Ever pulled the disposal mask over his face, looping the elastic over his ears. “How do I look?” He said, his lips pressed right against the inside.

  Jin giggled, raising a hand to cover her mouth out of habit, even though it was already covered. “That’s a bit too small for you. Here, let me get you a bigger one.”

  Ever took off the mask, which had already begun cutting into the back of his ears and disposed of it. “How come I don’t see you wear a mask, Zoe?” He asked.

  “Because I am perfect and my breath heals all the animals,” Zoe said, while reading a file. Her brow was furrowed, which Ever came to realize wasn’t a bad thing. It happened when she had a particularly interesting case, which hadn’t been that often since he knew her.

  Ever nodded his thanks to Jin, trying on the mask, which fit much better this time. The two of them exchanged double thumbs up and stood a bit out of the way as the first patient came in.

  “Helloooo matey,” the guy stomped in, not because he was angry, but because he wore steel-capped, heavy duty boots caked in dried mud. Despite the winter, he wore shorts and a short sleeve button up shirt that seemed to be the color of trees splashed with mottled shadow. He plonked a large box three feet long on the examination desk. Something powerful shuffled inside, shifting the box slightly. “How are ya, Zoe? Been too long.”

  Zoe hugged the man and patted him on the back. “It has, Reuben. Still looking after dangerous reptiles I see.”

  “Sure am!” Reuben said, putting his hands on his hips. He noticed Ever and Jin standing to the side, giving them a nod.

  “So,” Zoe said, looking at the folio again. “This is Blueblood the blue-tongued lizard.”

  “Yeah, we got called out to a property a couple hours out and this fella was warming himself right up–”

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  ^Let me out!^ Blueblood roared. The sound came out little more than a croak of sorts, but Ever could hear that the reptile was quite displeased. He came around to stand next to Zoe, peering into the cage. A pair of beady eyes, barely more than pinpricks against the darkness glared out from the little, wire door.

  “He was warming himself on an artificial rock by a pool, meant for keeping towels warm. Gave the owners a good fright. I’ve done a few checks on him, but thought I’d take him to a pro to get the full makeover.”

  “Ah damn,” Zoe said, knocking the clipboard with her knuckle. “I knew I’d forgotten something.” She looked at Ever then Jin. “The sleeping gas delivery isn’t coming until next year.”

  “Well,” Reuben said, crossing his muscled forearms. “I could try and hold him against my chest in a headlock…”

  “If Blueblood bites you, I’m not going to be held responsible.”

  “Wouldn’t dream of it, love," he said with a grin.

  “Hey,” Ever said. He walked up and put his face inches away from the cage. The lizard’s tongue flashed out, tasting the air. “We’re not here to hurt you. We just want to make sure you’re well, then take you back outside. Could you please not bite us?”

  Everyone in the room, human, animal and ghost, stared at him.

  Blueblood’s tongue flashed out once again, as if in consideration. ^Yes, but I’ll tell you if I’m uncomfortable.^

  “Sure.” Ever looked back at an incredulous Reuben and a beaming Zoe. “He won’t hurt you.”

  Reuben bustled to the side of the box. Glancing at Ever, Zoe and Jin who had come over to observe, he released the latch and opened the cage slightly.

  Blueblood came out tentatively, anxious tongue lashing out.

  Zoe stepped forward, bringing her face in as close as she dared. “I’m going to touch your face,” she said slowly to Blueblood. “Is that OK?”

  ^Yes.^

  Ever looked to Zoe and nodded. She brought her hands towards the lizard, gently cupping his scaled visage, inspecting his eyes. He visibly relaxed, tongue staying inside his mouth.

  “Mate,” Reuben said, clearly impressed. “Who are you, Steve Irwin reborn or something?”