The Forgotten Eden by Aiden James Page B

the hell’s up with you now, Jackie?’
    “‘ I think Jack’s expecting some common courtesy from you, son, before he starts telling his story again,’ Grandpa explained. ‘You’d be wise to let him finish uninterrupted. At least I’d appreciate it.’
    “ Jeremy sighed and rolled his eyes. ‘Let’s just get this over with quick, all right?’
    “ They both looked over at me, and this time my brother did seem more interested in what I had to say about the strange lizard in the backyard. I would’ve relished the moment had this been the first time I told my story. But I could hardly wait to finish. This only exasperated my grandfather, who made me repeat several points and give him more specific details. Finally, once I’d finished my second narrative, I leaned back in my chair at the kitchen table and awaited the critical reviews, fidgeting again as my audience stared back in silence.
    “ Grandpa spoke first.
    “‘ I was hoping to see if the critter you saw today matched anything else that’s ever been reported around here, Jack’, he said. ‘I don’t think I’ve read or heard about any lizards or anything else quite like that. I mean, the Indians around here used to trade wild stories about giant leeches and serpents living in or around the Black Warrior and Tombigbee rivers, but no unusual lizards. At least none I know of. I should’ve gotten up off my lazy butt earlier and taken a good look at the damned thing when it sat on the porch. But, that other thing you brought in here this evening....’
    “ He again looked outside into the growing darkness, turning the porch light on along with the backyard floodlights for a better view. Once satisfied there wasn’t anything amiss for the time being, he shrugged his shoulders and turned his attention back to us, both still seated at the kitchen table. Jeremy stared blankly at the wall behind me. As quiet as a church mouse, I would’ve bet my life he was wondering where exactly Grandpa had thrown the mysterious object.
    “‘ Well, if I do catch sight of anything like what you saw earlier today, I intend to fill its sorry hind end with buck shot,’ he advised, moving back over to us. ‘I reckon it’d be better, though, if the damned thing just stayed away from here. Period!
    “‘ Anyway, I’m taking the shotgun with me to the living room as I’m sure either one of you boys can handle the Winchester just fine if that lizard or anything else tries to come through the back door.’
    “ He headed for the dining room, which sat adjacent to the kitchen, glancing back toward us just before disappearing from our view on his way to the living room.
    “‘ On second thought, why don’t you boys join me?’ he called from the dining room. ‘I’m sure we’ll be up to the task of responding if needed, and I believe the Braves are on television tonight. Be sure to bring the rifle, so we’ll have it handy.’
    “ I stood up and noisily pushed in my chair toward the kitchen table, drawing another irritated look from my brother who stood up with me. I caught up with Grandpa as he stepped into the living room. Jeremy lingered in the kitchen for a few minutes longer as he needed another cigarette. But once done clearing a few dishes from the dinner table, he grabbed the Winchester and joined us.

    ***

    “ Are you still with me so far, Agent McNamee?” asked Jack. “I’m probably boring you to death with this shit.”
    “ Not at all,” Peter assured him. “ There are quite a few references to this ‘ Season’ your grandpa mentioned in the books I brought, so again, everything you’re talking about has relevance for me…. Are you ready for another Coke? I see you’re done with the one you’ve got in your hand. I’m afraid that poor can’s about to be split in two, by the looks of it.”
    “ Yeah, I guess it is,” Jack replied, slightly embarrassed. He hadn’t noticed the torn seam across the empty can’s middle, and set it down near the