Page 101 of Quinton's Quest

I tensed.

“It’s okay.” Ben spoke confidently. Then he waved at a blond-haired, slightly shorter man who made his way over to us. “Hey, Jameson.”

The guy grinned. “Hey, Ben. Bibi’s feeling frisky today.”

“Hard to believe she’s a senior dog.”

“I know, right? So full of energy.” He turned his attention to me. “Jameson Gorman. Bibi’s owner. Well, companion.”

“The guy at her beck and call, you mean.” Ben laughed.

I extended my hand. “Leo Rodgers. Responsible for Lucky.”

“Oh yeah. We know Lucky. He and Bibi get on well. He used to be a little shy, but since Gideon and Archer bring him here regularly, he’s really come out of his shell.” Jameson gazed toward the fence and waved at the kids.

They waved back enthusiastically. Isaac and Quinton did as well.

My phone buzzed. Figuring it might be Gideon, I grabbed it.

Nope.

Emergency text from the hospital.

“Oh shit.” Panic seized me. This wasn’t my weekend on call.

Right?

Because I never would’ve agreed to take the kids—

Calm down. It’s not your weekend on call. Just breathe.

“Problem?” Ben cocked his head.

I scanned the text as panic seized me. “I have to go. I…Lucky…”

Ben whistled.

Eight dogs, including Lucky, tore toward us.

Without asking, Ben snagged Lucky’s leash and, somehow, managed to get the dog leashed. “Nice meeting you. Get going.”

“Bye.” I barely acknowledged Ben and Jameson as I headed for the entrance. I managed to get through both gates.

Quinton was there to greet me. “What is it?” He’d obviously seen my face.

“Emergency at the hospital. They didn’t say why the patient can’t go to New West, but—”

He grabbed Lucky’s leash. “Give me your keys.”

“What?”

“You’ve got the car seats.” He yanked his keys out of his pocket. “I’ll take care of the kids. If they called you, Leo, then it’s life or death.”

He was absolutely right. This was so highly irregular that I couldn’t put it into words.

“Papa go!” Melodie shooed me. “You go save someone.”

I met Quinton’s gaze. “Are you sure?”