One Afternoon

Chapter 3

Tiffany's PoV

This morning I decided to walk my dog, and truthfully, I didn't expect to meet anyone at all. I was surprised when I met my assistant at the same park for a jog. We talked for a few minutes before I asked if she would like to have breakfast with me. My assistant agreed, and we went to the nearest cafe while I asked someone to take care of the dog.

After we had ordered our food, my assistant, Janet Cromwell, kept looking at someone outside of the cafe.

"What is it?" I asked.

"Hey, boss, do you travel with your security everywhere?" I shake my head no.

"Usually, I would go anywhere alone, but today they said they would want to follow me to the park. Why? Are they scary-looking? I told them to stop staring at anyone who talks to me, but they're too stubborn." Our food came, and Janet couldn't help but be surprised by how it was served.

"I've been coming to this cafe for years, and I didn't know they have such extravagant menu choices." I smiled.

"The owner used to work for my mother. And whenever I came here, he would do whatever he could to accommodate my needs. I already told him there's no need to do so. But he insists." We both grabbed our cutlery, and I found it amusing to see Janet smile every time she put the food in her mouth.

"Gosh- my sister needs to have a taste of this. She will truly enjoy it." Oh- I didn't know Janet had a sister.

"You have a sister?" Janet nodded.

"My older sister is a doctor. She works for a free clinic near downtown. But for the last few months, the organization establishing the clinic wanted to close the place and sell it to the highest bidder. And the company has its eyes on them. Do you know any of this, boss?" I shake my head no.

"Is that why you have a brochure about the free clinic on your desk? I didn't mean to pry, but I saw it when I walked past your desk." Janet nodded.

"My sister is doing her best to find investors or anyone willing to help. The organization is determined to kick my sister out of the building. They even decided to stop paying the staff their salary. My sister had to use her saving to keep the clinic running." That sounds desperate.

"Why don't you let the organization do whatever they want with the clinic? Your sister can find another hospital to work at, right?" Janet sighed.

"My parents and I tried that, but my sister is stubborn. She said that if she left and the clinic was closed, what would happen to those who came to the clinic for free treatment? Which hospital is willing to give free healthcare to homeless people? Everyone has their right to receive top-notch treatment, was what my sister always said to us." I admire the doctor's vision, but if her action brings more harm to herself than helping her, she should stop.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to trouble you, boss." I waved my hand as I took the last bite of my waffles.

"Where I this clinic? Is it open now?" Janet nodded.

"It's downtown, between a flower shop and a bookstore. Why?" I shrugged.

"Maybe I want to see what things are happening in the clinic. Show me where it is." Janet was confused but agreed in the end.

I texted the guard outside, and they nodded before leaving the premises with my dog.

"Hey, boss, I was sure you have two dogs in your care. Where's the other one?" I smiled.

"The other one refused to leave the house because my sister just came home from the hospital. I guess the dog thinks it's his duty to protect the new addition to our family. That boy never leaves the baby's door." Janet grabbed the napkin before wiping the corner of her mouth.