“Is this something you’ve found interesting or does it pertain to me personally?”
“That depends.” Erin’s eyes shone and an enigmatic smile curved her lips. She always became especially animated when she spoke about journal secrets.
“On what?” Devon really didn’t have time to indulge her mother if this was nothing more than an intriguing legend.
“Whether or not you’re serious about Ian.”
That caught Devon’s attention. She scooted to the edge of the chair as she asked, “You think Ian is this Guardian of the Ancients?”
“I’m not sure. I think he knows more about it than he’s been willing to tell me.” She nodded toward the journal. “Read through the entries I marked before you ask him about it. See if he’ll explain what it all means.”
Devon looked longingly at the journals. It would be heaven to soak in a hot bubble bath while she read through the journal. Her mind needed the reprieve as much as her body. “I have to work my way through my inbox first. I can’t afford to alienate possible donors.”
“I’ll send over some sandwiches. That way you can’t say you didn’t have time to eat.” Erin stood and started for the door. Then she paused and looked at Devon. “What did Dr. Garran say? Have they been able to reverse Dhane’s transformation?”
“They hadn’t when I left the clinic last night, but I haven’t called for an update.”
“They’ve been working ‘round the clock trying to sort through all the things they recovered in the mountain raid. Paul called in a genetics team from University Hospital to help them make sense of what they found.”
“Are the geneticists human?” At times Therians had no choice but to confide in a very select group of humans. Still, Devon knew enough about what the backers were trying to accomplish to be uncomfortable with any human being included in the research.
“Paul would never endanger the Therian nation. He knows more about our physiology than anyone else. If the researchers are human, Paul must trust them.”
Devon just nodded, but the possibility bothered her long after her mother had gone. She began processing the donations and sent each donor a thank-you on behalf of the sanctuary staff. It was time-consuming and tedious, but necessary. The gift shop and tours generated revenue, but continued operation was largely dependent upon the generosity of private donations.
As well as Hailey, the sanctuary employed a part-time teacher who conducted tours and various educational programs, a maintenance man and two high school helpers. Alex Garran was on call for when any of the cats needed medical treatment. All in all everything ran smoothly and Devon was proud of their accomplishments. The sanctuary was nationally recognized as one of the best rescue operations in the country.
Hailey stopped by with the promised sandwiches and Devon took a quick break to eat with her.
“The lion cubs are so dang cute. I can hardly stand it.” Hailey took a bite out of one of the sandwich halves. “Our tour slots filled up fast when I put pictures of them on the brochure.”
“Well enjoy them while they’re small. They grow incredibly fast.”
Hailey caught Devon up on other sanctuary happenings and then their conversation turned to Hailey’s favorite subject, men. “What do you think about Payne?” she asked in a dramatic whisper.
Devon laughed and wiped her mouth with a paper napkin. “I don’t know him well enough to have an opinion. He’s been friends with Ian for a long time, but I don’t know much about him.”
“He has the most amazing eyes. And that accent.” Hailey pressed her hand over her heart and sighed. “He could talk me into anything.”
“Somehow I don’t think he’d have to try very hard. You’re easily persuaded.”
Hailey gasped, eyes wide with feigned outrage. “Are you questioning my honor?” She suddenly had a southern drawl.
Devon just shook her head. “Your talents are wasted here. You should be on the stage.”
“I’m not sure that was meant as a compliment, but thank you.” She tossed the crust of her sandwich in the trash can and stood. “I better get back to work. My boss is a real hard-ass.”
Pausing to savor the tranquility of her ordinary life, Devon finished her sandwich and refilled her mug before settling back in behind her desk. She glanced at the monitor, which was patiently scrolling through a sunset screensaver. Then she picked up the phone and called the Garran clinic.
“Dr. Garran, may I help you?”
The voice belonged to a female, which identified the speaker. “Hi Lenore. It’s Devon. I was calling to check on Dhane.”