Looking out the window of my room, I notice a large cage off to the west. I chew on my cheek, wondering what’s in it. My curiosity getting the best of me, I leave my room and head toward it. At the bottom of the stairs, on the opposite side of Landon’s office, I find big double doors leading off the back of the house, and exit. The smell of fresh air makes me stop to inhale its crisp scent. A smile creeps on my face as I make my way toward the cage.
Getting closer, I notice the cage is actually an exhibit, like you would see at the zoo. There are gilded bars where I stand, but further back it goes into a concrete housing where whatever animal is in here can escape from the open. Looking around the exhibit, I notice lots of trees and thick ropes, a couple of tire swings, and a hammock hanging. I furrow my brows, not sure what was, or is, in here.
Movement catches my eye near the back, and my mouth parts.
“Is that a—”
“Gorilla.” I look over and see Landon standing next to me. I didn’t hear him walk over here I was so lost in the exhibit. My eyes catch his hand, noticing his knuckles are bleeding.
“You should wrap that up.” I lift my chin toward his injured hand. Landon glances down and flexes it.
“It’s fine,” he mutters. I smirk, his bad-boy attitude a complete turn-on.
“That’s Jaheem. He doesn’t like anyone,” Landon explains, pointing toward the primate. Landon looks like a child right now as he watches Jaheem stretch and yawn. My eyes dart to where Jaheem came from, and I find another gorilla walking out.
“That’s Ebele. She’s a lush for a treat.” Landon laughs and I echo it, watching the two apes wake up lazily.
The two apes hold hands and walk toward us.
“Awww,” I coo.
I lift up on my toes, excitement building as they come to us. I catch Landon looking at me from the corner of my eye. When I turn, I find him smiling, an unreadable expression on his face, but one that makes my heart pound harder.
The apes stand in front of the bars, just inches from us. I’m shocked at how close they are. Their fur is the blackest of black, matching their eyes. Jaheem is muscled and toned, with a little bit of silver coloring around his ears. Ebele is rounder and chunky, with silver along her neck.
“Hey, Ebele,” Landon greets, putting his arms through the bars to touch her. Ebele gets excited, her mouth parted while she shifts from foot to foot as Landon holds her hand. My heart just explodes. To see Landon show such care and love toward an animal, I know there’s more to his story. This right here, and the man he was in the hotel that night, that is the real Landon.
I smile and look over at Jaheem, who is staring at me intently, tilting his head back and forth as he looks at me curiously. I don’t break eye contact but just smile at him, letting him know I’m friendly. He thrusts his fists into the ground and closes the gap between him and the bars. His quick movement and size has me flinch backwards as he grasps the bars and brings his face to them. I look at Landon, confused if I should pet him or not. Landon’s face is scrunched in confusion, as well, little wrinkles forming on his forehead.
“I’ve never seen him do that before. He won’t come to anyone.” Landon shakes his head like he can’t believe it. I take a deep breath and slowly raise my hand to touch Jaheem. My heart beats wildly against my chest as I move closer. I close my eyes and push my hand forward, caressing the soft fur. I open my eyes and find Jaheem has closed his, enjoying my touch.
“Holy shit,” Landon mutters. I give an uncontrollable laugh and deepen my petting.
“Hey, buddy, I’m a little offended,” Landon jokes, walking up beside me. Jaheem opens his eyes and peers up at Landon before taking off toward Ebele.
“I come out here several times a day, see them to bed, give them treats and toys, and his ass never comes to me. I always have to leave his things for him to collect when I’m gone,” Landon explains, watching Jaheem preen Ebele.
“They’re magnificent,” I admire. I grip the bars, watching Jaheem show love and care to Ebele. They look truly in love with the way Ebele looks up at Jaheem as he picks at her fur. They are letting out little noises back and forth, talking to each other, lost in their own world. I furrow my brows, looking at their surroundings.
“They should be free,” I mutter. I look at Landon for his reaction, and notice him sigh and run his hands through his hair.
“I agree. I’m working on it.” He exhales.
“My grandfather got them from a circus years back. My grandmother didn’t like the way they were being treated, so he just bought them off the guy. As much as I don’t want to see them go, they deserve to be free. I’ve been looking for the right home for a couple years now,” Landon admits, putting his hands in his pockets. “I want them to have something big and deserving. Not something where someone throws some slop their way twice a day.” He shrugs and looks at me.
I nod in agreement and look back at the gorillas.
“They have programs where they can teach them how to survive on their own, don’t they?” I ask.
Landon nods. “Yes, they do, and I’ve called a few people. I’m waiting for a call back is all.”