The Care and Feeding of Exotic Pets Read Online Free PDF Page B

it, she shuddered, but then she tried to smile. “Beautiful.”
    â€œGlad you think so.”
    â€œIs he vegetarian? You know, I’m vegetarian.”
    â€œSo what.”
    He pushed her back into the dining room, letting the kitchen door swing closed. She was relieved to be away from the creature even as her kidnapper pushed her again with both hands, and she stumbled against the wall. He leaned over her, one hand on either side of her head.
    â€œYou’re one of those women who like to talk, aren’t you? You’re a chatterbox. Yak, yak, yak.”
    â€œNo. Actually I’m quiet. Everyone says I’m quiet. I can be quiet.”
    He squinted at her. She stopped talking. He was sizing herup, trying to figure something out.
    â€œHow old are you?” he asked.
    â€œThirty-eight.”
    â€œReally?”
    â€œDon’t I look it?”
    He shrugged.
    She wanted to keep him talking. “Do you live here alone?”
    â€œNo.” He looked at her as if she were stupid. It was a look she recognized from her daughter.
    â€œWho with?”
    â€œDuh. Cookie. I live here with Cookie.”
    â€œThe lizard.”
    â€œI hate it when people call him a lizard. He’s an iguana.”
    â€œWhat’s the difference?” Keep him talking, she thought. If he was talking he couldn’t hurt her.
    â€œThere are three thousand different types of lizards, from those little geckoes you see on your patio to Komodo Dragons. But Cookie is from the family Iguanidae . There are only thirteen kinds of iguana. He’s the largest: a Great Green Iguana. And even for his breed, he’s enormous. Most of them are much smaller than he is, but I know how to take care of him. He’s so healthy, he’ll probably keep growing. Did you see the way his scales shine?”
    He grinned. His face opened, the line between his eyebrows went away.
    â€œShiny,” she agreed. “How long have you had him?”
    â€œAll his life.”
    â€œI didn’t know they got so big.”
    â€œMost don’t. Cookie started out less than six inches. Now he’s eight feet from his nose to the tip of his tail. Bigger than most and weighs more too. A champion.”
    â€œThere are competitions?”
    â€œOf course. There are Reptile Expos twice a year and smaller contests in between. Cookie will win every prize.”
    â€œHe certainly is big.”
    His face clouded over again. The furrow on his forehead returned. He stepped back, out of reach of her feet. He looked her up and down.
    â€œYou’re hot,” he said quietly. “Take off your jacket.”
    â€œI’m fine.” She did not want to take anything off; she wanted every possible layer between them.
    â€œI asked you to take off your jacket.”
    â€œDo you need money? Is that it? My ex-husband has lots of money. I’ll call him. Or better yet, take me to the bank. I’ll get you money.”
    He shook his head.
    â€œMy ex-husband is Jonathan Parker. The actor,” Winnie continued. “I’m sure you would know him if you saw him. He has a game show, Tie the Knot . He’s the host. He’s on every day. It’s the most popular game show on television. Maybe you could be a contestant. Would you like that? I’ll call him. Do you have a phone? You could be on TV. Wouldn’t that be great? You have such a good look. You’re so handsome. You could be a star. Really.”
    â€œI want you to be quiet.”
    â€œI just want to help –”
    â€œDon’t talk. Stop talking. And take off your jacket.”
    â€œOkay, okay. I’m really fine in my jacket, but—”
    â€œShut up and do it.”
    She had to peel her jacket like skin; the sleeves clung to her sweaty arms. He watched her, stared at her breasts and stomach revealed in her damp nylon shirt.
    â€œYou’re short,” he said, “but you have a pretty good body.”
    Winnie