Eternal Knights: Dark Predator

By Lady Li Andre

Aden Anderson had never feared the forest. She'd grown up surrounded by it. But she'd been gone a long time. When she returns for her father's funeral, she discovers something menacing withing the shadows of the trees. No it's up to her, her late father's deputy, now the sheriff, an old boyfriend she hasn't see in 18 years, a childhood chum, a Native American wise man, and a mechanically inclined medic to save the residents of Sweetvale from the dark predator.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lady Li Andre
• Release date: Jun 5, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301810963

Lady Li Andre

Lady Li Andre lives in the Pacific Northwest. She has been a writer for more than 35 years. She is also an actor, singer, musician, photographer, and artist. You can contact her at [e-mail].

Book preview

Eternal Knights

Dark Predator

Lady Li Andre

Copyright 2013, 2021 Lady Li Andre

Smashwords Edition

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This is a work of fiction. The characters and events portrayed here are fictitious or used fictitiously. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

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Table of Contents

Part 1 - Skepticism

Part 2 - Leap of Logic

Part 3 - Beast Tracker

Part 4 - The Edge

Part 5 - Into Darkness

Part 6 - Guilt Trip

Part 7 - Reflections

Part 8 - The Avenger

Epilogue

Hope for a Dream

Part 1 - Skepticism

How many times had she stood in that very spot? The spot itself was about the only thing that hadn’t changed. The floor was still the same colorless scuffed and cracked linoleum. She glanced up at the wall where the plain round clock, whose tick used to drive her insane, once hung. It had been replaced by an efficient silent digital box with blinking sideways red-dot eyes.

Her gaze wandered to the space once occupied by the old metal monstrosity of a desk that had boomed if you accidentally kicked it, where the huge humming typewriter that had tapped out a confident rhythm under strong fingers, had been planted forever. The desk had been exchanged for a slender model with fake wood grain. The typewriter was gone. In its place stood a sleek thin screen tethered by neatly wrapped cords in front of which, sat a silent partner of cushioned keys. She was almost tempted to kick the desk, just to see if it would make a noise.

Her cell phone buzzed somewhere deep in one of the pockets of her coat. Her heart skipped a beat. Before she could dig it out, a plaintive rhapsody began to serenade the empty void that surrounded her. The tiny melody made the silence even more oppressive.

She finally found it. She glanced briefly at the display, not recognizing the number, and accepted the call. Hello? The sound of her own voice made her shiver.

Aden! Is that you?

The cheerful greeting puzzled her. Somewhere from the shadowy recesses a memory emerged. Diana?

Yeah! How are ya, kid?

She was at a loss for words. A different set of fuzzy memories threatened to cloud her eyes but she forced them back into their mental box. How did you get my number?

The little annoying giggle sounded even worse through the speaker. Sarah, of course! She said you’d gone out of town on business and that I should try you on your cell.

Oh, I see. Aden couldn’t think of anything else to say.

It didn’t really matter. Diana chattered away incoherently about all the wonderful things she’d been doing with her career and family. Aden missed the final question and was startled by the silence on the other end. Diana repeated her question. Well? Will you come?

I don’t know. Aden scrambled, trying to decode the last few minutes of babble and figure out what Diana had actually asked her.

Oh, come on, Aden. It will be like the good old days. Just our little gang gathered around the corner booth down at Georgie’s.

The smell of fresh baked bread smothered in thick tomato sauce and melted mozzarella came back to her. Her stomach must have remembered it, too. She shook the memory away. I’m kind of busy right now.

Diana laughed. You’re as bad as Michael. He’s so busy he won’t even return my calls.

Just the mention of his name made Aden tremble. The mental box threatened to release its voices but she managed to control it. I’ll have to look at my schedule.

We’ve got about a month before the date.

Aden glanced at the plain block three-month calendar pinned to the cork on the wall. The abrupt change of script near the beginning of April was startling. I’ll think about it.

She could tell Diana was pouting. It’s more for Linda and Ryan, you know. They are the only official couple that actually survived.

Aden’s throat closed around her response. The mental box began to seep images. She shut her eyes to block them out.

The front door of the office whooshed open, allowing a swirl of cold to enter. She opened her eyes and was momentarily shaken until the tears blinked out of the way. The new sheriff shut the door.

I have to go. I’ll call you when I get a chance to look at my calendar.

Diana sighed. Well, I’ll send you a text of the contact list. I’ve got everyone’s number on it.

That’s fine. Was his number on it, too? I’ll talk with you later. Bye. She disconnected the call before Diana had an excuse to keep talking.

Wow. You must have the right company and found one of those sacred spots.

She looked up at Sam and almost missed her pocket. What?

You managed to get coverage. He went to his desk. There aren’t too many places in town where that happens. Annie calls them sacred spots.

Oh. The last time she’d been here, no one had cell phones or thought about signal range or coverage areas. She glanced back at the calendar. It had been almost twenty-one years since high school graduation.

Sam looked at her. How are you doing?

Aden wasn’t sure. I’ll be okay. She pushed the thoughts of Diana’s reunion plans away and tried to focus.

He shuffled the stack of papers on his desk into an orderly pile. I thought Ben did a fine job with the eulogy yesterday.

She managed to nod. Is there anything left here at the office I need to deal with?

Sam looked over at the empty desk. I took care of all the paper work. He swung around and pointed at the gun locker. There are the guns. He used his own so they technically belong to you now.

Aden glanced at the arsenal on display behind the wired glass of the locked cabinet. She got the faint odor of bluing. How many nights had he cleaned them at the kitchen table while she worked on homework at the other end?

Aden, your father was a good man. Sam’s voice broke. He covered his eyes with a hand. I just wish he’d said something. Anything.

