Stalking the Dragon by Mike Resnick Read Free Book Online Page A

the gremlin uneasily.
    â€œYou look like if you hadn't started the day green, you'd be turning green right about now,” remarked Mallory.
    â€œI get seasick.”
    â€œIn a launch on a river?”
    Jeeves seemed about to answer him. Then a look of panic crossed his face and he raced to the side of the boat and leaned out over the water.
    â€œDon't worry about it,” said Mallory to the gremlin's heaving torso. “We'll talk later.”
    The launch stopped at a dock a moment later, and the three passengers got out and were soon on dry land.
    The first thing Mallory became aware of was the acrid scent of smoke that seemed somehow organic. The second thing was the earsplitting roars. The third was the shadow of a huge dragon flying directly overhead.
    â€œI think they've got an escapee,” he said.
    â€œNo, it's just a training exercise,” replied Jeeves. “See? He's wearing a bridle, and there's a troll on his back.”
    The dragon did a sudden loop-the-loop.
    â€œHe's going to lose his rider,” said Mallory.
    â€œThat's why they use trolls instead of anyone important,” said Jeeves.
    â€œLike gremlins?” suggested Mallory.
    â€œPrecisely,” said Jeeves as the troll slipped off and began his long descent, screaming all the way until he hit the water. He surfaced a minute later, cursing a blue streak.
    â€œYou're the one who knows Fire Island,” said Mallory. “Where would you suggest we start looking for Fluffy?”
    â€œShe's so small and delicate we could look for months and never find her,” answered Jeeves. “I think we should question some likely suspects. After all, you're a detective. That's what you do for a living.”
    â€œIf all the dragons are as big as the one I just saw and the ones I can hear, there aren't any likely suspects,” said Mallory. “Any one of these creatures could step on Fluffy, or inhale her, and never know it.”
    â€œDragons come in all sizes,” noted Jeeves. “You'll seek out those people with facilities to keep toys and miniatures.”
    â€œAnd where will I find them?”
    Jeeves shrugged. “Somewhere on the island.”
    â€œAre you always this helpful?” asked Mallory sardonically.
    Felina sniffed the air. “ I can lead you to a toy dragon, John Justin,” she said.
    â€œFine,” said Mallory. “Let's go.”
    â€œFor three canaries, a spotted owl, and a dolphin.”
    â€œOne glass of milk, next time we pass a place that serves it.”
    â€œOkay, one glass of milk,” she said. “And a moose.”
    â€œDon't push your luck.”
    â€œA baby moose?”
    â€œForget it,” said Mallory, heading off to the island's interior.
    Ninety pounds of feminine fur and sinew hurled itself onto the detective's back, sending him sprawling.
    â€œI forgive you, John Justin!” purred Felina.
    â€œWhy am I so blessed?” muttered Mallory as he painfully picked himself up and began dusting himself off.
    â€œThat way,” said Felina, pointing down a winding dirt road.
    Mallory headed off in the direction indicated, following by his two companions. The roars became louder, and he decided it was getting warmer. Suddenly they came upon a farm in which half a dozen dragons, each the size of a T. Rex, were frolicking in a pasture, playfully shooting streams of fire at one another.
    â€œCan I help you?” asked a gray-haired man, walking over to them.
    â€œI'm looking for a dragon,” said Mallory.
    â€œYou just found a whole batch of ’em, mister.”
    â€œA particular dragon,” said the detective.
    â€œWell, these here youngsters ain't so particular,” allowed the man. “They'll eat damned near anything.”
    â€œI need a toy dragon.”
    â€œCan't help you out. I just specialize in the big fellers.”
    One of the dragons suddenly became aware of Mallory's group and trotted over to get a