by J. J. Dupuis
“If I’m going to cover cryptid content,” I say to Danny, “I’m going to do it honestly. If I see a coyote with mange, I’m not calling it a chupacabra. I’m definitely not calling a catfish a lake monster. Does that work for you? I’m not going to be cute and leave a mystery open for interpretation. Data dictates the results.”
“We’ll have to workshop that as a slogan, but I can dig it. One of our second-highest-rated programs is Myth Breakers. Your target demographic loves tearing down old beliefs and calling baby boomers out on their bullshit, I get that.”
“Do I get to pick my team or are you going to commission focus groups to select a viewer-friendly, photogenic cabal of wholesome American archetypes?”
“You’re media savvy enough to pick your own crew, but I’d like to think you’d take my suggestions under advisement. And Dr. Laidlaw will have to consult. I can’t get rid of that guy. He can’t stop himself from explaining things.”
“In the media landscape we have today,” I say, “we could use a little less concision and a little more elaboration.”
“Good, then you’re stuck with him.”
“What’s the expiration date on this offer?”
“I’d say a week is more than a reasonable shelf life for this,” he says. Then he pivots away to peer down at his phone screen.
Through the gossamer curtains I can see Saad packing up the rest of his things. I know it’s Saad because it can be no one else, but through the curtains, with nothing but natural light inside the room, it could be anyone or anything moving about.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This book’s existence would be nothing more than speculation and blurry images if not for those who have worked so hard to advance science education and skepticism. Without the podcast Monster Talk and its hosts, Blake Smith and Dr. Karen Stollznow, I never would have realized the power that monsters, myths, and folklore have to advance scientific principles in an entertaining way. And though skeptical podcasts featuring scientists discussing Nessie or Bigfoot planted the seed for this novel, it was Bryan Jay Ibeas who helped me cultivate the book and Mandy Hopkins who helped to harvest it. Thanks also to my wife, Sheeza Sarfraz, who patiently listened to my wild ideas and helped focus them into a coherent plot. Without her insight and support, this book would be just another whacky idea scribbled on a scrap of paper.