She didn’t know what to say. She watched Sam pull himself backed together and wished she could do that as easily. She closed her eyes and listened to her own heartbeat.

Sam’s chair squeaked. So what are you going to do now?

Aden wandered over to her father’s empty desk. I don’t know. I’ve taken a leave of absence from work. She leaned on the edge. I doubt they even miss me.

Sam chuckled. From what Alan said, you’ve done well for yourself. Got some fancy job at some big firm in Seattle.

Aden shook her head. Daddy always did like to exaggerate. The company is big enough, nation wide. But I’m just a claims adjuster. Nothing fancy about that.

Sam leaned forward and planted his arms on the desk. Alan said you got a degree in Criminal Justice.

She laughed. At the worst time in the history of US economy! Departments were laying off people left and right. I was lucky to get a job at all. It certainly wasn’t the one she’d hoped for. She’d given up her dreams of courtroom cases and dramatic testimonies leading to cutting edge decisions. She’d left it all behind eighteen years ago when her world had fallen apart.

She looked over at Sam. I’m not sure what I’m going to do about the house. The mortgage is paid off but who would want to buy it?

You could always stay here.

She stared at him. And do what?

Sam looked around the office. Well, Sweetvale is going to need a new deputy.

Aden couldn’t even laugh. You’ve got to be kidding! This town is almost dead. How are they going to pay another law officer? She got up and went to the large window at the front of the office. It’s not like this is a heavy crime area, Sam.

He steepled his fingers. No, I suppose not. It was just a thought.

Aden turned and studied his expression. He looked lost. Was he missing her father, too? I’m sorry, Sam. I just can’t stay here.

He shuffled papers around on the desk, reorganizing stacks. His voice trembled. Well, I’ll get all the paper work on the hardware together so we can get them transferred to your name.

Aden closed her eyes. What was she going to do with all her father’s guns? Sam, I don’t need them. Why don’t you keep them?

Sam looked up at her. His face seemed to droop. It’s just not the same without him.

Muffled shouts made her turn to stare out the large plate glass through the golden backwards letters. They don’t seem very happy. The truck door slammed and the engine roared to life. Wheels spun on gravel and the truck rumbled away.

Sam leaned back in his chair and looked up at the ceiling. Some days are better than others.

Aden watched the woman on the café steps turn and go back inside. Was it her fault Cindy was in such a bad mood? She’d seemed cold and distant when they greeted each other before the funeral. She hadn’t kept in touch. Aden realized that. She’d hardly spoken to her own father. They had exchanged the mandatory cards at Christmas and birthdays but not much beyond that. Now he was gone.

Sam sighed. I’ll have to talk to Daniel about his reckless driving. Sweetvale is a small town but there’s no excuse for tearing up the street like that.

Aden turned away from the window and studied the new sheriff. He looked almost too old to be sitting at that desk. His short military cut reminded her of faded toothbrush bristles, more gray than white. He was her father’s age but she couldn’t think of him as old. She’d known him forever.

Her thoughts drifted in the past. Had things improved between Sam and Daniel? She wasn’t sure how to test those waters. She chose a different angle. How long have they been married?

His chair squeaked as he leaned forward and tried to busy himself. I don’t know. About sixteen years now, I guess.

Aden closed her eyes. She hadn’t even come home for her best friend’s wedding. She couldn’t imagine why Cindy and Daniel had stayed here. The town seemed empty. How do they make ends meet?

Dan got on with the Forest Service when the timber companies moved out. He’d been a top cruiser back then. But now he mostly keeps an eye out for signs of illegal harvesting. He does some sampling when they need it. Odds and ends.

He leaned back again and crossed his arms over his chest. His eyelids seemed to droop. Cindy still works with her mom. They live upstairs across the hall from her in the main building. Sam shook his head. Don’t know how Annie manages to keep that place going. There seems to be less tourism every year. Who the heck wants to come up here to the middle of nowhere?

Aden nodded. It was about as far as you could get from anything. When you got to Sweetvale, you turned around and looked back at nowhere. She locked her teeth. That had been one of her mother’s sayings.

Both phones rang simultaneously and Sam unconsciously hit the intercom button. Sweetvale Sheriff’s Department.

Sam, thank goodness you’re there! This is so awful. I can’t believe this is happening.

Kathy! Calm down and tell me what’s going on.

The caller took a breath. I had gotten a call from a motorist. He said he’d thought he hit some animal and he swerved and ended up in the ditch. He’d gotten out to check on the damage when he called. I was just getting ready to call Clem for the tow truck when everything got crazy. I think the animal might have attacked him!

Sam’s face grew serious. Why do you think that?

Well, I could hear snarling and the man started cursing. Then he screamed and the line went dead. Oh, Sam!

Sam grabbed a notepad from the drawer and started to write. Did he say where he was?

He’d just gotten off the main road and was heading up toward Sweetvale.

All right, I’ll go check it out.

Sam hit the button on the intercom to disconnect the call and looked over at Aden. I know you said you weren’t interested in the job but I wouldn’t mind if you’d care to back me up on this one. I don’t like the idea of going up against a possibly wounded and dangerous animal on my own.

Aden saw the desperation on his face and she could hear it in his tone. Would she have let her father go out alone under those circumstances? Of course I’ll come.

Sam tossed her a set of keys. Pull out some rifles and ammo. I’m going to give Clem a call so he can bring the rescue squad. This guy could be hurt bad.

Aden unlocked the gun cabinet and pulled out a couple of rifles and their munitions. She checked the barrels automatically. She hadn’t handled a weapon since she’d finished academy but it came back to her easily enough. She just hoped she wouldn’t need to use it.

