Inside the building, we’re greeted by a wave of oppressive heat and humidity. A metal walkway takes us over a trickling stream where an orange bird ruffles it’s feathers.
Climbing a few more stairs, a yellow butterfly lands on a big red flower. On the top landing, we reach the parrots. A green one hops on a branch, tilts it’s head, and eyes her with such intelligence, she laughs.
Back outside, our damp shirts cooled by the breeze, she turns and smiles, albeit not as brightly as before. “I really needed this. Have you ever been here before?”
I shake my head, no. “You?”
“Nah. I don’t have time or money to play tourist.” Letting out a deep breath, she puts her hands in her pockets. “I was never supposed to end up here.”
“As in New York?” Lost, I search for our location on the map while she stares down at the plaque describing the missing creature in the empty cage in front of us.
“I decided to become a military pilot at age five. From then on, every action I took was focused toward obtaining that one goal.” She points to a small, foxlike mammal, hiding behind the foliage. “This last week is the final blow. My career is officially over.”
“What occurred over there, Landy?” Like the caged animal, I don’t dare move.
A disgusted half-snort sounds from her. “I could tell you, but I’d have to kill you.”
“I’m being serious.”
“So am I. They made me sign a nondisclosure.” She touches my upper arm and as I turn, her pretty lips purse. “I was… attacked. In my sleep.”
“God, I am so, so, sorry.” My fists tighten but I hide them behind my back. This is about her, not me.
“The corporal in charge of our unit? He said the sex was consensual. The court martial disagreed but also claimed I was guilty of conduct unbecoming an officer.”
“What did you do?”
“Nothing. It was his word against mine. If I shut my mouth, they wouldletme have an honorable discharge.”
I’ve read about this shit but to hear it from someone I care about makes me want to find this guy and make him pee through a bag the rest of his life.
Unaware of my anger, she kicks at a pebble on the sidewalk. “I came home a mess. Kade gave me a job and a place to stay. After a few months, I realized the biker life was not for me and moved out on my own. He understands my decision but it’s still sad, you know?”
“Do you love him?” My chest constricts. If she does, I’ll do everything in my power to help them get back together. She deserves to be happy.
“I wanted to. I tried to. It’s more like he saved my life. He was my best friend until he tried to change the rules.”
I take her hand in mine as if it’s the most natural thing in the world to do. “You ever talk to someone about it? Robots don’t count.”
“Jonathan is a bartender and thus, a very good listener.” As she laughs, a red panda grunts and squeals. It’s masked face and fuzzy ringed tail reminds me of a racoon.
“Your turn, Mr. Man of Mystery. What makes a wealthy playboy hunt bad guys?” Moving to the next cage, she pokes my shoulder.
I figure this is one of those pivotal moments in a relationship and the honesty scares the fuck out of me. I suppose I could change the subject but for sure, she’ll call bullshit and I’d blow my chances.
A drop of sweat rolls down my spine and I clear my throat. “When I was five, my mom left me with my father. I hardly remember her, except for pictures.”
“Why’d she go?” It’s a simple enough question but it cuts me to the core.
“I’ve often asked my dad. He says there were many reasons. For one thing, she didn’t like his lifestyle, but it all went to shit because she had a back injury and started taking pain killers.” I’ve never told anyone this part of my history and it’s a helluva lot harder than I ever imagined.
“I’m sorry you lost her.” Her hand covers mine and as the electricity between us sparks, I dare not move.
“Thank you.” Look at her. Despite all her baggage, she has room in her heart to sympathize with my sob story.
“I still don’t understand how your mom’s addiction made you a bounty hunter.”
“It’s not complicated. I mostly target drug dealers. Can I ask you another question?” Hoping to distract her, I point out a monkey, teasing a group of girls for snacks.
