Storm Rescue Read Online Free PDF Page A

tell she’s worried. Lucy looks pretty awful right now. “I could stop by in the morning and check on her if you’d like,” I offer, looking from Dr. Mac to Mrs. Clark. “Just to make sure she’s doing well.”
    â€œOh, that would be wonderful, Sunita,” Mrs. Clark says gratefully. “I’m sure it will make Lucy feel better to have a visit from her favorite young girl.”
    I’m pleased that Mrs. Clark thinks of me that way. “Okay, then,” I say. “I’ll come over on my way to the clinic tomorrow.”
    â€œGood.” Dr. Mac nods her approval. “Esther, this may affect Lucy’s insulin level, so you should monitor her carefully for a few days. Make sure she’s eating and drinking the same amount as usual.”
    Mrs. Clark nods. “Thank you,” she tells Dr. Mac. “I’m just so relieved that she’s going to be okay. I don’t know what I’d do without her.”
    By the time Mrs. Clark finishes her tea, Lucy is more alert. Dr. Mac checks over the cat once more, then says it’s all right for them to leave. “We’ll send her home in this,” Dr. Mac adds, pulling out a lightweight plastic cat carrier from the cabinet under the sink.
    This time, Mrs. Clark accepts it without protest. Soon Lucy is settled inside on a clean towel. Before latching the wire door, I reach inside and scratch Lucy in her favorite spot under her chin, being careful not to disturb the splint on her leg. “You’ll be fine, Lucy,” I whisper as I lift the carrier. “Just rest now. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
    â€œGood-bye, everyone,” Mrs. Clark calls as she heads toward the door. “And thank you so much for everything.” I slip into my raincoat and then follow with the cat carrier.
    It takes only a few minutes to put the carrier into Mrs. Clark’s car and say good-bye to her and Lucy. But by the time I return to the clinic, I’m soaked to the skin. “Whew!” I exclaim as I lower the hood on my raincoat. “It’s like a monsoon out there.”
    â€œI think you kids had better head home before the storm gets any worse,” Dr. Mac says, checking her watch. “I doubt we’ll have any more patients today.”
    â€œRoger.” David is already reaching for his raincoat, which is hanging near the door. “See you tomorrow.”
    â€œMaybe.” Dr. Mac glances at the rain pounding against the window. “If the weather is too bad in the morning, don’t try to come in. Maggie and Zoe and I can hold down the fort if necessary. Okay?”
    I nod along with David. But I know that I have to brave Hurricane Felix the next day, no matter how bad it is. Lucy is counting on me.

Chapter Five
    W hen I get home a few minutes later, I let myself in the back door and breathe in the delicious smell of Mother’s famous chicken tandoori. It makes me feel a little warmer, even though I’m drenched. I hang my raincoat on the hook near the garage door and walk over to the sink. That’s strange. Where’s Mittens? She’s usually the first to greet me.
    As I’m doing my best to squeeze most of the water out of my long, thick hair, my mother comes into the kitchen.
    â€œSunita, Mittens is acting crazy,” Mother says, her dark brown eyes anxious. “She’s howling like a wildcat, and she won’t come out from under your bed.”
    That doesn’t sound like Mittens at all. “I hope she’s not sick,” I say, heading toward the stairs.
    I race up to my bedroom and flop down on the floor. Lifting the lace bedskirt, I peer into the dark space beneath my bed. A pair of glowing eyes greets me from the farthest corner by the wall.
    â€œWaaah-oooh!”
    The noise Mittens makes doesn’t even sound like a cat. It’s more like the howl of some creature from another planet.
    â€œHere, kitty kitty,” I croon, scooting