Double Degree

The dinner table had an awkward atmosphere hanging over it. The man Scott had come to know as Daniel had already cleared his throat three times, each one louder than the last. His aunt, Ivvie, was busy staring at her plate like it was the most fascinating thing she'd seen in years.

Scott finally broke the silence.

"So, Daniel, how long have you known my aunt?" he asked, staring him down — a technique he'd learned from his stepfather to intimidate people.

"Stare them in the eyes long enough, Scott, and even the strongest men will break," his stepfather once told him.

Scott's lip curled into a faint smile, remembering the eccentric man.

The smile seemed to ease Daniel's nerves.

"I work at the hospital with your aunt. I'm a trauma surgeon," he said.

Scott nodded. He knew Ivvie was a general surgeon, and she clearly took pride in Daniel because she quickly added, "He's also the town's resident veterinary doctor."

Scott raised an eyebrow.

Daniel quickly corrected the misunderstanding. "I have a double degree in human and veterinary medicine. My college offered a special program."

Scott nodded again, not pressing further.

"Do you think it'd be possible for me to come work at your pet clinic?" he asked casually.

Ever since his parents bled out in front of him—because the ambulance hadn't arrived in time—Scott had dreamed of becoming a doctor. Maybe when the time came, he'd apply to the same college Daniel had attended.

By the end of dinner, Scott had a new job. And Ivvie was finally at ease.

"I'm glad you like him," Ivvie said quietly afterward.

Scott looked up at her. When his parents died, his biological father had tried to fight for custody—not out of love, but for what was left behind. His stepfather had left everything to Scott, and whoever became his guardian would also control the trust.

His biological father, Adam, was a mean old drunk who had abused both him and his mother for years—until Sky's father, who was still a police officer at the time, had discovered the truth. That gave Scott's mom the courage to finally file for divorce.

Unfortunately, they couldn't send Adam to jail. He was smart—he never left marks, not on Scott or his mother. That, and he had a big-shot government lawyer on his side.