Chapter 5 - The Morning After
The morning sun broke across the snow-covered hills of Chester County, casting a brilliant, blinding glare across the glass facade of Hart Veterinary Rehabilitation.
Maeve pushed open the office door holding two fresh cups of coffee, handing one to Dante, who sat in the same plastic chair where he had spent the entire night keeping watch over Argos. The Cane Corso was resting comfortably now, his breathing deep and regular, an IV bag dripping clear saline into his leg.
"The state police intercepted Julian on the New Jersey turnpike an hour ago," Dante said, accepting the paper cup with a nod of thanks. "He's in custody. His associates are singing to federal prosecutors faster than a choir on Sunday."
"And the network?" Maeve asked, leaning against the counter.
"Rebuilt," Dante replied simply. "Starting today, the business operates under new terms. Cleaner rules. No shortcuts. And no tolerance for anyone who thinks animals or men are disposable."
Argos stirred at the sound of Dante’s voice. The massive dog raised his head, his tail giving a weak, rhythmic thump against the metal frame of the table.
Dante stood up immediately, walking to the side of the table and placing his hand on the dog's head. Argos let out a low, contented groan, leaning heavily into his master's palm.
"He's going to need months of physical therapy," Maeve said, her professional tone returning. "And permanent care for his blindness. He'll never hunt or track again, Dante."
"He doesn't need to," Dante said, looking down at the dog with unyielding affection. "He's retired. And so am I, in many respects."
He turned his dark eyes toward Maeve, a faint, genuine smile finally reaching his weathered face. "Which brings me to a proposal, Dr. Hart."
Maeve raised an eyebrow. "If this involves moving a 140-pound Cane Corso into a high-security estate with armed guards, my answer is no."
"Not armed guards," Dante corrected smoothly. "A dedicated veterinary wing. Built on my estate. Fully funded, state-of-the-art equipment, with you as chief director of animal rehabilitation for the entire regional network."
Maeve stared at him, stunned. "You want to build a clinic for me?"
May you like
"I want to ensure that no animal ever suffers the way Argos did because corporate greed or criminal negligence went unchecked," Dante said, his voice earnest and quiet. "And I want to ensure that Argos receives the best possible care for the rest of his life. In a place where he can feel safe."
Maeve looked down at Argos. The massive dog let out another contented sigh, his blind eyes turned trustingly toward her direction.
