The three young men were starting college next year, but they were stuck with Devon's little brother today Erik. Devon and Erik's parents had charged Devon with taking Erik to get a dog or cat or something now that animal allergy Devon was college bound, his brother could finally have a pet.
"Yo, Erk, here's a pet shop!" said Devon pointing across the street. The store to which they were headed was still at least half a mile away. Devon liked to call his brother Erik "Erk" because he considered the small guy "irksome." Erik wasn't that much younger than Devon, but he was a lot smaller physically, so Devon tended to treat him like a baby.
"Alright, we'll have look?" said Erik suspiciously. He had never heard of Moreau's Pet Store before, and wouldn't put Devon and his mates past arranging an elaborate prank. He added, "But if they don't have what I want, you're still taking me to Pet Emporium."
"Yes! The sooner your bro gets a pet, the sooner we can do some major pre-U partying!" said Devon's friend Blaise.
Inaccurately named Dom, just nodded and followed.
The door had one of those fashioned real bells that rang when the door opened instead of the more common electric eye type.
Devon rolled his eyes, the shop looked like something out of an old movie: Poorly lit with incandescent bulbs, shelves stacked with bird cages, inept displays. There was no shopkeeper in sight. There were no surveillance cameras either. A passerby could just dash in and leisurely grab something, and dash out. No witnesses. They definitely needed some sort of security. Maybe electric product tags? He lifted the tag hanging from a bird cage to read the price. It was written in pencil. He rolled his eyes.
"Erik, go check out the-" Devon started to say before he realized Erik had already vanished down the irregular aisles of goods which seemed to be arrayed on randomly placed shelves and tables.
"Bit like the stores in Harry Potter," remarked Blaise, "Wonder if they stock owls? Cages are big enough." He rummaged in a basket, and pulled out a cowbell with a collar big enough for a cow, a leather whip, and a cat toy on a stick. "Certainly have quite a selection," he remarked.
"Yup," said Dom. "Maybe dragons too?"
Devon and Blaise rolled their eyes, "Dragons? They don't exist."
"I know," said Dom defensively, "I was making a joke."
"Oh?" said Blaise.
Devon nodded, "Yes, a joke. Very funny, Dom."
"May I help you, ahem, gentlemen?" said a strange voice from behind them.
They hadn't heard footsteps or breathing. He was just there. They turned.
The salesman was dressed in a three piece black suit with a cravat. He looked like he stepped out of an old movie, just like the shop.
"Uh, we're here with my brother Erik. He's here to get a pet. I think he went that way?" Devon said pointing generally toward the back of the store.
"A pet? Well, that is what I sell. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Dr. Moreau, purveyor of unique and common animals, and this is my establishment." He made a flourishing gesture of his hands to the merchandise around them, and bowed courteously.
"Nice shop," said Dom.
Blaise and Devon nodded.
"Thank you," said Dr. Moreau, "What sort of pet is your brother wishing to acquire?" He directed the question to Devon.
"Oh, I dunno. I'm allergic to most animals. I'd suggest a fish for him. But as I'm off to college with my mates, Erk -I mean, Erik, is bound to get a pet. Some days, he wants a dog, others a cat, or gerbil or rabbit or lizard or snake, well, you get the idea."
"Indeed, I do. My selection of animals is quite extensive. From Labradoodle to Siberian Tiger, Garden Snake to Komodo Dragon, and a few you probably never considered from the commonplace to the exotic. I know we can find a home for every animal that comes through my doors. I will help your brother find the perfect pet."
"Or owl?" suggested Dom.
"Never heard him ask for an owl, but I suppose," said Devon with a shrug. "I'll call Erik for you," he suggested.
"No need, I'll find him. You boys make yourselves at home. I enjoy finding good homes for all my animals," Moreau said. Then he took a step backwards, and was gone. He must've gone down one of those shadowy aisles.
Blaise picked up a dog collar, and tried to fasten it around Devon's neck.
"Hey!" said Devon pulling away.
"C'mon, you're always bitching, Dev, and bitches' should wear a nice collar. See this one is pink with rhinestones, and it's just your size," joked Blaise. He added, "The guy said to make ourselves at home, and knowing your brother, we'll be here forever."
Dom thought he heard a whispery voice say, "Forever, indeed. You have no idea."
He turned and looked for the source of the voice. The birdcage behind him held a huge white owl. He was sure that it hadn't been there before. Parrots talk, but owls don't? Do they? He stared and started to open his mouth to tell Blaise and Devon, but they had disappeared down one of the aisles.
"Dev, Blay?" Dom called, "Where'd you go?"