As the body had rolled a length of leathery, checkered skin glided in the space beneath and disappeared in the brush pile.
"Did you see that?!" Daniels shouted.
"Yes, I'm afraid I did," Jessica muttered. "That's a giant Habu. They're supposed to be extinct. I've seen their skins preserved in Olmec burials. We've got one at the University."
"A what?" Mace said. "Big-assed snake!"
"A giant Habu," Jessica repeated. "But that thing had to have a much bigger mouth than what bit that cop. We're in deep do-do here fellas. This thing is faster than a speeding bullet. I couldn't even get a shot off."
"Me neither," Mace mumbled.
"Set that pile on fire!" Daniels said. Mace picked up a bit of cardboard in the driftpile with the end of his rifle, let it fall back, picked it up from another angle, eyeing the wood around it. He held it up with the rifle and took it in hand. Slinging his rifle he dug in the bib of his overalls and came out with a lighter and set the cardboard afire.
"Put it in the pile there at the upwind side Mace," Daniels gestured, "so the wind will carry the flame across. Everybody back up and keep your eyes open. If that big son of bitch comes out of there..."

There will always be another song to be written. Someone will write it. Why not you? www.garyeandrews.com