Page 34 of Scammed

“Well, then,” smiled Nine. “Let’s get to work.”

Matthew was waiting for the men as they stepped off the plane at the Robicheaux airstrip. Marcel was the first off the plane, walking right up to the man and looking down at his face.

“I didn’t tell them everything, Matthew. Forgive me,” he asked.

“Marcel, my child, there is nothing to forgive. You were honest and gave them the truth they needed in the moment. I appreciate that you told them only what needed to be said. It’s alright,” he said, hugging the man.

“You called me ‘my child,’” said Marcel.

“I did. Like all the boys here, you’re one of mine,” said Matthew.

“I think I like that,” nodded the former ghost.

“Pops? Nice to see you,” grinned Gaspar.

“I just wondered if you boys had any questions about what Marcel told you,” he smiled. They all looked at one another, then laughed. He knew everything. Absolutely everything.

“No, Pops. I think I’m coming to grips with the idea that I don’t need to know everything. But I know I’m damn glad you’re ours. You’re our Pops, and I’m forever grateful for that.”

Matthew just laughed, hugging each of the men as they followed him toward the SUV.

“Well, that’s good to hear. Come on, let’s go visit the new lion.” The men chuckled, then Gaspar stopped, gripping his father’s sleeve.

“Lion!”

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

“Lucy, you said that we were getting tiger cubs, a giraffe, a baby elephant, and two bison,” said Gaspar. “Now, I’m seeing the bison, Buddy and Bob, and they’re fucking huge. I can’t help but see the damn giraffe, Jura, although she sure is pretty. The elephant, Kala, is a sweet little thing. All five hundred pounds of her. And Tabby and Taboo, your little tiger cubs are growing fast. But now, now, you tell me we’ve got a lion as well.”

“Gaspar, please just let us introduce you to him,” said Claire. “He’s beautiful, and he’s older, but he needed a place to heal.”

“Heal?” frowned Gaspar, staring at their wild animal expert. “You brought an injured lion to this property?”

“He was abused,” said Dex, walking up with Sniff and Striker. “He was in a wildlife park, and I use that term loosely, but they weren’t feeding him properly, nor giving him the right diet, and his enclosure wasn’t well maintained. His paws are cut.”

“He’s going to eat all of you,” said Gaspar, shaking his head.

“Dad, please. Just come and see. His name is Hekima. It means wise.” Lucy pulled on her father’s hand, leading him toward the enclosure. Sure enough, lying on a massive rock, sunning himself, was the lion. As she opened the enclosure door, Gaspar followed, only to be sure his daughter wasn’t eaten alive.

“Hekima! Come, Hekima,” she said, patting her thighs.

“He’s not a fucking kitten!”

“Dad, please. Just relax, you’re scaring him.”

“I’m scaring him. Right.” To his surprise, the old cat stood and slowly sauntered toward them. When he was beside Lucy, he rubbed his head on her hip, and she began scratching between his ears.

“Pet him,” she smiled. “He’s very sweet.”

“He’s looking at me like I’m dinner, Lucy. I’m a big, juicy steak for him.”

“That’s what we’re trying to tell you, Gaspar,” said Striker. “The park removed his teeth and his claws. This old guy has no defenses at all.”

Gaspar frowned, looking down at the majestic beast. He ran his hand over the velvety soft fur, then through his thick mane.

“We’ve washed him, treated him for a few things, and now he’s getting the proper diet to maintain good health and live long. His claws will grow back, but unfortunately, his teeth will not.”

“And when the claws come out again?” frowned Gaspar.

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