"Uncle Shere!" Eliza gasped. She regretted her tone when Silas winced. Wasn't this choice hard enough for him? Still, this was the last thing she expected. The only time Silas ever mentioned his brother was to tell her he'd rather not talk about it. Other than that, everything she knew about her uncle was by his reputation. After all, it's hard to not know anything about the man who owned half of Cape Suzette. "But I've never even met him."

"I know." Just the thought seemed to leave a bitter taste in his mouth. "That's why I'm hesitant."

"But what about Dave or Peter?" Silas' coworkers were more like uncles to her than her actual uncle.

"They're both going for the same job. Besides, I couldn't ask them for much when they're already struggling. But with Shere, you could at least live comfortably until I can provide for us both. That is," he looked solemnly at her. "only if you're okay with it. I don't want to force you into anything."

"How about you tell me why you never talk to Uncle Shere?"

Silas sighed. "It's hard to explain. We had different choices and went our separate ways."

"So? I don't see why you hate you each other."

"We don't. Not really," Silas stammered as he tried to come up with an explanation. "Your uncle loves money and power more than anything else. He told me I could have that kind of life, but I didn't have the motivation. I chose a different path." He smiled and placed a paw on her head. "You know what that path was?" Eliza shook her head. "It was your mother." Eliza's eyes watered and she leaned her head into her father's chest. "So," he asked while hugging her. "You still think you can handle old Shere?" Eliza pulled out of the hug to look up at him. Her eyes were full of determination.

"Yes."

"Like I said, you're a trooper." His smile faded. "Let's hope old Shere is just as willing."

Up in a penthouse suite, the tall, foreboding tiger tended to his jungle of carnivorous plants. He couldn't help feeling satisfied as he watched them devour live insects. The weak had no place in the jungle. The intercom buzzed, distracting him enough to release the fly between his claws. The little creature savored its freedom until a venus flytrap savored it. Khan groaned at the interruption. He told Mrs. Snarly to take his calls so he would have this time, and she never failed him before.

"This had better be good," he grumbled, pushing the speaker button. "Mrs. Snarly, I thought I made it clear I was not to be disturbed."

"Sorry, sir, but there's someone on the phone. He said his name is Silas Khan." For once in a long time, Shere Khan was at a loss for words. He was grateful Mrs. Snarly couldn't see his expression, or she might have sensed weakness. She did, however, notice the unusual silence. "Sir, are you still there?" Khan came back to earth, though he still had a hard time processing this news. Nevertheless, he wasn't going to pass up this opportunity. Not for his business, and not for his jungle.

"Put him through." He picked up the receiver.

"Shere," came the voice he hadn't heard in years. "It's me."

"It's been a while, little brother."

Eliza would have laughed at her father being called little. If only the voice on the phone wasn't so frightening.

"So it has," Silas replied. "But I know how busy you are."

"As are you, and yet you still take time to call me. Which means you need something from me."

Silas scowled into the receiver. "What, can't I just call my big brother now and then?"

"The now is a bit far from the then, don't you think?"

"I could ask you the same." He sighed. "I hate to admit, but you're right. There's something I need to ask. It's not something we can decide over the phone. What do you say we meet for dinner?"

"Just like old times, eh?"

"Not exactly." Silas smiled at his daughter. "How'd you like to meet your niece?" A knot formed in Eliza's stomach. If Shere Khan was scary enough over the phone, what was he like in person?

A pause fell over the phone before Shere answered. "I'll reserve us a table at the Château Mormant."

Silas paled. "Are you kidding me? I can't afford that!"

"I didn't say you were paying."

"I haven't even told you what the favor is," Silas smirked. "And you're already burning money?"

"Unlike you, I have plenty to burn. Besides, I'm already taking time out of business for old time's sake."

"Alright, we'll see you there." After he hung up, the room was quiet. What can you say when you hear estranged uncle for the first time? Eliza tried to lighten the tension.

"So, does this mean I have to wear a dress?"

Khan opened a small desk draw. It was empty, save for an old photograph. He picked it up. His brother, as carefree and laid back as always, with an arm wrapped around a slim tigress. Her raven hair framed her radiant face, enhanced by her smile as she cradled her newborn daughter. Without a second thought, Khan stroked his thumb over picture's hair. As the memory sunk in, he could almost feel the soft locks. Now he was no longer sitting in his enormous, jungle-like office with a picture, but a real garden. The woman now real standing in a gazebo, overlooking a small stream with delicate white petals floating on the ripples. A light breeze ruffled her dark locks, and she closed her eyes, inhaling the scent.

"I wish I could live here," she sighed.

"You know," said Shere, "I've thought about buying this place."

"And close it off to the public?" She looked at him with a raised eyebrow.

"Which means you would have it all to yourself."

"Honestly, Shere," she giggled. "When will you learn you can't buy your friends?"

He shrugged. "Most women are interested in my success."

"Maybe you just haven't found the right one."

I wouldn't be so sure.