“Did Harvey say what he spent that big donation on?”
Rosalind nodded. “Oh, he was very keen about some new plan to help train a select few homeless people to become vet techs. Of course, such things take time to set up, so I’ve heard nothing more since he first raised it with me. But he kept me up a few nights with his diagrams and explanations for it.” She gave an indulgent smile. “He does get so passionate about his little projects.”
Training a couple of homeless people to become vet techs sounded like a worthy program. Why had Harvey been so cagey? Felicity scrutinized Rosalind’s expression but could see nothing but genuineness in her eyes.
“You should talk to Dr. Cooper about it, if you’re interested in how the program will work,” Rosalind continued. “It was her proposal. In fact, it looks like you’ll have your chance right now. Our head vet looks exceedingly pleased with you.”
She smirked, her gaze drifting beyond Felicity’s shoulder. “Not that I can blame her. What you did today was exceptional. It’ll impact so many people, Ms. Simmons. That’s the other reason I wanted to introduce myself: to say well done. Now I’ll leave you both to it. Good day, Ms. Simmons.” She strode away after a polite nod.
Felicity turned to find Cooper screeching to a halt a few feet away, mouth open.
“I—” Cooper began then stopped. “That was… God! You with the mayor?” She shook her head. “Felicity, that was the most incredible thing I’ve ever seen. You are amazing.”
Without warning, she grabbed Felicity in a bear hug, lifted her off her feet as though she weighed nothing, gave her a quick spin, then dropped her back on her feet. “Oh, my God, woman! You’re about to change so many lives.”
Felicity, feeling a little giddy and dizzy, neither of which had anything to do with the spin, warmed with pleasure. “Oh, well, it’s not hard. I know law. I used what I know. And I had Thomas and his team sending me stuff. And a lot of credit goes to Deedra. She’s all over the facts on insurance payouts for dog incidents.”
“Yes, Dee’s great, but no one else has done what you did. Just stood up to him and demanded he explain his position, then pulled apart his BS. It was like having the Terminator on our side!” Cooper grinned. “God! I had no idea you were this good. None. I mean, it makes sense—your title and all—but all I’ve seen was—”
“Me unable to tell someone their dog is nice and sound sincere?” Felicity suggested.
“Exactly.” Cooper chuckled. “You brilliant woman! Do you know how long we’ve all been advocating for this? The pet issue is half the reason we have so many homeless on the streets. This is a game changer!”
“Believe it or not, I was actually paying attention to all your little rants.”
“Rants?” Cooper’s hand thudded over her heart. “Is that how I sound to you? All…ranty?”
Felicity’s lips curled.
Cooper laughed and wagged a finger at her. “I’d buy you a beer right now, if I wasn’t on the clock. But tonight I’m taking you out to dinner to celebrate. No arguments; it’s happening. Okay?”
Go out with an Amazon who was looking at Felicity as if she were a god? “Fine. But wine. Not beer.”
“Whatever you want, my liege!” Cooper did an exaggerated bow, then laughed and headed back toward the Living Ruff tent.
Felicity watched her go, admiring the sway of her powerful ass and legs—and her mouth was dry again. Her phone beeped in her pocket.
She gulped when she read the name on the text. Elena.
Apparently I have a long-held view that pets and owners should not be parted? - E
She swallowed hard and tried to think what to say. Sorry for using your name in vain? No, fuck it. Deputy COOs don’t apologize for taking a stance, even one using their boss’s name. Instead, she wrote:
Are you saying you don’t think that? :)
Okay, the smiley face might have been a little unprofessional. A lot unprofessional. She held her breath. Then wished she could retract the whole message.
No. - E
Relief coursed through her. That was not an admonishment. It wasn’t anything negative. It counted as enthusiastic support, if you knew Elena Bartell. Well, today was definitely looking up. Her heart did an excited little thump. And if she was being entirely honest, it was not all to do with her boss’s approval.
* * *
While Cooper went back to assessing animal health, Felicity wandered from tent to tent, seeing everything she’d missed earlier while researching how to beat the mayor.
A meowing sound attracted her attention, and she poked her head in a nearby tent.
Oh!
A harried-looking woman was attempting to write up some notes while young cats crawled all over her. It was ridiculously adorable, and Felicity had to fight her natural instinct to squeal and say “aww.” Instead, she firmed her jaw hard and said, “Did you hit a cat Xerox machine? Exploded twenty copies?”
The woman looked up with a wry smile. “Almost. A client with a momma cat brought in all its kittens. She tried but can’t care for them. I’m writing up a report, and they’ll go to a no-kill shelter. It’s hard to type with a cat trying to lick the Enter key and another leapfrogging the screen. And as you can see, the animal crate I have is full already.” She waved to a cage containing a ferocious-looking mutt. “Hey, if you have a spare fifteen minutes, could you distract them for me while I finish up?”
I’d love to, Felicity almost said. But that was far too needy. “Certainly,” she said instead. “I’ll corral them on the floor.”
“Good idea. I think that one’s close to eating printer paper.” She nudged a spotted black and white cat away.