Dustin's Turn

by June Kramin

  “Were there track marks from needles?” The nurse hesitated before she answered. “Yes.”

  “Will you run an AIDS test on her?”

  “AIDS?” Katie cried, covering her mouth with her hand.

  “Do you know a reason we need to? That really isn’t standard procedure.”

  “We suspect someone she was with was also with a friend of ours. If there’s a chance he’s spreading it, yes, I think there is a good reason to test her. I’ll see that the bill gets paid if there will be an issue. I need to know.”

  “I’ll have to get a doctor to sign a consent, but I’ll get it going.”

  “Rush it, please.”

  Katie began to shake. She sat back down, her hand still over her mouth. Dusty sat next to her and held her tight. “I’m sure Courtney isn’t stupid enough to go unprotected.”

  “I’d like to think not. We have to tell her, Dusty.”

  “We can wait for the results. There isn’t a reason to scare her just yet.”

  Dusty’s phone rang. It was his mother. He walked over to the glass doors to take the call.

  “We have her, Dusty. She’s tucked into her own room with her peanut. Cute little thing. Shy as heck, though. She’ll come around, I’m sure. They have great counselors on staff.”

  “She give you a fight?”

  “Not really. She seemed more scared that her husband would show up while we gathered her things. I said you were keeping an eye on him. She said to say thanks.”

  “Maybe we can go say hi sometime.”

  “That’s really not a good idea.”

  “I suppose not. Look, Mom. Things got a lot hairier than I planned.”

  “What now?”

  “We found a hooker in the alley that numb nuts finished with a few minutes earlier. She was in bad shape. Don’t ask, but I need the results of a blood test really quick.”

  “What are you involved in now?”

  “It’s important, Mom. It’s for a friend.

  “Where are you?”

  “Still at the hospital.”

  “I’ll be right there.”

  “That’s not necessary.”

  “Yes, it is. I’ll see you in twenty.”

  Dusty’s mother showed up, taking over in her true fashion. Although he’d told her not to come, he was more than happy to hand control of the situation over to her. His parents were heavy donors to the hospital, not to mention the fact that his mother ran most of the charity events. She was well respected and when she said to jump, they jumped. After hearing there was nothing left to do but wait, Dusty and Katie went back to his place, stopping along the way for some take-out chicken.

  “I can’t help it, Dusty. My mind keeps going to what could have happened to Courtney if you didn’t find out about him.”

  “I don’t know, sweets. Remember what you said. She was probably smart enough to use protection.”

  “There are still accidents, though. I wanted you so bad I almost didn’t stop for one our first time.”

  “Or third or fifth. I’m really thinking we need to go get some tests and establish a trust factor here and get you on the pill. I’m going to need stock in a condom company or get a loan from Dad.”

  Katie laughed. “I’m already on the pill. I wasn’t going to take any chances, even though I was never very active.”

  He knew that, but had to play it up. “So we’ll do the nineties thing and make a date for tests.”

  “Gee. Date number four to a lab. You are the hopeless romantic.”

  “I’ll make it up to you. I swear.”

  “I’ll let you, just not tonight. I want to spend tonight with Court, okay?

  “Can’t blame you. Dean wanted to go to a kegger. If you want to spend time with her, I’ll go with him.”

  “It’s so nice knowing some people with money try to make a difference. Your parents aren’t what I would have expected when I saw that house and those cars. It really helps explain why you are the way you are, Dusty.”

  He leaned over and gave her a greasy-lipped kiss. “I think I’ll keep you.”

  “I suppose you will.”

  After Dusty dropped Katie off, she couldn’t get to Courtney fast enough. She promised Dusty she wouldn’t scare her roommate unnecessarily, but she still needed to hold her tight. Katie fought tears at the thought of the remote possibility she could have lost her to a horrible disease.

  Courtney giggled as she released from Katie’s embrace. “What’s with you, hon? I saw you yesterday.”

