Scott’s Journal
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
What started out as a silly bet during a poker game with my card shark little cousin stacking the deck has turned out to be quite the adventure as we reached our final destination. Kinsey was anxious to inquire at the hotel’s front desk regarding any messages from her grandfather. I tried to explain to her we just arrived and the fact there is no response shouldn’t be a surprise. Her patience is another virtue we need to work on. This behavior list is getting long.
As with each of our stops, Kinsey has poured over pamphlets and papers deciding what each city had to offer. It appeared we were skipping over the historic landmarks that could enrich our knowledge of our nation’s history.
“That’s boring, Scott.”
“It’s educational, Freckles.”
“I see. Johnny, what’s your opinion?”
I was outnumbered so we spent the day at the Philadelphia Zoo. According to Tour Guide Furlong this zoo was the first true zoo in the United States.
“Did you know that Scott? Did you know it was the first true zoo in the United States?”
“No Kinsey, I didn’t.”
“Well now, I don’t know about you but I feel like my knowledge just got enriched. How extraordinary.”
“Kinsey, remind me to add sarcasm to the list.”
“What list?”
While we were sitting on a bench to rest, I noticed Kinsey had grown quiet with an expression I had seen only one other time when we had been out riding the day before we left the ranch.
“You are deep in thought, young lady. Care to tell your cousin what’s going on in that complicated mind of yours?”
“I was thinking how much we have in common with the animals.”
Scott pointed towards the lion cage.
“Maybe you and that lioness over there would like to be living someplace else. Perhaps a place not so closed in.”
Kinsey smiled and looked up at her cousin.
“Perhaps.”
Scott watched the smile turn into the mischievous grin he had missed seeing.
“Actually, I was thinking more of that cage over there; how Johnny and the gorilla look so much alike.”
“Half-pint, I think my knee will be the next one you’ll be visiting.”
It was soon decided Johnny was more like the wolf, a pathfinder on a never-ending journey. Kinsey determined I was like an eagle. She said the eagle represents a creator, a teacher; someone who possessed loyalty, integrity and had a spiritual connection to the great divine. I mentioned that was quite a bit to live up too. She confirmed I was doing a fine job.
We were running late for supper by the time we arrived back at the hotel. I insisted I would check the front desk for any messages and she needed to go to her room to change.
“Do you have any messages for Kinsey Furlong?”
“No sir, I’m sorry.”
“Scott Lancer?”
“Again no. My apologies.”
Scott then remembered something Murdoch had told him. “What about Rose Garrett?
The gentleman at the front desk brightened. “Yes! A note was dropped off for a Rose Garrett.”
Looking at the name on the envelope, I’m uncertain how to begin explaining all of this to Kinsey.
S.
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