Whales and a Watery Grave: Mystery (Madigan Amos Zoo Mysteries Book 7) Read online

  I knew my mouth was hanging open, but I couldn’t help it. My interest in animals and their habitats and general welfare had meant I’d put a lot of research in over the years that covered all kinds of animals in captivity. I would never profess to be an expert on aquatic life, but I did know a thing or two about past disasters involving marine animals kept in captivity. Great white sharks were unfortunately one of these great tragedies.

  “It’s not a big shark. She’s just over a metre long. We recently built a million gallon tank that’s ten metres deep, and we’re feeding her live fish, too - something which the protesters also have a problem with.” He shook his head. “We’re doing everything we can.”

  “You must know what happens to great whites in captivity?” I said, dismayed.

  “Of course I do. I’m admitting to you that I’m not sure if we’ve made the right choice. She alarmed a couple of swimmers when they saw her in the shallows. She was half-beached when we found her and had a recent and deep wound, most likely inflicted by some sort of sharp instrument - like a fishing spear.” His eyes turned dark when he said that. “There’s not a lot of love for sharks around here. People are scared, even though they tend to stay far away from the island.”

  “What did you do when you found her?” I asked, also knowing the complications of shark transportation.

  “We sent boats out and managed to move her through the water, which we managed without a lot of stress. We were able to get close enough to the park that she was only out of the water for five minutes before we were able to get her into the tank.”

  I nodded, knowing that in spite of my huge reservations about what had been done, they had put a lot of thought into transporting this injured shark. Great whites were only able to breathe when water was being moved through their gills. Unlike other fish, who could move their gills to breathe whilst stationary, great whites needed to be in motion. Anytime spent still, even whilst still submerged, mean they began to die. Although - I wasn’t convinced that this shark wasn’t dying anyway.

  “What’s happened since you put her in the tank?” I asked, already feeling foreboding. Great whites and other open water sharks did not tend to survive in captivity for long at all. There were a few unusual cases where they’d been kept for a period of a few weeks and then released back into the wild successfully, but they’d been healthy sharks to begin with, and there were far more instances of them dying very quickly in captivity, or being released and sadly dying very soon after their return to the wild. Injured sharks tended to fare even worse.

  “She’s been much better than expected. We added some live mackerel to the tank, and she’s eaten a few of them. Although, as I said, the protesters are almost as unhappy about that as they are the shark. We try to be as open and honest as possible about what we do here at the park. We want visitors to understand the work we’re doing and that we really are trying to save marine life, not just put it on display.”

  “Is the shark on display?” I asked.

  There was a moment’s pause. “Well, yes, in the interests of education. However, there is a barrier that keeps people two metres away from the tank at all times, and we have staff there all the time to stop flash photography.” He shrugged. “It’s a tough balance to strike. We want to save the shark, but we do also have financial pressures - especially with all the recent publicity. A great white is a big deal.”

  “Because pretty much no one else has one in captivity,” I said, hearing the grudge in my own voice.

  “I would value your opinion. Auryn’s told me you have a reputation for improving animal habitats and welfare. Perhaps you’ll see something that we don’t. So far, Blanca - that’s what we’ve called her, has shown outward signs of improvement. If she continues to eat, we’re hoping it won’t be long before we can re-release her. We know she’s unlikely to be able to heal completely within our care, but just as soon as she looks like she has a chance of survival, she’ll go straight back into the ocean.”

  I nodded thoughtfully. “I’ll be happy to take a look at any animal you like. I must warn you that marine animals aren’t my speciality,” I said with an apologetic look. I knew a few things, as I’d already proven, but Auryn was right. Avery did lack in this area and that meant I didn’t have the hands-on experience I’d gained working with other types of animal.

  “But you have an instinct for these things, I can tell. Aside from that, limited experience could actually be helpful. We’re trying to get a picture of what your average visitor honestly thinks of what we’re doing here. I know you have a lot of extra knowledge, but… we just need some feedback - and fast,” he added, looking more stressed than when he’d begun talking.

  “Is there something else going on?” I asked, acting on instinct.

  For a moment, Nile looked guilty and then ashamed. “I did say it was complicated,” he began with a self-deprecating smile. “A while ago, a television company contacted us saying they wanted to make a documentary about the sea-life around the Balearic islands with a focus on conservation and the work we do as a marine sanctuary. At the time, it seemed like a brilliant publicity opportunity…”

  “But now you’re besieged by protesters and have made a questionable decision regarding an animal that famously doesn’t do well in captivity,” I finished for him.

  Nile looked down at his shoes for a moment. “Yeah, I think that just about covers it.”

  Auryn looked back and forth between us, starting to look worried.

  “We will look around the park, but… anything I say is not to be used as an endorsement or as a part of any publicity,” I said, focusing my gaze on Nile and nothing else.

  For a second he looked pained, but then he nodded. “Okay, deal. Would you mind meeting the staff? I hate to ask, but trust me when I say we could do with a morale boost around here and I know a lot of them bought and loved the comic.”

  I smiled. “Of course, it would be my pleasure.”

  “Then I will leave you to look around. Any questions, I’ll be in the office this morning. When you’re done, let me know and I’ll get the staff together.”

