Don't Feed The Dog

By Herbert Menzies

"Don't Feed The Dog" is an original, suspenseful, action packed, thrilling mystery. In a small placid town called Hope located in the Midwest dogs go crazy and start attacking, killing and terrorizing people. No one knows whats caused this to happen.
As the plot unfolds and the townsfolk fight to survive as well as bring an end to this madness some secrets are kept hidden while others become known.

Will this once peaceful,prosperous town now turned into a ghost town by killer dogs be returned back to its usual? Or will mans best friend rule once for all?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Herbert Menzies
• Release date: Jun 15, 2011
• ISBN: 9780973498752

Book preview

DON’T FEED THE DOG

By Herbert Menzies

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2010 by Herbert Menzies

Smashword Edition License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author’s work.

* * * *

CHAPTER 1

In the east side of town, where the sweet rosy aroma would take your breath away, is where we discovered what happened. Where the people were polite and crime was low; nothing could ever conquer our friendly town. But Jimmy D and his brother, Tommy, have always kept secrets, and biweekly parcel deliveries often come to their Cape Cod style home.

Since their dad, Al, is a trucker and out of town most of the time, the boys have turned their basement into a private hangout. Only members possess keys to the dingy door leading into the underground club.

One sunny – Saturday afternoon, Tommy has just finished reading Mad magazine. He takes off on his bike to the store, purchases his favorite treat, a nutty cone, then pushes back home. He puts his change in his room before exiting to the clubhouse to see what his brother is doing.

Their mother, Samantha, a 36-year-old librarian, is home on maternity leave. Yes, a healthy, giggling, seven-pound, three-ounce, blue-eyed baby girl. Mom is busy a lot, but in her spare time she relaxes with soap operas and reading various books. She also has a variety of encyclopedias in the house from which her boys gather tons of info. She can only read while baby sleeps. Spending her time with Erica, she gets to grow with it, and Erica is her pride and joy. Well, I guess since her better half is away a lot, she's come to realize that Erica will always be there.

As Tommy enters the clubhouse, he imagines the future experiment. Unlike past experiments, the boys are more likely to perfect this one, for they have thought of a great use for it.

G'day, James. How's it hangin'? asks Tommy.

You jerk. It's long and hard of course! replies Jimmy D. What else would you expect from two bright, mysterious minds full of rude character, from the mouths of two teenagers?

Is that package of test tubes coming today or what? snaps Tommy. You'd almost think they drive from Australia, the land down under, mate.

Don't call me your mate, lame wad, barks Jimmy.

The brothers get along so well that they never take sarcasm too seriously.

The secret knock rings from the door.

It's about time. Come in, Robert. Did you see that baseball game last night? What a wipe-out! Tom states.

Yeah, replies the kid who completes the trio. Robert is more of the relaxed type of person. Other kids tease him during school because they think he's a slow learner, but his two buddies know he's just carefree, and he's okay with them.

One hour later, the package arrives. Of course Jimmy or Tommy will sign for it and tell the deliveryman that it's for their father, the science teacher. That is, only if he asks any questions, just to be safe.

When Jimmy D isn't at school or at the clubhouse, he's at his part-time job at the local hardware store. Tommy and Robert are less fortunate. They don't have jobs right now.

"Anyone see how the Nuggets are acting yet?" inquires Robert.

Nuggets is the nickname for the test mice that the boys use.

They're fine today. I don't think that stuff is working, though, replies Tommy.

Let's have a look! says Robert.

As he lifts the cover, the mice shuffle in fear.

Ah! Hi, guys. What do you feel like today? asks Robert.

Duh… Maybe lunch, and it's your turn, Robert, says Tommy.

Being a Saturday, they have to be quick and get back to doing their weekend chores. Always keeping Mother happy.

This will be so funny if it works as planned. Ha, ha, giggles Robert. Do ya think I'm a little psycho, guys? Or do ya think I'm just a little vindictive?

