The Wildlife Games by Bindi Irwin Page B

the zoo once more, this time back in the direction of the food hall.

BINDI ARRIVED IN THE FOOD hall to see The Wildlife Games director, Stan, getting carried away in a stretcher.
    â€˜Stan, what happened?’ The paramedics carrying the stretcher held still as Bindi spoke to Stan.
    Stan shook his head, annoyed. ‘My assistant was rigging lights for the next challenge andswung a ladder round, knocking me on the back of the head.’
    â€˜Are you concussed?’ asked Bindi.
    â€˜I was unconscious for a few seconds, I think, but I also twisted my ankle when I fell.’
    Bindi shook her head. ‘That’s terrible. I’m so sorry.’
    Stan gave a wan smile. ‘These things happen, Bindi. Instead of saying “break a leg” as they do to performers on stage, I’m thinking about introducing a variation for film crews along the lines of “Don’t break a leg or knock your director unconscious.”’
    Bindi laughed despite herself. ‘It’s definitely catchy!’
    Stan’s assistant came up to him, looking seriously guilty. ‘I’m so sorry, boss.’
    Stan gave him a mock-stern look and then slapped him on the arm. ‘Don’t worry about it, mate. Could’ve happened to anyone. I shouldn’t have been standing behind you.’
    The paramedics carted Stan away.
    Declan was standing nearby, watching the crowds gathering. ‘I bet the tourists think somone’s been bitten by a croc.’
    Mimi grinned. ‘Or stampeded by a rhino.’
    Declan turned to the crowds. ‘Don’t worry, everyone. Nothing too serious. It was a concussion caused by a wayward ladder.’
    There were a few relieved giggles from the crowd and they slowly dispersed.
    Mimi looked at Declan. ‘You are so natural in front of a crowd.’
    Declan shrugged. ‘It’s no big deal to me. I’ve always enjoyed school speeches and debating.’
    â€˜You’re like the total opposite of me, you know,’ said Mimi.
    â€˜Opposites attract,’ said Declan with a smile.
    Mimi looked at her feet, trying to hide her smile.
    Anastasia and Jason were discussing whether The Wildlife Games would or could continue without a director.
    â€˜I was already questioning his direction during the treetops challenge anyway. I’m not sure he was positioning his crew right,’ said Ana. ‘I’m sure when I was doing the course the cameras were focused somewhere entirely different!’ she noted, outraged.
    Jason raised an eyebrow. ‘I don’t know wherethe film crew was, I just knew I won,’ he said boastfully.
    Ana cast him a competitive sidelong glance. ‘You remember who’s coming first overall though, don’t you?’
    â€˜It ain’t over till it’s over, baby, and I’m not far behind you.’
    Ana looked alarmed. ‘Eww, did you just call me “baby”?’
    At that moment Tara jumped on a table to get their attention. Jason was pleased that he didn’t have to explain himself.
    â€˜Okay, everyone, gather round.’ Tara called the competitors, the crew and Bindi into a huddle. ‘The show will go on, as they say. Ginny, who’s operating the camera, is going to take over as director for the rest of the day’sevents.’ Tara glanced at her phone. ‘We’re not yet behind schedule so let’s keep it that way. There are a few golf buggies waiting downstairs to take us over to the cheetah walk area, so let’s hop to it!’
    As the group headed towards the carts, Bindi sidled over to Ginny. ‘Is this going to be okay for you, Ginny?’
    Ginny shrugged. ‘It’s fine. All pretty straightforward. As long as I duck out of the way of any low-flying ladders, I’ll be sweet.’
    Bindi still looked concerned.
    â€˜Bindi, it’ll be okay. Stan and I had already discussed the shooting schedule for the whole of today,