I snarl, looking directly into the sun. I stare at the big ball of fire, as if it will protect me, or us, or burn right through me.
“I immediately called that big cat veterinarian, Sanders, whom we have used for years. He and a nurse drove straight up. They have worked for hours and taken his blood. The nurse is racing it to a lab now.”
I inhale as he continues.
“They also did an ultrasound, and well, it looks like we’ve got problems. Growths.”
I feel like vomiting, and I feel a tear forming in my eye.
Tusk and I go way back, and I helped him grow up as did my darling sister, Amanda. He is my brother and my only family in the world. “Hit me,” I say, body tensing for the blow.
“Are you sure?”
“Now!”
“He has cancer.”
“Where?” There is silence. “Tell me!”
“Everywhere, Harry, it’s everywhere, mate.”
I vomit on the balcony, and I stand wet-eyed in the sun. Wiping a tear, I curse the universe.
“And it’s in every primary organ.”
“Dear God.”
“They just brought in a second ultrasound unit from an Upstate zoo. The strange thing is Dr. Sanders said every other tiger he’s come across would have died months back.”
I pace as I shake my head.
“It sounds like Tusk has some kind of superior pain control, or he is one tough son of a bitch. The vet said he’s never seen an animal survive or walk with this amount in him.” I wipe my eyes as the first rays of sun warm me. “Sir.”
“Yes,” I say, thinking fast. “I’ll be back soon.”
“Anything else, Sir?”
“Tell Sanders to do whatever is necessary. Just keep the pain away. Silence the pain and fast.”
“Yes, sir. And Harry…”
“Yes.”
“I’m sorry, Sir.”
Dropping the phone to my side, I bathe in the birth of a new day. And a day in the universe I will forever now hate, and never forget.
I knowI have a tough day ahead, and we will soon have to race back. Then see Tusk, and I will have to make a decision. A big decision, and fast.
I look inside as gentle, perfect Samantha sits up and stretches. I know I will have to contain my energy and not freak her out.
She’s had it rough for a while, especially with the dipshit ex. I also owe her. My job from now on is to protect her.
I also know I’m distracted. Distracted with the entertainment conglomerate and with William talking about retiring. I am on thin ice. The last strands of my once stable life are fraying, and all I know and rely on is crumbling.
As Sam pulls on one of my business shirts and walks out with a bare butt and feet, I force a smile.
She steps in, and I pull her close. I need a hug, and I need energy. “Sleep well?”
