A Little Christmas Jingle Read Online Free PDF Page A

wasn’t considered discreet.
    The glass door squeaked open, and a two-man crew entered. “Jack,” the reporter greeted, shaking Jack’s hand. “How are you?”
    â€œHad better days.” Jack said. “Anthony, this is Dr. Katherine Saunders. She saved a puppy today—one of the worse animal abuse cases I’ve ever seen.”
    â€œTell me what happened, but first …” Anthony handed Jack a wireless microphone. The camera light flashed red for Record. “Okay, go.”
    Jack began to speak. “Today I received a call about a pit bull puppy with burns on over fifty percent of his body. I brought him here …”
    As Jack explained the situation to the reporter, Kat marveled at the difference. While he’d been obviously uncomfortable the night of the ball with the attention he’d received, he was a pro at being interviewed.
    â€œHe’s hotter in person,” Angela whispered. All of Kat’s employees had gathered around.
    That’s an understatement
, Kat thought. Jack spoke strong and sure, his deep timbered voice the type the media loved. Earlier, when he’d simply given her a hug, she’d thought she might short circuit. But, like that kiss, all that heat meant nothing. “Don’t you all have work to do?” Kat hissed at Angela.
    â€œFine. Let’s go ladies,” Angela called, softly enough so camera wouldn’t pick up. She and the rest of the staff went into the back to do the evening feedings. Kat took a breath. She didn’t want an audience for the interview.
    â€œYour turn,” Jack said when finished. He held out the microphone. Behind him, the reporter and cameraman conferred.
    Kat’s nerves stretched. “I don’t want to do this.”
    â€œPublicity is an important aspect of the task force.”
    â€œSays the guy who was hiding in a corner the night of the gala.”
    The edges of his lips puckered. Clearly she’d hit a nerve. “The media is essential for getting the public on our side. The mayor took a lot of flack for dedicating an officer specifically to animal crimes. Some see it as a waste of taxpayer dollars. Media is a necessary evil. The calendar—that’s my superior officer’s brainchild and one I couldn’t refuse.”
    The small black metal box felt heavy in Kat’s hand. “You’ve probably had media training.”
    â€œYes, but you’ll do fine. Just speak the truth. Let me get you wired.” He stepped into her space, his six-foot bulk towering over her. The stilettos she’d worn the night of the ball had made her his height; in her work shoes she stood only five eight.
    â€œThis goes here.” He clipped the mic to her lapel. Then he moved her lab coat aside and hid the thin cord underneath, the movement draping the cord so it skimmed the outer edge of her left breast. Her breath caught, and he held out the transmitter. “Tuck that into your back pants pocket.”
    â€œAt least you aren’t doing
that
for me.”
    Blue eyes glittered. “I can if you want.”
    â€œNo, I’m good,” Kat said, heart racing.
    â€œYou ready?” the cameraman asked. “We’re trying to hit the six p.m. broadcast.”
    â€œReady,” Kat replied, following Anthony’s gesture to stand in front of the Christmas tree.
    â€œThis’ll be a good backdrop,” Anthony said. Kat forced herself to relax, and when prompted, spoke about the extent of the puppy’s injuries and how the next twenty-four hours would be crucial.
    â€œSo what else do you do in cases like this?” Anthony asked.
    Kat blinked. “I’ve never seen a case this horrendous. I will be staying on site tonight to make sure Jingle pulls through.”
    â€œJingle?” Anthony asked.
    Kat jutted her chin forward. “There was a small bell attached to his choke collar, and he deserved a new name, one that reflected