Page 1 of Begin Again

one

“We have an issue.”

Chloe Lake glanced up from her buried desk and gave a sigh. Vivian was technically her boss, but they’d worked side-by-side the past year and emerged with both respect and a strong friendship. Of course, they had the same goal, but Chloe had observed a tangle of relationships in animal rescue organizations that were sometimes unhealthy. She’d learned a majority of people who fought for animal welfare didn’t like humans, which was a bitch when dealing with politicians, lobbyists, PR companies, and the public.

Thank God, Chloe had learned young how to shine both in the spotlight and behind the scenes. It was probably why she’d risen up the ranks at Advocates for Animals and would soon take over Vivian’s job when she left for a bigger position.

“We always have issues. If we were in a romantic relationship, we’d be in therapy,” Chloe said.

Vivian grinned. Her trademark black pantsuit confirmed she’d been in meetings today. If she was with her animals, she wore jeans and a T-shirt. “Funny, Lake. But I’m not talking about us. I’m talking about this clusterfuck from the Spagarelli case. They dropped the suit.”

Shock barreled through her. The hoarding case had been in the papers and their organization had stepped in to provide safe shelter for almost fifty dogs and cats hoarded and abandoned in a private home of horror. To Chloe, it’d been a tight case. “How?” she asked.

“Prosecutors are overloaded and they couldn’t get enough for the judge to warrant a conviction. The real problem is the Spagarellis can turn around and just do it again.”

Frustration and a simmering fury threatened, but her consistent practice of keeping her emotions stable helped ward off trouble. Vivian had no qualms about losing her temper, sometimes quite publicly, but it was part of her make-up and passion for the job. With her petite stature, waterfall of dark hair and gorgeous almond shaped eyes, she looked like a delicate piece of china ready to please.

Until she opened her mouth.

Vivian used her appearance like a weapon, taking her opponents off-guard with her ruthless focus, stubbornness, and raw honesty. Chloe had immediately experienced a girl crush the moment she stopped being intimidated.

Chloe tore off her black reading glasses and dropped them on the desk. Her thoughts whirled. “God, each time I think I’ve seen everything I’m schooled on my naivety. What’s the plan?”

Vivian narrowed her gaze with a touch of ruthlessness. “Fight back, of course. We’re bringing a civil suit against her. I’ve got a lawyer coming in to join us. He’s been working with the Animal Defense Fund and has experience with neglect and hoarding cases. I want you to work with him specifically on this case. You’re my point person. Get him up to speed and provide anything he wants—I want to move quickly on this. I also got some kickback from some of the shelters who can’t take on anymore animals, so we need to circle back and place five more.”

Chloe nodded, her mind already clicking through the endless tasks she needed to quickly finish or delegate. Working for an animal rescue organization full-time had always been her dream, and Advocates for Animals fulfilled a career goal. Ever since she began working for the Bishop horse rescue farm when she was nineteen, the need to help the voiceless animals had wormed its way in her blood. She’d been gifted to find her true path, but the deeper she got involved, she realized it was an emotionally draining, undercompensated, overworked career.

She still couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

Chloe focused on the wins, not the losses. Just like her father had taught her.

They quickly discussed the mechanics of dispersing her current cases and brainstormed on some places that might take the last five dogs. “Keep me updated on any issues. I hope you didn’t have a social life scheduled or anything.”

“I’ve found fun overrated lately,” she teased back, used to the time demands of the job.

“I find that hard to believe for the newly crowned Bachelorette of New York City.”

Chloe rolled her eyes. “That was the worst thing to happen to me. The press hounds me enough, now I’m on the radar for every social media paparazzi, too.” The popular online magazine, Females Today, was geared toward the twenty-something crowd and loved to create surveys and polls that quickly went viral. Unfortunately for her, the new issue featured not only her work, but her down-to-earth fashion, which boasted regular stores rather than high-priced designers. She wished the month would be over already, so the hype would finally die down and she could get a bit more privacy.

“I think you’ve been holding out on me.” Her boss cocked her hip and regarded her with sly curiosity. That’s when Chloe knew they’d downshifted to gossip. “You still dating that Chris Evans lookalike?”

She held her breath for a few precious seconds and hoped for the flock of butterfly wings. But as usual, her tummy was frustratingly silent. Pushing away the silly, adolescent thought, she nodded. “Yep. We’re supposed to go to dinner this week.”

Vivian whistled. “Any action yet? I’m imagining that man knows how to wield his shield…well.”

Chloe laughed. “Think it’s supposed to be a sword, but I like the imagery. God, no, we’re not at that point. We’re still getting to know each other.”

Vivian wrinkled her nose. “Known him long enough to grab some action. You’re way too mature for me, Lake. And cautious. Most hot single women who are the darling of the press would be taking advantage of some serious bed hopping. Are you worried about scandals?”

The question made her pause and think. Was she? She’d been in the spotlight since she was young, with a father who was once the NYC mayor, and now served as the current governor for the past two years. She’d struggled for a while in her early college years, acting out in spectacular fashion, resentful of being stuck under a microscope for her father’s career, but now it was just part of her everyday life. In fact, she’d found her social media status quite useful in soliciting funds for Advocates for Animals and helping change the law. Networking and connections were both a blessing and curse and could be used for good or evil. Her father had taught her that lesson early, and to never take a favor without knowing what it would cost the soul.

“I don’t think so,” she said. “I just prefer going slow and getting to know a guy before I take him to bed. Drew seems amazing, but so did the last one. Learning he only wanted me to get to my father was a bit of a confidence killer.”

Vivian shuddered. “Lake, you can’t compare Drew to that slimy weasel. And if he’d known anything about your father, he would’ve realized the governor doesn’t take lightly to his daughter getting played.”

She couldn’t help the laugh that escaped her lips at the memory. Dad had always been overprotective, especially after losing her mother so young. Even though Chloe was capable of fighting her own battles, she had to admit she got a bit of satisfaction after the weasel found himself frozen out from his high-society friends he’d been so proud of.

She might work for the greater good, but she still loved a worthy payback.