Sam hung up the phone and took the gun that Aden handed him. Kathy’s usually pretty level headed. It must be bad if it’s got her so ruffled.

Aden followed him out into the chill. Who is she?

County dispatch. She handles all the 911 calls for this area. He unlocked one of the two SUVs that sat in the graveled space in front of the Sheriff’s Office.

Aden glanced over at the other one. She recognized her father’s old coffee mug still sitting on the dash and turned her back to it. Sam reached over and unlocked her door. She opened it and slid the rifle into the gun rack between the seats.

Sam started the engine. Let’s go see what we can do for this guy.

Aden automatically buckled the seat belt. She felt the buzz of her phone and fished it out of her pocket. It was the text from Diana. Curiosity drove her to open it. There were sixteen numbers on the list. Hers was the first. Right under her name was his. Michael Cline. It looked so sterile on her screen.

That’s some impressive phone if you still have coverage.

She closed the message and slipped the phone back into her pocket. No, it was a text. I just opened it. You don’t need much signal to do that.

Sorry, too new newfangled for me. To me, text is something you type with a keyboard or read in a book. He laughed. You wouldn’t believe how long it took us to get a computer. Alan was always more comfortable with an old fashioned typewriter.

Aden closed her eyes, trying not to remember.

So, was it something important?

What?

The message.

Oh, no, just a friend keeping in touch. She hadn’t heard from Diana in eighteen years. Why now? She didn’t want to think about it. Who’s Clem?

He’s lots of things. Sam laughed. A mechanic, tow truck driver, and pretty much all that’s left of our EMT crew. Oh, there’s a few other folks that we can call on for big stuff but they live farther out from town so we don’t bother them if we don’t need to. Sam took his foot off the gas. Looks like there’s something up ahead.

Aden focused on the road. The red and blue light reflected off of a windshield. I don’t see any movement. Sam pulled off the road onto gravel. She surveyed the small dusty car leaning at an odd angle in the ditch.

Sam turned off the engine but kept the lights whirling. Wonder where the guy is? I didn’t see anyone walking toward town.

Aden unbuckled and reached for the door. If he’s hurt, he could be on the ground.

Sam put a hand on her arm. Better take the gun with you. If he was attacked, we could still have a dangerous animal in the area.

Aden looked at the rifle and nodded. He let her go and grabbed his own. She took the rifle and got out of the squad. It felt strangely heavy in her hands. The red and blue swirls cast rotating shadows through the trees along the road. The overcast sky seemed to reflect the light back on top of them. The air smelled of pine and the possibility of snow.

Wonder what happened? Sam pulled the flashlight from his belt and shown a beam of light into the dim interior of the car. No one inside.

Aden began studying the ground behind the car and found the skid tracks. They were far more vivid than the pictures she was accustomed to dealing with on her desktop screen. Years of practice helped her decode the events as if the driver stood there himself describing them. He swerved there. She pointed to the first set of marks. She moved forward, tracing the patterns on the pavement as she passed the vehicle. She pointed to the ridges of crushed rock. He locked up his brakes and hit gravel here. She turned to the back of the car and noticed the pothole. And blew the right front, which pulled him into the ditch. He must have been going slow enough by then that it didn’t roll. She looked at the front of the car, noting the dent in the bumper and the slightly shiny cast of red on the metal. He definitely hit something.

Sam whistled. Alan said you were good. He wasn’t kidding. He was on the other side of the car, moving toward the back. He stopped. Looks like it hit back.

The tone of his voice made her tense. She glanced over at where he stood, looking down at the ground. She knew it was going to be bad. She began moving around the car.

Aden, you might not want to see this.

I deal with hundreds of accident cases a year, Sam. There’s very little I haven’t seen. She stopped and looked down. The mangled body was almost unrecognizable. Her gut clenched. This wasn’t a picture on a screen. She could smell the blood, almost taste it in the air. She clenched her teeth and swallowed.

A distant high wail echoed down the road. Sam shook his head and sighed. Well, Clem’s almost here. Won’t do this guy any good.

Aden stared at the mangled mass, trying to decipher the twisted angles. What do you think got him?

Sam leaned forward and looked over the remains for a moment. I don’t know. Maybe a bear or mountain lion?

The rescue squad rounded the corner and slowed down so it could pull in behind the Sheriff rig. The wail faded and the silent forest seemed to relax in relief. The squad’s intense red beacons continued to rotate as a man stepped out.

Sam sighed. I’d better go help Clem with the wheeled stretcher and tell him he won’t need anything fancy.

Aden continued staring at the victim as Sam walked away. She’d gotten used to grisly photographs over the years she’d worked at the firm. Death was nothing new to her. This was different. This was so much more real than any of the images had ever been. The bile rose in her throat but she fought it down. She’d never been the queasy type.

Michael had liked that about her. He used to take great pleasure in grossing others out with his tales from class of dissections and cadavers. She’d never batted an eye, not even when he’d shown her the pictures he was going to use for his big term project - grossly bloated and twisted bodies from different animal attacks. She’d helped him scan dozens of photos. He’d worked for months on that project and was pleased to receive the highest marks in his class. He had created a methodology of identifying the attacking animal based on the bite and claw signatures. It was an amazing achievement for a pre-med student.

Her fingers found the phone in her pocket and she brought it out. She leaned the gun against the car and tapped the screen. There was no signal but the camera didn’t need one. She began snapping images, trying to duplicate the angles and dimensions that Michael had used for his method.

What are you up to, Aden?

Taking some pictures. I have a friend who might be able to identify the animal that did this.

That’s impressive.

The new voice startled her. She stopped and turned around. The ambulance driver stood behind Sam, his face creased with a half grin.

