SHORT STORY
Alligator King
Melanie’s life is turned upside down when her friendly neighborhood pet store owner ropes her into a mission to take down an illegal exotic animal trader known only as the Alligator King
I was talking to Felicity Chapman, owner of Savannah Pet Purveyors, when my eyelash crested gecko, Toni, detached her tail. It dropped to the counter between me and Felicity with a meaty smack.
Felicity frowned. “Toni, girl, there’s nothing to be scared of — ”
An explosion on the street outside drowned out Felicity’s voice. A second later, the windows of the pet store imploded in a shower of glass, sending all of the animals into a frenzy. Parrots squawked, puppies barked, kittens meowed, and small rodents scuttled and squeaked as Felicity and I dropped under the counter for cover. I felt Toni’s little claws digging into my shoulder.
Somewhere, an alarm started blaring, adding to the ringing in my ears. Felicity’s hand gripped my wrist, pulling me up.
She was yelling something, but I couldn’t make out the words as she dragged me toward the back of the store and through a small door leading to an office. I had to shake my head vigorously before I could finally start…
