“Well,” I said to Jeremy. “Thanks for showing us around. It was great running into you.” “Hey,” said Jeremy. “Don’t leave yet. Let’s call Dr. Leland now.” He got out his cell phone and tapped in the number. He held the phone close to my ear so we could both listen when Dr. Leland answered. His curly red hair tickled my temple, and I got a slight tingle down my spine. When Dr. Leland answered, Jeremy’s hand, which was on the phone, touched my ear. My heart thudded. I felt funny, standing so close. I usually like my space. “Yes, Jeremy,” came Dr. Leland’s voice. “We did finish the necropsy a few minutes ago. That pilot whale had unfortunately swallowed several plastic bags and other pieces of plastic that had abraded its stomach. The plastic bags were preventing it from getting nutrition. It starved to death.” “Starved to death?” I drew in my breath and tears started to my eyes. I told myself not to cry in front of Jeremy. Poor Nick! “Yes,” Dr. Leland continued, “it’s a very unfortunate result of people throwing trash into the ocean.
