The zoological gardens were so small, it was hard to imagine fitting so many animals inside. Though once we entered, it became clear how they managed.
Along the paths were either cages or bars, depending on what animal lurked inside. The camels stuck their heads between the metal, allowing the visitors to feed them small carrots and oats. Peacocks fluttered about freely, as much as they could with those heavy tails behind them. Their calls were odd, so exotic. If I closed my eyes, I could imagine myself somewhere tropical, especially in this heat.
The lions lay on the concrete floors of their cages, napping soundly in the shade. Birds and monkeys took their turns squawking, sitting on high stoops in their enclosures. A buffalo used the bars of the gate to scratch its side, its massive form making the metal shake. I’d always wondered what kept the beasts from running free through Manhattan. I suppose it could be pure luck that one hadn’t decided to make an effort to escape.
“It’s very nice to see you keeping out of trouble,” Kostya said, slapping Arkady’s shoulder with such force he nearly stumbled.
“You say that like it’s a common occurrence.” Arkady rubbed his shoulder after the hit.
“No! No, I know. You’ve been a straight arrow for so long. It just feels like yesterday we were young and causing havoc. Ah, are we truly getting so old?” He laughed. “The way you used to run from that lumpy fella, you’d never have guessed he would become a commissioner. It certainly wasn’t from chasing down criminals, not that he could catch anything that way.”
Try as I might, I still found my shoulders tensing at the comment. I supposed we couldn’t escape our stress, not even on a day out.
“The only way he can close a case is if he pins it on others,” Arkady replied bitterly.
“Yet not you, not yet—I won’t manifest it.” Kostya knocked on the wooden fence.
I looped my arm with Arkady’s, falling behind Emily and Konstantin.
“Has he really been on you for that long?” I asked.
“He used to respond to the calls during any disturbances at the homes,” Arkady explained. “He’s been on my tail ever since, convinced that I couldn’t have possibly changed in ten years. I suppose it’s easier to pin the blame on vulnerable people than actually solving crime.”
“Do you think he will find a way to pin Vincent on you? Without evidence?”
“Can’t call someone a murderer before you find a corpse.” He shrugged. “Which he won’t. I promise,” he assured me.
“I’m not getting into that thing.”
“Come now, Petre.” Arkady held out his hand. “If you fall in, I promise you won’t melt.”
“I know you’re not above pushing me!” I crossed my arms, chewing my lip.
The line for the rowboats was long, people waiting at the boathouse for their turn. I wished I could have the excuse to stay on land with Emily, but she and Kostya left because of the baby fussing. The glimmering of the water around the dock made me dizzy. Everything was too bright, I just wanted to leave.
Then, hands at my waist.
“In you go.” Arkady grunted as he lowered me right down into the boat.
“Stop it!” I demanded, clutching the sides of the vessel.
He tossed the folded parasol and our basket at my feet, stepping in.
“Let me out.” I tried to stand; it only made the boat wobble more. “Pull it to shore.”
“We’re doing it. Look at you!” he said as if encouraging someone far too young to be me, his tone patronizing at best.
“Pull this boat around now.” Tears pricked my eyes. “Turn it around!”
Arkady whistled a happy tune, gracefully rowing us through the water. The lapping sounds against the wood encouraged the nausea, the movement not making it easier.
I shakily reached down, opening the parasol to shield the midday sun from my eyes. I could feel my scalp beginning to redden; the same would be true for my cheeks and nose.
“See? It isn’t so bad.” Arkady stilled the paddles, looking at the other boats around us.
“I’m going to be sick,” I muttered, taking deep inhales through my nose.
“Here, a prize.” He reached inside his coat pocket. I thought he was going to offer at least a cigarette, only to see him pull out a silver flask.
