Page 47 of Sporting Chance
“You don’t believe that,” said Carl.
“No, but I also don’t believe we need to waste resources in finding her. He seemed the more aggressive of the two according to all the kids we interviewed. We know from several people we spoke to that she is still male and female. I’m going to guess she’s either in South America completing her transition or…”
“Or?” asked Nathan.
“Or, not.”
They all turned toward the door as Carter and Julius entered with their parents.
“You both look well,” smiled Hex.
“We are. Thanks to all of you,” said Carter. “Mama and I are headed back to our house. It’s all fixed up now and Mama has a better job. Thank you.”
“We’ll see you out here for training, right?” asked Eric.
“Yes, sir. Three times a week until I can get my license and a reliable car. Then I’ll be out here every day. Mr. Gunner said I had a lot of natural talent. I’m happy with that.”
“Mr. Gunner knows his stuff,” smirked Eric. “And you Julius?”
“I’m going back to JuCo and I’m happy about it. I’m healthy, I’ll live a long full life and I will never, ever again touch a drug that I don’t know what’s in it.”
“Words to truly live by,” said Cam. “Best of luck to you all.”
“Thank you,” said the Hendersons.
“I owe you everything,” said Mrs. Granger.
“You don’t owe us a thing,” smiled Luke. “Just take care of that fine son you’ve raised.”
When they were gone, the men sat silently for a long moment, then smiled at one another.
“That’s why we do this,” said Hex. “Healthy, happy families. Your grandfather said it best, Luke. Sometimes we let the bad guy go, to make life for the good guy better.”
“Amen, brother. Amen.”
“Luke! Luke, you need to go out to the animal sanctuary,” said Sniff.
“Me? Why me? Dad’s the one handling that now,” he frowned.
“Well, let’s just say our population has grown again.”
“What?” said the entire team in unison.
“Uh, well, it seems that Penelope was pregnant. We have more Komodas than we thought.”
“How many more?”
“Fifteen.” He bit his lower lip as the men all gasped, staring at him, then at Luke. But his reaction was not what they expected. He burst into laughter, slowly standing to head out to the island.
“Call the zoos and wildlife sanctuaries we work with. We can’t keep them,” he chuckled. “What’s dad doing?”
“He’s being assaulted by baby dragons that he claims are calling him ‘papa’.”
“And Grandma? Where is she?” he laughed as they followed him toward the docks. Sniff laughed with him, shaking his head.
“As expected, nowhere to be found.” Luke continued to laugh.
“Well, let’s go boys. A little distraction after a horrible week. Just what we need.”
