Until He Knows Why

David arrives at The Strand Vet.

Enters the premises.

A few people look up.

Where is his pet?

He walks up to the counter.

A bottle of Sterigene, please. 

Spray or bottle?

Bottle. Enough to wash four sets of clothes.

Are you going to one of those protected islands?

Yes, Te Hauturu-o-Toi.

Oh, how lucky!

How much is it?

Fourteen ninety five, please.

Very reasonable, says David. 

He pays.

The few people who were waiting to have their pets attended to smile at one another.

David walks back to the Ibis Budget with his green bottle.

That went smoothly.

Let's see how Arthur's getting on.

He has stopped at Auckland Sea Shuttle. "Any island, any time".

Yes? says Steve the owner. You after a water taxi?

To Te Hauturu-o-Toi, says Arthur. 

No worries, says Steve. Got your permit papers?

Getting them, says Arthur.

Can't do anything until I sight them, says Steve.

Arthur calls Katherine. 

Hi Katherine. Has the permit come through?

Yes, says Katherine. 

Could you email a copy to Steve at Auckland Sea Shuttle, says Arthur.

Sure, says Katherine.

Seconds later, Steve gets an email.

This all seems in order, says Steve. Who's this Katherine? She's the permit holder. Officially, she should make the arrangements.

She is, says Arthur. She sent me.

Okay , says Steve, disarmed by Arthur who looks like a poet, and also resembles a Tour de France cyclist.  Can she row?

We all can, says Arthur.

Fine, says Steve. 

A boat is chartered to leave for Te-Hauturu-o-Toi the following morning, leaving from the main landing at nine.

One way, three hundred and sixty dollars, on Gaius's credit card.

When Arthur returns to the hotel room, Gaius is watching an informational video.

Whistle! says Gaius, looking up from the video.

But Arthur refuses to whistle until he knows why.