Clem, this is Aden, Alan’s daughter. She came along to give me a hand.

Clem nodded to her. Wish it were on better circumstances. He began unstrapping the harness of the wheeled stretcher.

Sam laid a black case on the ground and unzipped the lid. He pulled a digital camera out. Since you’re snapping pictures, could you get some for the report?

Sure. Aden closed her phone’s camera and took Sam’s. She photographed the standard set while Sam took some quick measurements.

Clem looked over the remains. Looks like whatever did this was pretty pissed off. The body appears shredded.

Aden swallowed hard. She’d never seen an animal do that to anything, even another animal it was going to eat. That’s an understatement. She finished up the picture set and handed the camera back.

Sam looked thoughtfully at the camera. Do you really think your friend could tell what did this?

Aden shuddered, remembering all the gruesome photos she had helped Michael collect. He created an identification method based on photographic evidence. It was good enough to get noticed by several law enforcement agencies.

Sam looked at her. Maybe you could give him a call. It would be a lot easier to track this animal if I knew what I was looking for.

Aden’s mouth felt like she’d swallowed a cotton ball. She struggled to pull in air.

Clem tapped Sam on the shoulder. Are we ready to move this, boss?

Sam cleared his throat. Let’s get this over with. Aden, you might want to step away while we take care of this. He pulled a pair of blue flimsy gloves from his back pocket and looked back at Clem. It’s sure not pretty.

Clem chuckled softly. It never is.

Aden decided to take Sam’s advice and moved away from the carnage. She looked at her phone and began walking down the road. The driver had gotten cell reception here.

The small symbol on the screen changed and a couple short bars appeared next to it. Aden swallowed and pulled up the text message. Her hands shook as she keyed in the number. Diana had said that Michael had been too busy to return her calls. Would he even answer?

Her thumb hovered over the send button. What would she say to him? What if it went to voice mail? That would be worse.

Aden almost hit the end button but stopped. She looked back toward the scene where Sam and Clem were strapping the body bag to the wheeled stretcher. She closed her eyes and pressed send.

After a pause that felt like eternity, the phone began to ring. After the third ring, she moved her thumb to the end button but the ringing stopped. A voice answered. Hello?

Her throat went dry and her jaw locked. She swallowed hard. Michael?

She heard the gasp across the invisible air waves and wondered what must be going through his mind. She could hear him putting something down and prayed she hadn’t interrupted anything important.

If this is about the reunion, His voice sounded tense.

No. She struggled to control the shake. It’s not. It’s actually about an animal attack.

What?

She heard the confusion in his tone. The project you did your second year. The one on animal attacks?

Oh, that. She could hear him breathing. I can’t believe you even remembered that.

It’s just, How was she going to explain this? A motorist was killed by some kind of animal. I have the photos. Could you identify the animal if I sent them to you?

He paused for a long moment. Aden, it’s been a long time since I did that project.

Eighteen years. They seemed even longer to her. And he must be busy. He probably had his own practice by now. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have disturbed you. She moved her finger toward the end button.

No, Aden, please. She could hear him swallow. Things are just a little crazy at work right now.

She could hear the sounds of people talking and things moving in the background. What if she had interrupted a surgery or something? I’m sorry.

Look, let me give you my personal email address. Send them to me on that account. He paused. I’ll have a look at them and call you back later today.

He started giving her the address. Wait, I don’t have anything to write with. I have to open the notepad on my phone.

Someone on the other end of the line called his name. Just give me yours and I’ll send you a blank so you have mine.

She rattled off her personal email without even thinking about it.

Wow, you never changed it.

No, I guess I didn’t. He’d helped her come up with it almost twenty years ago.

His name was called again. I have to go.

I know you’re busy. It will take me some time to get these to you. She didn’t know what else to say. Thanks. Bye.

Later.

The call ended. She stood staring at the phone for a moment until she realized Sam was standing next to her. Are you okay, Kiddo?

He and her father were the only two people who had ever called her that. She almost lost control. I’m okay. I just need to check my email so I can send these photos.

No problem. You can use the computer back at the office.

Aden held up her phone to protest but Clem whistled to get their attention.

Let’s go see what Clem has found. Sam turned and walked briskly back toward the wreck. Aden had to jog to keep up.

Clem was looking over the car. Looks like this guy was probably headed up to town hoping for a gas station. He was almost on empty. Distances out here surprise people.

Aden nodded. Do we know who he is?

We found his wallet. Sam showed her the driver’s license.

I could look up his record for you.

Sam grinned. Does that mean you’re accepting the job?

Aden looked away. I’m sorry. This is your case. I’m just so used to dealing with that at work.

She felt Sam’s hand on her arm. Aden, it’s okay. I didn’t mean it that way. I’d appreciate the help.

Clem broke the tension. I’ll come back later with the tow truck and pick up the car. I want to get this guy into the morgue and give the county a call.

Aden looked at Clem. You have a morgue? Things had certainly changed.

Clem grinned back at her. We do now. I built it myself.

Aden had a brief image of an old ice cooler that had sat on the porch of Annie’s Café forever. She looked at Clem. He winked at her and got into the rescue squad.

Sam slapped the side of the vehicle. I’ll get the scene wrapped up and give you a call when we’re finished.

Clem waved a hand out of the window, turned off the red lights, and backed up so he could turn around.

Sam went back to the case on the ground and pulled out a record book and measuring tape. He looked over at Aden. Could I ask for your help? Things would go a lot faster with two people doing this.

Of course. Aden took the end of the tape and helped Sam mark out the scene. She’d learned the protocols back in school and dealt with the results everyday on the job. It was fascinating for her to assist with an actual accident scene in person. She’d certainly appreciate the work of the field officers more when she went back to her job.

