Chapter 7 – Best Laid Plans…

The day after the bombshell proved to be a productive one. Alice's organisational skills came to the fore and Danny's surgery was arranged for three day's time. But it turned out that that was just the tip of the Iceberg. By lunch time she had the Vet's surgery schedule worked out for the next fortnight and had also managed to put some semblance of order to Dup's days by blending the tasks the family relied on him to accomplish with a mixture of whiskey and food breaks. The former included solely to pacify the Afrikaner when Alice's initial attempts at a schedule met with resistance. Whilst everyone appreciated that things were likely to crop up that couldn't be planned for, a proper schedule for the more mundane tasks made them a little more bearable all round.

Unusually for Leopard's Den everything was running like clockwork and Danny couldn't help but admire a woman's capacity for organisation. As well as Alice's successes on the Veterinary/animal side of things, Caroline and Nomsa had the guest/tourist side of things running like a well-oiled machine. This left Danny a few moments of alone time to climb up to the rocky outcrop Dup called his 'thinking place'. From the first time he had been privileged to go Danny had understood exactly why Dup loved it so much. It afforded those brave enough to reach it a view of Leopard's Den capable of taking even the most ardent cynic's breath away. Now sitting admiring the beauty before him Danny tried his hardest to remember every detail, if this was to be his last opportunity to see it first-hand he wanted to be able to recall it in all its splendour every time he closed his eyes. Lying back he allowed the healing properties he had always believed this great continent possessed to restore his ailing body.

A quick glance at his watch when awareness finally returned told him he must have fallen asleep. A couple of hours had slipped by and the midday sun was already sitting majestically over African skies. Knowing that if Alice and the others weren't already worrying, they soon would be he took one last long look at the stunning vista and started the journey home. Fatigue was creeping up on him. The last time he had ventured up to this part of Leopard's Den, some years ago now, had been full of exhilaration and excitement. The difference this time was marked, his health was failing and he realised for the first time just how quickly his condition was deteriorating.

The afternoon was spent packing a few belongings for the hospital trip into a small, black backpack; a few bits of clothing to begin with alongside some essential toiletries and one or two personal knick knacks of sentimental value. The final thing and perhaps the most important was his favourite photograph of the family, stood all together arms round each other, real smiles that reach the eyes. Taken at dusk as the sun dropped below the horizon it created a special atmosphere to the picture and it was one that Danny had always loved. Often when at his lowest that image had lifted him and he hoped that when he opened his eyes after the operation it worked its magic once again.

Olivia hadn't run far after leaving the dinner table the previous night and Thabo had found her pretty easily. The young man had consoled the teenager into the small hours, and utilising all his powers of persuasion had tried and failed to convince her to stay or at the very least speak to Danny one last time. But young both in years and in experience she just couldn't bring herself to do it. So it was no surprise when no-one saw her again. Now however though the confused vet had been putting off speaking with her all day, knowing it would haunt him for the rest of his life if he didn't he went in search of her. Finding her sat on the Veranda with Jana and Charlotte he watched in awe as the 10 year old seemingly knowing intuitively that the impending conversation was private made her excuses and walked back into the house. "It amazes me sometimes just how wise that girl can be…"

"Unlike me you mean?"

"I didn't mean... "Dejectedly the elder man tried again. "I was just trying to break the ice…"

"Oh right, because I'm so horrible to talk to you have to find a way in first, can't just get on with it and say what you have to say…"

"Well maybe I would if you dropped the stroppy teenager act and actually listened for 5 minutes." Frustration fuelled by hurt got the better of him and the rebuke came sharp and harsher than intended. Remorse flooded through him and his apology was immediate "I'm sorry Liv…" But the apology died on his lips as he realised that his outburst whilst inadvertent had also been effective and now having his step daughter's undivided attention, took a deep breath and began to speak the only way he knew how, from the heart. "I'm not angry or upset Liv. I understand you wanting to go back to England. But I can't let you leave like this. You're my daughter and always will be. I suppose I just needed you to know that I love you and for as long as I can provide it you'll have a home here if you ever need it. You can tell Evan the same goes for him as well…"

"You want me to tell Evan he's your daughter? I'm sure he'll be thrilled." A smile played on her lips and Danny knew they were ok.

"Very Funny!" He spoke with mock annoyance but smiled too and held her tight. They had made their peace and both felt immeasurably lighter for it. "We'll sort your flight out in the morning ok? I might still be in hospital when you leave, I'll ask Dup to run you to the airport. Do you want me to ask Nonsa to help you pack?" Catching the standard 'Daaaannnnyy' look on her face accompanied with rolling eyes he quickly continued "No, no of course you don't! Ok I'll be leaving you to it now." Watching him walk away a million thoughts tumbled round her mind. She had been so sure leaving was the right thing to do, so sure she couldn't cope. Now doubt had crept in and left her questioning everything she thought she knew.