walked to the lone door on the left wall leading to her office. She began a similar process as Kaila to prepare her office for the day.

This was how Emilia spent most of her days and nights. Her passion to be a veterinarian had left little time for a personal life save her volunteer work and a local book club she started with her friend, Mona. She was content with how things were for now. Her work was rewarding and she had some close friends and acquaintances. No dating though.

Emilia winced at the thought. It had been a long time since she and her ex had split but just like she had told him it didn't feel quite right to date anyone really. She chalked it up to her schedule and lifestyle not being conducive to a boyfriend. Something was just...wrong with the idea despite Kaila's hounding to talk to this guy or that doctor at the state veterinarian convention.

The latter had been her lecture a few weeks ago when Kaila confronted her introverted boss about the last time she had even been on a date let alone had a good tumble with a man. Emilia threatened to assign her grooming duty for a week if she didn't hush up.

The doorbell chimed then and an elderly man's voice greeted Kaila and gave the name of her first appointment. Emilia stood up from her desk and made her way to the counter where they were checking in. So began another busy week.