| A Free Escape

Her straight dark hair was cut into a severe jaw-skimming bob. She was maybe Amon's age, and her features were sharp and angular, save for her round, rather prominent brown eyes.

There was a light pause. 'Maski? It's… it's good to hear from you. Is everything all right?'

Ava's heart thudded as she heard Maski's name. And from the look on Aramin Black's face, everything clearly wasn't all right.

'An intruder? Was he apprehended?'

Ava looked at Amon. Were they talking about Jack?

'Well, I'm sure it's only a matter of time,' said Miss Black.

Amon gave Ava a reassuring wink.

'No, everything's well in hand over here.' Miss Black's brown eyes glanced shiftily about, and Ava shrank back behind the screen. 'Are your white wolves all set to leave the zoo tonight?' the woman asked. Then she gave a forced, tinkling laugh, like someone pouring beads into a glass. 'Very well. Goodbye.'