She was bitten by a dog. He glanced up at Megan, who was clearly trying to give him at least the impression of privacy for his call. Her attention was now focused on Caitlyn as his daughter drifted back to sleep.
Is that all? You called me about some little dog bite? Laurens impatient tone called his attention back to the phone.
Flexing his fingers then balling his hand in a fist, Jack counted to ten before he answered. She has twenty-seven stitches and a broken arm.
So why is she in the hospital, for heavens sake? Ive never heard of hospitalizing someone for a broken arm.
Because she lost a lot of blood and went into shock. Shes better now and resting, but I thought you should know about itin case you wanted to come
He heard Lauren sigh. Jack, Im leaving for London in the morning. I cant just drop everything whenever Caitlyn skins her knee.
Because he was already edgy from the afternoons events, Laurens dismissal of her daughter lit Jacks temper. This is a little more serious than a skinned knee, Lauren! Youre her mother, for God sake. Doesnt that mean anything to you? His tone could have frozen the phone lines all the way to Laurens apartment in Texas.
He should have known this conversation would go sour, should have waited until Megan wasnt around to overhear.
Of course it means something, Jack! But like Ive told you for months, I wasnt cut out to be Betty Homemaker. Its not me. Im not mother material and dont want to try.
You should have thought of that before we had a daughter, Lauren.
He should have known better than to get into this argument with his ex again, but her blasé dismissal of her child grated, especially now.
If Caitlyn is too much for you to handle then my parents
Jack bristled. Never. I love my daughter, and I will do whatever it takes to care for her. Alone. Tell your parents I will not give them custody of Caity. Ever. Sorry to have bothered you with your daughters trauma. I wont make that mistake again. He wished he could slam down the receiver to make his point. Instead, the disconnect button gave an unsatisfactory blip when he jabbed it.
His pulse throbbed at his temple, and he clenched his teeth until his jaw hurt. He stared at the floor, seething, until a gentle voice reminded him he wasnt alone.
Maybe I should leave.
He jerked his head up and met a sympathetic green gaze. He pinched the bridge of his nose and released a harsh breath of frustration. Im sorry you had to hear that.
Shes not coming, is she? The sad, perplexed tone of Megans voice stood in such stark contrast to Laurens indifference that it caught Jack off guard for a moment. Made him ache all over for his motherless daughter. He needed to scream, to punch something. Instead, he cracked his knuckles and held Megans compassionate gaze.
No.
She licked her lips again and turned her eyes toward Caitlyn. A profound grief and disbelief filled their depths. Lifting her chin, she faced him once more. I want to help, Jack. Please.
He pushed to his feet and paced restlessly across the room. Thanks, but no. Ill manage.
You dont have to just manage. Let me help. I can
pulled a folded sheet from his pocket.
She swallowed hard, fighting down her learned fear of the uniform before her. She stood several feet away from the man, and when he stepped toward her, she backed up warily.
Yes, Im Megan. I-I know what Mr. Calhoun must have told you earlier. But Sam didnt attack his daughter! I just left the hospital, and Caitlyn told us there was another dog.
The deputy took a deep, tired breath, and for an instant, Megan sympathized with his unpleasant duty of overseeing the removal of a womans pet.
Maam, all I have to go on is the report filed from the hospital. According to the information taken in the emergency room tonight, your dog attacked a little girl.
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