Now I have to think about hockey. The team. Put everything else out of my mind.
Once I hear from Kelly, I can decide what to do next.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Holly
The carnage is absolutely heartbreaking.
Not only did the vandals hurt the birds, they also destroyed the property, both inside and out. The landscaping has been demolished, like they took a backhoe to the beautifully tended open areas near the parking lot and where a lot of birds roam freely. The pretty flowerpots and plants that line the entryway were smashed, along with the glass in the door and some windows.
And the devastation to the birds is almost more than I can stand.
I forced them to let me see Elvis and I cried like I’d lost a family member. My sweet, beautiful Elvis. And now Priscilla has lost her mate.
Tillie hasn’t left my shoulder since I arrived, and I can tell she’s been traumatized. She’s the happiest, friendliest bird and she actually hissed at one of the vet techs who tried to check her out. I don’t think that’s ever happened and I’ve known Tillie for more than twenty years.
I haven’t eaten or had any water or sat down since I arrived four hours ago. The police were here for a while but they’re gone now, and our vet and staff and a handful of volunteers are all still here. Trying to make some semblance of order in the chaos.
I see a car I don’t recognize pull into the parking lot and then a familiar figure emerges.
Kelly.
What the hell is she doing here?
Viktor sent her.
To check on me. To make sure I wasn’t lying about the sanctuary.
I want to feel hurt but I’m too emotionally battered to give it much attention.
“Holly.” Kelly’s expression reflects some of the devastation I’ve been feeling. Even if you’ve never been here and don’t know what type of place it is, there is no mistaking that a crime was committed.
“Hi, Kelly.” I turn to her wearily.
“Oh my God.” She looks around. “What…happened?”
“It’s a lot. You can tell Viktor I’m fine, that I’ll call him when I can.”
“I didn’t…I mean…” She looks completely flabbergasted. She lifts her hands in a helpless gesture. “Can I help?”
“I don’t mean to be rude, Kelly. But I don’t have time to babysit anyone.”
“I don’t need babysitting. Hand me a broom or a garbage bag or… whatever else you need.”
Tillie lets out a loud squawk that makes her jump.
“Easy, baby.” I reach up to stroke her soft head. “Kelly’s a friend. You want to say hi?” She steps onto my hand and I hold her out to Kelly, who looks fascinated.
“May I touch her?”
“Move slowly and hold out your hand but don’t try to touch her unless she makes the first move.”
Kelly does as directed, and Tillie cocks her head. Then she steps onto her arm and fluffs up a little, like she’s comfortable. Granted, Tillie is our friendliest bird but she hasn’t been that way today.
“Hello, beautiful,” Kelly talks in a warm, soothing voice. “You’re very pretty. Did you have a rough day?”
It’s like Tillie understands her and bobs her head up and down.
