by Lucy Daniels
Marissa squared her shoulders. ‘They might well,’ she said, ‘but don’t you worry about it. I’ll be speaking to him myself. I want to know whether he did the survey or not, but if he didn’t …’ Mandy smiled at Marissa in surprise. She was physically small, but suddenly Mandy didn’t envy Sam one bit. She wouldn’t want to be in his shoes if Ms Bowie found out he hadn’t been dealing fairly with her money.
They had to wait some time for the police to arrive. The officers followed her into the wood and she showed them the drey. James showed them his photograph. ‘Don’t worry,’ they told Mandy. ‘We’ll take it from here.’
Bev Parsons had invited all the searchers to come to the Fox and Goose after the search. One by one, they set off down the road. Finally, only Mandy, James and Liz Butler were left.
‘I’m so glad you got your proof,’ Liz said. ‘I love having the squirrels in the garden.’ She grinned.
‘Are you going to the Fox and Goose?’ Mandy asked. Much as she would like to go herself, she needed to get back to Animal Ark. She would check on Zoe, and then she was going to call Jimmy, she decided. Even if he was angry, she had to see him. Without him, today’s victory had seemed hollow. Maybe, if Zoe was a bit better, he could take her home.
‘I was just going to take Emma out.’ Liz grinned. ‘She’s got way too much energy. Would you like to come or are you joining the others?’
Mandy sighed. If only she could take some of Emma’s energy and give it to Zoe. Something stirred in the back of her mind. They had a kit back at Animal Ark for doing blood transfusions. Helen had shown her the collection bag a couple of months ago. She had never used one before, but she knew the theory.
‘Liz?’ She paused. It was a lot to ask. Concentrate on Zoe, Mandy told herself. She looked Liz right in the eye. ‘There was something I was wondering.’
‘What is it?’ Liz was smiling at her.
‘I’ve a really ill dog in the clinic that needs blood. Is there any chance I … we … could take some from Emma?’
‘You mean like a transfusion?’ Liz had her head on one side. She looked interested.
‘Just like that, yes. We’d have to do a test to check she’s a suitable donor, but it would really help.’ Mandy’s eyes were on Liz’s face. She willed her to say yes.
‘I didn’t know dogs could give blood.’ Liz seemed to be considering. ‘I hope someone would do it for us, if Emma was ill,’ she said after only a moment. She smiled. ‘So, if it’ll help the other dog, then yes of course.’ Mandy could have hugged her.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Her fingers were shaking as she slid the catheter into the vein on Emma’s neck. Despite her nervousness, she hit the vessel on the first attempt. Liz was intent on keeping Emma steady, but James sent Mandy a look of delight as the dark red fluid began to flow into the collection bag.
‘We have to tilt the bag every fifteen seconds to mix it,’ she told James. He did as she said. Emma was doing really well, Mandy thought. The huge dog was lying wonderfully still. Liz was stroking the silky black fur on Emma’s ear. The Mountain Dog’s huge frame was relaxed as the lifesaving blood flowed.
We’re so lucky Emma’s blood is suitable.
The bag was almost filled. It had taken just under fifteen minutes. Without disconnecting it, Mandy slid it onto the scales. She looked up. ‘That’s it now,’ she told James. Keeping one hand on the catheter, she pointed James to a clamp. With deft fingers, he applied it to the tubing through which the blood had flowed. It took only a few moments to remove the catheter and put pressure on Emma’s vein. She heaved a sigh of relief. It really couldn’t have gone any better. ‘Thank you so much,’ she told Liz when she had applied a dressing to the area. ‘She’s been so good.’
‘She really has.’ Liz looked rightly proud. ‘She used to hate the vet’s, but I think she’s been better recently with your help. She loves popping in for treats.’ Between the three of them, they managed to lift the blanket Emma was lying on and lowered her to the floor.
‘I’ll get her something to eat and drink in a few minutes,’ Mandy promised, having looked Emma over. ‘You can wait here, if that’s okay.’ She would need to recheck the big dog before Liz took her home, but for now she was itching to get the precious blood to Zoe.
She set up the drip for Zoe. She had often given fluids, but never blood. The canine blood bank had a website with all kinds of information. Mandy had followed the instructions for cross-matching to the letter. With all that had gone before, and with everything at stake, she had wanted to make everything as safe as she possibly could.
