Saffron’s Menagerie. Phil Stevenson

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СКАЧАТЬ Saffron is Mother to Apples and Apples loves her mother dearly.

      Apples did the dirty work on Warren Clapper. The Toxicology Department at South Hampton Hospital sent samples of the poison to various institutes. Two came back with identical results.

      It turned out to be an Australian Eastern Brown snake that is not found anywhere in the USA.

      The report went on to say that 1/14,000 of an ounce of its venom is enough to kill an adult human. The Eastern Brown snake is fast moving; can be aggressive under certain circumstances and has been known to chase aggressors and repeatedly strike at them. Even juveniles can kill a human.

      “I love you too,” she purrs at Apples as they look into each other’s eyes. Then Apples buries his head back into Saffron’s neck.

      “OK. OK, that’s enough. I need to check out your fun-loving neighbors, so back you go and I’ll see you later.”

      Saffron points Apples back though the opening in the top of the tank and fastens it down.

      “How are my other babies?” she asks approaching the smaller tank.

      There is a hive of activity, as about half a dozen insects clamber on top of each other to reach the top hatch.

      “Relax you guys.”

      Saffron opens the hatch and six beautiful red orange scorpions skip up her arm so daintily, even with a swagger of delight. She holds them high and says, “Love all of you.”

      One scorpion had about four babies clutched to its back.

      “Ok, that’s it,” she says as she places them back into their tank. “I’ll give you yummy food to eat a bit later.”

      3.

       Stranger: Hello.

       You: And to you too.

       Stranger: Is that SAC?

       You: Yep, I expected you. What do you want?

       Stranger: A professional untraceable job.

       You: How do you know about SAC?

       Stranger: Someone passed your contact to me.

       You: You need to be explicit! Now tell me.

       Stranger: He knew I would have to identify him. It is Reg Charles.

       You: OK then, you’re cool

       Stranger: lol. I have heard from Reg that you are expensive.

       You: So? Cut to the chase.

       Stranger: I want my husband dead.

       You: Is that so? Why?

       Stranger: Because he screws around.

       You: And you want to end him for that?

       Stranger: It is a long story. If only I could talk to you in person.

       You: Why?

       Stranger: As a woman, I really don’t know any other way. I hate this forum stuff. It’s new to me.

       You: This is a different forum. Only you and me.

      Stranger: Let me think.

       Stranger: He murdered my father. To get my inheritance and live the fucking life of Riley, without me.

       You: Oh, I see. How do I know he killed your father?

       Stranger: That’s why I want to meet.

       You: Can’t you tell me now?

       Stranger: I have one million dollars.

       You: So?

       Stranger: It’s yours if you kill him and leave no trace to me.

      Saffron, thought hard on this one. Reginald’s name secured the proof.

       You: Why do you not want to tell me?

       Stranger: I can’t. I do not want to put it in words. It would haunt me forever.

       You: OK. I will send you another code within ten days. We’ll talk again, so you can think about it.

       Stranger: Thank you, thank you.

       You: Do you live at this Chelton House?

       Stranger: No.

       You: I’ve checked it out. It’s an historic building that caters for tourists daily.

       Stranger: True. I’m the person who takes the coins at the door. I also receive the mail. I’m here Mon – Fri.

       You: Our time slot is up and I’m terminating it now. Look for my envelope in the post.

      Saffron terminates the session.

      CHAPTER TWO

      Snake's poison is life to the snake; it is in relation to man that it means death. Rumi

       BOSTON

      1.

      At the beginning of 2009, Reginald Charles is thrilled to be joining his great friend at M.I.T. in Boston. He’s younger, but you never know if you play your cards right. He is also a brilliant chemistry nerd.

      Saffron Justice, twenty, is enrolled at M.I.T. to do a doctorate in Biological Science. Big subject. Really big subject. These days you can specialize, and do more precise studies. Reg was hanging close to Saffron.

      “Saff please tell me, what are you going to decide on?”

      “Shoot Reg! I don’t know, what about you?”

      “Waiting СКАЧАТЬ