Chapter 42

“Nice scarf,” he said, nodding to the only piece of clothing the taxidermied goose was wearing. He set the cage down on the chair Kiko used for storytelling. “Now, I know this isn’t a bird, but it’s related, right?”

“Do I get to see it?” asked Dom, and Buddy pulled off the blanket to reveal a lizard.

“Bearded dragon,” said Buddy proudly. “Perfect, right? It stays in its cage, like the goose, except when Kiko wants to show the kids. It’s gentle, and it’s a dragon. Goes great with eggs and stories.”

Dom stared at it, then glanced up at where Kiko’s back was pointed toward them. He doubted Kiko was interested in a lizard. Besides, he had two pilgrim goose eggs incubating back at home, and he suspected Kiko would not be keen on going from no pets to three.

“It’s an idea, I’ll give you that,” he said, “but Kiko’s not interested right now.” Dom wished Kiko was here right now to see how well he was professionally handling this.