They spent several hours detailing everything. Sam finally closed the notebook. I’m going to give Clem a call and let him know we’re done here. He pulled a car tag from the back of the record book and added the date. Put this on the back window, will you?

Aden peeled the backing off the sticker and applied it. She glanced around at the surrounding forest, wondering where the animal had gone to, and then joined Sam in the squad. He turned over the engine.

Aden reached to fasten her seat belt and realized the rifle was back in the gun rack. She hadn’t kept track of it! How many lectures had her father delivered concerning weapon safety? She tried to think back to where she’d left it.

It’s okay, Aden. I found it leaning against the side of the car where you were taking pictures.

She looked over at Sam. I’m sorry. I should have kept it with me. The animal could have still been out there.

Doubt it. There wasn’t much left of the guy. He hardly weighed anything.

She shuddered and turned to watch the forest retreat as they entered town. She’d grown up there but had left as soon as she graduated from high school. Had the town always looked so shabby and empty? There didn’t seem to be much to it. Annie’s Café and Motel looked faded against the light gray sky. She could see the little cabins behind the main building, tucked in amongst the trees. The service station stood next to it. The old red pumps had been replaced with new ones that could read credit cards. They seemed out of place. Beside the garage was the new brick fire station. She noticed that Clem was starting up the tow truck. He pulled out and stopped in the road.

Sam paused next to the truck and rolled down his window so he could shout over to Clem. Do you need any help with that?

No worries. I got it. Just wondered if you had any special requests.

It looks pretty clear. Just bring it in.

Clem nodded and drove away.

Sam parked the rig next to the other one in front of the Sheriff’s Office. She sat for a moment, watching a few stray snow flakes drift down. It seems late for snow.

Don’t worry, it won’t stick. We melted out last month already.

She took the rifle and got out. Sam took his and went toward the door. Aden turned around and looked down the street toward the last house in town. How many times had she walked with him between these two buildings?

Aden? I can get you logged on.

She sighed and turned back to the office. She didn’t really need to log on as her phone could easily get to her email but she didn’t want to offend Sam. She managed a polite smile. Thanks.

Inside, the building seemed too warm. She set the gun in the standing rack and stripped off her coat. Sam was sitting at the new desk, bringing the computer terminal to life. He turned in the chair and looked up at her. We only have the one computer. He shook his head. Alan still preferred to do most of the records by hand. He turned back to the machine as the quaint tones announced the arrival of the log in screen. He typed in the password and got out of the chair. It’s all yours.

Aden sat down at the unfamiliar desk and stared at the screen for a moment. Sam went to his own desk and pulled out blank forms to start the report. She finally put her fingers on the keyboard and found her way to the internet.

The email was there. She hesitated, wondering what Michael must have been thinking as he sent it. He hadn’t put much in the content, just a quick apology for not having more time to write anything.

She pulled out her phone and found there was sufficient signal. She opened the phone’s internet, found the email, and attached the photos. She stared at the message space for a moment, not knowing what to say. Perhaps that had been the problem for so long. She sighed and typed a quick apology for not sending them sooner and pressed the send button.

Sam got up and brought the driver’s wallet over. Since you’re on, and you did offer earlier, maybe you could look this up for me?

Sure. She took the wallet and looked at the driver’s license. He was from California.

Probably a tourist. A lot of folks use the main line to get between I-5 and the coast.

She opened the database, clicked on California, and entered his number. His record came up in moments. No wants or warrants. Not so much as a parking ticket. She wondered what kind of person he had been. I can call the local department and have them make the notifications.

Please do. Clem just brought the car in. I want to go over and help him get it unhooked and parked. He grabbed his coat and left the office.

Aden made the call to the driver’s home town department. She’d never had to deal with that side of it before. After hanging up, she picked up the wallet and noticed the insurance card. Wow, the guy was with our company. She shook her head and dialed the reporting line without looking at the number. She fell into familiar routines as she filed the report.

Aden, I hope I’m not disturbing you.

Her heart skipped a beat. She looked up. Ben was standing in the doorway, carrying a vase of flowers. Aden moved her hands away from the keys. Oh, sorry. I didn’t hear you come in.

He brought the flowers in and set them on the desk. Maggie thought you might like these. They are from yesterday’s service.

Aden stared at the arrangement in a sensible yellow ceramic vase. She doubted it was really from Maggie. How nice.

Sam told me what happened. What a terrible tragedy. I stopped by to see if you wanted to pray about it.

Aden worked hard to control her reaction. Ben had said some kind words over her father’s grave and she didn’t want to offend him. I’m doing fine, but thank you. I’ve just about finished things here and then I need to get back to the house. There are still things I have to box up before I leave.

I understand. Maggie had wanted to stop by today but she got a call from one of her clients this morning. Midwives are always on duty, much like your father was.

Aden nodded, not knowing what to say. The skin on the back of her neck began to itch. Well, hopefully I’ll get a chance to see Maggie before I leave.

She said you were one of her best friends when you were in school. Clara spoke of you a few times, as well.

Aden had always liked Maggie’s mother. She’d missed so much over the years. I was surprised that Maggie wasn’t married with her own family by now. She always had such a way with younger kids.

Ben sighed. All in the Lord’s good time, I’m sure. She hasn’t found the right person to share her life with yet. It’s a serious undertaking. He looked down at her over the rim of his glasses. What about you?

The mental box of memories flared but she suppressed it tightly. I’ve had a few good friends.

Ask the Lord to guide you and I’m sure the right man will come into your life.

