By Austin Grisham
“Gerald, did you know I was top of my class at law school?”
“Oh yes, sir, you have it on your business card.” The boatman held up Vincent’s card that he’d given him earlier that day. A fit man in his late fifties, Gerald’s bushy red beard was only just starting to betray a few gray whiskers. He led Vincent toward the lake, both a little sweaty from the humid June day.
“Of course,” Vincent’s eyes tore into Gerald. “But what I was really trying to say is that you better not think of trying any sort of chicanery. You are not dealing with some meager intellect here.” He looked up at Gerald and gave him an icy smile. Vincent slouched half a head shorter than the other man. Despite being in his early thirties his brown hair was already starting to recede.
“Oh no, sir.” Gerald led the way forward. “I have no mind to cheat you.”
“So, like your sign said: ‘Meet the Loch Ness Monster—or your money back’? I liked the bit about you having a guarantee and an exclusive contract with the monster. You know I could sue if you don’t fulfill your side,” Vincent sneered.
“Of course not. Far be it for me to trick a man as clever as yourself, sir. Although it might interest you to see what is ahead.” The Scot pointed toward the dirt road before them. Leading into the loch were four large footprints. They were easily two feet long each, with clawed toes at the end.
Vincent inspected the footprints. “Hmph.”
“What do you think, sir?”
Vincent held out his hand. “I think I want my money back. If you believe I am going to be convinced by this, you must have thought I flunked first year law. Anyone could have made this with a plaster cast. Need I remind you—”
“Yes sir, top of your class. I knew a sharp mind could not be so easily swayed. It was simply on the way to the boat.” He and Vincent got into the small rowboat bobbing in front of them.
Late afternoon had already settled in over the water, dark and foggy. They both got in the boat, and Gerald started to row into the low mist.
For a time, only the gentle sound of the paddles broke the stillness as they slipped through the water. Then, almost imperceptibly at first, a sound emerged from the mist. Low and deep.
“Ah, might you presume who that is, sir?”
“I’ll guess the monster?” Vincent rolled his eyes. “Let me tell you, I have finely attuned hearing.”
“All the better to hear the sound of ambulance sirens from afar.”
“Wait, what did you say?”
“My apologies, sir; I digress. What were you saying? My old ears aren’t what they used to be.” Gerald nodded.
“As I said, I have finely attuned hearing. And that,” he said pointing into the mist, “sounds more like a foghorn to me.”
“Sir, I fancy a man who graduated at the bottom of his class might be so easily convinced. But I know a man of your keen analytical ability needs more evidence.”
“Indeed,” Vincent said with another sideways grin. He’s finally learning who he’s dealing with.
The low sound resonated over the water again, this time a little louder. Turning his head, Gerald pointed. “Ah, now I see it.”
Vincent looked at the dark mass before him. “What is that?”
“It’s the monster.” Gerald replied flatly.
“Looks more like the mast of a sailboat,” Vincent said with a squeak.
“I’ll take us closer.” Gerald turned the boat and started to paddle more quickly.
“Look, Gerald,” Vincent said, as they came closer to the gray mass. “This has been fun; I’m going to have a good time telling my friends in the States about a papier-mâché mold on a boat. Got one of your drinking buddies to help you?”
“I assure you, sir—”
“Cut the charade already. Who do you think you are dealing with here? You’re trying to cheat me.”
They were less than twenty feet away, and the contours of the shape sharpened against the murky water. Vincent felt his knees weaken as he watched the shape make its way toward them.
“If you really knew where to find the Loch Ness monster, you would be the most famous man in the world. I looked you up online. There are no reviews for your little business.” Vincent spoke loudly, “How would you even have a contract with her? Remember I’m a lawyer? In an agreement, two parties must…” He trailed off for a second as a warm steam enwrapped him. “In an agreement, two parties must agree to an exchange. Tell me this Gerald, how does this monster stand to gain?”
With a great swoop, a giant head dipped down and devoured him in one bite.
“I give her lunch.” Gerald paddled over and gave his old friend Nessie a pat on the side.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Don’t be an obnoxious tourist…if only Vincent hadn’t been top of his class then maybe he would have had a better ending. His attuned hearing seems to have failed him too 😆
Loved the contrast between Vincent and Gerald!
Thanks!
Perfect ending!
Thanks so much!
nicely done!
Thank you for your kind words!
Usually speculative fiction stories about contracts involve the devil. Very original!
Thanks Pamela!
Gave me the shivers… in a good way!