Chapter 19 Wednesday, 1030 hours (10:30 AM)

Rom began to feel that things might just work out. His scouts were safe, and Derek and his son had been found. And it might just be possible to save the Ithaca werewolf community.

"Our job now," said Derek, "is not to get caught. After we get our provisions, we should go back to Jungle World and stay there. You guys should probably stay in hiding there until this zoo business is over. I don't think it makes any sense to try to get to the outside."

"Yeah, I've been thinking the same thing," said Rom. "Mr. Cave and his crowd probably think my scouts are out of the zoo, and of course, they don't know I've broken back in. Since nobody's looking for us, Jungle World probably the best place to stay until this is over."

Rom knew this wasn't exactly true. He needed to get out of the zoo with scouts, Derek, and Jeffrey, and make sure the men who saw the cubs change never got a chance to talk to them. That just might be enough to save the Ithaca Pack. Why did I ever tell Derek where I was from.

"After dark," said Derek. " I'll go alone and try to free Jeffrey."

"No. I'm coming with you. My scouts will be fine without me for a few hours."

"That's not it," said Derek. "I'm afraid you might get caught."

"Me? I won't get caught."

Rom and Derek were moving toward the Lakeside Cafeteria and Gift Shop, when they noticed activity off near the Polar Bear habitat.

"Let's sneak over and see what's going on," said Rom.

"No. Let's just get what we came for from the Cafeteria, and go back."

"Aren't you curious?"

"A little, but--."

"Come on," urged Rom, "Let's get just a little closer and try to see what's going on."

"Okay, okay. But careful."

They looked without success, for a hiding place that was close enough to see into the polar bear area. They did find a place though, from where they could monitor CALF's movements.

"That cart looks like it's filled with video equipment," whispered Rom.

"Maybe they really are going to do a documentary film."

"Look at that," whispered Rom again, "in that cart. It looks like all the CALF bigwigs. But who's the guy between the two guards."

"One of the hostages. I recognize him. He was the only likeable guy in the whole lot."

"He doesn't look very happy. I wonder what's going on."

"He's an animal photographer," said Derek. "Maybe they're trying to get his advice on the filming."

Derek and Rom stayed watching until there was nothing else to watch. No more carts came driving into the bear area.

"I think we might be able to get closer," said Rom.

"I wouldn't."

Then they heard a scream. It was a blood-curdling cry of agony, abruptly cut off.

"Let's get out of here," said Derek. "Now."

"Yeah," said Rom.