The room had begun to feel uncomfortably warm. She glanced out the window and noticed Sam crossing the street heading back to the office. She was relieved. I really do need to finish this up.

Of course. Ben turned as Sam came in. Good evening, Sam. It seems Aden is just as conscientious as her father. He put on his hat and wrapped his scarf around his neck. The Lord’s blessings to both of you.

Good night, Ben. He nodded to the preacher then came over to the desk. You look a little flush. Are you okay?

A shiver went down her spine. She didn’t want to admit how uncomfortable Ben had made her feel. It’s nothing. She lifted up the flowers to reveal the dripping green foam. I was afraid of that. She looked up at Sam. Why do they give people dead flowers? She shuddered. She didn’t want to think about any more dead things.

Sam moved them to a small table between a couple of plastic chairs by the front window. How’s your investigation going?

She gathered up all the things she’d taken out of the wallet and put them back inside. The notifications have been made and I called the insurance company.

Sam took the wallet. If you work this hard all the time, your employer must really be missing you.

Aden sank back into the chair and frowned. They probably haven’t noticed I’m gone. I’m just a nameless face among many in the office. I don’t really associate with most of the people I work with.

That’s a shame. He locked the wallet and other personal effects in the safe. Can I buy you dinner? Annie has some great specials on the board tonight.

She really didn’t want to go back to the house yet. Sure, why not.

She got up and stretched. Sam laughed. You’ve been in that chair too long. He helped her put on her coat. Better button up. It’s gotten cold.

She went out and he turned off the lights and shut the door behind them. The air felt frozen but the flurries had stopped. The clouds had broken and patches of sky, still colored by sunset, shone through. Aden dug her hands into her pockets and walked down the street with Sam to Annie’s Café.

Sam held the door open for her. Ladies first.

Aden smiled and went inside. The warmth and good smells lifted her spirits. The main dining room was glowing with soft accent lights and flickering candles. A fire burned on the rough stone hearth. She sighed. This was one place she had missed. She glanced around the room. Looks busy tonight.

We could take the table over there in the far corner.

Aden followed Sam across the room and took off her coat. He pulled out a chair for her and she draped it across the back of it and sat down. I still remember when we used to study for exams. Annie would make a big pot of coffee and we’d sit here until the wee hours of the morning.

Sam pointed out the specials board and Aden considered the choices. She was distracted by a conversation at a near-by table. She looked at Sam and he shrugged. It’s a small town.

Aden listened to several other discussions around the room about the threat of the dangerous wild animal that had killed the motorist. Do you think it really is that big of a threat?

It could be, especially if it’s injured. I’ll probably have to track it down and kill it before it becomes more of a problem.

Aden had gone hunting with her father but the thought of killing something you weren’t planning to eat bothered her. Maybe it won’t be an issue. Considering the damage to the car, he hit it pretty hard. With the cold, it might be dead by now.

Let’s hope so. I couldn’t make anything out of the stuff I found on the bumper. There wasn’t any hair, just blood.

Aden didn’t really want to discuss that with dinner. She looked around and noticed Cindy taking an order at a table across the room. She glanced back at Sam. Have you decided what you’re going to have?

You bet. I can smell the chicken roasting on the spit. That and a pile of Annie’s own dumplings.

That sounds tasty. Aden hadn’t had dumplings since she left. She looked over to see if Cindy was heading in their direction yet and noticed Daniel coming in with an armload of wood. He set it down next to the fireplace and stood up. As he turned around, he looked in their direction. He smiled and began making his way across the room. Cindy cut him off halfway. Aden couldn’t hear what they were saying but she could tell Daniel wasn’t happy about it. His face went dark and he stalked back out through the service doors.

Wonder what that was all about.

Sam looked uncomfortable. Best not speak of it right now. He smiled warmly as Cindy came over. Evening, Honey. How’s things?

Fine. She ignored Aden and flipped to the next page on her pad. What will you have?

Aden’s chest tightened. They had been best friends once. Now Cindy wouldn’t even look at her. What had she done to make Cindy so upset with her?

Sam ordered for both of them and Cindy walked away. Aden, it’s not you she’s mad at. It’s just been tough for her and Dan.

Aden really wanted to believe that. She was startled when someone placed a hand on her shoulder. She turned and found Annie standing next to her. Annie bent down and gave her a hug. Sorry, darlin’. I saw all that. Cinders has just been out of sorts lately. She gave Sam a look that made Aden wonder what else was going on.

Aden could feel the tension in the older woman’s embrace. It’s okay. Annie let her go. Aden tried to relax but her body refused.

Annie looked across the table at Sam. You’ve got the headlines tonight, Sheriff.

Sam’s smile wavered. He cleared his throat. Looks like business is good tonight.

Well enough. Good thing Joseph will be in tomorrow with fresh supplies.

Aden shivered. She felt as though she was caught between something but wasn’t sure what. She turned to watch the other people in the room, feeling like an outsider instead of someone who’d come home. It had been too long.

Cindy came back with two plates of food and Annie got out of the way so she could set them on the table. Cindy turned away without saying anything.

Aden felt the lump fill her throat and managed to swallow it. Annie, is she mad at me about something?

It’s not you, Sugar. Don’t let it bother you. She gave Aden another quick hug. You enjoy that dinner and don’t worry yourself. Annie went back toward the kitchen, clearing away some dishes as she passed through the tables.

The food steamed up from the plate and the smell won. She picked up the fork and began eating. She’d forgotten how good Annie’s dumplings were.

Sam managed to put away everything on his plate. By the time Aden managed to finish a quarter of the food, she was stuffed. This is so good but way more than I’m used to eating.

Don’t worry. Nothing goes to waste around here. Whatever people don’t eat, someone’s critters do.

