No Trespassing

A loud splash interrupted the checker game between Frank and Ben. A creature covered in grayish green scales raised its head from the water, and a plaintive cry filled the air.

“Looks like Bessie is wanting dinner,” Frank said.

“Yup. You want to flip for it?” Ben pulled out a coin.

“Not with your coin. I keep losing.”

“Fine, we’ll use one of yours.”

Frank brought out a quarter. “Call it.” He tossed it into the air.

“Tails.”

The coin hit the ground, heads up. “Shit. Which one should I choose?”

“Give her the whiner,” Ben said.

Frank walked to a shed and dragged out a man. “Sorry about this, but the sign said ‘No Trespassing’. Nothing personal, you understand, but we like our privacy.”

“Wait! No! You don’t understand. I have a story to file. My editor…” He spotted the reptilian head watching the shore. “Oh my god! It’s real! I thought that kid was joking.” He dug his heels into the ground, trying to wriggle free.

With a grunt, Frank tossed the man over his shoulder and walked to the end of the dock. “Here you go, Bessie.” He tossed the man into the water.

Before the man could gather his senses, Bessie swam over, neck stretched out to nab the tasty morsel.

A scream filled the air, then silence. A few bubbles popped on the surface.

“How many are left?” Ben handed his friend a beer.

“Three.”

“Stupid tourists. Don’t they teach people how to read any more?” Ben cracked open a beer.

“Since I fed Bessie, you can feed the others after sundown.”

“With the whiner gone, it will be a pleasure.”

They returned to their game, smiling when a loud burp reached their ears.