CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Luke was getting a migraine. The case was bad enough but knowing that his grandmother was still up to her shenanigans with the animal sanctuary was making him nervous.
When the boat docked, the four men looked around to see if there was anything out of the ordinary.
“I don’t see any of them,” said Eric.
“Let’s walk around,” he said. He looked toward the security shack and waved at Charlie, one of their guards. He waved back, shaking his head with laughter.
As they walked toward the back side of the island, the seniors came into view, along with Irene, Ruby, and Mary.
“She’s got Mary involved in this bullshit now?” frowned Hex. “She’s always been so quiet and easy. What’s happened?”
“My grandmother is what happened,” frowned Luke. Nearing the crowd of people, he heard his father’s bellowing voice.
“Mama! This is not okay. How the hell are you even getting these animals as a ghost?” yelled Gaspar.
“I’m still able to use the computer, Gaspar. You need to calm down or you’re gonna have a heart attack. We got plenty of space here and the other animals don’t seem to mind. Much.”
“Mama. Semu is freaking out,” said Gaspar. “Look! Even Alvin is freaked out.”
“He is upset, Irene,” said Trak petting the head of his favorite animal, the leathery alligator.
“It’s just a little brother to him,” she smiled.
“Mama, you brought four Komoda dragons. Komoda! They’re three-hundred pounds of venomous bite! They eat smaller animals, children for God’s sake!”
“They’re sweet as pie,” said Irene. “We’ve had a long conversation and they won’t touch the other animals. They were bein’ tortured, Gaspar. They need a place to recover. They’ll eat the nutria and other rodents, keep ‘em under control.”
“Mama,” said Gaspar pushing the hair from his face. It was laced with more silver than auburn lately, thanks mostly to his mother. “Mama, they could kill people.”
“They won’t kill anyone unless we tell ‘em to.”
“Grandma, I have to go with Dad on this one. Those things are huge and they can kill.” One of the dragons moved closer to Luke and he froze in place. Alvin hissed at it and it slowed, lowering its head.
“She just wants to get to know you, Luke,” said Irene.
“Grandma, if that thing kills me, you’re going to tell Ajei.” Luke kneeled on the soft ground and waited for the dragon to move closer. “Does it have a name?”
“Of course! That one there is Penelope.”
“Penelope? You named a fucking dragon Penelope?” asked Gaspar. His head turned quickly toward the lizard, as if expecting it to speak aloud.
“Dad? What did she say?” smirked Luke.
“She said to not make fun of her name. She likes it,” he frowned. “The others are Oscar, Hank, and Mabel. Jesus, Mama. Did you pick out the name?”
“No. No, they chose their own names. Listen, y’all know that I’m not gonna let animals suffer when we have a place for ‘em. These babies are older and all they want to do is live their lives out in peace. They won’t hurt anyone, no animals except the rodents. They promise.”
“They promise?” frowned Gaspar. “So, we’re supposed to take the word of four massive lizards?”
“Yep,” she nodded. Mabel slid closer to Gaspar, nudging his leg and he leaned down, looking at the long snout and large dark eyes.
“What has my life become? I’m a decorated Army Ranger and now I’m acting like Dr. Doolittle,” he frowned. He took a chance and sat down on the ground. The Komodas slowly moved toward him, then lying in front of him.
“I need the four of you to promise me that no one on this property will be hurt, including the animals.” The dragons looked up at him and Luke swore they nodded their heads. Alvin let out a slow sound and Gaspar nodded at their old friend.
“Alright, Alvin. If you trust them, I’ll trust them. Semu? They promise not to hurt any of you. They’ve endured a lot of torture in their lives. They’re all between forty and fifty years old. That’s old for Komodas. Maybe we can give them some good years.”
“See, that wasn’t so hard was it?” smirked Mary.
“Mary, when did you decide to join the dynamic duo that is my mother and Ruby?” frowned Gaspar.
“We’ve always been partners. I’ve just been quieter,” she smiled. “Who do you think does all the computer research for them?”
The three women disappeared in a misty cloud and the animals all seemed content to welcome the four new partners.
“They don’t look like they’re dangerous,” said Luke smirking at his father. “I mean, I know they can be but hopefully they’ll behave.”
“Well, we know that they’re exceptionally strong swimmers so if we need support in the bayou or in the river, we can count on Alvin as well as them,” said Gaspar. “I really thought my life would be more relaxing in retirement.”
“Dad, that’s the funniest thing you’ve ever said. With a mother like yours, you’ll never be able to relax. Surprises will keep you young!” Gaspar scoffed as he got up off the ground.
“Yeah. Or kill me.”