We think you're nuts. Besides that, we'll be laughin' our asses off too, once this takes place, says Jimmy D.

The room explodes with knee slappin' laughter.

The one thing that bothers Robert the most is the fact that his father, a local redneck who got fired from Jibbey's, the dog food factory, is an honest man. Robert knows his dad wouldn't steal dog food and sell it at a cheaper price in other towns, which he has been accused of doing. So Robert takes it into his own hands. Calm, cool and collected, he has a scheme that is revengeful but funny, that is if it works. (Ha, ha.)

The buzzer goes off.

Yes, Mom, says Jimmy D.

Is Tommy going to mow the lawn today or do I have to?

He'll be right up, Mother, replies Jimmy D.

Boy oh boy. Maybe that intercom wasn't such a good idea, Jimmy chuckles.

So Tommy goes to mow the lawn while the other two work away. Now, you have to envisage this modified version of a lab. A communication system, electron microscopes, weigh scales, small fridge, oven to bake or dry out chemicals, a volt meter, twelve-volt batteries, Bunsen burners, test tubes and beakers to spare. All constructed by three diligent teens.

Up the street, Tommy's girlfriend is about to start cutting her father's lawn as well. Now, the boys never would discuss with anyone that they're working on chemical experiments. They cover up by letting on that they're inventing items for the future down there. No one questions it, since it keeps them out of trouble (so it seems). Therefore, everyone is happy.

Nell! yells Tommy. She's bent over, tugging at the lawnmower. Tommy walks up. Do you want me to start it?

She turns to him with a frustrated look on her face.

Ah, why not, she sighs. So he starts it. Away she goes, cutting the grass. Tommy stares at her, while mentally admiring his little darling. He shuts the lawnmower off, to Nell's surprise.

What's wrong? she asks.

It's running rough. Let me show you how to change the spark plug safely. I'll get one out of your garage.

He cleans the air filter while he's at it.

Later on that day, the boys discuss what they might do for the evening. Usually the two brothers spend Saturday nights with their mother, watching movies and settling their cravings with chips and dip.

A few days later Tommy and Robert are back to the clubhouse after school. Jimmy D has to work, so it's the other boys who do some extra planning on their idea as well as the general feeding and cleaning of the mice and cages.

When can we try this new stuff on the Nuggets? asks Robert.

Oh, I think we are almost ready. I just have to compare our notes from the last couple of lab experiments.

Is Jimmy getting the parts for the new table? asks Robert.

Yeah, I think he's getting them tonight.

Meanwhile, upstairs, Samantha is reading a novel when the baby wakes up from her nap, screaming out her tears. Sam rushes in to find the baby's leg stuck in between the crib's railings.

Oh my God! shrieks Sam. Oh dear, let me help you.

The situation isn't as bad as she thought. Erica must have rolled over in her sleep and jammed her leg through the railing. Woke up, trying to move and it hurt like hell. After settling the baby down, Sam comforts her more by rocking her in Al's chair.

The baby is soothed back to sleep, only to be wakened again by the telephone. Now picture that angry baby. What a day she is having.

Hello. Oh sweetie, how are you, honey? I was just rocking the baby in your chair. Yes, she's fine and the boys are well. When will you be home? Tomorrow? Oh, great. I'll have supper ready for you and a surprise for later.

Samantha can hardly wait to show her husband the new negligee she purchased while he was away. Al only comes home about every two weeks. He's a hard-workin' man. Not by choice is he away from his family, but as we know, some people have to work out and away from their families to pay the bills.

Early the next day, Al shows up at seven o'clock. He likes to surprise his wife and kids by coming home earlier than scheduled.

He wakes his wife first with a subtle kiss.

What the hell…oh…again you fooled me, Sam exclaims.

So where is my surprise since I just gave you yours? Al asks.

I'll show you later, dear. She clears her throat.

The boys wake before the baby does and greet their father, then they have a happy family breakfast together. Isn't that special?