  “I missed you. You and Dean still all right?”

  “We’re hitting it off okay but you know…”

  “I know what?”

  “You know I’m not looking to settle down. I do enjoy his company, but I’m not going to go crazy here and getting all mushy, falling for the guy.”

  “The fact that you are even saying that makes me think you are.”

  “Get out of town. How long have you known me?”

  “Dean and Courtney sitting in a tree. K—I—S—S—I—N—G.”

  “Are you four?” Courtney threw a pillow at her. “Knock it off.”

  “When you seeing him again?”

  “I haven’t set a date. I said I have a busy week.”

  “You do like him. You’re playing hard to get.”

  “No, I’m busy. How often do I usually see you during the week?”

  “I know. But you still find time to throw me out of here to…you know.”

  “Well, your little boyfriend took care of that now, didn’t he?”

  “You promise you won’t go looking for Ronald again?” Katie begged.

  “Of course not. The only thing I’d do for him would require me losing a good shoe.”

  “Why’s that?”

  “’Cause it would get lost up his ass.”

  Katie laughed. “Can I tell you something?”

  “You can always tell me anything.”

  “Dusty’s mom placed his wife in a shelter.”

  “Really? Why did she get involved?”

  “He went to her for help. It’s sort of what she does now. She quit practicing law a while ago and donates her time everywhere. They’re loaded, by the way.”

  “Yeah, Dean told me. He said Dusty likes to live like a pauper, though. I never understood rich kids that do that.”

  “Well, it doesn’t matter to me. I think I really like him, Court. I know it’s early but I really am going to give him a shot.”

  “Then I’m happy for you. Just don’t push your new lifestyle on me. A great date and some amazing sex doesn’t have me ordering matching rings.”

  “I never said that. Geez, Court. It’s only been a few days.”

  “Yeah, but I’ve never seen you this way. Next thing you know, you’ll be moving in with the guy.”

  “And leave you? No way!”

  “Right. Hey, it’s your pick tonight. What do you want to watch?”

  “Turner and Hooch. Duh.”

  It drove Katie crazy not to tell Courtney about the hooker, but she managed to keep her secret to herself. One day wasn’t going to make a difference. Right?

  After they were tucked in bed, Katie whispered. “Court?”

  “What, hon?”

  “You always use protection, right?”

  “Hell, yes. You think I’m stupid?”

  “No. I just wanted to check. We’ve all had our ‘one too many drink’ nights and I’m wondering if you ever slipped up.”

  “Do you think you’re pregnant?”

  “No. We’ve been safe. I just wondered…”

  “’Cause I’m the resident whore.”

  “I never said that. Besides. You’re not a whore. You’re a slut. Whores get paid.”

  Courtney laughed. “You are a bitch, you know.”

  “One of the more endearing qualities of mine that makes you love me.”

  “Who ever said I love you?”

  “You.”

  “Oh. I suppose so. I promise, Mother.
I’ve always been safe.”

  “Thanks. I love you.”

  “Goodnight, princess.”

  Dusty woke up in a house he didn’t recognize. He hollered, “Shit!” and hurried to a window. He was surprised when he found himself looking down on his cottage. “What the hell?” Remembering what Katie told him about one of her trips and him owning the main house, he went to his closet and stood in awe of the suit and tie collection he had. He took a few steps back, hoping to wake up out of this bad dream. After spotting his wallet and a business card holder on the nightstand, he took out a card. He saw his picture on it with a law firm that included his name in the title. “Dear God. I’ve died and gone to hell.”

  There was a calendar on the wall, but he had no idea what day it was. He took a watch out of a change dish. “Rolex. Shit.” Discovering it was Saturday, he could only assume he didn’t have to be at work.