An old man from another table brought his chair over. Do you mind if I join you?

Sam motioned to the empty space between their chairs. Not at all, Henry. What’s on your mind?

Henry sat down. It’s all this talk about a dangerous injured animal. Do you think it was a bear out early or maybe a lion come down from the ridgeline? I’ve got my chickens and goats to think about.

We don’t know. Sam chewed on a toothpick and looked over at Aden. Seems like I’m going to need to go back down the road tomorrow and look around for some tracks. Have to know what I’m looking for before I can go looking. He dropped the splinter on his empty plate. Sam looked back at Henry. Just keep everything in for tonight.

Oh, that’s not a problem. They always come in at night. I was just starting to think about letting them into the upper field with the grass greening up and all.

Sam put a hand on his chin. Well, why don’t you give it a day or two yet until we know for sure that it’s either out of the area or dead. No use tempting it.

Aden felt her coat vibrating and reached for her phone. She glanced at it and recognized Michael’s number. She looked up at Sam. I’m just going to step out into the front entry so I can hear.

He nodded and she answered the phone as she left the main room. His hello was a little shaky. I didn’t call too late, did I?

No, it’s fine. I was just having dinner.

He paused and Aden was afraid she’d lost the signal until he cleared his throat. I looked over the photos.

She could tell something was wrong. What is it?

This doesn’t look like any animal attack I’ve ever seen. Where are you?

Western Oregon, out in the coastal range. The sheriff thinks it could be a mountain lion or bear.

I don’t think so. There was a pause. Where’s the body now?

Still here in Sweetvale, in the morgue.

Has the local medical examiner had a chance to look at the body?

Aden managed to keep from laughing. Sorry, but they don’t have one.

She could hear him tapping on a keyboard. I can’t even find it on a map. How far is it from Portland?

About three hours or so. It’s out near Newport.

There was another long pause. Aden, I don’t know if I’m going to be able to identify the animal just by looking at the photos. Maybe when the autopsy results come back, I might be able to tell then.

Aden closed her eyes and leaned back against the wall. There are concerned folks around the area who are worried about their livestock. The sheriff really wants to go out looking for the animal but that’s hard without knowing what he’s looking for.

The only way I could really be sure is to have a look at the remains myself, if there’s no one local who would mind. He sighed. I could probably have an answer with just a basic overview.

Aden felt her heart beating. He wanted to come here? It would actually help the sheriff out. I’m sure it wouldn’t be a problem.

I still don’t know where you are.

Aden struggled to control the shaking of her body. I could send you directions and a map.

Okay. He was quiet for another long moment. I could probably get someone to fill in for me at work. He paused again. I’ll try to be out there in the morning.

Her heart was pounding so hard she wondered if he could hear it over the phone. She shut her eyes. That’s great. I’ll let the sheriff know. She wasn’t sure what else to say.

Good. I guess I’ll see you tomorrow then.

She managed to say goodbye and disconnect. Aden stood in the entry until another couple came out and almost walked into her. She apologized and went back inside the main room.

Sam was staring at a mostly empty plate with incriminating crumbs on it. Aden wasn’t sure she wanted to know what else he had managed to eat.

He looked up at her. Any news?

Aden felt her knees buckling and grabbed the back of the chair for support. He couldn’t tell what animal it was from the photos. He wants to come out and examine the body. I hope you don’t mind that I told him to come and have a look.

Not at all. Sam got up and left some money on the table. I’ll let Clem know he’s coming.

Aden put on her coat and followed him out into the chilly night. Stars twinkled but there was a hazy ring around the moon. She remembered sitting on the front porch a lifetime ago with her father on a cold night like this one. The old rhyme came out. Ring around the moon, expect fog to come soon.

Sam looked up. It does look that way, doesn’t it? Then he pointed at the lit window above the service station. Clem’s got an apartment upstairs. I’ll just drop in and let him know.

She nodded. I’ll see you in the morning then. He walked toward a set of stairs on the side of the building and she walked down the dark street. There were no streetlights in Sweetvale but the moonlight was enough. She could see a light in the entryway of the post office and one over the door of the Sheriff’s Office. A few dim twinkles shown from the distant hillsides around the valley.

She sighed and pulled the phone out of her pocket. She flipped it open but found no bars on the screen. She walked toward the Sheriff’s Office until a small bar appeared. She was almost to the rigs in the gravel parking area. She walked up the steps and finally got enough signal to open her email.

Aden’s fingers were cold. Working on the tiny keypad was challenging. She was shivering by the time she hit the send button. She closed the phone and put it back in her pocket. She tucked her hands under her arms and walked up the street toward the house.

Aden went up the porch steps and wished she’d left a light on inside. The house felt cold and empty. She wasn’t looking forward to spending another night there. She wondered how long it would take her to finish things up so she could go back to the rest of her life.

She closed the front door. Aden went up the stairs, paused briefly at the door of what had been her parents’ room, but then went along the stair railing to her own room. Her father had left it just as she had when she went away to college. It was like stepping back in time.

She hadn’t paid much attention to the room the previous night. She’d been too exhausted. The long drive begun in the wee hours of the morning, coupled with the emotional fatigue of the funeral, had dulled her mind. Now she stood in the doorway as if assessing a scene. With the exception of the duffel bag on the chair, this had been who she was almost twenty-one years ago. Her eyes scanned the room critically and realized how plain it seemed to her now.

A picture on the bedside table caught her attention. She sat on the bed and reached for it. Five smiling faces looked back at her, full of dreams for the future. The Fantastic Five her father had called them. Annie had a slightly different nickname for their collective. Aden started to laugh but ended up crying. She put the picture down and curled into her pillow.

