Page 9 of Killer Moonshine

“Grandma, he’s a thirty-year-old alligator. He’s already beat the odds. But yes, he’s going to make it. He just got nicked by a boat motor somewhere. You’ll be alright, won’t you, sweet boy,” said Lucy, stroking Alvin’s head.

“I’ll never get used to my wife treating an alligator like it’s a chihuahua,” frowned Sniff.

“First of all, he’d be closer to a mastiff or Doberman, not a chihuahua,” grimaced Lucy. “And second, he’s so well-mannered, I’d trust him anywhere. Now, help me lift him down. He can go back to the bayou. He’s okay now.”

Sniff lifted the big gator and gently set him on the floor, watching as he walked out of the clinic as if he owned it. Three of the dogs were seated in the waiting area and just watched him move. Sniff could have sworn they nodded at him, but he wasn’t sure that was possible. Was it?

“How are my other babies doin’?” asked Irene.

“Surprisingly well,” said Lucy. “Claire has been handling the tigers and lions. She says they’re sweet as lambs and just happy to have a safe home. The others are all well-adjusted, although the flamingos and peacocks seem to constantly be vying for attention.”

“Well, your grandpa is expanding the island for them all. Poor dears need more room to roam, and you never know what might be coming.”

“Grandma, you promised Dad that you wouldn’t bring anymore here unless you spoke to him. We already have the equivalent of a small safari park. I know you’re fine with rehabilitating them and sending them home, but we can’t keep doing this,” said Lucy, staring at her grandmother.

“I’m aware of our limits,” said Irene. “But I won’t leave a poor animal out there hurtin’ or needin’ a home. It ain’t right.”

“I agree, Grandma, really, I do. I just think we should be careful about what we bring here. Too many animals could start to draw unwanted attention, and that could shine a light on all of us.”

Irene started to argue with Lucy but knew she was right. She had to be careful about shining a light on her boys. She’d never forgive herself if they were put in harm’s way because of her passion for animals.

“I hear you, child,” she nodded, kissing her cheek. “Now, how are my new pups doing?”

“Why don’t you come and see?” smirked Sniff. He held out his arm for Irene, and they walked toward the massive open-air kennel that held their dogs.

The dogs at Belle Fleur were treated better than many humans. They had heated and air-conditioned enclosures. They were fed the best animal food every day. They were given love and attention by more people than they’d ever seen in their lives. And they were all trained for either protection, security, bombs, drugs, cadavers, or as service dogs.

“Oh goodness. Those don’t look like the sweet hairballs that were left at our gate,” she frowned.

“That’s because they’re not,” he laughed. “We’ve identified them as half-Newfoundland and half-Neapolitan Mastiff. Lucy thinks they’ll grow to be between one hundred and fifty and two hundred pounds, judging by the size of their paws. They’ll be great protectors for the kids here on the property.”

“Have you named them?” she asked with anticipation.

“That always gets left to you,” smiled Sniff, kissing her cheek.

“You’re a good boy. Alright, let’s see here,” she smiled, kneeling in front of the massive pups. “Three boys and one girl. Redwood, Everest, and Tank. And this sweet girl, she’ll be called Beulah.”

“Beulah!” laughed Sniff. “Irene, that’s terrible!”

“Nonsense. I had a Great-aunt Beulah. Lovely woman, although a bit on the hefty side. She was the most nurturing, caring person I knew.”

“Alright,” he chuckled. “Redwood, Everest, Tank, and lord help us, Beulah.”

The damn dogs’ ears actually perked up, staring right at him. Their tongues came out, their tails wagging, and they stormed his legs, knocking him to the ground.

“See, they like the names,” she laughed. Sniff looked up and saw a dark face staring down at him.

“Oh, hey, Trak.”

“Where is Alvin?” he asked.

“He’s fine. Lucy put a few stitches in him, and he’s good as new. Went back to the bayou for a swim.”

“Thank you, Lucy. I was very worried about him.” He started to walk away and then looked back at them, Sniff still lying on the ground with puppies crawling all over him. “Get off the ground. You’re scaring the other animals.”

Sniff could only shake his head at the whole event. If it weren’t for Mama Irene and her penchant for saving every animal on the planet, he might actually be able to enjoy some alone time with his wife. As it were, he was lucky to get feeding time with her at the animal sanctuary. But the truth was, they both loved it.

“Mama?” called Miller. “We had lunch at a pretty interesting restaurant today. The owner sent some food for you and a few recipes.”

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