Rescue Me (a quirky romance novel about secrets, forgiveness and falling in love) Read Online Free PDF

take you on such short notice. Plus, you need an examination--which would cause further delay. This is the only option. I can have the tests and exam done within hours if you fly out with me tomorrow. Why don't you think about it? You can call me in my room. If I haven't heard from you by noon tomorrow, well, I'll assume everything Heidi told me about you was true. And I'll assume you don't wish to help her."
    Now, the pieces were starting to fit. He'd tried to find a better arrangement but failed. At least he wasn't intentionally being difficult. But a shadow of hostility lay below the surface of his formal tone. Enmity that burned her already raw nerves. Heidi had told him.
    Not waiting for her to say another word, he tipped his head in farewell, slid a business card across the table, and left the restaurant.
    His card held between trembling fingers, Hailey watched the door close, shutting him from view. Sorrow, anger and frustration pulsed through her veins. As the waitress stepped up and quietly set the bill on the table, those emotions matured into outright rage. What a jerk! She hoped she'd never see him again, but as her thoughts returned to her sister, she realized she would be seeing him again--soon.
    She reached into her pocket, slapped down the money for the check along with a healthy tip, and strode from the restaurant.
    It seemed there was no choice. Heidi needed a transplant. She was Heidi's only hope. The tests couldn't wait.
    A trip to Detroit was the only option.
    She went home to rest and pack, mostly preparing for the trip and thinking, since sleep was impossible. She lay awake in bed, planning the next few days. Andrew would have to take up the reins for a few days. She hadn't taken a day off in five years, since she'd opened the shelter, so she was overdue.
    The property closing would have to wait--risk or not. She hoped the delay wouldn't cause a problem with the recently deceased benefactor's family. It looked like life--a needy dog with puppies, and now a terminally ill sister--just wasn't going to let her get the marine rescue underway.
    But no matter what--business setbacks, an old rift between her and Heidi, their family--she'd donate that bone marrow.
    And to hell with Rainer D. Hartmann, M.D..

 
     
     
Chapter 3
     
     
    Immersed in worry the next morning, Hailey took a slight detour to Pete's veterinary clinic before driving to the airport. She needed his help with the shelter and legal issues while she was gone. Andrew couldn't handle it all.
    Thank God Pete's clinic was closed today, she told herself as she parked her car on the sloping street. She didn't want delays, nor was she in the mood to be around people. All she wanted to do was to get to the airport in time for the flight.
    She dashed to the Victorian house sandwiched between two similar ones. The bottom floor lodged the clinic, and the top floor the man, a widower who was as content living alone as she was.
    Within a few short minutes, his friendly face, lined with a few extra creases of worry, greeted her at the front door. "Hello, Hailey. What are you doing on this side of town?" He led her upstairs to the living room and motioned for her to sit on the afghan-draped couch.
    Hailey sat, fingering the crocheted blanket as she impatiently waited for him to join her. "I need a favor."
    "Sure, anything. You know you need only ask." He bent, gathering a strewn newspaper from the floor and tossing it in a basket next to the wall. Then he proceeded to tidy the rest of the room.
    "I know we talked about you being a silent partner in the marine facility, but something's come up and I need to leave town for a few days. I have to handle a family matter. I don't know if I'll make it back in time for the closing, and I might need your help rescheduling--"
    "Don't worry, I'll handle it."
    "Thanks, Pete. I knew I could count on you. I mean, I'm hoping I'll be able to make it. I just want to be prepared in case I can't--Oh, and the shelter! Could