“That’s true,” he mumbled. “I don’t know. Right now I just want to keep the animals safe and healthy. All of us as well, but it seems my retirement plan involves a zoo.”
“Well, for what it’s worth,” said Hannah, “I think that’s a pretty good plan. I mean, look at Elvis. I’ve never seen him so happy with that scarf on his neck.”
“Yeah, it is something to see,” he chuckled.
Crossing the small land bridge, Gaspar saw the pet supply delivery truck. Once a week they brought tons of food for the variety of animals, leaving them at the main gate for pick up and distribution.
“Mornin’ Gaspar. Ladies,” smiled the man.
“Morning, Calvin,” he said waving. Behind him the tigress roared and backed up. “Benglash! What’s wrong with you? You know Calvin.”
“She’s upset because I’m a few minutes late,” laughed the older man.
He got busy unloading the food, leaving it for someone else to move to the appropriate holding areas. When he was done, Gaspar signed the sheet and waved at the man.
“Gaspar, there’s something wrong with the animals,” said Hazel.
Sure enough, Gaspar turned to see them pacing back and forth, some growling, others trumpeting. He frowned at them, walking toward them to calm them.
“What do you think that’s all about?” asked Hannah.
“I’m not sure,” said Carrie. “We’ll let Gaspar deal with that. Our job is to make sure they’re fed before they see us as food.”
The women just laughed, going about their duties to ensure everyone was fed properly, while Gaspar calmed the animals. But for Carrie, she suspected that something was happening that they just didn’t put together yet.
Time was ticking and they needed to figure out this problem.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Three days later there seemed to be a lull in the influx of patients. They’d seen only five in the last few days and only one of those needed hospitalization. Grateful for the reprieve, the group was able to get things done on the property that had been ignored.
With expansions on the property and the islands, came an increased need for electricity, plumbing, security, and other things to make their lives easier. Although all the homes had the basics, securing it all to withstand strong winds, storms, and possible hurricanes took time.
On the main property Trevon and the team were expanding the greenhouse to ensure fresh produce all year round. At the outskirts of the property, they raised cattle, swine, and chickens for a constant supply of meat throughout the year.
With access to the bayous, rivers, and gulf, fresh seafood was always on the menu, using the fleet of fishing vessels owned by the company.
Work on the big house seemed to be a year-round event. Of course, with a two-hundred-year-old home, the maintenance could be overwhelming. Just repairing and replacing the roof was a monumental feat.
Grant was walking the new seniors through the house, Luke, Cam, Eric, and Hex, showing them all the work that was being done.
“Grant, brother, as usual you’re killing it. The fact that you’re using the same methods as the original builders is truly a testament to you appreciating their craft,” said Cam.
“Well,” he grinned, “I do thank you for that but we have one minor problem you may not want to see.”
“This sounds wonderful,” frowned Luke. “What now? Leaky pipes? Peeling paint? Asbestos?”
“None of those things,” he said walking toward the ten-foot ornate floor mirror. It stretched nearly to the ceilings, leaning on a base of mahogany and marble. The gold gilded frame twisted and turned with cherubs, hearts, angels, and other magical things.
“Wow! I don’t think I’ve ever really looked at this before,” said Hex. “It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen.”
“Yes. It is,” smirked Grant. “Now, stare into it and tell me what you see.”
“Stare into it? Grant,” said Luke turning to look into the mirror, “what the… What the fuck?”
“Holy shit,” muttered Hex. “What is that?”
“Not what. Who,” said Grant. “Gentlemen, meet Hezekiah Morton.”
