Leon was confident humans could solve the problem, while Miki hadn’t the same faith in humankind. ‘Have we managed to eradicate all human diseases?’ she asked.

‘Point taken,’ he said. ‘I’m trying to be optimistic. I don’t want devils to stay in zoos and sanctuaries forever.’

Neither did Miki. This led to a discussion about zoos. Leon told her about the trade in wildlife to supply zoos around the world and how this had led to pressure on wild populations. Miki found this abhorrent. ‘Why do people even go to zoos?’ she asked.

‘Because it’s easy. They can take their kids and see wild animals close up.’

‘Can’t they just look in books?’

‘These days you can buy a David Attenborough movie or look up YouTube clips.’

‘I don’t use the internet,’ Miki said.

Leon glanced at her sideways. ‘Because Kurt won’t let you?’

She let the question slip by. Leon was right, of course, but this wasn’t a discussion she wanted to have, and fortunately he didn’t press. He was a good listener, and she was enjoying herself. It was the most she’d spoken to anyone since Mother died.

As they drove along, Leon cast a quizzical look at her.

‘What’s wrong?’ she asked. ‘Have I said something funny?’

His mouth twisted into a lopsided smile. ‘It’s interesting to hear you talk about devils and captivity. Has it occurred to you that maybe you’re a bit like that devil running circles in his pen? Don’t you feel like that in the shop?’

‘I do get out,’ she defended, unnerved by his perceptiveness. ‘Like today.’

‘But you have to sneak out, don’t you? What if Kurt finds out and stops you?’

Miki didn’t have an answer to that. It was her greatest fear.

‘What do you want for yourself?’ Leon asked. ‘What are your hopes and dreams?’

‘What are yours?’

He paused, as if considering. ‘It’s a big question, isn’t it? I think about it a lot. A few more months in this job and I’m hoping they’ll give me more responsibility. I want to take tour groups into the park—teach them about nature … But longer term? Maybe I’ll do some more study. Get married, have a family.’ He laughed. ‘Not that I’m in a hurry for all that. It can wait till after I’m thirty. How about you? You must have plans.’

Miki’s throat locked.

‘I get the feeling you want to finish school and go to uni,’ Leon said. ‘You’re bright enough … so maybe you need to leave. Kurt doesn’t let you be yourself. He doesn’t let you live.’

‘I can’t leave,’ Miki said, tightly. ‘I don’t have any money.’

‘Kurt must owe you something. You work harder than he does.’

‘But where would I go?’

‘There are options. How about Geraldine? She might have a spare room.’