Page 20 of Maneater

Not to mention the horned bear and that ear-piercing howl.

“Yeah, I guess I am.” I slip my hand in the back pocket of my jeans, then realize my pack is still in the Jeep with my wallet inside. “Damn. I’ll be right back. I have to grab some cash.”

“Sit down, will ya?” He points to the chair I’ve placed at the table. “My treat. I’m gonna guess your excursion today wasn’t filled with sunshine and flowers.”

“Well…you could say that.” I hope he doesn’t feel bad for suggesting that trail. “I mean, it was a gorgeous, amazing trail. Except…” My stomach swims, and I swallow hard. My ravenous hunger has morphed into an annoying queasiness. “There was an incident, and I think you might be able to shed some light on what I saw.”

His eyebrows shoot up. “Ooh, boy. This sounds like it’ll be mighty interesting.” He opens the door to the cooler with the premade food, and pulls out a hummus and falafel wrap and a turkey, cheese and sprouts, whole grain bread sandwich. “Which one?”

“Umm, I think I’ll just have a ginger beer for now. Thanks.”

His brow creases. “Hmm. Well, sure. But I’ll grab one of the cheese, nuts, and berries take-along packs for you, just in case.”

I smile, once again thankful that I’ve ended up working for such a great guy. “Thanks. I appreciate it.”

Virgil settles on the turkey sandwich for himself, then adds two of the giant oatmeal raisin cookies that Brenda, who supplies all the homemade baked goods. She’s a genius when it comes to cookies and cakes, and I’ll be in trouble soon if I don’t stop devouring them.

Virgil sits down with his meal, and I take a few sips of the ginger soda, while he digs in. Maybe he doesn’t have a pressing reason to go home right away, but I’m sure he’d at least like to have his dinner.

He finishes half his sandwich, takes a slug of his own soda, then locks gazes with me. “Okay, son. Out with it.”

I set the stage for the grand creature reveal with the events leading up to the mountain lion attack.

“…That’s when I turned around and saw a mountain lion not more than ten, fifteen feet away. The distance is sort of fuzzy because I think I was in shock.”

Virgil drops the other half of his partially eaten sandwich. “You didn’t! I can’t remember the last time anyone saw one in these parts.” His surprise turns to concern as he leans forward and lays his hand on my arm, his brow furrowing. “I’m so relieved you weren’t hurt. How did you get away?”

I wriggle in my seat. So far the accounting of my day has been pretty straightforward. A bit traumatic, but nothing implausible.

“So that’s really what I need to talk to you about.” Right as I’m about to launch into my story, I remember my promise to Rex. I mean, technically I only said I wouldn’t report the thing to the authorities. Then again, small town gossip can be brutal. How else did tales of strange creatures and bizarre cryptids get started?

Maybe if I don’t play up the encounter, am vague. Let Virgil fill in the blanks.

“I could’ve sworn I saw something strange in the woods. Not a bear, or coyote, or any other animal I’ve ever seen before.

Virgil narrows his eyes. “Oh yeah? What’d it look like?”

“Big and hairy. It also had horns.”

“Like a bull elk? There aren’t a lot of them, but that could be what you saw in the shadows.”

It wasn’t exactly in the shadows. But I’ll let him assume, since it saves me from having to get too detailed.

“No, it definitely wasn’t a bull or buck. The horns weren’t like antlers.” I snicker. “This is going to sound silly, but they reminded me of a Viking hat.”

This time, Virgil’ eye go wide. “My, my. You don’t say. Sounds like you ran into a Howler! No one’s reported seeing any since, gosh,…” He taps his chin. “At least a decade.” He grins. “Wait til the local paper hears about this!”

I gasp. “No! I don’t want anyone to know I saw a… what you said.” I frown. “What did you say?”

“Howler. Ozark Howler. They’re legendary.” He slowly nods. “I can understand why you don’t want word to get around. What with being the new kid on the block and all.”

Phew. He’s given me an excuse for why I don’t want my tale spread around town. Now I don’t have to come up with another lie.

“Exactly. You understand, don’t you?”

Virgil chuckles and pats my hand. “Of course I do. Don’t you give it a second thought.” He places his finger in front of his lips. “Not a word.”

I smile. “Thank you, I really appreciate it.” I clear my throat. “But what can you tell me about this Ozark Howler? You seem familiar with what it is.”