It was nearly lunch time when Nyah arrived in a cloud of dust, her Land Cruiser pulling up just inside the foundation’s main enclosure. As she stepped out, she paused, her usual confident stride slowing as her eyes fell on the scene before her.

Bette was crouched near the baby rhino, one hand resting on its tough, dappled hide while Angelica sat in her arms. Tina stood by her watching, both in conversation about the small creature. It was a picture Nyah hadn’t expected, a snapshot of something tender, domestic, and whole. For a moment, she said nothing, just watched.

Then, clearing her throat as she approached, Nyah called out, “How’s the little bull doing?”

Bette stood slowly, handing Angelica back to Tina; She brushed her hands against her cargo pants. “Stronger. He finally latched on and recognises the milk bottles.”

Nyah nodded, her gaze lingering on the young rhino for a moment longer before flicking back to Bette. “Good. He’s a fighter.” Her tone was casual, but her eyes didn’t match it, too sharp, too serious.

Tina glanced over, giving a polite nod, but her arm subtly moved across, to find a resting place at the base of Bette’s back, protective, instinctive. The tension in the air was immediate.

Bette’s shoulders tightened as she asked. “You didn’t drive all the way out here to check on a rhino calf.”

Nyah didn’t deny it. Her gaze flicked to Tina, then settled squarely on Bette. “No. I came to talk about Joseph.”

Bette stilled recognising the name of one of the poachers they had apprehended together, only the day before. “What about him?”

Nyah’s voice dropped. “He’s been talking. A lot. Wildlife Services didn’t hold back during questioning and Joseph gave up more than he probably meant to.”

Bette’s expression darkened, but Nyah continued before she could speak. “He says Chang probably will suspect he would break under questioning. The man is caught between a rock and a hard place. He is either looking at a long prison sentence or the kangaroo court Chang will surely hold for him.  So he has nothing to lose but if, what he says is true, Bette… retaliation’s coming.”

A chill passed between Bette and Tina, at the sound of the name. Chang.