Page 6 of Raymond's Forever

“Good, I’ll call over to Kevin and Yvonne to tell them to watch for her to arrive. I’ll also tell them to call me, because I want to know what’s going on. Please tell Amelia not to state her business until I can be there.”

“I will, I know how you like to know everyone’s story. I applaud you for that, and I’ll do what I can to tell Shay about the visit.”

“Thank you, Raymond. When you said you knew about malpractice, I immediately thought of you.”

“Thank you, I won’t know if I can help until I find out what’s wrong.”

“Right. Thanks again, and I’ll see you soon.” They hung up, and Raymond finished his first cup of coffee, poured himself another one and headed to the shower. After he dressed, made, and ate his breakfast, he filled his travel mug, and headed out the door. Because it was a beautiful morning, he opted to walk to the barn near the racetrack. It had been an hour since he’dtalked to Erin, and the first thing he did was walk up to Shay as he was mucking out the stalls. He set his mug down, picked up a pitchfork, and leaned on it.

“The work would get done faster if you used that thing,” Shay said with a grin.

“I know, but I need to talk with you.”

“What’s up?”

“Erin called me about an hour ago, someone by the name of Amelia is coming to see you. I forget her last name.”

“Johnson?” Shay asked in shock as he looked at Raymond. “What would Dr. Johnson want with me? I’m healed.”

“Can you tell me about it?” Raymond held up his hand and shook his head. “I know nothing about what this woman wants to talk to you about, but something about malpractice was mentioned. When I was a lawyer back home, I took on a few malpractice cases in my day, and Erin wants me to talk to this woman and you. Can you tell me what happened?”

“My stupidity, which caused me a great deal of shame. It was a really stupid thing that I did,” Shay said as he leaned on his own fork with a chuckle. “Have you met Lorissa yet, the farrier and vet?”

“Not yet, but I’ve heard of her.”

“Well, I was helping her. I wasn’t paying attention after we finished working on a horse, and it kicked out. I didn’t move out of the way fast enough.” He bent down and rubbed his hand on the outside of his leg, just above the knee. “The kick missed the joint completely, but barely. I didn’t need surgery, but I had to wear a big-ass knee brace for a few weeks, then I had to go over to Caleb for physical therapy. I have a copy of my x-rays in the cabin.” He shrugged at Raymond. “Being former military, I like to keep records.”

“Good, because based on the conversation I had with Erin, that might come in handy in the near future. Anyway, thisAmelia Johnson will be here shortly, and she’s going to want to talk to you. However, Erin wants to be here for the conversation.”

“Of course she does,” Shay laughed, but there was no heat or malice behind it. The two men continued cleaning the stalls, and by the time they were done, Shay’s phone went off.

“Hello?”

“Hey, it’s Kevin. There’s someone here to see you.”

“Is it Dr. Amelia Johnson?”

“Yes. I’ve called Erin, she’s on her way.”

“Dr. Johnson knows where the track is, she’s seen me back here before. Send her back, and tell Erin that’s where we are.”

“Got it. I don’t know how to say this, but the woman with her looks like she’s been smacked around. She has a bruise on her cheek. Actually, both women do. They look rough around the edges. I didn’t ask any questions, I figured they’d tell me if they wanted me to know.”

“Do you think it’s a domestic situation?” Shay asked, and saw Raymond perk up at his words.

“No clue, do you want Yvonne or I to sit in on this meeting with you?”

“Let’s play it by ear, and see what Dr. Johnson says, but keep your phones handy.”

“Understood.” Kevin rang off, and Shay looked at Raymond.

“There are two women here, and they both have bruised faces.”

“Shit,” Raymond said, and looked up when Pedro and Scott Gould joined them.

“Problem?” Scott asked.

“Don’t know. We have an incoming situation,” Shay said as he studied the former Navy SEAL. “Stick close.”