‘So what now?’ James asked.
‘We wait.’ Mandy told him.
‘Shall I go and make a cup of coffee?’ James offered. ‘Maybe a sandwich?’ Taking her eyes off Zoe for a moment, Mandy glanced up at him. ‘I heard your stomach rumbling.’ James shrugged, pulling a comical face. It was true, she was hungry, Mandy realised. They hadn’t had anything since Bev’s rolls and even then, Mandy had been too worked up to eat much.
‘That would be lovely,’ Mandy admitted. ‘I can go, though.’
‘Thanks, but no thanks.’ James was firm. ‘You’re the miracle worker here.’
Mandy opened her mouth to object, but James was already halfway to the door.
‘Thanks, James,’ she called after him. When he got back, she would need to check on Emma but for now, she was going to monitor Zoe.
The husky seemed sleepy as the blood dripped into her vein. Mandy was glad she was getting some rest. She would call Jimmy she thought, and let him know what she was doing. Maybe he’d come. She hadn’t seen him for two days. Since catching her on the way to James’s on Thursday evening, he’d called the Animal Ark number when he wanted to visit. Each time he’d been in, Mandy had been out on a call. But when she dialled his number now, the phone went straight to voicemail.
Mandy didn’t want to leave him a message about the transfusion. ‘Hi Jimmy, can you give me a call,’ she said. Almost as soon as the words were out of her mouth, she wanted to call them back. What if he thought something bad had happened to Zoe? ‘I’ve found a way to hopefully speed up Zoe’s recovery, so we can talk about that when you’re free …’ she trailed off as guilt threatened to overwhelm her again.
Zoe should just be recovering from a normal birth and nursing her puppies. If I’d done the right thing …
‘We found the squirrels,’ she said, keeping her voice bright. ‘The factory won’t be built here after all. Can you tell the twins that if they hadn’t shown me their baby squirrel, we’d never have been able to save them?’ She ground to a halt. Was there anything else? Nothing came. ‘Call me back,’ she said again. ‘Please.’
She put the phone down. Surely, he would call soon. She really wanted to speak to him. Helen had assured her he wasn’t avoiding her. James had advised her to give him space to grieve. But she wanted to hear it from him. She needed to know whether he could find it in his heart to forgive her for the awful mistake she’d made.
The phone in her pocket vibrated a few minutes later, just after Liz had left with Emma. Mandy had checked the big dog thoroughly before announcing her good to go. With a surge of hope that Jimmy was calling, she checked Zoe’s drip before she allowed herself to reply. The blood was running in well. Zoe was fast asleep, but she already seemed to be breathing more easily. Happy that she was ready to update him, she pulled the phone out. Her shoulders fell when she looked at the screen. It was Peter Warry.
‘Hello Mr Warry.’ She tried to keep the disappointment out of her voice. Whatever her problems, Hope Meadows came first.
‘Oh, call me Peter, please.’ The voice came down the line loud and clear. ‘I know it’s short notice,’ he said, ‘but I was wondering if there was any chance I could come and pick up Holly and Robin today?’
Mandy glanced at Zoe. She was still fast asleep, and more than half the blood transfusion was done. She stood up. Zoe gave a tiny snore. She’d be fine on her own for a few minutes,
Mandy thought. Opening the door, she closed it softly and made her way out to the paddock. Robin pricked up his ears and trotted towards her. Holly followed. They both looked really well. There was no reason why Peter shouldn’t come and fetch them today. ‘Of course you can collect them,’ she said. Holly put her head over the gate and nuzzled Mandy’s arm. Mandy lifted her hand and ran her fingers down the silky soft fur of the little jenny’s muzzle.
‘In about an hour?’ he said.
‘That would be fine.’
Giving Robin a brief pat so that he didn’t feel left out, Mandy went inside to search for James. She found him in the kitchen talking to Emily and Adam.
Adam looked up at her with a grin. ‘I hear you’ve been quite the heroine this morning, saving even more of Welford’s wildlife,’ he teased. ‘Just as well you came back from Leeds. Otherwise there’d be no animals left.’
Mandy managed a smile, though her mind was still on the donkeys. She knew they were going to a good home, but it would be odd to see them go.
