Capture Her Heart

Chapter 3

Audrey and Rebekah helped load Amber and her new puppies into Julie's car and as soon as they drove off another car pulled in. "Hey Doc," An elderly man got out and rubbed the back of his head. "So...um...yeah well see..."

Audrey burst into laughter as he opened the back door and a black and tan coonhound hopped out. "Oh Rufus, when are you going to learn to leave those poor porcupines alone, huh?" She shook her head. "Carry him in here Bill, I'm sure he's hurting pretty bad by now."

"She's pretty popular," North said and Rebekah nodded.

"She's the best," she said, "She treats everyone the same and each animal as if they were her own. She remembers everyone's names, she's fucking wonder woman, I tell ya."

"What's this weekend?" Silas asked.

"Every three or four months she goes to the center so the homeless can bring their pets to be checked out and get flea and heartworm medication or even spayed or neutered. People can donate food or clothes for the homeless or donate money to help Doc with the costs of what she does. She doesn't charge the homeless or if they insist she has them come out here to help with her rescues/fosters or help around the land. She understands that the majority of them are veterans or going through a rough time and just need help."

"Wow," North shook his head.

"Yeah, like I said freaking Wonder Woman. I could very easily go find a better-paying job but seeing the way she's all about the people and animals, I'm honored to work with her," Rebekah smiled softly. "She is the one helping me through vet school and lets me bring my children when I need to. She's the best."

"Alrighty Bill, he'll feel better when he wakes," Audrey smiled as she removed her gloves and followed the elderly man who was carrying his sleeping coonhound. "Try not to take him hunting for a few weeks just to give him plenty of time to heal. I would say hopefully he has learned his lesson but Rufus is a coonhound so until next time."

"Thanks, Doc," He chuckled. He pulled money out of his wallet and she shook her head. "Stubborn Little Girl, fine I'll have some of my men bring you lumber for your barn, how about that?"

"That I will accept, thank you." She kissed his cheek and sighed as he drove off. She turned back to North and Silas, "I am so sorry about the interruptions."

"It's fine," They said at the same time.

"My parents already have the kids, so I'll go clean the room and then check the animals in the back," Rebekah said and Audrey nodded.

"Well, I got some lumber coming in if you think it will help you," Audrey said as she motioned to go back outside. "Bill owns the lumber company so the wood will be good quality."

"That will be good," North nodded. "So how long have you been a vet?"

"A while," She shrugged, "I have been here about five years now." She walked out to the back and towards the barn. "Are you from close by? I can't recall seeing you in town."

"We aren't from here," Silas shook his head. "We are in OKC."

"Oh that's almost two hours from here," She gasped, "I'm sorry for the long drive."

"Nah, I go all over," North shook his head as he looked up at the tree. "I actually liked driving out here, it was nice. It's peaceful out here, not as chaotic as the city."

"It's chaotic at times," She smirked, "but definitely better than city life."

"Can I ask you something?" North asked as they walked around the barn. She nodded, "If Bill owns a lumber company, then why did you call me? Shouldn't he have workers that can repair this for you?"

She shook her head, "His workers are either straight out of high school or veterans and he sends the ones that he can spare frequently out to the Amish and Mennonites this time of the year to help them with preparing for their busiest season of farming. I wouldn't dare ask him for help right now."

"Oh," He nodded, "Well, my brothers and I can definitely take care of this for you. Do you mind if I take some pictures and videos so I can go back and get you a proper price after I talk to them about the best way of handling this?"

"Sure," She nodded, "I appreciate it."

"Now we don't have to find a new vet for Max," Silas chuckled. "Our brother Kota has a golden retriever. His vet just retired so he is actually looking for a new one for Max."

"Oh?" She asked, "Well, if he doesn't mind the long drive, I will gladly see him."

"We'll give him your information," North smiled.

"Hey Doc Em!" a teenager called walking towards them with a snake wrapped around him.

"Hi Andrew, and hello to you Nagini," She smiled as she ran her fingers down the snake's back. She looked at the snake as it wound up Andrew's body and rested its head on his. "Oh you poor girl, that rat did not want to be your food, did it?" She shook her head, "Andrew, I thought we had this discussion already. Nagini isn't like in the movies, she prefers already dead rats, some pet snakes are just like that. She's not a wild snake, she could have seriously gotten hurt this time."

"Sorry Doc," He frowned and she sighed.

"Come on, let's get her cleaned up."

"I'll contact you later," North said and she nodded as she walked off taking the snake from the teenager and helping it wrap around her waist and arm. He and Silas got in his Jeep and started driving off. "She certainly is interesting."