Page 34 of The Hellhound Growl
I gasped."That's amazing though."
"It is.I can't wait for the owners of the private collection to get the karma they deserve."He rubbed his chin, scratching the slight stubble that had formed there."But I'm going to be glad when this is all over.I've not had nearly enough sleep."
"Me either."
He hummed."I heard you pulled lots of extra hours working with Obie as well.How is he doing?"
"He's doing fantastic.He's settled right in at his new home.His weight is right where it should be and he's gained so much confidence.He doesn't combust into flames nearly as much either."
"That's wonderful.I know that was a tough one to handle.You did a good job."
I beamed with pride."Thank you.It was challenging and I definitely got too attached."
"I know what that feels like.Some animals just get to you.One of my first was an abandoned baby rainbow-tailed lemur that I raised to adulthood by hand.I fed it every day with a tiny bottle and it used to climb onto my shoulder."Jacob smiled fondly."I was absolutely devastated when she was transferred."
"My heart would break."
"Yeah, mine did but it was for the best.She got to join an established group of lemurs and even raised some babies herself.I still get pictures from the keeper."He cleared his throat."Anyway, knowing that I made such a huge difference helped with the pain of saying goodbye."
I smiled."I know that.And it's not like Obie is far away, I can still visit him when I have time."
"Exactly."He smiled at me."I'm proud of you.Just don't overwork yourself too much or put yourself in danger."
"I will try," I said, which was the best promise I could make him.
Our walkie-talkies chimed at the same time and Maria's voice came through."Jacob, are you there?I need some assistance in the peryton park."
He frowned as he brought the device to his mouth."Everything okay?"
Her reply came right away."The peryton fawn is coming earlier than expected and I'm not sure what I'm looking at."
That was concerning coming from a neonatal specialist.
"On my way."Jacob grabbed his coat from the back of the chair and waltzed past me, not even looking back."You're coming, right?"
I was already on his heels."Of course, what did you think?"
He laughed."Never change."
I wasn't planning on it but it was always good to have my mentor's stamp of approval.And why would I change when there were so many exciting animals to work with?This was the best job in the world.
* * *
