The Most Famous Illegal Goose Creek Parade Read Free

expression brightened with a sudden memory. “Though Clete Watson’s boa constrictor did come down with a skin fungus last year.”
    â€œYou treated it with Canesten cream?”
    â€œYup. Cleared up in a couple of days.” The man’s lips curved into a broad smile. “You know your stuff. I had to look up the treatment. Makes me feel better, knowing I’m leaving my patients in competent hands.”
    Now he was flattering her, something to which Susan was not susceptible in the least. If she decided to buy the Goose Creek Animal Clinic from Dr. Forsythe, the decision would be based on a careful analysis of all available facts. And in order to thoroughly analyze the situation and make an informed business decision, there was one more thing she must do.
    â€œI’ll want to inspect your records,” she told him. “Accounting, payroll, and of course the patient charts.”
    â€œI thought you would. It’s all in here.” He patted the top of the computer monitor on the reception desk. “My receptionist convinced me to convert from paper last year. Against my will, I might add, but I figured I’d better get automated before I handed the place over to someone else. A young person like you probably knows your way around a computer better than your own living room, but an old man like me needs things written out.” He picked up a thin folder from the desk and extended it toward her. “The password and instructions are here. Have at it.”
    Startled, she stared at the folder without taking it. “You mean now?”
    He tossed a set of keys on the desk. “You drove all the way up here to see the place, so there’s no time like the present. I’m going to take those pups out for a romp before I head home for the night. You’ll lock up, won’t you?”
    He was going to leave her here alone? Was he insane? How did he know she was trustworthy?
    Shock must have shown on her face, because he gave her an encouraging smile. “After you contacted me last week I called a couple of your professors, longtime friends of mine. They vouched for you.” He winked. “And besides, the petty cash and all the good drugs are locked in the safe.” With a final grin he set the folder on the desk and disappeared behind the door leading to the clinic section. A moment later the dogs’ plaintive yips changed to joyful barks and she heard the clang of kennel doors being opened.
    Susan hesitated only a moment before seating herself in the rolling chair. She reached for the folder, a sense of excitement swelling inside her chest. If the books looked as good as she expected, she was going to do it. Take Daddy up on his offer to cosign a loan, buy a veterinary clinic, break her apartment lease, and move to Goose Creek, Kentucky.
    Heaven help her.

    The evening wore on with Millie maintaining a pleasant attitude that nagged at Al. What scheme was she cooking up? He found it impossible to concentrate on Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy with her sitting there, rocking and knitting and humming an off-key tune like she hadn’t a care in the world. Even his favorite show, Person of Interest , failed to distract him. How could it with that gargantuan house lurking in his mind like a monster, overshadowing his thoughts?
    Over a hundred years old, she’d said. Probably hadn’t been maintained at all. Old man Updyke had been a pinchfist.
    He aimed a scowl in her direction. “I’ll bet the plumbing is original.”
    She looked up from her knitting, eyebrows arched over inquisitive eyes. “What was that, dear?”
    â€œThe Updyke place. Like as not those old pipes are et up with corrosion. Wiring’s probably shot too. That place is nothing more thana giant tinderbox. One spark and poof. ” He sketched an explosion in the air with his hands.
    â€œAh.” Her head dipped serenely before she returned to her task.
    Al glowered as