“To be honest, I’m less concerned about the animal and more concerned about you,” Anya said, not mincing words. “You know I think the world of the personalized approach you and your sisters take, and I’m thrilled to think that this donation of yours could lead to future cases between us.”

She wasn’t the only one. Lila knew all too well that this case with Emily Ford was a trial run, a test to see if Puppy Promise lived up to the Auditory Guild’s high standards. If they—if she—did, there was every possibility that the Guild would subsidize future charitable contracts.

“But?” Lila prompted.

“Well.” Anya hesitated again. “The truth is, I was rather hoping you’d have Sophie or Dawn handle the juvenile cases.”

As if to prove the wisdom of such a decree, Sophie held up a horrible lime-green bridesmaid dress that Lila had worn to a friend’s wedding years ago before dissolving into silent giggles.

“Unfortunately, they’re both in the middle of other training right now,” Lila said with a glare at her giddy sister. Suddenly realizing the direction this conversation was headed, she stiffened and held the phone more precisely against her ear. “Wait—are you asking me to step down from the Emily Ford case?”

“Well, no,” Anya said. “Not anymore. I did have my doubts about you, especially after meeting with Emily’s medical team, but that was before.”

“Before?” Lila echoed.

“Oh yes. I had a long chat with Mr. Ford, and he couldn’t sing your praises highly enough. And that princess ball gown… I have to say, darling, I didn’t think you had it in you. It was enchanting. I wanted to tell you at the party, but you always seemed to be off hiding in a corner somewhere.”

Lila couldn’t help a flame of mortification from washing over her. Hiding in corners was precisely what she had done. “Oh yes. Well…”

“Clearly, you understand children better than I thought. I wanted to apologize for doubting you and to let you know that I’m already lining up several other parents who might be interested in a consultation. I won’t include you on our list of approved providers until this case with Emily is complete, but you’re on the right track.” She paused again, this time with a laugh lurking in the subtext. “Did you really put Christmas bows on all the puppies?”

Lila felt an inexplicable need to apologize. “I had some red ribbon left over from our groundbreaking ceremony a few years ago. It seemed like a good idea at the time.”

“Mr. Ford was delighted by it. And by you, I need hardly add.”

She didn’t want to ask. It was unprofessional. It made her sound desperate.

She asked anyway. “What exactly did he say?”