So, are you guys building any space ships down there or what's the story? Al asks.

Oh, maybe someday we'll let you in there to see, says Jimmy D.

Or maybe we won't. Ha ha, Tommy laughs.

Coo, coo, that's my baby girl. Daddy feels so good as he holds and bottle-feeds Erica. Only one thing that he can't do, well, you know. Al has a weak stomach so he can never even try to change a poo poo diaper. Jimmy and Tommy would do that if their mother asked them to. They are co-operative boys when it comes to family duties.

Smash! Oh shit. Sorry. I'll, I'll clean it up, Dad. Tommy has broken the juice pitcher by accident. It slipped out of his fingers, which are buttery from the toast he ate earlier. No one is cut so everything is fine.

Later on that day, Jimmy D helps his father with the maintenance on his rig. Al is due back on the road again by tomorrow after lunch, so time is valuable now more than ever.

When evening rolls around, Al finally sees his surprise. Samantha is a very attractive lady and Al is ol' faithful while on the road. He has the family picture hanging up in his bunk where he sleeps. You see, it's one of those old-fashioned families. Now isn't that so sweet….

The next day rolls around and Al is off again, so Mother and Jimmy take the dog and baby Erica for a stroll in the park. The cat roams freely inside and out, but at nights, the cat is shut up in the spare room just in case it bothers Erica.

While at the park, Jimmy spots a rare-looking bird. This intrigues him enough that when he arrives home he looks it up in his bird book. Oh, so it was a yellow-breasted northern canary.

Now it's Friday, the last day of school before the wet weekend that lies ahead.

Rain for the next two days, says Rolanda, sarcastically.

Yeah, at least I don't have to cut grass this weekend. Ha, chuckles Tommy.

Tommy and Rolanda are just friends, but they hang out a bit too much as far as the jealous little blonde, Nell, is concerned.

Rolanda suggests, with her charming smile and seductive body language, You can mow my grass any day, rain or shine.

Tommy gets kind of excited but he fights it off by envisioning Nell's face as she slaps him. So then Tommy just carries on with his book report and ignores Rolanda for a while.

Soon, Rolanda gets the hint and she is asking the male teacher a question just so she can flirt with him. Oh, what a bla, bla, beep beep.

When the bell rings, it's home time. Tommy, Jimmy and Nell walk home together while Rolanda flirts with the latest jock, welcoming him to the school team her way.

Just before they get home, Tommy says, Let's sit down on this bench. I have to share something with Nell.

Okay, Tommy, what's going on? Nell asks.

Nell assumes it's about Rolanda, but this time she's wrong.

Jimmy, bear with me here. Okay, Nell, you can't tell anyone about anything I say right now. We will need you to help us boys complete a task in a few weeks or so. Only I can't tell you what it's about until the time is right. So could you be there to help us?

What's it involve? I don't want to get me or anyone else into trouble, Nell says.

No, Tom replies. It ain't that bad. It's kind of a funny practical joke, that's all.

Okay, I'm in on any joke, laughs Nell.

So they all go home.

Later on in the clubhouse, Tommy explains to Jimmy and Robert why they need Nell.

Of course, Jimmy says.

Look what I got, Robert states, as he pulls out a large beaker from his knapsack.

Holly shit! That was cutting it close, wasn't it? Jimmy asks.

Well, we might need another one, so I stole it. No big deal, Robert adds.

We also need rubber test-tube stoppers, for the last experiment. We better check our list to see what else, Tom declares.

Okay. We…ah, we need hypodermic needles. Some potassium sorbate, a little alum powder, some beef broth and for the sedative parts, we need results.

Jimmy D starts reading his Mad magazine while the other two work away, feeding the mice, cleaning, then preparing for their next step.

Soon it will be finished and plan A can start into action. In this case that's what the A stands for. Plan B stands for, by the jumpin's this is so funny, I can't laugh much longer.

Now Jimmy is wondering again why they need Nell involved, so he asks. Tommy, What do we need Nell for anyway?

