Chapter 4 — After the Rain

Luke

The storm had passed, leaving the zoo bathed in a soft, golden light filtering through the heavy clouds breaking apart in the sky. The air carried the sharp tang of ozone, mingling with the earthy scent of wet hay and damp earth. Somewhere in the distance, a peacock let out a plaintive cry, its voice echoing through the stillness. Luke Harrington stood under the canopy of the central plaza’s towering oak trees, tugging at his damp tie. His polished leather shoes, streaked with mud, squelched with every shift of his weight.