* * * * *
Half an hour later Daniel Parkins was standing beside his supply cart in the middle of a large driveway, staring at his shoes as he listened to his supervisor explain the peacock’s demise to their boss.
“That’s basically what happened.” The Head Gardener, Jeremy Hinkel rubbed his neck. “It was a convergence of unfortunate coincidences. Put simply: An accident.”
Up on the porch, Mrs. Zinger put aside her laptop, got up from her chair, and came down to meet them. “I understand. I can’t blame a man for being afraid of bees when he’s deathly allergic to them. Under the circumstances, I’d have let go of the ladder too." She stretched out a hand. “May I see it, please?”
Daniel Parkins fumbled in his pocket and quickly passed the peacock to Jeremy. His supervisor carried it to Mrs. Zinger and gently set it on her palm.
She examined it in silence for a moment.
“I’m very, very sorry, ma’am,” Daniel said. “I was being careless. I leaned out too far. It won’t happen again.”
Mrs. Zinger raised an eyebrow and glanced at him. “I certainly hope not. We don’t have presentations on ladder safety for nothing. Perhaps it’s time for another one.”
Daniel winced. “That’s not necessary. Really. I promise I—”
“Pish tosh. There’s always time for safety.” Mrs. Zinger’s fingers closed over the battered metal bird, and she flashed Daniel a dazzling smile. “I’m just glad no one was seriously hurt. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I appreciate your honesty. You may return to your duties.”
Flustered by the brilliant smile and abrupt dismissal, Daniel awkwardly stammered an, “I’ll just be going, then,” and respectfully tipped his cap. “Later, ma’am.”
Mrs. Zinger nodded as Daniel hastily retreated to the supply cart, then she turned to Jeremy. “Do you have a moment?”
“Of course,” Jeremy replied.
By the time Daniel had finished circling the driveway’s turnaround, his boss and supervisor were deep in a discussion about what to do with the damaged peacock.
Fractured Melody Page 10
