Page 11 of Running with Direwolves
“A piece of him?”
“A strand of hair, a few cheek cells. His DNA is highly prized.”
Tarl crumpled up his face as though in pain. “That’s disgusting.”
“That’s what happens with a find of this magnitude.”
“But the poor creature…”
She sighed and cupped his cheek. “I agree, and it’s whyI’m glad he’s in my care. I have the power to protect him, to be his advocate, make sure he isn’t treated like some test tube laboratory experiment.”
“I’m so glad it’s you.” He set his warm hand over hers. “Please, let me come with you, to see him, just for a moment.”
“It’s important to you?” She could see it was, hear it was.
“More than you can ever imagine.”
“Then get dressed, I’m leaving now.” She finished her coffee and set the mug in the sink.
As she put on her boots, Tarl dragged on his sweater and stamped into his boots.
Soon they were crossing the street and heading down the alley that led under two park tunnels and toward the zoo. Autumn was encroaching and the first of the leaves had fallen and collected in small piles along the way.
“You have gray wolves at the zoo, right?” Tarl asked as it came into view.
“Yes. You saw the photo. You don’t like them, do you?”
“No, and neither will the direwolf.”
“How do you know that?”
“I have an interest in wolves and I know that different species of wolves, foxes, coyotes, avoid each other. They find their scents and their howls repugnant.”
“Really? I didn’t know that.”
“It’s a fact.”
“Gosh, I learn something every day.” She used her pass to swipe into the staff entrance. “Hi, Ted, hope you had a good night.”
“Huh.” He stood. “I’ll be glad to get home for some peace. Your wolves have been at it all night. Kept half the city awake I should think.” He looked at Tarl. “Who is this?”
“A friend, and a visitor. I’ll sign him in.” She reached for the logbook and a pen. “He’s not staying long.”
Ted shrugged.
Tarl, without a word, wrote his name in the book, his first name only, and no contact number. She frowned at him.
“I don’t have a phone,” he said, “never had the need.”
She paused. “Really?”
“Yeah.” He shrugged.
“Fair enough.” But it was odd. How would she contact him if she wanted another round of fun? “This way.”
She led him into another room where they stepped through a footbath to clean the base of their boots, and then she collected her keys from the locker.
Tarl was straining to look through a window. He was clearly very keen to see the direwolf.
