Chapter 26

“I was showering. I’ve got to go. Keep in touch.” Evan rushes his good-bye and hangs up.

When Evan leaves the guestroom, Rene’s waiting in the lounge area, and Evan wonders if Rene heard any of Evan’s conversation with Cherry.

“How long have you been here?” Evan asks.

“Just a few minutes. I could hear you were talking, so I waited here. Are you ready to go? Who do you want to visit first?” Rene asks.

“Nanook. I have something to tell him.” Evan doesn’t know how Rene is going to take this news.

“What? Have you found out what’s wrong with the kids?” Rene asks.

“Not the exact thing, but we’ve narrowed it down.” Evan hesitates.

“What is it? An illness? Is it something that’ll kill them?” Rene asks, worried.

“I don’t know if it’s lethal, yet, but it is some kind of poison. A toxin, rather than a disease. It’s either something environmental they were exposed to, or they’ve been intentionally poisoned,” Evan says.

“Someone might have hurt the kittens on purpose?” Rene asks.