Under Her Wing

by Ronica Black

  “This will help a lot.” Billy gave her a handful of treats.

  Kassandra placed her hand palm up a few inches from her and called her name. Cookie came to her slowly and took the treat. Kassandra praised her and stroked her lightly. Cookie rolled onto her back and Billy laughed.

  “That’s what she’s after. A belly rub.”

  “Can you blame her?” Kassandra lightly stroked her belly, and when she hit a certain spot Cookie’s leg kicked.

  Kassandra smiled and sat on the grass. She placed all but a few treats in her pocket. She held one out and called for the dog. Cookie tilted her head as her name was called and then cautiously approached. When she took the treat, Kassandra praised her again.

  Billy unhooked her leash and sat down next to Kassandra, treats in hand. As Cookie grew braver, she took more treats and accepted more pats of affection, and then she began exploring the grass.

  “I like working with dogs like this,” Billy said, leaning back on his hands. “You know, the ones who are afraid. It’s amazing to me how, with a little love, they change.”

  “The same can be said for you,” Kassandra said, recalling his file. “You seem to be doing really well, Billy.”

  He shrugged and grinned slyly as if he were proud, yet embarrassed. “Yeah, you know. I do all right.”

  “How’s school?”

  “It’s okay, I guess. I mean, I’m so bored most of the time. But I really like art. It’s my favorite class. Right now, we’re doing abstract and I’m really good at it.”

  “That’s great.” She’d read that while his grades weren’t great, he did seem to excel in areas where he was hands-on. Classes like art and guitar, he seemed to thrive in. “I take it you still draw?”

  “Yeah. I love it. I do it mostly at home, though. You know, when my pop’s watching TV and it’s boring. I just spread out on the floor and draw.”

  “Will you bring me some so I can see? I always liked looking at your artwork.”

  He smiled. “Sure, yeah. I’ll even drive you around, show you some of my tags.”

  Kassandra shoved him playfully. “Very funny.”

  “Hey, you know, some of them I’m proud of.”

  “We won’t be doing that,” she said. He’d been busted a few times too many for graffiti.

  He stared off into the sun, and Cookie continued to explore the lot, relieving herself and sniffing around. Someone drove by in a golf cart, and the boys whistled a salute while to their right, Jayden emerged with John walking Cooper. They waved and crossed to the far lot, where they entered and began playing fetch.

  Kassandra watched them from afar, her heart pounding at the way Jayden moved, so strong and sure of herself.

  “Beaumont’s tough, but she’s a nice lady,” Billy said, following her line of sight.

  Kassandra tore her eyes away, embarrassed at having been caught staring. “She seems very nice.”

  “She’s helped me out big-time.”

  Kassandra smiled. “I’m glad.”

  “Next to you, she’s like my favorite adult.” He stood, brushed himself off, and offered Kassandra a hand.

  She gladly took it and stood, the heat finally seeping into her bones. It was time to head back indoors. Cookie was panting but seemingly happy. Billy scooped her up.

  “Bath time, little one,” he said.

  Kassandra glanced over at Jayden again. She was kneeling next to the boy, talking with him intently. While she wanted nothing more than to go inside and help Billy and Gus bathe the new dogs, a small but growing part of her wanted to stay and stare at Jayden.

  “You coming, Ms. H?” Gus asked, following Billy to the door.

  Kassandra tore her eyes away from Jayden. Her interest in Jayden would have to be her little secret. And right now, she knew all she had to focus on was getting better at hiding it.

  Chapter Twelve

  Jayden sang to the dogs in the kennel, belting out morning Sinatra. The dawn was fresh and even a little cool, September a nice welcome from the dreaded summer heat they’d just suffered through. The dogs howled and did spinning dances, anxious to get outside and run in the fresh air. She opened kennel after kennel and leashed ten dogs, based on excitement level and temperament. Then she exited out the back and trotted with them to the fenced lots. Faith stood by at the first one and helped her release each dog to run free. Then they stepped back, watched the gray light turn to a faded gold, and smiled as the dogs ran and played.

