“Betty, he seems to know you,” teased Shane. “Do you think he may be family?”

They were observing a small monkey, chattering frantically on a branch at eye level. 

“He’s awfully tiny to be one of mine,” she giggled. 

They were in a clearing surrounded by thick jungle that borders the area.  They had been exploring a tributary that ran off the might Amazon.  Betty wore a hat with a veil to protect her from the ferocious mosquitoes that swarmed about the banks. 

            Later that same day, while wandering another bank, a feline  snarl was heard in the foliage.  A tree shook.  They spotted a jaguar stretched across a low lying limb, observing them with his unfathomable green eyes. 

“This time, I think you’re the one recognized, Shane,” giggled Betty.  “He just may be Leah’s ‘other’ uncle.”

“Janice is such a part of the Mara now that I forget she’s from Brazil and a jaguar.  Yes, this could well be one of Leah’s more rough-edged uncles.”

“As compared to a smoothie like you?” teased Betty. 

“Precisely.”

            The group was availed of several craft of varying sizes that followed the main vessel in its examination of the river’s many facets.  There were small villages, thatched homes with chimneys curling black tendrils of smoke into the sultry air.  Curious natives would come to the beaches and greet the party.  Betty filmed endlessly with her video camera.  When Shane would be engaged in conversations with Luiz about the investigative project they were embarked upon, Betty would be on her computer, writing script for her video.  At night in their cabin the couple would make love, and then speak of their lives and of the remarkable adventure they were having on the Amazon.  

            During the evenings, Betty would show the group her video footage made that day.  All agreed it would make for a wonderful documentary. 

            Ten days into the trip, Betty and Shane lay side by side on their bed in the boat cabin. Everyone had retired to their cabins after a strenuous day of exploring in canoes, the marshy tributaries of the river. Their cigarettes glowed in the concentrated darkness. 

“Betty, I’m trying to figure out a way for us to live together that would be convenient and amenable to everyone including our children.”

She felt a thrill run through her - a fluid ecstasy that invaded every fiber in her being like a searing flame.  She tried to still the trembling that accompanied such elation.

“I want you to be sure this is what you want, Shane.  I know it is every thing I have dreamed of.  But you are still wounded from Catherine’s death.  I just don’t want this to be premature.  It would break my heart if it failed.”

It broke her heart to have to say these things, but she knew it would be wrecked wholly if he came to her too soon and backed away.  He leaned over and kissed her. 

“I’m amazed these days at your perception of things.  It would break mine as well if it didn’t work.  But I still want this to be an objective we pursue.  Don’t you, FIfi?”

“More than anything else on earth, my darling.”

 Leah Simba Lyon has a fun filled life.....

  Leah and Ashley Lyon kept Shane’s children for the two weeks he was in Brazil.  Arlon Lyon was staying there as well.  He and Staci Simba had a great time playing video games.  Leah and Ashley took them to the Masai Mara premiere of her film, The Thomas Crown Affair. Sean Simba had a terrific time playing with the younger Lyon cubs.  The two cubs were entertained to the hilt in the lively, fun filled home of Leah and Ashley.  Leah, once again, took her young cousin, Staci Simba, shopping for clothes at all the right places.  Staci was enjoying her school life these days.  Surrounded by new friends and much admired as the brainy and pretty daughter of the Vice President of Kenya, she was invited to all of the key social functions in the homes of school pals.  Sean was reaping the same benefits on a level that befit his age group.

     Betty and Shane made it home for the christening of the new Simba cubs.  It was held in the First Church of the Ascending Predator.  Chief Bubba Simba was named godfather and Tookie Simba, godmother to Tarek.  The tiny Lucretia was given Sylly Cougar Lyon and her husband, Junior as her godparents.  That covered all the bases thought Chloe. 

     The kicker was a sensational after party at their new home.  It was catered by OKAPIS.  I believe that possibly the entire population of the A-List animals was in attendance.  Charlotte Elephanti, Cappie Cape Buffalo and Gerald Giraffe were there as well as Montecore.  The soiree was sheer show biz with the champagne and fine liquors flowing.  Fountains gurgled in vegetation filled spaces of the large terraced back yard. 

     Betty and Shane looked wonderful with an added radiance to each persona. 

“If Betty gets any more of a glow to her, we’ll have to check her for radioactive materials,” observed Bertram. 

“She does seem happy,” agreed Lachlan.

“She may just get her golden boy,” said Bertram. 

“She looks pretty damn golden herself,” laughed Chad Cheetah. 

     The two that didn’t appear particularly over the moon were Alexander and Lucy (Cougar) Simba.  She looked tense and he just appeared to be wretched.