Big Game Read Online Free Page A

complain about their view. The windows were all set rather high in the wall, near the ceiling, designed to let light in rather than let Rhonda see out. One of them was broken, but in an odd way. Cracks were radiating out from around a small circle.
    â€œIs that a bullet hole?” I asked.
    Athmani and Dad froze on their way to the door, then looked the way I was pointing. Up to that moment, there had been a noticeable sense of relief at finding Rhonda was unhurt. Now it instantly vanished.
    â€œIt definitely looks like a bullet hole,” Dad observed, concern in his voice. Then he told Rhonda, “Turn around.”
    The rhino obeyed. Like many of the large mammals, she had been trained to follow some simple commands to aid the keepers and vets in taking care of her. It’s easier to ask a rhino to lift her leg than it is to try to lift it for her. Dad and Athmani quickly examined Rhonda’s other side. Thankfully, there wasn’t a bullet wound anywhere.
    â€œShe wasn’t hit,” Athmani said gratefully.
    â€œThen where’d the bullet go?” I asked.
    Before anyone could answer, a FunJungle safari rover roared up outside. The muntjacs we’d startled before scattered once again, barking up a storm. The rover skidded to a stop next to the rhino house, and Chief Chuck Hoenekker clambered out.
    Even though it was still well before eight a.m., Hoenekker was dressed impeccably in his security uniform. His shoes were polished. His tie was crisply knotted. His pants and jacket were ironed. Hoenekker also sported a military crew cut, and his muscles bulged beneath his starched shirt. He gave me a hot stare as he entered the building and said, “It’s a violation of security protocol for you to be in here.”
    â€œWe have bigger problems,” Athmani told him. “Someone fired a shot into this room.”
    Hoenekker’s eyes widened in surprise. “Was the rhino hurt?”
    â€œNo,” Dad said, then added, “Looks like she got lucky.”
    Annoyance crept back into Hoenekker’s gaze. “I told you both not to enter this room. This is now a crime scene, and you have compromised it.”
    â€œWe were worried that Rhonda might be wounded,” Athmani said. “Or worse. We didn’t have time to wait for you.” Rather than facing Hoenekker, he was staring at the bullet hole in the glass. Keeping his eyes locked on it, he walked around the room as though imagining the path the bullet had taken.
    â€œWell, as chief of security, I’m now in charge,” Hoenekker said. “My men and I will handle this investigation. So if you’d kindly leave the premises . . .”
    â€œJ.J. McCracken hired me to advise you on security issues,” Athmani interrupted.
    â€œI didn’t ask him to do that,” Hoenekker growled. “I know how to run an investigation. I don’t need your help.”
    â€œYou might,” Athmani countered. “I’ve dealt with rhino poachers in Africa too many times to count.”
    â€œWell, this isn’t Africa.” Hoenekker stepped into Athmani’s path. “I’m in charge here, and you are interfering with my job. Don’t make me pull rank on you.”
    Athmani didn’t answer him. Instead, he pointed at a divot in the cement wall, near Rhonda’s side of the metal fence. It was down by the floor, and there was a round hole in the middle of it. “That’s where the bullet hit.”
    â€œAm I going to have to physically remove you from these premises?” Hoenekker asked.
    Now Athmani met his gaze, glaring angrily. “Maybe you ought to care a little bit less about your job and a little bit more about this rhino.”
    Hoenekker started toward Athmani angrily. “I care plenty about this rhino. . . .”
    Dad quickly stepped between them. “We’re leaving,” he said, then took Athmani by the arm and led him toward the