  After finally getting oriented, Dusty turned his thoughts to Katie. Why wasn’t she with him? He went through a few drawers, looking for her clothes, but there wasn’t anything. Next he went to the bathroom hoping to find signs of her. An extra toothbrush, lotions—hell, he’d be happy to see tampons fall of out the cabinet at this point. There was no sign of her at all. In frustration, he turned around and leaned hard against the sink. “What now, you damn codger?”

  He thought of Katie’s vet practice and hustled to the kitchen in search of a phone book. He opened it up to the yellow pages and found her clinic. Without hesitation, he called the number.

  A familiar voice answered. “Barrow Animal Hospital. This is Karla. Can I help you?”

  “Karla?”

  “Yes. Who’s this?”

  “Dusty.”

  “Who?”

  Shit. “Dusty. Dustin Andrews. Is Katie in today?”

  “She is, but she’s with a client. I’m sorry. We’re really busy this morning and my mind is scrambled. What is your pet’s name?”

  “Uhhh…George.” He heard her tap on a computer for a minute. “I don’t see you in our file. You sure you brought him in before?”

  “Hmm…must not have.”

  “You know Dr. Barrow, though?”

  “Yeah. We…uh…go way back. Can you fit me in today?”

  “I can squeeze you in right before we close. That’s noon. Can you make it by then?”

  “Can do. I appreciate it.”

  “What do I put you down for?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “What do we need to see George about? Is he sick?”

  “Uh…no.”

  “If he needs neutering, we need to have him overnight. You can do that on Monday.”

  Dusty had to get in to see her so he quickly blurted out, “No, he’s already lost ‘the boys.’”

  “Shots?”

  “Yeah. That’s it. His yearly things. Rabies or whatever and that panaleuka thing.” He could hear her giggling. Katie had rattled off the various shots over the years. Dusty didn’t have the memory for them.

  “I’ll get you in at 11:45. Annual shots don’t take long. Bring in a stool sample if you can get a fresh one. It’s more pleasant than using the wand on their little behinds.”

  “I’ll try. Thanks, Karla.”

  “Have we met?”

  “I thought so. Maybe she just mentioned your name in passing.”

  “Okey-dokey. See you then.”

  Dusty hung up, a little relieved to be able to see her, but a lot confused as to why the new change. He remembered more about what Katie told him when she went forward to a time when they weren’t together. She managed to convince him that they knew each other in another time. This is when she had learned about Alyson. He suddenly feared for his sister. Without hesitating, he dialed her cell number. When she groggily answered, he hung up. He didn’t know what to say. Immediately his phone rang.

  He saw her name pop up on caller ID and cursed for not thinking to look for her name in his phone list first. “Hey, Alyson.”

  “Why did you call me and hang up?”

  “Sorry. I dialed you by mistake. I thought I caught it before it rang.”

  “You sure you’re okay?”

  “I’m sure.”

  “You sound funny. You fighting with your dad again?”

  “Not at all. I’m okay.”

  “You sure?”

  “I swear.”

  “You want me to come over? We can do lunch.” Come over? That’s right. She was now living in the cities with a successful interior decorating business, thanks to a healthy loan from his mother.

  “No. I have to go get a cat.”

  “A cat? You’re not a fan of cats. What gives?”

  “I just feel like some company around here lately.”

  “You’re trying to impress a girl.”

  “No, I’m not.”

  “Why don’t you buy a few houseplants first? If you don’t kill those, then you can move on to the next stage.”

  “I have to get going, sis. Sorry I woke you. Maybe we can do lunch next weekend.”

  “All right. Call me. Love you.”

  “You too.”

  Crap. Now he had to go get a cat.

  Dusty showered and dressed. He was glad to find a shelf of jeans in his closet and some plain t-shirts. The last thing he wanted to do was show up in a suit. He went to the closest Target and picked up cat food, a bowl, food, a pet carrier, a litter box, and some toys. On his way home, he cruised the strip where he’d found their cat, Blue, but had no luck. Of course not, numbnut. The year isn’t right. After he reached home and got everything settled, he hurried to the animal shelter to find a cat. He was hoping to find one that looked like theirs, what Katie called a blue cream, but there wasn’t any. He checked his watch and noted the time. Everyone was busy but he needed to hurry things along.

