Page 29 of No Turning Back
“No. I heard him say you went up against poachers. It’s the perfect angle, and I insist,” he says, leaving no room for argument.
“Maybe she’s right.” Abasi tries to help, knowing the danger I’d be in if the Brigade were to find out I survived.
“She’s far enough away, and we don’t have to mention which raid she was a part of.” The president tries again. He has no clue what he’s asking me to do or the danger I’ll truly be in.
I can’t lose my job. I won’t lose my job. “I won’t talk about that assignment. You can ask me about conservation here and talk to Abasi about their efforts back in Zimbabwe, but that’s all I’ll talk about. I insist.” I hold firm to my decision and pray that if this gets back to South Africa and Botswana, no one who could cause me issues sees it.
A couple of hours later, I watch as news reporters stand around the podium the president has set up in the main part of the African exhibit. He steps up and introduces the Zimbabwe Elephant Rescue team and talks about our zoo working with them on conservation. How they will train some of our zookeepers on handling the elephants. And we will show them our techniques. How it’s an exchange of information on these endangered animals.
“One of our zoologists doesn’t need help in training because she was a part of several conservation and study groups in and around Africa, even in Zimbabwe and Botswana. I’d like to introduce the newest member of our African mammal team, Sydney Parrish.” He waves his arm to me. “She helped at the risk of her own life against poachers.”
I whip my head toward him. I told him I wouldn’t talk about that. I asked him not to mention it, but he still did it. I look over at Lydia, who is standing off to the side with a huge smile on her face. She has no clue about the bomb he just dropped. The president nudges me, and I clue back in as a reporter asks me a question.
“Ms. Parrish, how exactly did you put yourself in danger?”
“Every zoologist and scientist in the field puts themselves in danger. It’s part of the job in trying to rescue and protect animals around the world.” I give a generic answer.
“Didn’t Abasi say you were with a group that was attacked?” The president of the zoo board offers up that tidbit, and again I’m stunned into silence.
I shake my head, not willing to open my mouth and give any details.
“I have to get back to Umi. Thank you, and please help Abasi and his team with protecting elephants. Don’t buy ivory.” I turn and walk away.
I barely make it through the door into the breakroom before the tremors set in. My hands come to rest on a chair, and I start shaking. I pull out my phone, needing to call my mom and the attorneys. Everyone needs to know what just happened.
“Why didn’t you answer their questions? I didn’t know you were attacked?” Lydia’s voice comes from behind me.
I try to compose myself before turning to face her.
“Lydia, I gave you my credentials and my resume. That’s all of my past I can talk about. You need to understand that what just happened out there could jeopardize Mari’s and my lives.” I grit my teeth. “I told the president I wouldn’t answer any questions about that assignment. I also told him I was against being on camera.”
“Ms. Parrish, you can go home for the rest of the day.” The president appears in the doorway. “Unpaid. Next time, don’t embarrass me in front of the press.”
“Sir, I can’t discuss that incident, and I told you that before you went out there.”
“That’s unacceptable. You have the rest of the week off.” He turns and walks out. I look at Lydia, who rolls her eyes.
“I’ll take care of it and be in touch,” she says.
I grab my bag and head out to my car to go pick up Mari. Unpaid vacation, awesome.
I dial my mom as soon as I get to the car.
“Hey, angel, how are you today?”
“Not good, Mom. The president of the zoo board just insisted I do a live press conference, then he mentioned the attack. Live! What the hell am I going to do?”
“Dammit, Sydney. I’ll take care of it.”
“I’ve been sent home for the rest of the week in retaliation for not discussing it. I don’t want to lose my job. And I don’t want to expose us.”
“Nashville is a big community. You’ll be safe. I’ll contact the team. You go get Mari and come over here for dinner tonight.”
“Okay.”
I do just that. An hour later I pull up to the large five-bedroom home my mom had built. I can see Gram’s old farmhouse a little ways away, where Lydia and the kids are staying until she can get a place of her own. The memories of running around that house with Wrenn and the other girls wash through my mind.
I open the back seat and get Mari out. My cell pings from my bag. I make my way into the house and set Mari down in her playpen before grabbing my phone. I look at the text and worry that after last night, maybe I should pump the brakes on this relationship. Today is proof that my life is too crazy for him.