Tom replies, You can ask Robert. He'll tell ya.

Robert butts in, clearing his throat. You see, Jim, I know the layout of the factory. I also know that they have a security guard there all night long. So I've devised this process with Nell, strictly because she is female, and attractive, therefore being to our advantage.

Okay, but what if she…

Tommy cuts Jimmy off. She won't say a word.

How can you be sure, Tom? Jim asks.

Well, I've known her for a long time and, well, Jim, keep this a secret too. Her and I, being sixteen and all, well, you see, we are sexually active and she hasn't told anyone about us.

What, you's two are doing it? Jimmy laughs.

Tom says, Yeah, but no teasing and don't ask for advice.

Jimmy breaks into laughter. Listen, Mr. Stud Muffin, I don't need advice.

Robert chuckles, knowing these two are going to ride this one for a long, long time.

Anyhow, back to the plan. The boys are ready for one last injection for the mice. So they go ahead with it as they predict that in two days it will be determined if it will work.

So the weekend arrives where the boys don't need to spend much time at the clubhouse. Of course they decide to sleep in and then do something different for a change. Yes, it's off to the wilderness for an excursion.

Lily Mountain Road is where they cycle off to. Knapsacks, food and, last but not least, some homebrew that Robert snuck from his dad. Eew, it could be gross tasting.

As they peddle their way to the paths, they see some girls coming toward them. Jimmy whistles, then says, Hey, Tom, I'll handle these spuds.

Robert laughs.

Hi, girls. What's you's doin' up here? says Jimmy.

The girls laugh to each other, then walk right by the boys, totally embarrassing Jimmy D, to which he remarks, Must have been your B.O., Tommy.

Tommy shouts out, Up yours, James.

They cycle onward until the hill is so steep that they have to walk their bikes up it. Robert has asthma, so he has to stop a few times to use his puffer.

Finally, they reach the top of the hill. (It's called a mountain, but it's only a huge hill.) They gather some firewood so they can cook wieners and beans and a little beef shish-ka-bob for Robert.

The boys joke around, get their mind off things, you know what it's like. Enjoy two beers each and that's enough. When it's almost dusk, time to go (they love this part), free-braking down the mountain path.

Ya hoooo! they all yell out.

The next day is Sunday, and all the more special moments are spent with Mother and Erica. Robert is focused on an English report that's due soon, so he works on that all day.

Now they're back in school, learning Shakespeare in English class with Mrs. Gladstone. She is a very attractive lady who Tommy adores (besides Nell). She wears a summer dress with a transparent scarf draped around her neck. Long, luscious legs come down to her high heels, which flex her calf muscles, therefore exciting all the boys.

Now, class, please turn to page 101 in your Macbeth book. We will be reading about dramatic importance. From Lady Macbeth's first taut, half-whispered remarks… Well, we all might remember Shakespeare. The class carries on with the play.

Tonight they feed the mice and try out one of their final experiments to see if it works. The boys are so anxious that they argue about trying the plan one night this week. After accepting the fact that it would be more effective to wait, they do just that.

Upstairs, Mother is feeding Erica some mashed carrots and peas. Of course Erica's facial expression is rudely acknowledged as laughter instead of remorse for the bitter taste of the feeding.

One for baby, and none for Mommy. Mother laughs again.

Now I think I know why babies spit out most of their food. That is their way of saying, How dare you feed me this disgusting crap! I'll make your stomach upset; now watch this mess. Now you can clean it up too.

Samantha cleans up and burps Erica after her milk chaser.

That's my baby. Oh, I love you so much.

In a demanding kind of voice, on the buzzer, Bedtime, boys. Come up quietly. I'm putting Erica to bed.

Yeah, b'up soon, Jimmy replies.

Finishing up on the night and on the track calendar, they plan out when they can carry out plan A.

