A Daughter's Legacy by Virginia Smith

Author:Virginia Smith
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Steeple Hill
Published: 2010-03-24T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

The Wildlife Park Zoo was small even by Cougar Bay’s standards. But Jason noted the neatly trimmed flowering shrubs lining the walkway that led to the ticket booth, the fresh-looking paint on the attractive iron fencing, the small but clean covered welcome area on the other side of the entrance turnstile. Curbside appeal was everything, and the zoo-going public in this area apparently approved. The parking lot was over half-full, and several adults with children in tow stood in line to buy tickets.

Jason drove around to an unobtrusive side entrance as he’d been instructed, backed up the van to the gate and reached for his cell phone to let his contact know they’d arrived. He needn’t have bothered. The gate swung open before he could even punch in the phone number. A man in a beige T-shirt with the zoo’s insignia greeted him and Kelli by the van’s rear door.

“Jason Andover, right?” He thrust out a hand. “Tony Simpson. We’re sure glad to see you.”

He jerked his head toward a cluster of identically dressed people watching from a short distance away, their expressions eager.

Jason grinned. Obviously, the tamarins’ arrival was anticipated. Cameron would be pleased to know his babies were receiving an enthusiastic welcome.

“This is Kelli Jackson,” he told the man and opened the back door as the two shook hands.

“Oh, look at them!” Tony didn’t bother to hide his glee as he gazed at the tamarins, who had retreated to the far corner of their cage, their arms wrapped around each other for support. “They’re such beauties. Hey, a couple of you guys come give us a hand.”

The last was directed toward the onlookers, and all four eagerly rushed forward. Jason caught Kelli’s eye to exchange a grin as they all oohed over the new arrivals.

Tony hopped up in the van and unstrapped the ties holding the cage in place while one of the staff dashed back inside the gate and returned with a rolling cart, like a small flatbed on wheels. Jason and Kelli stood aside as they loaded the cage onto it, then Jason grabbed the folder containing the paperwork from the van. They both fell in step with Tony as the small group proceeded through the zoo over a neatly maintained path. People turned to watch the parade, and a couple of children exclaimed over the monkeys, but Jason noted with approval that two of the staff members stationed themselves on either side of the cage and firmly but politely kept anyone from disturbing the tamarins.

Tony spoke to Kelli. “So, have these two been in your care over at Cougar Bay? My folks have some questions they’d like to ask you.”

Kelli shook her head. “No, sorry. I’m just along for the ride.”

Tony’s eyebrows rose, and Jason explained. “We’re short-handed just now, so our primate keeper couldn’t get away. But I’ll answer whatever questions you have, and he’ll be happy to talk to your people on the phone to fill in any details I can’t.”

The man’s expression became contrite.

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