  Faith sipped coffee from a large travel mug. She’d always been a caffeine junkie. It was the one vice she couldn’t give up. She was in her early twenties and had been with Jayden since she was fifteen after a fresh stint in juvie for damaging property and running away from a foster home. The truth, however, was that her foster parent was abusing her and she’d lost her temper and taken a bat to his belongings. He called the police and she ran. It had taken Jayden over a year to get the truth from her. That’s how much fear she had of him.

  Faith slurped. “News people here yet?”

  Jayden glanced at her watch. “Soon.”

  “You nervous?”

  “We’ve done interviews before.” She knelt and rubbed a boxer furiously. He ran off, tail tucked with excitement, and scooted around the grassy lot.

  “I am,” Faith said. She looked at her, waiting for her reaction. “What?”

  She laughed. “Faith, there is no need for you to be nervous. You’ve got movie star looks. And besides, it’s about the dogs. Just focus on showing them off.”

  “Well, we can’t all be cool like you, Beaumont.”

  She nudged her and knelt to throw a ball for a couple of hopping dogs. They were clean and brushed, ready for some much-needed attention. Allie had even tied on her homemade bandannas for an added touch. Jayden waved at her as she opened the second lot, a cluster of eager dogs tugging on her. Jayden left Faith to help her. They released the dogs and watched them run and bark, tearing up clumps of grass.

  “They sure love this weather,” Allie said, rubbing her eyes and then yawning. It was rare to see her act so…human.

  “I do too,” Jayden said, wrapping an arm around her for a quick squeeze. “If you were awake, I think you’d like it, too.”

  Allie laughed. “Shut up. You know mornings aren’t my thing.”

  “Want some coffee? Faith always makes some first thing.”

  “Is it decaf?”

  “Maybe.” Jayden tried to avoid caffeine. She’d stopped drinking it in her teens after juvie. A counselor had suggested it, and she couldn’t believe the change in her anxiety and mood.

  “Then what’s the point, Beaumont?”

  “It’s still coffee,” Jayden said as she walked away. “Besides, I know you all have a stash of caffeinated somewhere. Just ask her.” She headed out of the lot and crossed to the office. Her staff had arrived earlier than usual to prepare for the news crew. She could hear them chatting excitedly, moving around to set things up before she entered the office.

  “Good morning, everyone,” she said as she entered.

  They looked up and groaned back at her.

  “Glad everyone is up and at ’em.”

  The office looked impeccable. Papers were filed, desks dusted, industrial carpet vacuumed. She even smelled vanilla. Someone had candles burning. “This place looks great,” she said, walking to the walls to check out the new framed photographs.

  “These are fantastic.” One of their volunteers was into photography, and she often took photos of families with their adopted pets. They used them for social media and local ads. But now they were framed and hanging on the walls of the office. Jayden couldn’t believe how cozy and welcoming it made the place feel.

  Jayden got a little choked up, so thankful for her friends and staff. They were family, and to her, family was everything. She cleared her throat.

  “If I could have everyone’s attention, please.”

  The room grew quiet, and a small mass of green polos stood at attention.

&
nbsp; “As you all know, we are expecting a news crew this morning. I don’t have to tell you how important this is to Angel’s Wings. It will boost adoptions and donations alike. But it will also garner us much-needed attention and interest. We are always welcoming progress here, better ways to do this, to do that. We welcome savvy, smart, and nurturing volunteers. We encourage new ideas. And most importantly, we welcome everyone who steps through that door. Because if they are here, then that means they want to make a difference. And we all know what that means, no matter how small the difference is. So,” she clapped her hands together, “I want to thank each and every one of you for being here, for making your own differences, and for kindly and selflessly giving Angel’s Wings your heart. Let’s rock this interview and get ready for one hell of a day.”

  Her crew burst into applause, and they gathered in the center of the room, chanting, “Who’s got heart? We do. Who are we? Angel’s Wings. Who’s got heart? We do. Who are we? Angel’s Wings!” They all clapped in unison and continued the chant as they broke the circle and got back to work. Jayden looked at the clock and ran her hands through her hair. She’d taken the time to blow it dry, and it fell smoothly over one side of her brow. She’d even applied some makeup and a little eyeliner. She noticed that most of her female staff had taken extra time on themselves as well.