‘James said you’re giving Zoe a blood transfusion?’ Emily was sitting at the table. James was obviously making sandwiches for everyone. ‘How’s it going? I’ve never actually used the kit myself.’
‘I think it’s going fine,’ Mandy replied. ‘I’ll need to check her again in a few minutes.’ This wasn’t what she’d come in to talk about. ‘Peter Warry just called,’ she said, before anyone could start a new topic. ‘He’s coming in an hour for Holly and Robin.’
‘That’s great news, well done, darling.’ Emily sounded delighted.
James smiled at her. ‘Will you have a sandwich?’ he asked. ‘Have you time?’
Mandy glanced at the clock on the wall then returned his grin. ‘Just the one,’ she said, ‘then I need to recheck Zoe before I get the donkeys ready. She would give them one last quick groom before sending them off.
‘Can I come out with you to check on Zoe?’ Adam offered. He too seemed very interested to see how the husky would respond.
‘Course you can,’ Mandy replied. Pulling out a chair, she sat down and took one of James’s thickly sliced cheese sandwiches and wolfed it down. She hadn’t realised just how hungry she was.
Adam and Mandy rushed out to check on Zoe as soon as they’d finished eating. James went to make a start on Holly and Robin. For the first time since the operation, the husky looked completely at ease when they peered into her kennel. The blood bag was empty. Adam lifted the catch of the kennel door. As it swung open, Zoe stood up, shook herself and stretched, then made as if to bound out of the cage. Adam only just caught her in time.
‘I think she’s feeling better,’ he said with a laugh.
Mandy felt almost faint with relief. She had been so worried that Zoe might never return to normal.
‘So, will you take her round to Jimmy’s, once you’re finished with the donkeys?’ Adam asked.
For a moment, Mandy didn’t know what to say. It hadn’t been long since she’d called Jimmy. She really wanted to speak to him before going round. Though he hadn’t said he blamed her at any point for her awful mistake, she wasn’t sure of her reception.
‘I called him earlier,’ she said. ‘I’m waiting for him to call back.’
Adam was still clinging to the rebounding Zoe. He frowned as he looked up at Mandy. ‘But can’t you just take her round?’ he asked. ‘He doesn’t blame you, does he? You made a mistake, but it could have happened to anyone.’
He sounded so sure of himself, yet Mandy couldn’t dismiss it so easily. She didn’t know if Jimmy was angry with her. She wouldn’t blame him if he was. She sighed. ‘I think he’s upset that I went to York and I left Zoe behind.’
Adam had finally wrangled Zoe back into the kennel. He straightened with a frown. ‘But she was with us!’ he said. ‘You needed space,’ he paused, ‘… and James,’ he added. It was true, Mandy thought. James was a huge part of her life. She needed his help sometimes.
‘And has he really not spoken to you since?’ Adam frowned. ‘Helen didn’t say anything.’
Mandy shook her head. ‘He hasn’t been in touch with me,’ she said, ‘though to be fair, I haven’t called him either until today.’
‘Well if you won’t take her home, I will,’ Adam said. Zoe had gone from trying to escape to licking her new puppy, nuzzling the tiny animal with her nose as she encouraged it to drink. ‘There’s nothing wrong with her. She doesn’t need to be here. I’m going out anyway to check on a calf at Upper Welford Hall. I’ll drop her off on the way.’
For a moment, Mandy thought about arguing, but it would be safer for Zoe and her puppy at home, now she was so much better. There was no way Mum could look after her, and Mandy had to go out to get Holly and Robin ready. ‘Thanks, Dad,’ she said. She would give Jimmy a call later, she thought. Even if he was angry, she had to face him sooner or later.
James already had Holly and Robin tied up. He was halfway through brushing Robin. For the last time, Mandy picked up the dandy brush to make a start on Holly. The little jenny’s winter undercoat was almost gone. Her fur was smooth and healthy-looking. Both donkeys were looking very smart.
There came a shout from the lane as they were finishing up. ‘Hello!’ Mandy smiled when she saw Susan Collins and her son Jack making their way towards the paddock. Susan was holding Jack’s hand, but she let it go as they neared the fence and Jack rushed on ahead, stopping short of the donkeys as he had been taught, but talking to them vociferously.
‘Hello Robin. Hello Holly. I’ve got carrots, how are you today?’ he said in a sing-song voice. Mandy found herself smiling. He was so good with them. Holly and Robin loved him too.
