CHAPTER 2

"HOW'S SHE DOING?" Stacey Bartlett asked, her worried expression having more to do with her success rate than the dog's welfare.

As if you really care about her, Dr. Erwin thought. She's just a number to you. Another step to fulfilling your ambitions.

"I've stabilized her. If she makes it through the night, she should recover."

"I certainly hope so, doctor. Dr. Franklin isn't going to like it if this one dies. It would be the seventh."

"I really don't give a rat's ass what Franklin thinks. You're the one he'll come after, not me. I told you Abbey was too young to have an implant, but you insisted on putting that damn chip in her brain. A few more weeks' delay wouldn't have hurt you."

The haughty look Stacey gave Dr. Erwin disgusted him.

Bitch! Someone ought to put one of those things in you. Maybe it would make you a little smarter.

"I really don't think you're in a position to tell me my job. You're just a vet. The work I'm doing will give the military and operatives an enormous advantage over our enemies," Stacey declared.

"You mean if the dogs live long enough to be trained. And as for my position, I'm the only one here who might be able to save your sorry butt, so I'd watch your attitude if I was you," Dr. Erwin warned.

"I was just teasing," Stacey apologized. "I'm just concerned about little Agnes."

"Abbey," Dr. Erwin corrected. He knew the woman was seething inside. She hated being bested by anyone, especially someone she thought was beneath her... and a veterinarian was definitely beneath her, in her mind.

"Yes, yes, of course... Abbey. Let's not bicker. Little Abbey is what's important." Glancing at her watch, Stacey gasped. "Oh my! I have an appointment with Dr. Franklin in fifteen minutes. What should I tell him?"

"Tell him what I told you. We'll know more tomorrow. If he thinks he can do better, he can take over anytime."

For a moment, Stacey looked aghast at the thought and then laughed.

"You have such a sense of humor, Dr. Erwin. I'll see you tomorrow. Take good care of little Agnes."

Waving goodbye, she flitted out the door. Dr. Erwin shook his head in disgust.

How you can be so brilliant and such a twit, I'll never know.

Turning his attention back to Abbey, he stroked the golden fur gently.

"Come on little girl. You can do it," he coaxed softly, hoping and dreading she would recover.

Perhaps it won't be so bad. If you survive, you'll be too important to risk mistreating... I hope.