The Elephant Whisperer: My Life With the Herd in the African Wild by Lawrence Anthony (the ebook reader txt) 📕

but I had a feeling they weren't friends. If I can remember correctly, they had been arguing. I heard the front door open and close but I didn’t hear Dave behind me until I turned around, catching him watching me. I leaned against the counter as I drank the tap water. It was a little warm but I had a headache and an unquenchable thirst.

“I guess we can go to the hospital now?” I suggested. Dave walked towards me, standing in front of me, not saying anything. He began to make me nervous. I looked away from him.

“Scarlett, you know this isn’t over don’t you? It is just the beginning of a battle that has been years in the making. Both sides have been preparing for this and the attack on our leader is the first move. It is just the beginning. You know you have to leave this place right? You are in danger if you stay here, especially since they know Willem has chosen you. Especially since they know you are a witch,” he said, glaring at me. I gasped, about to question him but he continued.

“Will didn’t see who attacked him but you did. Once they know that Justin is looking for them, they'll come get you for revenge. That’s how the demons play,” he said, staring at me.

“Why did you involve Justin then and what do you mean I'm a witch?” I snapped at him.

“I didn’t involve Justin, one of the nurses from the hospital recognized Willem and told a few people, throwing confidentiality out the window,” Dave snapped back. I could tell he was furious. He opened a bottle of vodka and took a drink before handing it to me.

“I had Joey, a friend of ours stop by Will’s house and gather up whatever he could find that might be yours, it’s here in this backpack,” he said as he handed it to me. I quickly rummaged through it. My journal was there along with all my clothes. Even my Depeche Mode tee shirt.

“Looks like all of it,” I sighed as I ran my fingers over the rope on my wrist, the one Buddy made me. I placed the one from Lily on my wrist too. Both of them felt warm beneath my fingers. I watched Dave walk over to the stereo and turn up The Dead Kennedy's. Fuck Me Dead is not helping me relax.

“So what’s the plan Dave?” I asked as he paced back and forth in front of me. I was too frightened to ask him any more questions that might anger him.

“We go get Will out of the hospital and we drive you back to Canada. Then when Will gets back we pack him up and I bring him to college, where he should have gone last year,” he grumbled. I know he cares about Will but he is really starting to piss me off.

“Fine Dave, let’s go,” I said, throwing my backpack over my shoulder. He stopped pacing and stood in front of me.

“I’m sorry Scarlett, I’m just no good under pressure,” he apologized, holding his hand out for me. He was like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

“Let’s go see Buddy.” I managed to say. He’s amazing under pressure but I didn’t say this to Dave.

 

CHAPTER TWELVE

I’m feeling a little nervous as I walk towards Will’s hospital room. I’m afraid to see him all broken and bruised again. I slowly open the door as Dave waits in the hall.

“Buddy,” I call when I see that his bed is empty. Maybe he switched rooms. I turn to the door when I hear my name.

“Scarlett?” I watch as Buddy limps out of the bathroom. He’s managed to put his jeans on and he's walking. His chest is wrapped tightly and he has clean bandages on his head. I hold back my tears as I walk to him. I carefully touch his cheeks and kiss him gently. I hear him moan as he tries to hold me.

“It’s okay, just let me do the touching now,” I whisper to him as I wrap my fingers between his.

“I know what’s going on baby and I know what I have to do, but it hurts,” he tells me as I stand in front of the man I love, knowing I have to leave him.

“Dave’s going to take me home today. Apparently I’m in danger if I stay here,” I said, kissing his neck, breathing him in. I missed him last night.

“I’m coming with you Scarlett Rayne,” he informs me as he reaches for his shirt.

“You can’t wear that,” I said, taking it from him. I turn and walk out, calling Dave.

“Give him your button up shirt. He can’t put a tee shirt on,” I ordered Dave. He quickly takes it off and hands it to me as I toss him Will's tee shirt. I leave him in the hall as I walk back into the hospital room.

“Let’s try this,” I smile as I help him dress. He’s looking into my eyes again, with his serious, painful gaze. I’m having trouble hiding my pain as I kiss him, buttoning up his shirt.

“Won’t the car ride be too painful for you?” I ask him. I can’t handle putting him in any more pain.

“I have a secret pain reliever. I had a good friend bring it by this morning. I’ll be all set. You just have to sit in the backseat with me. We’ll let Dave drive,” he grins as his fingertips land on my hips.

“I’m not sure the doctor would agree with too much of that,” I said as I ran my fingers along his thighs. I’m going to miss this, I think as I carefully nudge him closer to me.

“I always disobey doctor's orders,” he smirks as I feel his muscles tense beneath my hands. I want