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

him so much but I know now is not a good time. Dave knocks and I release my hold on him. I hear Will sigh as he looks toward Dave.

“Hey Dave, thank you for taking care of my angel last night,” he said as he takes a hold of my hand.

“No problem Bud,” Dave replies, glancing at me, wondering if I had mentioned his outbursts.

“I guess it’s time to go,” Buddy says as he limps toward the door. I slide my arm around his waist hoping he’ll lean against me as we walk towards the elevator. He accepts my support. I breathe in his scent, knowing I’ll miss everything about him too soon.

Dave opens the back door of the car and I help him in. He gasps and squints. I know he’s in pain. I hope the car ride isn’t too hard on him. I get in and Buddy leans against me, stretching his legs across the seats.

“Are you sure you can make the trip?” I ask him as I kiss his forehead.

“I am coming with you Scarlett. I’ll be fine as long as I’m with you,” he tells me as his hand rests on my thigh. Dave gets in and starts my journey back home. Although at this moment my home is wherever Buddy is. I can’t imagine living without his touch. I place my hand on his forehead as he rests on my shoulder.

“Can I get you your pain reliever?” I ask him, as I listen to his heavy breathing.

“Yes, in my bag, please,” he said with a rasp in his voice. I’m beginning to think that maybe he should still be in the hospital. I open the bag and pull out an envelope. He reaches for it. Taking out a couple of pills he pops them in his mouth.

“Don’t you need some water?” I ask him. He gulps a few times.

“Nope, I’m good,” he said smiling up at me. I kiss him, not wanting to stop. I rest my head against his as I listen to his breath.

“Driver, can you please play Somebody by Depeche Mode,” Buddy orders. I kiss his head and feel his hand rest on my thigh again. I wait for his pain meds to take effect before I try and move closer to him.

“Is he okay Scarlett?” Dave asks as we drive closer to the border.

“I think he has fallen asleep,” I said. I see Dave nod. I'm hoping he is staying calm, after his confession about not being good under pressure. I know he’s thinking of what to tell the border patrol. I sigh as I try and wake Will up gently.

“Buddy, were at the border, are you okay?” I ask him as I try and sit him up. I feel his hands grasp my arms tightly.

“Scarlett, stay with me,” he whispers.

“I’m here, I’m with you baby, but you have to wake up,” I tell him, thinking he must be having a dream.

“I’m awake angel. It’s okay Dave. Just tell them we are going to our friend Ryan’s gig tonight at Lee’s Palace. His band is playing at eight.” Buddy pulls himself together and tells Dave, patting him on the shoulder. He knows he is nervous.

“Hello, three of you?” the patrol man asks.

“Yes,” replies Dave.

“All American?” he asks. Dave nods.

“Where are you going?” he inquires as he looks back at us. I smile and Buddy nods.

“We’re going to Lee’s Palace in Toronto to watch a friend of ours perform in his band tonight,” Dave answers. The guy grins, then gestures beside Dave.

“So where’s your date?” he asks, looking back at me and Buddy again. I grin as I hold Buddy tighter.

“I’m single tonight,” Dave laughs, responding to the personal question. After a tense moment he waves us through. I hear Buddy gasp as he lowers himself back down beside me. It hurt him to be sitting up but you couldn’t tell by looking at him. He played it so well.

“It’s okay Will, rest against me. I love you,” I whisper as I kiss his forehead.

“Can you grab my meds?” he asks me. I carefully reach for the envelope without moving him. I can’t imagine him going back tonight.

“Dave we have to get a hotel room tonight, Buddy can’t drive back like this. He needs to lay flat and rest,” I explain.

“Okay, sure. I’ll stop when we get closer to Aurora then,” thankfully he complies. Buddy gulps back two more pills. I wish I had water for him. Why did I allow him to come with me? Dave pulls into a Best Western parking lot. He leans back and Buddy reaches for his wallet. I have cash in it Dave. I want a room alone with my angel,” he orders. Dave nods as he gets out. I am slightly shocked by the way Will orders Dave around. I know they are friends but it seems more like he's his servant sometimes. I think back to when Justin said even in this world we have jobs and when Dave said Will was their leader. I had so many questions but I didn't know how to ask without sounding crazy myself.

“Oh Will, why did this have to happen to you?” I cried. I feel his hand grip my leg. I almost felt as though I was sinking in some dark dream. I have him near me but he’s in pain and too drugged up to really be with me. This is not how I imagined our last night together, but I’ll take it if it’s all I can get.

“I’ve got the keys. I’ll just park then I’ll help you get Buddy in,” Dave suggests.

“Thanks Dave,” I said, grateful for his help tonight. Dave helped Buddy out as I slid out the other side. I reached for my bag and the one Buddy’s friend packed