Quinn kneels beside him, pointing things out as they speak softly to one another. I glance down at my watch. It’ll be time for lunch soon and maybe a nap. He doesn’t take them much anymore, but it’s been an exciting day. We’ve been walking for hours, and when the excitement wanes, he’s going to drop like a stone.
“What do you say we get some lunch, guys?” I ask.
“Sounds amazing,” Quinn says.
I smirk. “Of course you’d say that, sassy. What about you, little dude?”
“I’m hungry, too, Daddy.”
“Okay, a few more minutes here and then we’re going to find some food.”
“Yes, sir,” he mutters glumly.
“Will you guys be okay here while I run to the bathroom?” I ask, peering across the way at the building marked ‘Mens’.
“Yeah, we’ll be fine. Right?”
“Right,” Rolly agrees.
I hurry across the lot, hoping to beat a line. After finishing my business, I wash my hands and step out into the sunlight. I find the two where I left them. A large man in baggy khaki pants, white canvas shoes, and a white T-shirt bumps into her shoulder hard, making her stumble. The hairs on the back of my neck stand on in. Sunglasses hide his eyes from view, but evil intent oozes from his pores. I can’t hear him, but I see his lips move. She shrinks away, pushing Rolly behind her, and I see red. My fists ball as I stalk over.
“We got a problem?” I ask.
“No. Just telling her she should watch where she’s going.”
Stepping in front of her, I stare at the dark squares that hide him from me. He gives an abrupt laughs and walks off shaking his head. He walks away and a bitter taste fills my mouth. I don’t like the exchange.
“You ready to go, Quinn?”
“Yes, please,” she whispers.
“What did he say to you?”
“That people who didn’t watch where their step might get hurt.”
I gnash my teeth and glance down at Rolly who seems to be oblivious to the seriousness of the situation. Good.
Wrapping my arm around her waist, I place a hand on the back of his neck as I lead them in the opposite direction of where the man disappeared. “Time to head out. Did you have fun?”
I continue to scan the area as I keep him engaged.
“I did, Daddy. I’m glad we saved the orangutans for last.”
A prickling sensation on my back fills me with urgency. “You’ve been walking a long time today. Can Daddy help you out?”
“Piggyback?”
“Of course.” I move to the side and squat down so he can climb up. The minute he’s secure, I take Quinn’s hand and haul ass.
“Ollie?”
“Just a feeling.”
“Me too.”
We traverse the park in half the time it would normally make and quickly secure Rolly and pile into the truck. The minute we leave the zoo and hit the highway, I can breathe again.
Reaching across the cab, I grab her hand. “Are you okay?”