Page 42 of Wild Wolf

After we filled our bellies, I took Buddy out for a quick walk. Then we stopped by the zoo to talk to the staff. Word had obviously come down from management not to talk to anyone. None of the keepers were willing to talk.

We bumped into a veterinarian outside of the tiger cage, doing rounds.

“Excuse me,” I said, flashing my badge. “I’m hoping you can help. I just have a few questions.”

She looked at the badge, and her azure eyes darted between the two of us.

“I’m not supposed to talk to anyone. Law enforcement included.”

“Do you always do as you’re told?”

She squinted, considering a response. “I just look after the animals. I don’t know where they come from or the circumstances. I don’t know anything about the incident other than what’s on the news.”

She was the only one even remotely responsive. In her mid-30s, with brunette hair that hung past her shoulders, Marley Maddox was cute and earthy. She had a trim figure and stood about 5’7”.

“Apparently, there is still a panther on the loose,” I said.

“I can’t really comment.”

“Did you have an opportunity to treat the animal?”

Marley paused a moment. “Typically, when we receive a new carnivore or any animal, I review medical records, do a full evaluation under sedation, and it goes into quarantine. We set up an observation schedule and watch for any signs of distress or aggression. Sometimes we let them acclimatize for a day or two before we perform the eval. It’s a case-by-case situation.”

“Did you have time to eval the new panther?”

“We’re getting into areas I’m not comfortable answering.”

“Why is that?”

“Because I’d like to keep my job.” She forced a smile. “My talking to you is putting that at risk.”

There were plenty of security cameras throughout the facility. No doubt someone was watching us.

“In general, how long is the quarantine period?”

“Thirty days is typical. Situations vary. Once the animal has been cleared, we begin the process of integration. Panthers are extremely sensitive to changes in environment, diet, staff, etc. If stressed, they can refuse to eat, engage in self-harm?—”

“Become aggressive?”

“In some instances.”

“Do you think a panther is capable of these attacks?”

Marley smiled. “I’m not in a position to speculate.”

I mirrored her smile. She had a nice one. “About the break-in… Do you have any idea who may be responsible? Have you heard any rumors?”

Marley frowned. “I haven’t. Sorry. I wish I could be more helpful.”

I thanked her and gave her a card.

“She’s cute,” JD said as we strolled away.

“Indeed.”

We tried to find more willing staff, but people were pretty tight-lipped.

JD and I left and headed across the island to Vanden University. With the windows down and the sunroof open, we sped across town with classic rock pumping through the speakers. A momentary escape until we were forced back to reality.