Page 12 of Just Like That

The combination of all this and the lovely fresh air makes me itchy to abandon the work aspect of this outing and go exploring – especially as I have no professional interest in this project.

Gwen makes her delivery then we almost double back on ourselves along another path that runs almost parallel, passing the meerkat enclosure as we go.

‘Oh my goodness, look at these little guys,’ I gush as I watch the furry little critters standing to attention, scanning the sky for predators.

‘They’ve just had a brood,’ says Gwen. ‘Do you see their young over at the back there?’

Craning my neck, I gasp with delight as I spot four tiny fluffballs tottering around, close to what I assume is their mother.

‘They’re adorable!’

‘Our meerkats are one of our most popular residents. Thankfully, they’re also doing well in the wild, unlike many of the animals we have here. Did you know that habitat loss is the biggest threat for most species officially labelled as “threatened” or “endangered”?’

‘I did not. Gosh, that’s really sad.’

‘It is.’ Gwen nods, still watching the meercats. ‘Which is why the work we do here is so important. We’re a visitor attraction, yes, but we’re primarily here to educate the public, so people understand how important the wildlife on this planet is and the perils it’s facing – as well as how critical it is that we do everything we can to protect it. We’re also involved in breeding programmes and conservation projects, partnering with charitable organisations abroad. As a not-for-profit organisation, we’d normally be supporting them financially as well, but we’ve had to stop that since our finances got so tight. Essentially, we’re doing our bit to make sure the world doesn’t lose its most endangered wildlife.’

‘Because of climate change?’ I ask.

‘That and other risk factors. Poachers are also a huge threat to wildlife. That’s a real problem globally. You ready to meet the team?’

Having quickly become invested in the conversation, I have to bring myself back to the moment and remind myself why I’m here. It’s certainly not for a fun day out looking at cute animals, nor a school trip-style educational experience. I’m here to talk events – and I’m rather hoping that conversation will turn into anon-event.

‘Absolutely.’ I ensure my tone is enthusiastic, despite my feelings on the matter. This may not be the type of gig I want on my CV, but I still very much want to show Capital Events in a good light and come across as both the professional and good person that I am.

We circle back to the courtyard and I follow Gwen into a building with a sign on the door that says ‘Staff Only’. It appears to be the wildlife park’s main office, probably where all the administrative processes take place. She leads me through an open-plan office area to the back where there are a couple of rooms with frosted glass windows. I can’t see what’s inside, but I can hear voices coming from the one Gwen is heading towards. She opens the door and walks inside, beckoning me to follow.

‘Everyone, this is Jess,’ she announces at a volume way too loud for the acoustics of the room, making me wince. ‘Jess, come on in and take a seat. Let’s get you a cuppa and then we can do proper introductions.’

Gwen makes her way across to a trolley laden with cups and saucers, a plate of biscuits and two large metal flasks with the labels ‘tea’ and ‘coffee’ on them. She then clearly realises she’s forgotten to ask what I want, so I mouth ‘coffee, please’ at her with a smile, which she returns.

With my attention diverted to the refreshments, I haven’t yet managed to say hello to anyone in the room, never mind take stock of who’s there. Allowing my eyes to roam around the table, I nod a polite greeting to each of its occupiers, until my gaze reaches the other end and I stop short.

Sitting there, in overalls, is the man I accused of being a lech and barked at to get lost at the hospital the day Seth had his stroke. And he’s looking less than impressed that I’ve just turned up in his office. So much for first impressions. Unless he’s the work experience lad – which I sincerely doubt, given he looks about thirty – it seems I’ve just unwittingly walked into the lion’s den.

Chapter 6

‘Let’s get some introductions done then,’ booms Gwen. ‘Everyone, this is Jess from Capital Events. As you’re well aware, she’s here to see if she can help with our financial situation.’

Her team appear to be used to her overenthusiastic ways, so I relax my shoulders and make an effort to get with the programme.

‘Great to meet you all.’ I spread my smile as wide as I can, and give another sweeping nod to the table’s occupiers, being careful not to make eye contact with overalls man as I do.

‘Thank you, Jess.’ Gwen beams at me. ‘I’m sure the feeling is mutual. Team, how about we each introduce ourselves, so Jess can start to put things together?’

Everyone round the table seems to be accommodating of this suggestion, except overalls man. He sits forward with a borderline sneer.

‘How about we wait and see if she’s going to be any use before we get overly familiar?’

I flinch at this and immediately try to hide my reaction.

Gwen cocks her head and surveys him appraisingly. ‘Nick, I’m aware that you have some reservations about our rescue plan, but I’d appreciate it if you would at least respect the process – and our guest. You’re not exactly making the best first impression here.’ She throws me an apologetic look that’s a clear reference to our earlier conversation.

‘Sure, whatever.’ The man apparently known as Nick gives a sarcastic shrug then leans back and casually puts his hands behind his head, his not unimpressive biceps flexing as he does this. ‘I’m Nick. Head keeper here at the park. How are things since I last saw you?’

I blanch, having expected Nick to do as I was intending to do, and pretend we’d never met – for the time being at least.

‘Things are… fine. Thanks for asking.’

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