Later on in the week, when Samantha is having her sister over for dinner, guess who else shows up? Mr. On the Road Again, Father Travel himself. During the prime rib dinner, served every month of course, baby Erica wonders why she can't have a meal like everyone else is having, which smells so good. Well, since she can't get the message across, she settles for prunes and potatoes.

Back to the clubhouse, Tommy, says Jimmy, then he burps. Ex, ex, excuse m-me!

Al asks, Just what are you stooges up to anyway down in the dungeon?

That's classified. By the way, don't send your spies down there because we have the place booby trapped, Jimmy says in a joking manner. But really, they do have it that way.

Al hobbles to the phone to call his mother, who lives in Atlanta. Samantha tends to Erica's bath time while her sister Jane cleans the table before tackling the clammy dishes.

Mother dear, how are you? says Al into the phone.

I'm fine. A little cold, but fine.

Al's mother is a diabetic, and her blood circulation isn't the best so she loves to complain to her son the most.

I'm going through the state next week. I should be there on Wednesday. Will you be…?

Yes, I will, interrupts his mother with joy and compassion in her voice.

Al's mother is lonely and she enjoys seeing her son. She is proud of him and his family, even though she doesn't see them often. They are all close to one another.

After the phone conversation is over, Al joins Sammy and his daughter to help with the bathing.

She's a sweetie, Al remarks.

Well I wish you were here more to enjoy her…well… growing up. Samantha sobs.

You know, give yourself a reality check, Sammy, Al responds.

After the bath, inserting a video as Erica is rocked softly to sleep. The happy couple enjoy tea with Jane before she leaves.

So what should we do about Mother? asks Jane.

Well, since Dad passed away she has been doing great except for her health. We don't have many options. I do not think we should put her in a home. Do you, Jane? asks Sam.

No. I think one of us has to bring her into our home. Can you manage that, Sam?

I'm busy enough with the baby and the boys, snaps Sam.

Al keeps his opinions silent but, at the same time, shows emotional support for the girls.

I would think that you would have more time and more space since you are single, Sam states.

What? I'm very busy with my two kids, you know.

Somehow the discussion turns into an argument. Sam pipes up, Oh, your time for sexual partners is more important since your divorce and no room for your own mother! I'm sure you could manage the situation. What if we built an in-law apartment in your house?

Jane calms the conversation down with her guilt in mind.

Actually, that's a solution. Then I could still have, you know, well, my freedom. Jane breaks the tension with some laughter as well.

Okay, we'll get together next weekend, tell Mom what our plans are and ask her what she thinks about it, okay, Jane?

Okay, Sammy, Jane sighs.

Now as Jane is leaving, Al throws a funny dig. So who is the lucky guy for tonight's spot, Jane?

Buzz off, you…. Never mind. Jane chuckles, maybe accepting the fact that she has led a promiscuous love life since her divorce.

Later, during bedtime for Al and Sam, Al says, Do you think you may have been a little too harsh on your sister?

Now I may have been, but I know that's the only way I can get through to her. She needs to accept her responsibilities more now. Trust me, dear, I know my sister. Very well.

Fine, Al sighs. I guess I'll have to trust your judgment.

Thanks for understanding, Al, Sam replies, assured.

A few minutes later, the couple become intimate, you know, the comforting part, etc. etc….

A few days later, it's bright, and, oh, about ninety-five degrees outside. The trio of boys decide to skip school. It's close to exams and the summer holidays can't be soon enough. The boys headed up the trail that leads to the lake. Fishing, swimming, just a day in the sun.

Tommy caught some worms a few nights before during a brief rain storm. He's about to put one on his hook, when suddenly a loud roar and rustling in the bushes scare the livin'… you know, right out of him.

It's Robert, looking for attention. He's the natural practical joker. They continue fishing until it's too humid to withstand it. So in they go for a dip. Jimmy D cuts his foot on a very sharp rock. His fun is over a little earlier than expected.

He goes on shore to stop the bleeding, as the other boys are unaware of his pain at the time,