Some time in the night, the cold finally woke her. She glanced at the clock but the blinking numbers warned her not to trust the time it displayed. The darkness outside was enough. She turned off the light, kicked off her shoes, and pulled the blankets over her shivering body.

It was much harder to get out of the blankets when morning finally came. It was gray outside the window. The moon had told the truth. She looked at her rumpled clothes in disgust. She showered and dressed quickly. The chill of the house hurried her along.

Aden looked through the kitchen. The cupboards were empty. Someone had cleaned out all the food. The thought of a warm breakfast at Annie’s was comforting. She pulled on her coat and headed out into the fog.

The surreal world swirled around her, so different from the crisp sharp lines of the day before. She noticed the lights were on in the office. The previous day came back to haunt her. He was coming. She had no idea what time he’d arrive. Her stomach no longer felt hungry.

Sam was in the office when she entered. He had a pot of coffee on and offered her a cup. Aden wrinkled up her nose, missing her latte. The warmth of the office was climatic after the cold outside. She pulled off her coat and laid it over the back of the chair.

He handed her a document that still smelled of toner. This was in the inbox this morning.

Aden briefly glanced over the confirmation of notification. I feel sorry for the family. The door of the office swished open. She braced herself and turned around.

A heavy set man in a bulky overcoat entered. Morning. Sheriff Taylor?

Aden relaxed. Sam stood up and extended his hand. Sam Taylor. And you are?

The man shook his hand. Jack Donner. He dug a business card out of his pocket and offered it to Sam.

What can I do for you, Mr. Donner? Sam glanced down at the card and frowned. Image Interpretation. What exactly is that?

I’m a photojournalist. Freelance, mostly. A friend of mine at the State Patrol dropped me a note concerning the motorist that was attacked and killed up here yesterday. I think it may be connected to a story I’ve been working on.

Oh? Sam sat on the edge of his desk. I can’t imagine that too many motorists are killed by animals that they hit on the road. I’d think this would be a pretty unique incident.

There have been a number of people attacked by animals lately. This one might be linked to those other incidents. I’d really like to see the body.

Sam frowned and shook his head. Mr. Donner, this guy hit an animal with his car and obviously injured it. When he got out to check on the damage to his car, it attacked and killed him. That’s all.

Jack got out a small notebook and flipped to a page. Did the victim look as though it had been mauled and have extensive bite wounds to the shoulders and neck?

Aden thought back to the photos she had taken. She looked over at Sam and nodded slightly.

Sam pursed his lips. And where did these animal attacks occur?

Most of them in the Portland area but the state patrol did find a similar case last week just outside of Albany.

That’s quite a ways from here, Mr. Donner. I really don’t think this has anything to do with the story your working on.

Jack pulled a photo out of the back of the notebook and handed it to Sam. This was one of the victims in Portland.

Sam shrugged and handed the photo to Aden. She braced herself before glancing at the image. Nothing could have prepared her for the carnage in the picture.

* * *

Michael turned off the stereo. He’d lost count of how many times the CD had repeated and he’d given up trying to find a radio station. He saw the sign for the road that Aden had indicated on the map. Right after it was a faded board that announced Sweetvale would be an additional three miles beyond the turn.

He turned off the highway and onto the smaller blacktopped side road. He’d only seen a handful of cars this morning and this road didn’t look like it got much use. He wondered what kind of case would have dragged Aden all the way out into the middle of this wilderness.

Mary had thought he was crazy when she dropped off the car late the night before. It was their mother’s little Mazda. Mary wouldn’t let their mother drive anymore, which was probably a good thing. Michael hadn’t told her at first where he needed to go but she’d drawn him out, as usual.

The misty fog swirled through the menacing trees and he noticed a deer near the edge of the road. He slowed down but it ignored him and didn’t even seem to flinch as he drove by. Maybe Mary had been right. He was crazy to come way out here. But he had to see Aden.

He’d almost lost it the day before when he’d heard her voice on the phone. How many years had it been? If Diana hadn’t left such a long and detailed message, he might not have known. Eighteen long years. He wondered for the millionth time what to expect. Mary had warned him not to set his hopes too high. People change.

The trees began to thin out and a clearing in the fog revealed a cluster of buildings. Well, he must be there. The sign for the post office appeared out of the fog to his left. He glanced right at the café and motel, noted the gas station with its bright florescent lights over the pumps, and saw the fire station. Looking left again, his eye caught the colored bar on the first Sheriff’s squad. Aden had mentioned the sheriff so he decided to start there. Lights seemed to be on inside. He parked next to a battered Honda and shut down the engine.

Michael sat for a moment letting the road vibration fade. What was Aden working on? She must be in some big fancy firm by now. He’d been envious at how easily she aced all the pre-law classes back in college. His throat tightened. He’d tried so long not to think about it anymore. Why hadn’t he called her? Why hadn’t she come back?

He looked through the window of the Sheriff’s Office. He could see movement beyond the stenciled gold letters that labeled the office as the Sweetvale Sheriff’s Department.

He wasn’t going to get any answers sitting out here. He swung out of the car and into the morning chill. It never seemed to get this cold in Portland. He reached back in and grabbed his coat. The quiet unsettled him. It was as if the fog absorbed all the sound. He took a deep breath and went toward the entrance.

Michael saw her through the glass of the door. His heart skipped a beat. She was dressed in comfortable but stylish clothes. Her black hair was pulled back in a bun. He had always liked her long hair. He swallowed down the memories and tried to focus on why he had come. He pulled open the door and walked inside.

Everyone turned to look at him but he hardly noticed the other two men in the room. He struggled to breathe and it wasn’t just the warmth of the room. He realized Aden