  Dusty went up to the counter and put two one-hundred dollar bills on it in front of the cashier. “I saw a calico back there that I’d like to get and make an extra donation. Can I have you put it in here for me?” He held up the carrier. “I’m running late for a meeting.”

  She raised an eyebrow. “You’re running late for a meeting but you had to stop and get a cat? Is it going to be stuck in the car while you do this meeting?”

  “No. Don’t be silly. I have enough time to run it home. My daughter is really upset. Hers was hit by a car last week. I promised I get her one today but I got called away. Can you do this? Please?” He threw another bill on the counter. “It would mean the world to me.”

  “You’re supposed to fill out some paperwork. People usually want a little history when they adopt.”

  “As long as it’s good with kids, I’m fine. Can I sign it and you copy my driver’s license? I promise it’ll have a good home.”

  She sized him up for a moment then picked up a walkie-talkie.

  “Dawn? Bring up the calico in number 10. There’s a little girl calling for a new kitty.”

  Dusty smiled wide. “Thank you.” He handed her another fifty when she gave him his license back. “Get your staff some pizza or something on me. I appreciate this.”

  She accepted it with a smile. “Thank you.” She walked the carrier to the back, then retrieved the cat’s records from a filing cabinet behind her. She put them in an envelope and handed it to Dusty after having him fill out a form. “All the shot info is there. Age and what-not, too. Take a second to check the shot records and be sure to follow up. This one is fixed and de- clawed already. Enjoy your cat.”

  “We will. Thank you.”

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Dusty hurried off to Katie’s clinic. He didn’t have time to look at everything now. He knew it wouldn’t hurt the cat to get its shots early if it wasn’t quite due. “Sorry, buddy. You’re going to the V-E-T, but she’s going to be your mother so it’s all good.” A meow was his response. “You’re welcome.”

  When he walked in the door, Karla greeted him with the pleasant smile she always had. He took note of her eyes. They were a shad
e of almost purple he had never seen before. Every time he saw her, she had a different shade of contacts in.

  “You must be Dustin.”

  “That’s right.”

  “That’s George, I assume,” she said as she peeked in the carrier. The cat was curled up in back, head buried in its paws.

  “That’s him.”

  She handed him a sheet of paper on a clip board. “I’ll need to start a file for you. Can you fill this out for me please?”

  “Sure.” He took it and sat down. When he got to age of the cat and last shots, he wished he brought in the paperwork from the animal shelter. Since he’d told Karla he needed to do his yearly shots, Dusty fudged a date close to a year ago. They said it was fixed and declawed so he put in that information, too.

  He stood and handed it to Karla. “The tech will call you in—in a moment.”

  “Thanks.”

  In less than five minutes, Katie’s voice boomed over the speakerphone. “Can you bring the next client in? Paula is in back with Mrs. Jenkins. Scooter needed some fluids.”

  “Sure thing, Doc B.”

  She stood and motioned to Dusty. “Follow me.”

  They walked through the door; Katie’s back was to them as she drew some shots. “You need me to stay and help?” Karla asked.

  “I’ll be fine. Thanks, though.”

  “Chart is on the table,” she said before walking out. Katie put the shots down and turned around. She walked over and outstretched her hands. “Dr. Barrow. Nice to meet you.”

  “Dusty. Sorry, Dustin Andrews.”

  She hesitated as she looked him over. “You told Karla I knew you? Sorry, I can’t seem to place the face.”

  “We’ve run into each other here and there. Actually, you deserted me once outside a bar in Dinkytown.”

  “Really? I’m sorry. I don’t remember that at all.”

  He shrugged. “It was a long time ago.”

  She regarded him for a while, searching for the truth in his statement.

  “All right. Let’s get a look at your little boy here.”