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Grant nodded. “Yep. His surgeries were successful and he’s healing nicely. A couple more weeks, and he’ll be headed home.” He moved to the next tank. The water in this one was only filled to about half of the level. “Shelley, on the other hand, is at the beginning of her stay. She came to us about a week ago with the same condition. The tumors on her flippers keep her from getting full range of motion, making it hard for her to swim.”
Molly’s heart lurched and she wanted to reach out and touch the sweet creature. Instead, she rested her hands on the side of the tank and watched. “Is that why her water is lower?”
“Yeah. We were letting her get her strength up. But she’s doing great and ready for her surgery. We’re waiting for a vet who can do it.”
Grant had been right. The turtles were a lot more persuasive than he was. Who wouldn’t want to help out these sweet babies? They were amazing creatures who deserved to be in the ocean where they belonged. But she just wasn’t qualified. An exam of a healthy turtle was one thing, but a surgery she’d never done before was way outside of her comfort zone. “I’m not trained for that. And since I’m only in town for three months, I’ll hardly have time to get up to speed before I leave again.”
“Understandable. But it’s my job as director to ask. You know how it is.”
“I’m sorry. I wish I could, but…” She let her words trail off and watched Shelley’s slow-moving flippers make splashes as she made her way around the tank.
“Hey, you made it out to the Turtle Zone.” Claire’s bright voice broke the tension. She strolled up, pushing a cart full of stainless-steel bowls. “And it’s the best part of the day—feeding time! Want to help?”
Molly tossed an accusatory look in Grant’s direction that she hoped was on par with a cranky librarian. “You planned this, didn’t you?”
Grant chuckled, holding up both hands in surrender. “I promise you this is a total coincidence. I’m not nearly that crafty.”
Claire’s gazed bounced between the two of them. “I have a feeling I walked into the middle of something.”
The conflict building up inside Molly came out in a sigh. “Your brother was just asking if I’d be interested in filling in while your vet is out.” There was no doubt this place was amazing, and what they did here was inspiring. If circumstances were different, she’d be all in. “I wish I could, but the timing isn’t right.”
“Completely understandable. You just rolled into town and you’ll have plenty to keep you busy at Gulfview.” Claire’s words might’ve been bright, but it wasn’t helping Molly feel any better about her decision. She was doing the right thing, wasn’t she? Claire picked up one of the bowls and handed it to Molly. “But, you can still feed the turtles before you leave. Take it from me, it’s therapeutic.” She led her to a nearby tank with the name Taylor Swifty written on the board on the side. Plucking a piece of frozen crab from the bowl in Molly’s hands, she gently dropped it several inches in front of the turtle’s face. “Isn’t that right, Swifty? You’re looking good today, girl.”
Molly followed suit, dropping a piece of what appeared to be lobster in the tank. Taylor Swifty paddled over and gobbled it up in one big bite. “You’re right. This is therapeutic.” She selected another piece and dropped it in the tank, letting the good vibes of a happy turtle snacking on her favorite foods filter through her. “You said there were three parts of the Turtle Zone? If the Care Floor is one, what are the other two?” She was equal parts curious about the rest of the facility and hoping the change in subject would divert attention from the debate going on in her mind.
Grant stepped closer to her and pointed at the areas between them and the water. His enthusiasm and passion for this place radiated off of him. He pointed at the areas between them and the water. “That area in the middle with the square tanks is dedicated to the work we do with hatchlings. We currently have two one-year-old Kemp Ridley turtles hanging out there. And past that is the Discovery Lagoon.” Grant rubbed his hands together like an eight-year-old boy about to dive into a brimming bag full of Halloween candy. “The Discovery Lagoon, in case you were wondering, is the greatest addition we’ve made to Turtle Rehab since it opened and, I don’t want to be braggy here, possibly the coolest thing in all of Emerald Cove.”
Claire rolled her eyes and grabbed the next bowl off the cart. “It also happens to be my humble brother’s pet project.”
Grant shrugged with a sort of mock humbleness. “I’m just stating facts. Visiting the Discovery Lagoon is ranked the number one thing to do in Emerald Cove on Trip Advisor. If I’m allowed to quote the official review: ‘It’s the perfect combination of natural habitat for the residents and prime observation opportunity for community education programs.’”
Molly raised an eyebrow. “Perfect, huh? Well, this I have to see.”
“Then, by all means…” Grant bowed slightly, extending his arm in the direction of the large tank in question.
Molly set the empty bowl on the cart and stepped onto the central sidewalk, headed that way with Grant following along next to her.
“Grant, you have a visitor.”
He paused and turned to the voice coming from the building. Molly turned as well.
Kya, the lady from the front desk, was standing next to a man who appeared to be around their age. The man was dressed in khakis and a slightly wrinkled button-down shirt with a worn leather satchel hanging over one shoulder.
Grant’s animation faded, and Molly could’ve sworn he turned serious—or was it nervous?—for a fraction of a second. But as soon as the expression flickered across his face, it was gone, and his easy grin returned. “I’m so sorry, but I gotta take care of this.” He glanced over to where his sister was tossing greens into Teddy’s tank. “Claire, can you finish the tour?”
Molly didn’t miss the crease of concern that formed above the bridge of her nose when Claire glanced at the newcomer.
“Sure.” She set the bowl on the cart and wiped her hands on the towel hanging over her shoulder.
“Thanks.” He turned back to Molly. “Her tour might not be as detailed as mine, but you’re still in good hands. I’ll catch up with you in a few.” There was a hint of concern lingering under his lighthearted banter, and before either of them could say anything, he jogged up the path to where Kya and the stranger were waiting.
Claire watched him, her mouth twisted to the side.
“Who’s that?” Molly was well aware it was none of her business, but the unease that filled the air piqued her interest.
“An old friend from grad school, I think,” Claire said, not taking her eyes off her brother. “I have no idea why he’s here, though.”
Molly watched Grant greet the newcomer and lead him inside. This time, she was certain there was a look of unease when he glanced back at them just before they disappeared through the sliding doors.
