“Mission accomplished.” I smiled at him. I was wondering how he had managed to be in charge of so much at such a young age.
“Lilaria has a long relationship with birds, and I was very excited to receive a spot at this zoo. I feel that I can do a lot of good for our avian friends here.” He led us through the exit door and into a small schoolhouse setting. There were models of birds, a poster listing extinct species, and a wall with windows into a nursery type of room where tiny birds hopped around and chirped loudly. There were TVs along the top of the room, showing footage of birds in flight, raptors chasing ever-changing clouds made up of thousands of sparrows. It was an impressive educational tool and obviously directed at getting people interested in birds—especially children.
“The Future Bird Trust helped pay for this building.” Jeremy put his hands on his h*ps and looked around the room. “There is a heavy emphasis on education.”
“That’s excellent. We need to teach children why it’s so important to preserve what we have.” I watched some of the hatchlings with a smile. I missed the birds.
“It is important, but I feel like we should also reach out to the adults in charge of things now. Otherwise, there won’t be as many birds when the children grow up.” Jeremy stood next to me and stared into the nursery. “I’d like to start a promotion that targets adults.”
“What do you have in mind?”
“I have several ideas, including setting up falconry classes and holding events for parties, wedding receptions, and conventions here at the zoo. A set fee would go to the care of the animals, but it would also give us a chance to introduce large and sometimes influential groups to the birds.” He leaned against the glass and looked at me. “I’d also like to run advertisements in the papers and with the news stations. There is a community-sponsored channel that is willing to do a series on birds with the zoo.”
“Those are all ideas that could work.” I tilted my head in thought. “I’d also say to not underestimate the amount of power a well-educated child has on their parent. I’ve seen a lot of families take up recycling because their children insisted.”
“Oh, we’ll keep the programs we have in place, but I’d like to target the immediate threat directly.” He moved a little closer toward me and I found myself stepping backward to put space between us.
I nodded my head and moved farther away, walking around the little room, taking in the posters and little odds and ends that had been strewn about the room. Becca was watching me closely and had taken a closer spot to where I was standing. I knew she could tell that I had become uncomfortable. Chadwick was checking his watch and raised an eyebrow in my direction.
“May I call you Samantha?” Jeremy followed close behind me and I had to keep from rubbing at my skin. He seemed nice and he was bright, but I had a feeling that he didn’t see me as a human or even as a biologist—he saw me as a means to an end.
“Sure.” I didn’t look at him, instead I motioned toward Chadwick. “Look at this, Chadwick. This is an article my advisor was credited in.”
“Oh? That’s interesting.” Chadwick flipped through the periodical. “He must be very good at his job.”
“Yes. He’s one of the best.”
“I heard you studied with Dr. Geller.” Jeremy looked over Chadwick’s shoulder. Suddenly I had a feeling the periodical had been placed there just for my benefit.
“Yes, I was very lucky.”
“You must have hated giving up that spot.” Jeremy shook his head. “I know how much work goes into that stuff.”
“Yes, it hurt, but I hope to resume my studies in the future.”
“Well, if you’d like to work with the birds here, we’d be happy to have you.” Jeremy sat on the bookshelf next to me and crossed his arms. “We’re always in need of knowledgeable volunteers. And it might be nice for you to get your hands dirty again.”
I laughed. It was true that I would probably enjoy working here, but the fact was I’d also be under constant scrutiny. “I’ll keep that in mind. I’m sure I’ll have a chance to be hands-on once on my property.”
“Will they let a duchess do any work?” Jeremy laughed. “Lilarians take their royals very seriously.”
Chadwick glared over at Jeremy. Even though I was American I could see why that statement would bother those born here. It was in his tone that he didn’t think that much of the royals in general.
“I know that Prince Alex does a lot of hands-on work with the FBT, so I’m sure if I want to help out here, no one would say otherwise.”
“And that’s why you’re America’s Duchess.” He gave a throaty laugh and I felt myself cringe again. So he thought I would do what I wanted just because I was American? I guess he had a point, but it still seemed rude to bring that up while I was invited here as a Lilarian duchess.
“So, what other animals does the zoo house?” I walked toward the door, not acknowledging his comment.
“A lot of the basics: lions, apes, antelopes.” He jumped ahead of me and held the door open. “We had a baby elephant two days ago. Would you like to see her?”
“I’d love to.” And I meant it.
“Right this way,” he said.
The baby was still ungainly and stayed close to the mother, but I was in love with all the adorable wrinkles and clumsy feet. “Chadwick, look at its legs! They’re all wobbly.”