Page 169 of Rot In Knotty Pieces

I make a call, and after an hour long discussion, I end it and smile. We’re building a house near that field of flowers, out in the wilds where we'll have lots of space, where we can disappear easily.

They know something is going on. I can’t keep it a secret. Rolly has taken to leaving listening devices and cameras in my office.

I refuse to tell them. The build is halfway through. It’s looking amazing.

We stand outside the animal rescue, and Kestrel cocks her head to the side. Uncertain.

Merle takes over, cooing to all the animals. She likes dogs and cats, but when we get to the birds, her eyes shine. She clings to the bars, staring at each one with the biggest smile on her face.

“We’re going to donate, aren’t we?” Roseland murmurs.

“Of course,” King says and guides her to the next cage.

I watch discreetly as she falls in love with a very jolly galah named Rosey.

We just don’t have anywhere safe to keep him yet. So, reluctantly, Merle is talked into letting him go.

“I’m going to go discuss donations, you guys keep looking,” I murmur and leave them.

I go and find to the manager. She’s a tough beta with frustrated eyes, but I can tell she has a good heart.

“You are running an amazing rescue.”

“We are doing what we can with not much. There are a lot of animals who need homes, and no one wants an old animal with a behavioral issue.”

I sit down opposite her. “I have a proposition for you.”

She scowls, instantly suspicious.

“I want that bird, the galah, Rosey, but I can’t take him now. I will supply the money for him to have a better cage, better food, all health checks, everything.”

“You’d do that?”

“Not just that, if you agree, I will donate enough money for you to renovate the entire rescue and keep all these animals fed for five years.”

She stares at me. I guess I wouldn’t believe it if I were her either.

“What is it you really want?”

“I want that bird. He makes my omega happy.”

“How long?”

“No more than half a year.”

“That’s a long time for a bird to not have a home.”

“How long has he been here?”

She winces. “Almost twelve months.”

“I will come and visit with him once a week or so. But I would like him kept for my omega.”

“What if she finds another bird?”

“Then you keep the money and find him a home.” I spread my fingers out. “Do we have a deal?”

She stares at me, her fingers twitching nervously. “You must really love her.”