  After another handshake and a hug for Auryn, the head keeper left us in the turtle enclosure with the promise that the entire park and access to all areas was ours.

  “Sorry, I had no idea about most of that,” Auryn said, as soon as Nile had gone.

  “It’s okay. I understand why you didn’t try to explain whatever you did know. Nile’s right. This is a complicated situation that can only properly be understood once we’ve had a good look at the place.” I looked across at Auryn and smiled. “For what it’s worth, I get the impression that your friend is a good man with animals’ best interests at heart. However, having a strong emotional attachment can sometimes push you towards a decision that might not be the best one in the long run, but… all that remains to be seen. I’m not going to make any judgements until we’ve had a really good look around.”

  “Okay,” Auryn said, looking relieved and then pleased.

  We walked back out of the loggerheads’ enclosure and I silently noted that the surrounding wall, although pretty, could probably do with some additional security features. I knew that no one at any zoo or park wanted to start topping things with razor wire, but I always thought natural deterrents were an excellent feature, especially when the animals in the enclosure were never going to get anywhere near the top of the wall themselves. That meant there were many more plant-based security options available to you.

  “I wonder which spikey shrubs grow well in Mallorca,” I mused aloud.

  Auryn looked surprised for a second, but then grinned. “Already in business mode. Should I have a pen… or?”

  I gave him a gentle push. “Don’t be silly… but perhaps writing it down on your phone would be good,” I said, unable to refrain from being serious for a moment.

  “Happy holidays!” Auryn sniped, pulling his phone out at my request.

  “You’re the one who sneakily set up a wo
rk meeting,” I retorted, but I knew we were just kidding around. The sun was out, the sky was blue, and we had the entire marine park to ourselves. It was exactly my idea of a holiday.

  A couple of hours later, Auryn messaged Nile and we made our way over to the main office. We’d already bumped into some of the staff on the way round and I’d been impressed by how helpful and well-informed everyone seemed. Whatever course Auryn had been on with Nile, it could just be a coincidence, but both of the places they ran or helped to run seemed to share the same ‘we’re all in it together’ positive attitude.

  At least, it appeared that way on the surface.

  I’d promised myself and Auryn that I wouldn’t make any judgements before looking round the whole park, but even after we’d completed our round, I wasn’t so sure I’d got the full measure of The Big Blue. You’re not here to write a review and a plan of action, you’ve only been asked to give your impression, I silently reminded myself, reining in my overly inquisitive nature for once.

  All in all, both Auryn and I had been impressed by the park. All of the animals had appeared in good health and in suitably sized enclosures with plenty to keep them interested. At least, to the extent of our fairly limited knowledge, that appeared to be the case. It was probably a good thing I wasn’t here to do a comprehensive review, as I really wouldn’t be sure where to begin!

  “There’s always something new to learn about animals,” I mused to Auryn when we approached the bright white building, designed to look like a spiralling seashell, which contained the offices of the zoo staff.

  “I know! Isn’t this great? I’ve got so many ideas for the yet-to-be-named zoo!”

  “Isn’t that supposed to be my zoo?” I pretended to look puzzled.

  Auryn’s face dropped for a moment. “It’s just Avery doesn’t have any room…” he began and then frowned. “You’re kidding, aren’t you?”

  I grinned. “Once the zoo is at least close to being solvent, which let’s both pray it will be, I’m sure we can think about bringing in some new exhibits. Don’t you think?”

  “You’re right. But it’s so much fun being at a place that has such a different array of animals. Even if we don’t make any big changes right away, I bet Nile will have a few tips to improve things for the aquatic animals we already do have at the zoo!”

  “There is always something new to learn,” I repeated when Auryn looked a little worried again. I could tell he was concerned about stepping on my toes, but I knew my own strengths and weaknesses and I was never too proud to take someone else’s advice. Sure, I worked as an animal consultant for the zoos who needed assistance, but I wasn’t infallible, and I would never claim perfection. I sought to do everything I could to help animals, but that didn’t mean there couldn’t be anything more done. There would always be something else, something new, and that was just one of the pleasures of working with animals.

  “Hey, what did you think?” Nile asked, greeting us with a big grin.

  “Everything looks great. Your information placards are really informative and I didn’t see any animal in poor condition. Well… apart from the animals who had their injuries or illnesses explained on their enclosures,” I allowed. The park was, after all, striving to be an animal rescue.

  “Great! And the, uh… shark?” he asked, raising his dark eyebrows.

  Auryn and I exchanged a look.

  “She doesn’t look great in terms of the damage done, but you explained that,” Auryn began. “You know we’re not marine specialists, but she was swimming around okay and even went after one of the fish that are in there with her.”

  Nile nodded. “That’s all I hoped for. Now, come in! Everyone’s together in the meeting room.”

  We walked through the plush building that somehow had the scent of a holiday property. I was still admiring the white walls that only seemed to work in a hot country when the door to the room was pushed open and…

  Applause broke out.

  Nile smiled and gestured that I should enter.

  I walked into the large room, finding it packed with what must surely be the entirety of the park’s staff.

