Authors: Rafael
The Huntsman (32 page)
It’s true, Miranda thought. You can’t go home. The Hippo-Drome
looked the same. So did the zoo. So did Columbus. What had she expected? Only
eight months had passed. Not enough time to change anything. Through the view
window Ben and Betty placidly munched grass shoots. Neither seemed perturbed
their son frolicked in San Diego. Other hippos lazed underwater, submerged
within the pool’s indoor section. Ohio’s February freeze had thinned the
crowds. The empty Drome echoed her every step.
The months had changed her though. She had lost certainty, the
arrogance of it. The feeling she could bend life to her will. It owed her
nothing, not even the next minute. It had its own rhythms and desires, wants
and goals. Shaped by the people living it. They might coincide with hers, but
she no longer expected they would.
The entry doors slid open letting cold air whoosh in and give her
a shiver. A blonde-haired girl, more grown, a bit older rushed in, head
swiveling to locate her. “Over here, Ashley.” They hurried toward one another
for a long, warm embrace. “Look at you; you’ve become quite the young lady.”
Her former intern reddened, still somewhat cowed by the mentor she had looked
up to.
“I couldn’t believe it when I heard you were here. Everybody wants
to see you but I asked them for ten minutes before they come crowding in.”
“I hear you’re the Deputy Curator and quite the star now.” Ashley
shrugged.
“I felt honored when the hippos became my first assignment. It’s
how you started and I think they’re good luck charms. One thing led to
another.”
“Ben behaving himself?”
“Oh, he’s a sweetheart. As soon as he sees me he opens his mouth
to have his incisors brushed. He’ll give me a nudge if I don’t. But a gentle
one.”
“How’s your arm?” Ashley lifted it and waved.
“Good as new. I don’t remember if I did, but thank you, Dr. Logan.
It was very brave what you did and I’ll never forget how you stood up to those
policemen. You’re my hero.” Miranda reddened.
“Oh you silly.” They hugged again with deeper affection.
“Is it true you’ve taken a position in India at a tiger preserve?”
Miranda beamed.
“The Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. You’re looking at the new…wait
a minute, I still don’t know the full title.” She fished into a pocket to
withdraw a card. “
Conservator
of Forest, Curator & Field Director.”
“A
tiger reserve. That must be so exciting.”
Miranda
still could not imagine the strings Janesh and especially Chatur had pulled
behind the scenes. Still, in the small, incestuous universe of zoo curators,
her credentials had spoken for themselves. India’s Bureau of Forestry and Parks
had extended every courtesy to woo her.
“It’s
why I’m here. I want to send Columbus two orphaned cubs for the Asia Park. My
plan is to ban culling altogether and disperse Tadoba’s excess population
around the world to strengthen the genetic breeding stock. They’re a
magnificent species, worth preserving. I hope you keep an eye on them for me.”
“Oh
I will, Dr Logan, I will. I can’t wait to see them.”
Another
burst of cold air accompanied the rush of staffers pouring in. From concession
workers and cage cleaners to half the Board of Directors, everyone wanted to
greet, shake hands, hug, and pose with Miranda. Together they marched to the
staff cafeteria others had decorated for a festive Hail and Farewell. A huge
cream-filled cake she insisted on slicing and passing out herself accompanied
steamy cups of hot chocolate. One by one people stood to recall personal
Miranda stories. With accented but understandable English, a nervous Jose took
his turn. He nodded first to his supervisor.
“Mr.
Stockman, I have kept this secret for three years. One night I clean the cages
like always and Dr. Logan come to me. She waiting for buffalo to give birth but
is too nervous to wait more. She take my broom and supplies and send me to watch
the mother. She say call me when you see the head. I wait and wait and soon the
head begin to come out. I run to find Dr. Logan but she coming back already.
She make me clean my hands and together we help the mother bring out a
beautiful calf. The next day, Mr. Stockman say to me, Jose, I never seen the
cages so clean.” A smiling Jose waited for the raucous laughter to die down. “I
was afraid to say Dr. Logan cleaned them so now you know the truth, Mr.
Stockman.” He raised his cup to Miranda. “And to you, Dr. Logan, every day I
try to be excellent like you.”
Tears flowing, Miranda
rushed to hug him as everyone applauded and cheered.
Final goodbyes and hugs wound down as the zoo’s demands called
those it needed. Miranda and Ashley walked out to stand on the front steps
bundled against the chill air. “Are you flying back out today?”
“No. I’ve got a few things to attend to. First though, I thought
I’d take a last walk through the park. Good luck to you, Ashley. You’ll be just
fine.”
“Thanks, Dr. Logan, I’ll need it. I’ve got big shoes to fill.”
Ashley stepped off down a tree-lined path. At a bend she turned to wave once
more then disappeared. Miranda took a deep breath, enjoying the crisp, bracing
cold. She looked up at a cruising passenger jet. It flew on; certain it would
tomorrow, and the day after. Unaware it had no future. Did Earth? She walked
among billions certain the morning sun would herald nothing more than a new
day. Certain it would not bring the end of existence.
Miranda set off to walk among the trees, lost in her thoughts. The
wind brought her the sound of nails scratching along the asphalt. She looked up
to see Duncan and Ronan racing toward her. Behind them strolled a man dressed
for a spring evening. She bent down on one knee to greet Certainty. She almost
fell over as each pushed to out-lick the other against her squinting face.
“Hello, Miranda Logan.” She rose to take in the beauty of the man.
“Hello, Janesh McKenzie.” She arched an eyebrow. “A little
underdressed are we?” He brushed a lock away from her eyes.
“We won’t be here long enough for it to bother me.” She stepped
away, pulling him along alongside with two arms wrapped around his.
“Come along then, Mr. Tough Guy. Walk with me.”
Together they continued down the path as Duncan and Ronan dashed
to investigate every unrecognized scent this new world offered.
“How long do we have, Janesh?” He didn’t respond right away. They
walked on.
“I pray not tomorrow. Maybe a century before we’ll have to be
ready.” They continued down the path each lost in their thoughts. “If it goes
much longer than that, I’ll have to consider whom to pass this on to.” Miranda
leaned her head against him.
“Maybe a son will solve the problem.” The wind carried away their
footsteps.
“Or a daughter.”
The End