Chapter 28 #2
Zak handed Malcom a bag of clothing and left the room while he changed.
The call to Deputy Wilson didn’t take long, and the man promised to be there shortly.
When Zak knocked on the treatment room door, Malcom opened it, leaned in for a good scenting, and then hugged him.
The clothes didn’t fit well and he was barefoot, but Zak could only imagine the relief of getting back into human form after several days as a bear.
They ended up waiting for the deputy in the break room, where Zak offered him a cup of coffee and some leftover cookies.
Between bites, Malcom answered Zak’s question about what he did for a living.
“Oh, I keep bees and package honey for lots of businesses around here— Delicious , Red Barn, the Bread Basket, and some restaurants. I’m also part of a co-op called Bees’ Knees that makes products with honey and fruit or honey and nuts. Maybe you’ve seen…”
The conversation ended when Deputy Wilson showed up and joined them around the table. Malcom looked nervous and asked Zak if he would stay. He agreed, and Wilson got things started by asking for Malcom’s name, address, and phone number, followed by his recollection of what had happened that day.
“Well, like I was just telling Doctor Hall, I’m a beekeeper and have hives all over the region.
Some of them are easier to get to in bear form, and I was checking the ones at Joe Gruber’s place off of Highway 611.
He’d been drinking again, and when I saw that he was carrying a gun, I took off.
He fired and got me, the damn fool, but even on three legs, I ran faster than him.
I made it to the highway but couldn’t go any further, so I stayed by the side of the road hoping somebody would stop and help. ”
Wilson had been taking notes as Malcom told the tale, and he paused to ask a few questions.
“So, you had permission to be on his property?”
Malcom nodded.
“Yes, Sir. I have a signed contract giving me permission to service the hives at any time. He’s got clover fields that produce some great tasting honey, and I have to check the hives several times a year.”
Wilson’s eyes narrowed.
“In bear form?”
Malcom nodded again.
“In either form. He’s seen me lots of times and I usually get a smile and a wave. I heard he started drinking after his wife passed away unexpectedly last fall, but I never go near the house or outbuildings. If I needed to talk to him, I would just call or send him a letter.”
Wilson paused before his next question.
“Both natural bears and shifters are protected by law in these parts, so a crime has been already committed. Do you intend to press charges?”
Malcom shook his head.
“Not if I can help it, Sir. I’ve been thinking about this since it happened, and I don’t want to ruin the man’s life for one stupid mistake.
If he quits drinking and pays for my lost wages and medical care, I won’t press charges.
I’d like to think he’d give me the same chance if it had been my mistake instead. ”
Deputy Wilson was taken aback by the generous offer, and Nesbitt was obviously sincere. Still, the issue couldn’t be settled with a gentleman’s agreement, and he handed Malcom a business card.
“Give this attorney a call and set up an appointment right away. I can appreciate what you’re willing to do, Mr. Nesbitt, but there are legal issues to address no matter how you feel.
Your testimony may influence what happens to Mr. Gruber, so the best way to help him is through official channels.
Legal counsel isn’t cheap, but those expenses can be cared for a number of ways, and your attorney will advise you.
“Unofficially, I encourage you to contact Mayor Tillman. She’s heard about the incident, though not your name, and wants to help.
She can put you in touch with all the right people and provide the resources you’ll need.
If there’s anything else the Sheriff’s department can do, please give us a call. "
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Lunchtime at the clinic
Zak finished the last bite of his sandwich and sat back to yawn and stretch.
He was running mostly on fumes after the last couple of days, but it was satisfying to know that Malcom was out of danger and could now resume his normal activities.
Deputy Wilson took the poor man home, and the clinic schedule returned to its usual efficiency.
Zak had rewarded Crew, Dixy, and Jessica with gift cards from the Red Barn for their extra efforts—thankful for a top-notch staff.
He was also grateful that Malcom’s situation hadn’t spilled over into the weekend or the following week.
His parents were due to arrive this afternoon to take the kids on holiday, giving him and Orrin the opportunity to mate.
He’d spoken to Levi, Aiden, and Dustin asking what it was like for them and received similar advice.
Would his mixed DNA make any difference in the bond?
No one seemed to know, including his parents.
Apparently, there were no published studies about the effects of quasi-shifter and full shifter bondings.
Very little was known about people like him and Rayn, and the thought occurred to him that perhaps he was meant to do something about it.
Well, why not? He had a desire to know more, possessed a medical degree, and would soon have personal experience to draw upon.
Even if he had to settle for a simple first-person account, his observations might break the silence of others and enable someone to conduct truly meaningful research.
Collectively, they could make a difference for those who presently had no voice, including Rayn and others like her.
Maybe he’d start with a website dedicated to quasi-shifters and their questions—assuming they’d freely share.
Zak put those ideas on the back burner for now, unwilling to be distracted from his soon-to-be mate.
Orrin had so much to give, and Zak didn’t think he could love the sweet man more than he did now.
To be bonded to him for life was not only an awesome responsibility, but a privilege that few humans ever experienced.
Yes, it scared him a little, but Orrin was truly the one who risked everything by entrusting Zak with his life and happiness.
Such a precious gift had no equivalent in the human world, and he’d do everything possible to cherish his wonderful mate.