“No, dummy. Look over there.”
I turn to where she’s pointing—just as a pair of giraffes stroll past the entrance like they own the place. We run to the fence and watch them go. A second later they’re followed by a small herd of camels trotting along as happy as can be.
“What the fuck?” says Allegra. “That can’t be right.”
“It’s not.”
I point farther down the zoo walkway.
A pack of wolves slinks quietly along after the camels as tropical birds flutter by overhead.
“Oh shit. Those poor camels.”
She looks at me.
“You have to do something.”
I look right back at her.
“Like what? Turn the wolves vegan?”
Allegra grabs the bars as zebras and coyotes shoot by. Howler monkeys crawl around the top of the entrance.
Allegra starts to say something and I hold up my hand.
“If you want to go inside now and play Noah, forget it.”
I look around for a guard or a security van in the parking lot. Instead, I spot two limos. One has the license plate dthslt.
“Shit.”
Allegra says, “Who’s that?”
“Fucking maniacs. Rich maniacs.”
“Wait. You mean people did this on purpose?”
“I think they do it for kicks, but this is the stupidest one yet.”
“And they’re inside?”
“Probably.”
“Great. Let’s crash the party.”
“Are you crazy? There are wolves running around.”
“Yes. And you can handle it. Come on.”
I take a breath. I don’t know when I’ve seen her this excited.
“Doctor, is this a good idea? With me being in such a fragile mental state?”
She looks guilty.
“I know this is crazy and I’m asking a lot and, no, it’s probably not good for you, but . . .”
“But what?”