  “You look devilishly handsome,” Mel said, coming up next to her. “I’d eat you alive if you weren’t like a sister.”

  “Gross,” Jayden said. “Don’t even go there.”

  “What about me? Don’t I look edible?” She held out her hands and turned. Her hair was shimmering and her face was glowing. Her lipstick was perfect, and when she flashed her eyelashes, her hazel eyes sparkled like a pebbled creek bed in the sunlight. It was no wonder women couldn’t get enough of her.

  “You look drop-dead, as usual.”

  “Think that reporter will notice? I hear she’s into men and women.”

  Jayden rolled her eyes. She refused to answer.

  “They’re here!” a volunteer said, running in the entrance like an excited kid. Jayden unclipped her walkie-talkie and spoke.

  “News crew has arrived.”

  “Copy,” Faith said.

  Jayden and Mel walked to the door. Allie hurried to them, having handed off the dogs behind the scenes where they would wait to show off their stuff to the entire county. Jayden wrapped an arm around Mel’s and Allie’s waists. They were the three. The three strong. The ones who ran Angel’s Wings, sacrificed, protected, and loved it. Allie grinned and pressed down her polo and shorts. “Do I look okay?”

  Jayden nodded and smiled. Allie suddenly seemed very much awake. News attention always got her blood flowing. It got all their blood flowing.

  A small group of people approached the door, and Jayden couldn’t help but notice her own heart beating a little faster. Allie and Mel pushed open the doors, all smiles, and Jayden focused on black heels, black pleated trousers, a gray silk blouse, and finally, a face that broke into a broad, well-practiced grin.

  A hand followed, taking in Jayden’s. “Hi, I’m Maureen McCall, Channel Three Action News. You must be Ms. Beaumont?”

  Jayden returned the smile and shook her warm hand. “Please call me Jayden.”

  Maureen’s crew followed her in. She released Jayden’s hand and began finger-combing her shoulder-length blond hair. “Thank you so much for having us, Jayden. Do you mind if my guys begin setting up?”

  Jayden led the way in. “No, not at all.”

  Maureen nodded, and the guys filtered in behind the counter and began inspecting the office and talking amongst themselves. Jayden caught sight of Mel and Allie and introduced them to Maureen. Mel stammered her words, and Allie couldn’t stop grinning.

  “I understand you’re a no-kill shelter?” Maureen said as she followed Jayden farther in.

  “That’s correct.”

  Maureen pressed her deep red lips together as her eyes took everything in. She especially liked the photos, stopping to look at them. “We’ve heard many good things about this place. And I adopted a dog here last month.”

  Allie stepped forward. “Yes, of course. You worked with one of our volunteers, Adam. And you adopted Saint, a young pit bull. I was the one who processed you.”

  Maureen wagged a finger at her. “Allie, right?”

  “Yes.”

  “I remember.” She turned back to the photos. “I can’t tell you how having Saint has changed my life. Even in a month’s time. And…I was very impressed with this place. I understand you’re the one responsible,” she said, eyeing Jayden with her inquisitive brown eyes.

  “We’re all responsible,” Jayden said.

  “Humble. I like it.”

  “Maureen?” A man with a light sensor interrupted. “We’re thinking about shooting over here.”

  “Yes, of course.” She crossed the room as the crew arranged chairs and standing silk trees. Another woman, shorter and extremely focused, approached them all. “We’re having some dogs showcased, right?”

  “Yes, several,” Mel said. “If possible.”

  “Perfect.” She left them again and spoke to the crew, who began fiddling with a camera and lights.

  “Producer?” Jayden asked.

  “Yes.” Maureen turned and studied her. “My right hand.”

  “These two are mine.”

  “So I gather.” Her eyes scanned them all but then refocused on Jayden. “I’d like to have you as my centerpiece and then have Mel and Allie handle the dogs. I think it would also be great to pan back and get a shot of your staff as we fade out.”

  Jayden shrugged. “Sure.”

  Maureen spoke to her group. “Jayden is going to be our main focus, with her friends handling the dogs. I think we should have the rest of the staff stand behind us. What do you think, Kathy? Sound good?”

