Gator Bowl Read Online Free PDF

before delicious aromas began to simmer through the warm, moist air.
    Ollie came out of the shed that housed the motorhome, sniffing appreciatively. He was covered in black grease. “What in the world is that wonderful aroma?”
    I laughed. “It’s dinner. I hope Uncle Saul gets back in time to eat. I don’t know how good this will be if it has to be reheated.”
    â€œLet me get cleaned up and I’ll give you a hand with the rest of it. I feel a big appetite coming on.” He grinned as he went into the cabin.
    I was turning the husks that held the catfish when I saw Uncle Saul and Alabaster coming through the woods.
    I knew a lot of people would think that having a pet alligator was weird—including my mother and father. But Alabaster was exactly the companion my uncle needed, just as Crème Brûlée was for me.
    â€œI probably shouldn’t have brought her back.” Uncle Saul patted her head and she wagged her tail like a dog. “I’d let her go free, but I know someone would kill her to make a pair of boots if they found her.”
    â€œBonnie seems like a good person. I think she’d take good care of Alabaster until all of this has a chance to blow over, don’t you?”
    His face got a little flushed as he looked away. “Bonnie is a good person. I’m sure she’d do the best she could with Alabaster.”
    â€œShe has a thing for you, you know?” I smiled and turned the corn. “Is the feeling mutual?”
    â€œYou see too much, Zoe.” He grinned and examined what I was cooking. “I knew I was right to leave those catfish in the fridge for you. I hope we’re gonna be ready to eat soon. I’m starving.”
    He went inside to get cleaned up, and I shook my head. No answer regarding his feelings about Bonnie. That probably meant I was right on track.
    Uncle Saul had put a collar around Alabaster’s thick neck. She was on a leash, like Crème Brûlée. The two of them couldn’t reach each other. They sat and studied each other, both of them probably trying to decide if they could eat the other.
    â€œBelieve me, Crème Brûlée, Alabaster is a bigger predator than you. You don’t want to tangle with her.”
    The alligator had a disconcerting way of grinning. It was like she could understand what I was saying. She gave me a big, toothy smile. Crème Brûlée backed off with a loud hiss and hid behind my leg.
    Bonnie pulled up in her wildlife truck. Norman was with her. They both got out and glanced around the yard. “Where’s Saul?” Bonnie asked.
    â€œHe’s inside getting cleaned up for supper. Why don’t you two join us? We have plenty of food.”
    â€œYou think I want to eat with the man whose gator ate my chickens?” Norman snarled.
    â€œSimmer down,” Bonnie told him. “I think I could do with some supper before I take Alabaster back to the compound. Norman, you do what you want. Just remember, you and Saul have been friends for years. I wouldn’t let a few chickens change that.”
    â€œYou just do your job, Bonnie. Saul and I
used
to be friends. We don’t need counseling from you.” Norman started walking away. “I’m going home. I’d better hear that gator is in custody by morning.”

Chapter Four
    Bonnie waited until Norman had disappeared into the woods again to join me at the grill. “Men are like little kids sometimes. If they aren’t squabbling about some sport, they’re fighting over something else.”
    I laughed at her wisdom. “I know Uncle Saul and my father are that way. Although I think my mother instigates it most of the time.”
    â€œThat smells really good! Saul is always saying what a great cook you are, Zoe.”
    I started putting the fish and the corn on a platter. “I learned almost everything from him. People still talk about his restaurant in Mobile. His food