Page 88 of The Moon Sister
‘He said I’d be based in Africa a lot of the time.’
‘An’ the question is, how often would your boss be poppin’ over on that private plane he’s bound to have on permanent stand-by? On the other hand, Tig, I agree you’re wasted here at the moment.’
‘I keep thinking about Chilly and what he said to me the first time I met him. He said it again today.’
‘Which was?’
‘That I wouldn’t be at Kinnaird for long; that I’d be leaving soon.’
‘Och, don’t pay too much attention tae him, Tig. His heart’s in the right place, but he’s getting frailer by the day.’
‘And this from a man who recently told me that snowflakes morphed into a white stag that led you to me!’
‘I agree, but when you’re makin’ big decisions, you shouldn’t let anything he says affect your judgement.’
‘No, but it’s hard not to.’
‘I think it’s time we stopped dancin’ around and got tae the heart of the matter. How do you feel about Zed, apart from the fact he’s rich as Croesus and has just offered you your dream job?’
‘Truthfully? I find him totally creepy.’
‘Then tha’s not good news, is it, if he’s goin’ tae be your boss? There’ll be nobody tae stop him either, ’cos whatever your official relationship, he’s going tae make sure he’ll be working closely with you. An’ yae’ve got to be sure you can cope with that if you take the job.’
‘Oh God, I know.’ I shuddered. ‘Why can’t life be simple?’
‘Well, you asked my opinion and I’m tellin’ you straight; that Zed’s used tae gettin’ what he wants. And just now it’s you. Seems to me he’ll stop at nothing, even if that means inventing a wildlife charity so he can offer you a job. Now then, I’ve said it and I’m sorry.’ Cal stood up. ‘I’m for a hot bath an’ my bed. Night, Tig.’
*
The next morning, with Thistle still coughing, I called Fiona the vet, and she arrived within the hour.
After examining Thistle, she smiled up at me.
‘I don’t think it’s anything serious. Just a minor infection. I’ll prescribe him a course of antibiotics and give him a steroid shot to open up his airways, which should do the trick. If it doesn’t, call me again then we can get him up to the surgery and run some tests. My instinct is that he’ll be fine.’
‘Thanks, Fiona,’ I said gratefully. ‘Talking of instincts, the thing is . . .’
‘Yes?’ she said, as she administered the injection.
‘Well, even though I have no proper training, I’ve always been quite good at nursing sick animals. I’ve been thinking that’s what I’d like to do more of in the future. Like, use natural methods.’
‘You mean, work holistically?’
‘Well, yes, but is there such a thing for animals?’
‘Absolutely there is. I know a number of vets who combine both medical and alternative treatments in their practice. I’ve always been interested in taking some courses, but to be honest, I’ve never had the time. If you did decide to do that, I’d certainly be open to you working alongside me.’
‘Oh my goodness, really?’
‘Really,’ Fiona smiled. ‘Anyway,’ she said as she repacked her medicine bag, ‘that conversation is for another day. I have a sick heifer to run to now.’
After she’d left, I sat with Thistle on my lap, staring into the fire. ‘Lions and tigers, or you, sheep and cows.’ I said to him as I nuzzled my face into his fur. Even though I could hardly bear to think of turning Zed down, I already knew I had no choice. But before I made the final decision, I needed to email my sister. I didn’t want to upset Maia by bringing up a past boyfriend, but if anyone knew the details of a relationship she’d had in the past with Zed, it was Ally. Later, I sneaked into the office and fired off a quick email to her.
Hello darling Ally,
Sorry I’ve not been in touch very often. There’s only one internet computer here which we all have to share, and the mobile signal is nearly as bad! I hope you and my little nephew
(I added ‘or niece’ even though something told me it was going to be a boy)
