When the old keeper forgot one latch, the 400-pound silverback reached through the steel

now.”

A pause.

“I can’t promise later.”

Another pause.

“But I know you today.”

Winston’s fingers tightened on the canvas vest. Tom covered them with both hands, and for a moment all the years between them seemed to gather in that narrow strip of steel: the frightened young gorilla in a transport crate, the young keeper pretending not to be afraid, the mornings continue reading …