Single Kid Seeks Dad

The receptionist covered the mouthpiece with her hand.

“It’s okay. Just go all the way down the hallway to the end door. That leads to the kennels.” She returned to her phone call.

Lucy kept an eye out for Logan as she made her way down the hallway to the rear door. The first thing she heard when she entered the shelter area was her son’s laughter accompanied by a low, rumbling male voice that sent a shiver along her spine. She remembered that voice only too well. The last time she’d heard it had been at a barbecue at the Walker house. Not that she had a problem with the voice. Low-pitched with a slight rumble to it, it was the kind of voice that seduced a woman into feeling safe and cared for, two things Lucy didn’t believe most men could accomplish. No, it wasn’t the voice she was worried about. It was the owner of the voice that prompted her to keep her guard up.

She started to back out through the door, but the two noticed her before she could make her escape.

“Hey, Mom!” Nick called out.

Lucy stared at the dirt-covered lump that had called her Mom. He looked as if he’d rolled in the dirt. She doubted she’d find one inch on him that wasn’t filthy.

“What on earth did you do?” She didn’t think there was enough soap in the world to get him clean again. “Or should I say how much earth did you get on you?”

“Hello, Lucy,” Logan said, looking cleaner than Nick but not by much.

She ignored the tingle starting in the pit of her stomach at the sight of his welcoming grin and brown eyes dusted with gold. “Hello, Logan. I hope Nick did an acceptable job today.”

He looked more amused than put off by her formal tone. “He did fine. For a kid not used to dogs, he handled the pack without any problems.”

“Pack?”

He gestured to the kennels. “I guess you could call these guys my pack.”

Just then a young woman came out back. She stuck out her hand and said, “The kid did great. Hi, I’m Kristi.”

“Kristi’s in charge back here,” Logan explained. “She and Jeremy keep things humming.”

Lucy silently prayed that Nick wouldn’t get the idea that a tattoo or body piercing was a good idea. It had taken a couple months for his self-drawn tattoo, courtesy of a semi-permanent ink marker, to wear off. She’d made him wear long-sleeved shirts any time he had to leave the house.

Her gaze skipped from one kennel to another. It seemed they were all filled with large dogs. Didn’t anyone have a Chihuahua out here in Southern California’s Riverside County?

“I cleaned all the dog runs then took the dogs out to this fenced area in the back where I can run with them,” Nick explained with enthusiasm. “It’s really cool!”

“And did you also roll in the dirt with them?” She indicated his dirty clothing.

He looked down. “I guess this is why you had me wear old clothes, huh?”

Lucy turned to Logan. “He’s safe being alone with these animals?”

“No one’s been bitten yet. And I guess Nick’s had his shots so the animals are protected.” He blew out a low breath. “It’s a joke, Lucy.”

“Yes, I gathered that.” She mentally hated herself for acting so stiff but couldn’t seem to stop herself.

“I have to clean up first,” Nick told her.

“Use the antiseptic soap,” Kristi reminded him.

Nick nodded as he loped off.

“He’s not a typical juvenile delinquent,” Lucy stated almost defiantly.

“I never thought he was,” Logan replied mildly. “I read the judge’s report, Lucy. It sounds like Nick has a knack with computers that will give Bill Gates a run for his money in a few years. I think the judge wants Nick to see a different side of life so he uses his skills only for good and not evil. Another joke.”

“I know that! He’s on the basketball team at school.” Now she sounded defensive. “And he’s worked on cars with Lou Walker since we moved here. He just has too much imagination and sometimes does something before thinking of what his actions might cause.”

“And what have you done since you moved here?”

“I’ve taken kind of a sabbatical from my travel agent job in order to get my house in order. It’s not an easy task,” she replied.

“That’s right, your other house was crashed into or something.”

“The engine landed ahead of the jet,” she said dryly. “Unfortunately, it landed inside my house. Luckily, the jet didn’t.”

“Since you’ve been so busy you probably haven’t seen too much of the area,” Logan surmised. “Perhaps one weekend you’d like to go for a tour.”

“Right now you’re in charge of my son’s community service. I think that’s enough interaction.” She raised her voice. “Nick, I’ll be in the car.” The smile she directed at Logan was patently insincere. It turned more genuine as she looked at the young woman. “It was nice meeting you, Kristi. Dr. Kincaid.” She made her escape.

“It’s Logan,” he called after her departing figure.

Before he could say anything further, Nick emerged, wiping his wet hands on his jeans.

“My mom’s not usually this cranky,” he explained quickly. “I think it’s because I got in trouble. I’d promised I wouldn’t get in any more trouble and then this happened. I think she was afraid I’d end up in jail.” He leaned over to confide, “She kept saying my lawyer looked like Opie, whatever that means.”

Logan chuckled. “I know who you’re talking about. Ritchey Owens does look pretty young to practice law, but he’s good. Besides, the judge doesn’t like to send boys to jail. He believes in a strict work ethic.”

“He just likes you getting free labor,” Kristi teased her boss.

“The judge is your dad, isn’t he?” Nick asked Logan.

“Guilty.”

“You must take after your mom, then.” He shot the vet a grin. “Good night, Logan. ’Night Kristi. See ya tomorrow.”

“Good night, Nick.” Logan turned to Kristi and cocked a questioning eyebrow.

“He did good,” she told him. “He took orders without any arguments. He actually listened to everything I said. Of course, he hasn’t given the dogs their baths yet.” She grinned.

“The ultimate test.” He looked around. “It all looks great. Go ahead and take off.”

She sketched a salute. “See ya on Thursday.” She snatched up a backpack and headed out the rear door. A few moments later the roar of a motorcycle could be heard.

When Logan walked into the reception area, Brenda was shutting down the computer and locking drawers. He looked at her big belly and winced. The fear she might go into labor during working hours had haunted him for the past month.

“I’m out of here,” Brenda announced before breezing out the door.

“Good night,” he called after her.

“Have you seen Beau?” Gwen asked, coming into the room.