I know I got myself into this situation. Just like every other horrible situation I’ve ever found myself in. My mom says I have bad judgement. I actually have excellent judgement when it works out. Right now things aren’t.”
“I can get you the money! I can! Please!”
Rajeet pries at my fingers, snapping knuckles and tugging his shirt away.
Mac lifts my legs higher, pushing. “You’re going to pay alright. Pay now and pay later. And you’ll never ever do it again.”
The glass is at my hips. Breath comes fast. “Ah, ah, ah! I won’t. Ever! Please!”
This part of the zoo is empty. I don’t know if it’s by horrible coincidence or if Mac has his cronies keeping people away. The African dwarf crocodiles still don’t move. In fact I’ve never seen them actually move in all my various school trips to the zoo. I used to joke that the black, knobby, reptiles were just plastic models. A way for the zoo to save money. I’m really hoping I was right.
Really, really.
Rajeet finally pulls the last of his shirt from my clawing fingers. He flings my hand forward and I tip. Glass slipping to my thighs. Palms slapping the inside of the enclosure. Teeth gritted as I try to stop my fall. Swamp water, dank and rotting dampens my hair.
What kind of safety measure is a four foot high barrier? Seriously zoo! Get it together.
Or at least send security.
The dwarf crocodile closest to me flicks its eye. Swishes its tail.
Definitely not plastic.
Crap. I have to get out of here.
“Come on,” I croak. “I’ll do anything. Just ask.”