‘Holly and Robin are getting ready to go to their new home,’ Mandy told him.
Jack’s face fell very slightly, but he nodded once, his eyes serious. ‘Mummy told me they’d be going away,’ he said. ‘She says we can visit them, though.’
Susan turned back towards them with a smile. ‘That’s right,’ she said, reaching out a hand to ruffle Jack’s hair. ‘Are they really going today?’ she asked, looking at Mandy.
‘Yes,’ Mandy confirmed. ‘In about half an hour, in fact.’
‘I’m glad we came, in that case,’ Susan said. She watched as Jack pulled out some pieces of carrot and handed them through the fence on the flat of his hand. ‘He really does love coming here,’ she told Mandy. ‘And it’s good for him. He’s come on so much since we’ve been visiting.’
‘It’s lovely to have him.’ Mandy walked over and opened the gate. She held out a hand to Jack and he took it readily. If only she had found things this easy with Abi and Max, she thought. Somehow, with Susan there, she and Jack had become used to one another.
‘Will you help me with their feet?’ she asked, looking down at Jack, whose eyes met hers squarely. He looked delighted.
‘Yes please,’ he said. He rushed over to the grooming box and lifted out the hoof pick and waved it proudly. Together, they lifted each of Holly’s feet in turn, then moved over to do Robin’s. Just as they were finishing, there came the sound of wheels on gravel and Peter Warry’s trailer drove up to the gate.
‘I think we should go,’ Susan said. Despite her smile, Mandy could see sadness in her eyes. She too would be sorry to see the two donkeys go.
‘Shall I give you a lift?’ James offered. ‘I’ll need to get off as well.’ He turned to Mandy and held out his arms. ‘Look after yourself,’ he said, hugging her tightly.
‘Thanks, Mandy, see you soon.’ Susan and Jack waved.
‘Bye, Holly and Robin,’ Jack called. ‘I’ll visit you soon.’ Mandy stood with Holly and Robin as the three of them walked away and Peter Warry climbed out of his lorry.
‘Just saying goodbye?’ Mr Warry nodded at Susan, Jack and James as they disappeared round the corner of the cottage. He opened the gate and walked over to stand beside Holly, letting her get used to him before reaching out a hand to stroke the soft fur under her ear. ‘They’re looking marvellous,’ he sa
id, taking a step back to look at the two donkeys better. He smiled at Mandy. ‘Thanks so much for letting me have them,’ he said. ‘I know they’re going to be a big hit.’
‘I’ve really enjoyed having them here,’ Mandy said. ‘I’ve not had that much experience with donkeys before. They really are characters, aren’t they?’ She reached out a hand and pulled the end of the rope that was holding Holly to the post. The knot came undone and Holly moved towards her. She was so different from the frightened foal Mandy had rescued six months earlier from a suburban garden. Neither of them had liked being handled. She and Seb Conway had almost lifted them into the trailer. Now they walked up the ramp and into Peter Warry’s truck without a moment’s hesitation. She tied them up in the lorry, patted them both, then walked back down the ramp and turned to take one last look. Holly was already tugging on a hay bag that Peter Warry had brought, but Robin was gazing over his shoulder as if taking one last glance at Mandy and the field where he and Holly had been for so many months.
Between them, Peter Warry and Mandy lifted up the ramp. Peter held out his hand. ‘Thanks, Mandy,’ he said. ‘I’ll take very good care of them.’
‘I’m sure you will.’ Although she felt a pang at their leaving, that was the most important thing. They were going to a wonderful new home.
‘Do come and see us, any time you’re over our way,’ Peter Warry told her as he climbed the stairs up into the cab.
‘I will,’ Mandy promised. The truck started with a roar. Peter Warry stuck a hand out of the window to salute as he set off down the road. Mandy stood and watched until the lorry was out of sight.
She walked back towards the rescue centre. There was something she had to do. She picked up the phone and dialled Nicole’s number.
Nicole picked up after a couple of rings, sounding nervous. ‘Hello?’
‘Hi Nicole, it’s Mandy,’ she paused for a moment, trying to find the right words. ‘I’m ringing to apologise to you. I was wrong to snap. There were a lot of things going on that had nothing to do with you and I’m sorry I took it out on you.’
