Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 383

“Larissa, you’ve trained them so well!” Bryant exclaimed in amazement.

The three snakes now seemed completely docile, showing no signs of aggression. He remembered how wary and volatile they had been. One of them had bitten his wife when she tried to capture them, hoping their unique venom could be used for his work. Unsure which one had bitten her, she had taken all three.

After Larissa had cured his wife, she’d asked to keep the snakes. Bryant had warned her they were hostile and had a history of attacking people, suggesting it was safer to put them down. But Larissa was determined to tame them.

By the time he had left, the snakes were already showing less aggression, but he still worried they were too much for her to handle. He’d taught her a few emergency methods to control them, just in case.

He never imagined they would become so intelligent and obedient. Larissa truly had a gift for handling these creatures, a talent that rivaled even his own decades of experience.

“They’re my closest companions now,” Larissa said, her tone filled with pride.

Sage puffed out its chest.

“Excellent, excellent,” Bryant said, his voice full of relief. “With them by your side, you’ll have an extra layer of protection. I can rest easier now.”

Larissa bent down and opened her bag. “Alright, Shadow, Snowy, Sage. Time to go. You’re coming with me to take Bryant home.”

The three snakes obediently slithered into the bag.

...

Bringing Valeria here was a masterstroke, she thought. At the very least, it would get under Haskell’s skin.

Thatch ignored Haskell completely, rushing around the car to stand before Faith, his face a mask of gratitude. “Faith, thank you so much for this. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have even been able to pay Valeria’s hospital bills.”

Faith waved a dismissive hand. “It was nothing. Just a million dollars. I’m happy to help. I’m not heartless like Haskell, cutting you off like that. If you need more money, just ask.”

After all, using Thatch and Valeria against Haskell was proving to be a valuable investment.

Thatch’s face lit up. “Really? You’re too kind, my dear niece! I have been a bit tight on cash lately. If it’s not too much trouble, could you lend me another five million, just to tide me over?”