Whistling Death by Peyton Stone

Author:Peyton Stone [Peyton Stone]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Authors Writes, LLC
Published: 2024-01-09T00:00:00+00:00

nine

Chapter Nine

She knew something was wrong when Nikki appeared in her office with a strange look on her face.

“What is it?” KK asked, a pit forming in her stomach. She knew Nikki well enough to know that the look on her face didn’t mean anything good.

“Animal Control is here,” Nikki declared, glancing back over her shoulder as if expecting them to be right behind her.

“Are they here about the rescue?” It wasn’t uncommon for Animal Control to want to look in on the dolphins they were rehabilitating, especially if they were concerned that release would threaten the population.

“I don’t think so,” Nikki said quietly. “They said they wanted to check in on the calf.”

The pit in her stomach swelled to the size of a boulder. “Why are they interested in Jasper?” she asked.

“I have no idea.” Nikki looked over her shoulder again. “But they don’t look as if they’re in the mood to wait or deal with anyone other than you.

Not willing to waste any more time, KK stood and followed Nikki.

The two Animal Control personnel, a man of average height and a tall woman, were standing by Jasper’s tank, studying him and murmuring to one another. Jasper, for his part, was watching them distrustfully as he lurked on the opposite side of the tank.

“Hi,” KK said, smiling. “How can I help you?”

“I’m Jenna, and this is Pete.” The tall woman with hair the same color as KK’s shook her hand, before looking back at the tank. “We got word of a dangerous dolphin calf that’s attacked some of your employees.”

KK’s mouth dropped to the floor. She looked over at Nikki, who looked just as dumbfounded as KK felt.

“No,” said KK slowly. “Jasper hasn’t attacked anyone. Can I ask who told you this?”

“An anonymous concerned citizen,” Pete retorted. “We’re here to assess how much of a danger he is.”

“Jasper’s a little ornery with people other than me, but he hasn’t hurt anyone,” KK objected. “The worst he’s done is splash people. He hasn’t hurt any of my team.”

“We’re just following up on what we heard,” Jenna replied, not backing down.

“Well, no offense, but that’s stupid,” Nikki fumed, her eyes blazing furiously. “In fact, I’ll prove it.”

Without even bothering to change into her wet suit, Nikki marched up to the top of the tank and jumped into the water without hesitation. The two agents jumped, Jenna, taking a step toward the steps as if to pull Nikki out of the water.

KK watched, trying not to hold her breath. Jasper would never hurt Nikki, but if he behaved poorly, Animal Control might use that as an excuse to put him down.

Luckily, Jasper seemed to sense the importance of the moment, and he swam toward Nikki. He didn’t nuzzle up against her like he would KK, but he did play with her, whistling happily as he circled her, balancing the ball on his nose and splashing her with his tail. The Animal Control watched on uneasily. Jenna’s shoulders began to relax as she watched, but Pete still looked on with distaste.

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