Dead Hairy
Page 17
‘Dr Klench ran a really grotty one,’ said Abbie. ‘It was more like a bus shelter. It sold stale crisps and tap water in bottles. We’re going to build a proper restaurant.’
‘I was wondering …’ Wendy blushed. ‘Do you – would you – need someone to help out? I mean polish the teapots and wipe the crockery, that sort of thing?’
So the next week Wendy handed in her (replacement) walkie talkie and said goodbye to the boys in blue. As a leaving present Bolt presented her with a framed silver button the size of a car wheel.
And so the summer passed. Mell-Hell and Dirkstein awaited trial in prison. Abbie heard from Sergeant Bolt that Mell-Hell had asked to be put in solitary confinement, and Eindirk had been allowed to paint the Milky Way on his ceiling.
But the police never found Klench. They decided he must have fled far away because wanted posters were put up all over Europe and, let’s face it, he was a hard man to miss.
As August trickled into September the zoo prepared to open. Abbie dreaded going back to school – until Perdita announced that she’d decided to come too.
Abbie was thrilled, although she did have one slight worry. One evening, as the Hartleys and Platts were having a picnic dinner in front of Silvio’s cage, Abbie asked Perdita, ‘How many plaits will you wear to school?’
Perdita looked at her as if she’d just asked how many hairs a single-haired Bobus has. ‘How many do you think? Three, of course.’
‘Are you sure that’s a good idea?’ said Abbie, blushing. ‘It’s just that the other kids might think you’re a bit – um – weird.’
‘Abigail!’ spluttered Mum, spitting chocolate cake over her jeans. ‘Who cares? Stop worrying and have some more cake.’
We hope you enjoyed this book.
Since 1944, Mercier Press has published books that have been critically important to Irish life and culture. Books that dealt with subjects that informed readers about Irish scholars, Irish writers, Irish history and Ireland’s rich heritage.
We believe in the importance of providing accessible histories and cultural books for all readers and all who are interested in Irish cultural life.
Our website is the best place to find out more information about Mercier, our books, authors, news and the best deals on a wide variety of books. Mercier tracks the best prices for our books online and we seek to offer the best value to our customers, offering free delivery within Ireland.
Sign up on our website to receive updates and special offers.
www.mercierpress.ie
http://twitter.com/IrishPublisher
http://www.facebook.com/mercier.press
Mercier Press, Unit 3b, Oak House, Bessboro Rd, Blackrock, Cork, Ireland