They Come From the Water by Wendy Dalrymple

Author:Wendy Dalrymple [Wendy Dalrymple]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Wendy Dalrymple
Published: 2023-01-27T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

“That should just about do it.” Bryan dusted his hands off on the back of his pants and propped them on his hips. It had taken over an hour, but both of the dead gators were tied around their tails and back legs with rope and hitched to the back of his ATV. It was nearly noon and the sun felt hotter than ever as it hung high overhead.

“Thank you, Bryan. You’ve really been so helpful.”

“It’s what neighbors do.” He smiled. “We help each other.”

“What are you going to do with the gators?” Joy asked.

“I was gonna take ‘em to Don. He knows some people at fish and wildlife. They’ll know what to do.”

“Good.” I sighed. “Well, I guess we should be getting on the road. I think we’ve done all we can here.”

“Yup.” Bryan stuck out his hand. “I’m sorry to see you go so soon.”

“I’m sorry too.” I slipped my hand in his and shook.

He lingered a moment, then released his grip and nodded in Joy’s direction. “Take care.”

“You too.” Joy pursed her lips and gave a weak wave.

I stood back and watched as Bryan straddled the seat of the ATV and cranked it to life. He pulled out slowly onto the lawn dragging the two gators behind him. Their white and green bodies thumped along the grass in a horrific, unnatural way and I had to avert my eyes.

“So weird.” Joy shook her head and sighed.

“Well, I’m gonna go lock up. Is there anything else you need from the house before we go?”

“No. I’m done with this damn place.”

“Me too.” I pursed my lips and leaned in to give Joy a hug. Her body stiffened but she accepted my awkward hug just the same. “I’ll call you when I hear from the realtor.”

“Okay.” She sniffed.

“I’m sorry that you didn’t find what you were looking for.” I said. “Maybe when we are both in a better state of mind we can go through some of this stuff together.”

Joy nodded. “Yeah. Maybe I can come up to Atlanta and visit the girls.”

I smiled. “That would be nice.”

“Well, drive safe.”

“You too.” I watched and waved as we parted ways. Joy got into her car, started the engine and waved back. I pulled the house keys of 14 Palmetto Lane out of my pocket for what I hoped would be the very last time and ascended the porch stairs stairs. I had no reason to ever walk over that threshold again. I stuck the key in the lock and turned the bolt with a satisfying click.

Joy’s car kicked up dust in the gravel driveway, and as she drove away. That’s when I felt eyes watching me again from the treeline again. I didn’t want to look. I knew what lived out there and I wanted nothing to do with it. I cast my eyes to the ground and focused instead on the upcoming drive home. If I could make good time, I might even be able to join my family for a late dinner.

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