Camouflage by Bindi Irwin Page A

words.”
    He smiled at the kids, who were still doubled up with laughter. “Ah, I’m afraid this word is so familiar to me, I didn’t realize it could also be funny.” He considered it for a moment. “Yes, I guess it is sort of humorous.”
    He pointed in the direction of his car, and the four walked toward it.
    â€œHere we are.” Dr. Timothy grabbed their luggage and piled it into the trunk. Unlocking the doors, he gestured to the Irwins. “Your bum station-wagon awaits.”

The ferry ride out to Pulau Ubin was short, but it was a refreshing journey after being cooped up in an airplane for so long. The scenery was beautiful. Dr. Timothy pointed out the pretty Changi coastal areas, and the coastline and mountainous regions of nearby Malaysia. The tranquillity was often interrupted by enormous jets flying overhead, but it all added to the excitement of the place. They were a world away from Australia Zoo, and it felt like an adventure was about to begin!
    The ferry terminal was a hive of activity. There was another bumboat already docked, and couriers leaped on and off three smaller boats, unloading boxes and various equipment onto the wharf.
    Dr. Timothy looked on, scratching his head in amazement. “I can’t believe we’re so close to opening. I’ve been working toward this for so many years.”
    Terri smiled at her old friend. “And we’re thrilled to be here to watch it happen, Timothy.”
    Timothy turned to the kids. “Are you ready for the tour?”
    â€œYou bet!” they chorused.
    Timothy began to guide them toward the entrance gate, where workmen were putting the finishing touches to the admissions desk. “Okay then, I think we should start with the amphibian exhibit over—”
    â€œTimmy, Timmy, come over here, darling,” interrupted a woman’s shrill voice.
    Dr. Timothy visibly sagged at the sound. He pasted a smile on his face and turned to his guests. “Ah, I must introduce you to our esteemed patron.”
    â€œWell, well, this must be the famous Irwin family. How nice of you to visit our little island,” said the small woman with the extremely large voice. She tottered over to them on her high heels. She wore an expensive-looking leather jacket and skirt, and her sleek black hair was scraped back in a tight bun.
    â€œTerri, Bindi, Robert. May I introduce you to Mrs. Cynthia Yeoh.”
    The Irwins subconsciously moved away from Cynthia Yeoh rather than toward her. “G’day, Mrs. Yeoh.” Bindi tried to be polite, but there was just something a little “ick” about the woman.
    Terri put out her hand to shake Cynthia’s, but Cynthia moved in and gave all three of them a hug. It was the most unwelcoming limp hug any of them had ever experienced. Her clothes were cold to the touch. It was almost like she was wearing…
    â€œEwww, are you wearing snakeskin?” Robert screwed up his face at the thought.
    Cynthia let out a high-pitched laugh. “Of course I am, darling boy. If I can’t wear snakeskin at a reptile park, where can I wear it?” She laughed again.
    The Irwins didn’t share her sense of humor, and looked at Dr. Timothy, speechless.
    He tried to smooth things over. “Cynthia has helped us raise funds and awareness for the reptile park,” he explained. “Her husband, Mr. Jack Yeoh, is Minister of Planning and the Environment—”
    â€œIt’s true, but everyone knows I do all the work around here!” Her shrill laugh filled the air again.
    Robert couldn’t help himself. He put his hands over his ears. She would give a flock of galahs a headache!
    Dr. Timothy continued. “Yes, she has been extremely helpful. And—”
    â€œAnd tomorrow night I’m hosting the social highlight of the Singaporean calendar!” She gave a grand sweeping gesture, as if she was addressing a theater full of people.
    â€œOh,