I Heard Animals' Voices novel · Chapter 24 of 24

Chapter 24: Staff, Permanent

Poppy went into labor at two in the morning, on the hundred and fourth day.

Duke had written out a list of demands.

"I want a window," he said, from the next den, pacing.

"I want a pillow. I want hot chocolate. I want to be in the room."

"You can't be in the room," I said.

"I want it noted that I asked."

"It's noted."

"Tierney," said Poppy, from the straw, in a voice like gravel being very patient.

"If he asks one more time I am going to name the first cub after the man in the green tie."

"She says," I told Duke, "that if you ask again she'll name the first cub after payroll."

Duke stopped pacing.

He sat down at the glass, with his eyes shining.

"I will be silent," he said. "I will be a rock."

"A rock with really good forearms," said Derrick.

He was standing in the doorway of the observation closet, in clean coveralls, holding the thermos.

I looked at him.

"You're never going to let that go," I said.

"No," said Derrick.

I took the thermos from him.

The closet was the same as it had been three months ago.

It still had two plastic chairs, a clicking heater and a monitor.

It had a third chair now, which belonged to the director.

He sat in the corner with the handkerchief over his face, saying, "I am only here for support."

The reptile keeper was there too.

So was the inspector, who had come for the opening of the new roof and stayed for the cubs.

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