The Survivor (Eve Duncan #30)

Bailey looked at her in surprise. “I don’t have to be careful. They’d never hurt me. They’re very gentle. Sometimes when they’re mating, they fight a little, but it doesn’t last long.” She waved as she increased her pace to catch up with Maya. “And they’re smart, they’d realize you wouldn’t hurt them, either…”

Cade was beside Riley and nudging her back into the jeep. “Come on, we’ve had our marching orders. Let’s find this cave Maya was talking about. Maybe we can help get the animals settled when the shepherds start herding them into the enclosure.” He started the jeep. “And I have a couple calls to make before we get tied up as Maya’s prime unicorn-sitters. I knew she might spring something like this on us, but I didn’t think the chances were very good.”

“But you’re glad we came.” Riley was studying his expression. “You lit up when you saw those horns. You’re still excited.”

“You’re damn right I am.” He was struggling to keep the jeep on the road as he negotiated the rough terrain. “It’s not that often I find a wild species that we haven’t managed to try to kill off over the centuries. I had hope that the Saola might be saved in Laos, but I might have had to spend a decade hunting them down.”

“Laos?” She was holding tight to the seat belt as she was jarred against the doorjamb. “Saola? What are you talking about? The last I heard you were being called the Elephant King because of your work saving the elephants from poachers. Now you’re hunting down deer?”

“Only very special deer. I’ll explain the difference once I get those calls out of the way.” They were approaching a huge opening in the cliff that was guarded by two sentries. “And that must be the cave Maya was talking about. We may have to call her and get permission to pass those guards. We don’t want to cause any trouble when she’s been cooperative about assigning us that unicorn headache to solve.”

“Solve? Which you just told me that you’re happy about. You’re not being consistent.”

“I couldn’t be more consistent than when I agreed with Maya that her bringing us to see those deer might cause a riot,” he said dryly as he got out of the jeep. “I can almost feel the vibrations. Let’s find out what other mischief we can stir up.”

They had less than an hour for Cade to make his calls and get in touch with Kirby at the base camp before the deer arrived at the cave, driven by Maya and the shepherds. It was snowing harder by the time Cade was finished, and the deer were restless and willing enough to get out of the cold and ice.

“You wanted to help?” Maya called to Cade and Riley. “Give us a hand. Food always distracts them. That’s why we always keep the caves supplied. They expect it when we bring them down here.”

“Not a bad idea,” Cade said. “In this case, I’m glad that they’re normal enough to be tempted like any other animal in jeopardy.”

“Where’s Bailey?” Riley asked. Then she saw the girl across the cave beside a female deer, gently stroking her neck. “Never mind. As long as she’s safe. Tell us what to do, Maya.”

She grinned and motioned. “Follow the leader.” Cade and Riley joined Maya and together they managed to get the animals settled enough to be fed grass and grain by the shepherds and sentries. But it was only after a few hours that they felt relaxed enough to take a break and Maya told the shepherds to make their coffee and afternoon meal.

Riley hesitated, her gaze going to Bailey who was still with the doe. “Should I go get her?”

“You can try,” Maya said. “But I don’t think she’ll be ready to come yet. She’ll want to make certain that the doe has had enough to eat.” She smiled. “Why don’t you take Bailey a muffin and a cup of tea and see if you get lucky. At least she’d like to introduce you to Riva.”

“She’d pay more attention to you. You’re everything to her.”

“That’s why I don’t have to compete,” Maya said. “I want to make sure you know how special she is.”

Riley shook her head. “I know that already.” She shrugged. “You’re completely weird, you know.” She turned toward the fire. “I’ll take her a snack. I do want to meet her unicorn friend.”

“Of course you do.” Maya smiled. “That’s why you get along so well. You’re both into unicorns and searching for lost queens and saving the world. I told you that you and Cade were perfect.” She poured herself a cup of coffee. “And while you’re busy with Bailey, I’ll go and give Cade a minor third degree about what he’s planning to do about the unicorns and decide whether I’ll go along with it.”

“You shouldn’t have brought us here if you weren’t willing to let him do what he wants,” Riley said curtly. “You as much as made them a part of the deal. Whatever he decides, it will be right for the deer.”

“Perhaps. But I’ll have to decide. It’s my job.”

Riley shook her head. “I don’t think so. You brought us into this nightmare. Now you have to let us do what we have to do.” She grabbed a muffin and a cup of tea. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll go chat with your daughter. As far as I can see, she’s much more reasonable than you.”

“I won’t argue on that score,” Maya said quietly. “Though I’ve always tried to keep the bad things from touching her. And I always will.” She started to move toward Cade. “I believe Cade feels the same about you. He has the instincts of a caretaker. But you’re not a child and it must annoy you.” She’d almost reached Cade. “I’ll talk to you later, Riley…”

“Hi, Bailey.” Riley set the muffin and cup of tea on a boulder next to where Bailey was feeding the deer. “I brought you a bite to eat. But you seem to be busy. May I help? You did promise to introduce me to your friend here. Her name is Riva?”

Bailey nodded. “That’s what I call her. I like the sound of it. It’s like music.” She reached down for a brush and began to gently stroke the animal’s back. “I’ll eat my muffin later. She got a little excited on the way down the mountain, and brushing makes her calmer. Though I guess she gets bored because she’s going to have a baby. I wish I knew what she was thinking all the time. Sometimes I believe she’s trying to tell me stuff, but I’m never sure.”

“She looks like she’s getting close to her time,” Riley said. “I’m no expert, but I’ve spent a lot of time in native villages while I was growing up and been present at birthings. She looks like she’s almost ready.”

“I think so, too.” She stopped brushing and turned to look at her. “I’m a little scared. I’ve been reading books and studying how to help her since I realized that was what was happening with her. But I don’t know if I’ll do it right.”

“Then we’ll find someone to help. Maya will probably know a vet she can call on.”

Bailey was frowning. “You don’t understand. The female deer are very fragile. The males are strong and have great endurance, but the death rate of the does is twice that of the males. We can’t bring outside doctors because no one can know about the unicorns. Mama says that they seem to be very sensitive, and in the past when the caretakers have taken a chance and brought in outside medical help, they usually die within a week. That’s why the shepherds usually help with birthings. Chaim is wonderful. But Riva won’t let him near her. I’m the only one she’ll let touch her.” She moistened her lips. “But maybe she’d let you help.” She quickly stepped aside. “Will you put your hand on her?”

Riley reached out and tentatively touched Riva’s neck. The deer swung her head to stare at her. Those huge brown eyes were magnificent, Riley thought. They seemed to be full of curiosity and wisdom and a strange wonder. Then the deer slowly, caressingly rubbed her head back and forth under Riley’s hand before she turned back to Bailey.