  “You’ve got the eye,” she said, arranging chairs. “Couldn’t have said it better myself.”

  Maureen turned to Jayden. “Great. You ready? I’m just going to ask you basic questions about Angel’s Wings and introduce the dogs. May I?” She reached up and brushed an errant strand of Jayden’s hair from her brow. “You’ve got a great look. The camera will love you.”

  Jayden felt herself heat, and she shifted her gaze from Maureen’s heavy one to her staff who were bringing in the dogs. She smiled despite being stared at.

  “Here are the real movie stars,” she said.

  Maureen clasped her hands together as a man clipped on her mic. Then Kathy came over and checked her hair and makeup. She looked to Jayden, but Maureen spoke.

  “That one is perfect. Nothing needed.”

  Kathy blinked. “You’re right.” She cupped Jayden’s elbow and led her to the center chair. Maureen made herself comfortable next to her.

  “Just relax and speak to me.”

  Jayden nodded.

  On either side, Mel and Allie stood holding the leashes of three dogs. More waited in the wings. A few barked with excitement.

  The crew scrambled and exited the area.

  Kathy, who now had on headphones, spoke. “And we’re on in ten.”

  Jayden shifted.

  “Live television is a real rush,” Maureen said with a wink.

  “And we’re—” Kathy pointed to Maureen, who spoke into the camera as naturally as if it were her best friend.

  “Thanks, Ken. We’re coming to you live from Angel’s Wings, a no-kill dog shelter north of the valley. And I gotta tell ya, I couldn’t be more impressed. Especially with owner and founder, Jayden Beaumont. Jayden, tell us a little bit about your shelter.”

  Jayden took a deep breath, smiled, and turned on the enthusiasm. She couldn’t be prouder of her kennel, her staff, and her animals. And she would do anything for them, including charming the pants off Maureen McCall.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Kassandra rounded her desk and hurriedly switched on the library television. The small screen lit with life, and Jayden Beaumont
came into view. Kassandra eased back into her chair and nearly missed as Jayden’s voice filled the room and her face filled the screen. She looked different—nice, more sophisticated. She had on pressed khaki pants, thick-heeled boots, and a button-down green oxford with the Angel’s Wings logo on the breast. Her eyes were intense yet friendly, and she focused on her dogs as she introduced each one.

  “Damn, I wish I was there,” Kassandra said, shifting in her seat. But she had an early staff meeting that was due to start in ten minutes. Some teachers were already filing into the library, chatting and laughing.

  Kassandra turned up the volume, not wanting to miss a word. “We’re open seven days a week,” Jayden said. “Nine to six on weekdays and eight to seven on Saturday and Sunday.” Kassandra stared helplessly at her as the camera panned out to show the reporter and the rest of the staff. “And if you can’t adopt right now for whatever reason, we always appreciate donations.”

  The reporter smiled and reached out to rest a hand on Jayden’s knee. “You heard it, folks, directly from the owner herself. Angel’s Wings needs you, and so do these guys.” She motioned to the dogs, who were now sitting and panting. “Rescuing a dog can change your life. I know it did for me. Reporting live from north Phoenix, I’m Maureen McCall. Back to you, Ken.”

  Kassandra stood, eyes trained on the attractive reporter and her hand. “What is she doing?” It was probably a job-nicely-done move, but Kassandra saw it as a bit possessive. If a male reporter had done something like that, there’d be an uproar. So why had this woman, this Maureen McCall, done it?

  The screen changed back to the news studio. Kassandra switched it off and held her heating face. Her pulse accelerated, and something in her gut clenched. She recognized it as the burn of jealousy. What was happening? A voice from behind startled her.

  “Kassandra, can you clean up the coffee and donuts after the meeting?”

  It was the principal’s secretary, Valerie. Not her favorite person. If the word “snob” was in the dictionary, there’d be a picture of her right there in the center. Kassandra knew that cleanup after the meeting was the secretary’s responsibility. After all, Kassandra had to hurry after the meeting to set up for kindergarten. She had about thirty books to set up for display on the tables, not to mention readying their checkout cards. But she found herself nodding, not wanting to rock the boat.