  “I can’t believe she’s really here!” I heard someone say.

  “Our staff come from a diverse array of countries due to our need for marine specialists,” Nile explained, when I must have looked startled by the strong Irish accent. “Apparently quite a few of the keepers here were reading Monday’s Menagerie before it hit the big time.” He raised a dark eyebrow at me. “I advise you take that with a pinch of salt. Salt is something we have a lot of here,” he concluded, a little nonsensically. Perhaps there were some flaws with the language barrier after all. “Even so, all of the staff here love your comic because it’s something they can relate to. You know what it’s like looking after animals and the things that visitors say and the craziness that happens with those animals who really have strong characters.” He smiled and shook his head. “Obviously your comics are about the animals I’m guessing you both care for, but we can still relate, believe me.”

  “Thank you,” I said, quite startled by that revelation. I’d always intended Monday’s Menagerie to be light-hearted amusement, but I’d never stopped to think too hard about the inspiration and any deeper meaning that could be attributed to it. I loved drawing the comic because it made me happy, but Nile and the zoo staff had made me realise it was also a way of reflecting on life and seeing the brighter, hopefully funny, side.

  “Will you sign my book?” someone called out from the crowd, waving a hardback copy of the comic.

  “Of course I will,” I said, feeling uncharacteristically nervous. I was used to standing in front of zoo staff and talking about animal welfare and habitats. Heck - these days, I was used to standing in front of rooms full of press and talking about the comic. But it was weird to have this surreal crossover.

  A dozen more copies shot into the air when I said yes. To my surprise, they weren’t all the plush hardbacks of the most recent print run. Some were the paperbacks I’d shipped to fans of the original webcomic.

  Some of them were real after all! I thought, feeling an inner smile glow. It had crushed me when I’d learned that the crowdfunding campaign had been a manipulation to tempt the target of an MI5 operation into approaching me, but it was crossing my mind now that, beyond the set up of the campaign, there could be a chance that the huge show of support wasn’t just a big hoax. After all, it had been funded way beyond the 100% needed to succeed. Only now was I seeing that I hadn’t been wrong to believe that there were genuine fans of the comic who’d supported me from the start. It was just a big surprise to learn that this group worked with animals!

  After Nile had finished introducing both Auryn and me to the staff, we had a chance to mingle and enjoy the casual lunch that Nile had so clearly planned for us. Auryn and I exchanged a look over the sandwiches, both of us suspecting that this wasn’t so much a lunch for an old friend, but more of a welcome for the visiting more-famous-than-she-realised author. Just so long as they accept I’m not going to be giving out any endorsements, I silently promised. The only place I would be sticking my neck out for was Avery and the new zoo. Anything else was just foolish.

  When we were on our tenth or eleventh new face, I began to notice a trend. Everyone’s small talk focused on the documentary being made at the zoo, which was apparently due to start filming pretty imminently. I sensed that there were a lot of frayed nerves. It also didn’t escape my notice that no one mentioned the currently absent protesters. I wasn’t so sure that all the nerves were due to the documentary itself. The Big Blue Marine Park was fighting a battle and I knew from experience that Auryn and I should do our best to steer clear of getting involved.

  We were on holiday and nothing was going to distract us from doing, well… nothing!

  “I’m Doreen Lopez, PA to the park’s manager, who is away at the moment. Pleased to meet you,” a middle-aged woman with dyed golden brown hair and a Mallorcan tan said, sticking out a
hand for me to shake. There was something about her manner that struck me as far more formal than most of the others had been.

  “Nice to meet you. I’m sure you’re the person responsible for keeping everything running smoothly,” I said, reaching for a compliment when she looked at me for a long time without speaking.

  “Not really,” she said, with an expression I didn’t know how to read. Perhaps it was the language barrier getting in the way again. “What do you think of this documentary?”

  It was a question I’d already been asked several times by the other staff members we’d met, and I’d given vaguely encouraging responses every time. But there was something different about Doreen’s question. She seemed more serious, more stressed about it.

  “Do you think there’ll be a lot of press coming? The people presenting it are supposed to be quite well-known…” She glanced across at Auryn, trying to read a reaction off his face. I noticed that her hands were clasped together so tightly her knuckles were white, and I could see little crescent moon indentations where her nails had dug into the back of her hand.

  “I’m not sure what the press are like in Mallorca. You’ve probably got a much better idea about that than us,” Auryn politely replied, shooting me a look that conveyed his curiosity about this woman, the same that I was feeling.

  She shook her head. “I think this is a bad idea. There’s so much that can go wrong. The press are always out to get the good guys. I feel we are in trouble.”

  I felt my eyebrows lift up a little at the frankness of this woman, whom we’d only just met. “I’m sure time will tell. It might not go as badly as you think. From what I’ve heard, the filming is going to focus on the work the park does rescuing and rehabilitating sea life. They’re not doing an exposé, and from what we’ve seen of the park, there’s no need to worry. I’m sure once the filming crew have set up, everything will run more smoothly,” I told her, wondering if the reason for her stress could be all of the pre-filming demands of organising the shooting to come, fused with the unfortunate protesters. I did not envy Doreen Lopez’s job.