First One

By Angel Rod

Have you ever asked yourself how would you react if discover that the good guys are the bad guys? A fascinating story of a controversial subject. Flooded of action and intrigues. Begins with a deadly persecution. The plot is addictively developed from there on. Some facts and real scenes are mixed with fantasy.
The story of the Antichrist like never before narrated. It’s a mixture of thriller and mystery. A complot to kill a 10-years-old boy, who’s presumed to be the son of Satan. The boy doesn’t have idea that his father is Lucifer, but is forced to manifest unknown abilities, unconsciously. Within the crisis he tries to maintain positive values, which were inculcated by his mother, but without realizing that, little by little, was polishing a new personality that would approach him more and more to his real father. Also, a priest is betrayed by its Church. His destiny will be threatened by a fight of values and feelings. Meanwhile the Vatican hides a secret, which if known, would put in danger its image and the destiny of humanity.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Angel Rod
• Release date: Aug 7, 2011
• ISBN: 9781465972101

Angel Rod

Born in Puerto Rico some time ago. Lived and studied in New Hampshire for 7 years. Since very young been writing short stories for free. Specializes on horror and thrillers, but also have had success in drama and humor. Indie publishing has awakened the desire to write novels. With a simple style, but sophisticated at the same time. You will always get a great experience for what you pay. Hoping you can associate his name in the future with a good reading alternative for entertainment.

Book preview

FIRST ONE

By

Angel Rod

Smashwords Edition

[e-mail]

This is a fiction novel. Any similarity with person name is pure coincidence. Some places are fictitious and others are real. True facts with fantasy are mixed. The intention of the author is to offer an unforgettable experience combined with entertainment.

The author reserves all rights of this novel.

Judge by yourself those real facts.

Copyright 2011 Angel Rod

***~~~***

Smashwords 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 recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

***~~~***

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The fugitive

The cabin

The father

The river

The letter

The alley

The pursuit

The street

The airplane

The hospital

The train station

The accident

The train

The hotel

The barrio

The Coliseum, The Hotel, The Vatican

The girl

The code

The message

The university

Archivum Secretum Apostolicum Vaticanum

The surprise

The waiting

The book

The manifestation

Epilog

Acknowledgements

The fugitive

CHAPTER 1

The night was submerged in a mysterious darkness. Except for the threatening clouds, only the Full Moon made an appearance in the dense field of trees. One... two lightning bolts fell almost at the same time... as though they had agreed each other. Two human figures appeared… a man and a child. The man (Joe) was young, a 30-year average. The child (Christopher), of 10 years old, and tall for his age. They were running desperately. It was evident an imbalance in the child’s movements while he was held by the man. Something or someone persecuted them. Who knows for what or why. The fear that reflected on them exhausted their energies. Almost out of breath they were able to descry a cave. Because of its appearance seemed to haven’t been frequented by any intelligent being. Suddenly Christopher collapsed. Joe took him in his arms and began rising an almost steep route to the entrance.

The interior was darker than the night. The smell was foul, caused by years of accumulation of bat feces. Heard thousands of insects and some other sounds, perhaps caused by the offspring of the flying mammals. Very few adults flying, but they didn’t seem to be threatening. In another moment the cave would have been the last option of refuge, but at that moment was the perfect place to evade what was lurking them.

Without releasing the child from his arms Joe delved further into the cave, without taking more importance to what was going on and leaving behind the sound of thunders. In his mind he only kept thinking on staying far away from the entrance to prevent being detected. Looking back he noticed that the entrance was just part of the past. Now they were only surrounded by a darkness that will not let escape a breath of visibility. Feeling safer Joe turned on his small flashlight, who had taken it seconds before from a leather backpack, which was intertwined diagonally from shoulder to one flank. Light showed the reason for Christopher’s fainting. The shirt, which at one time had been white, was now painted red… was blood. A wound on his left side rib.

Be strong son. Hold a little more, said Joe between sobbing and heavy breathing, caused by fatigue from running a lot. The bullet only cut the skin and scratched a rib little bit.

His son remained on the soil such as his father had placed him. Motionless, but breathing. Without hesitation Joe took off his shirt, remaining only in a white t-shirt. Put his handkerchief on the wound, using the flashlight as a guide while holding it in his mouth. With care, but at the same time firmly, he pressed the shirt around Christopher’s body, setting the handkerchief on its place. Christopher continued passed out, fortunately for him, because would have been very painful after applying the tourniquet.

It’s the most I can do at the moment. Son, don’t give up. We’ll get out of this, cried Joe silently to avoid being discovered.

Battered by the recent events Joe leaned, supporting his back on the wall, retreating very fast because of the coldness that emanated from the stones. Having experienced the feeling and realizing that wasn’t in danger then decided to try again. This time with success, leaving out a sigh, that seemed more one of relief than tiredness. His son remained lying mouth-up on Joe’s legs, thus serving as support so that his head wasn’t to falter with the bat excrement that seemed to be covering every inch of the ground. His condition was stable, but delicate. Joe was fighting to keep his eyes open. His tiredness was evident and sleepiness was dominating him. From time to time gave himself slaps on the face to ward off the danger of falling asleep. He knew that if he felt asleep they would be easy prey.

Few minutes had passed, but to Joe it seemed to be an eternity. Because of his tiredness and Christopher´s condition, he knew there wasn't much he could do. They just had to wait in the cave, maintaining silence and avoiding the temptation on the slightest noise to turn on the flashlight. It was a situation of life or death, and he knew it very well. He was prepared to face an extreme situation with his life. Was focused to protect his son, though it meant that he had to kill for it.

There was Joe without taking away his eyes to what he understood was the only way out of the cave. The sound of insects produced some discomfort to his ears, but nothing that couldn’t stand. The bats were quiet, at least that was his suspicion, because they didn´t fly in frenzy anymore. It gave a level of security and relief, which while staying that way, it meant they were not being invaded. A slight Moon ray penetrated the cave entrance, which wasn’t enough to illuminate the place, but fortunately was proof that in that direction was the exit. Christopher was still unconscious, but Joe knew that he would recover after a good night's sleep, because the bleeding had stopped and there were no signs of fever. In a blink of an eye the place was like a tomb… total silence! Only could be heard the echo that left the drops falling from the stalactites, adding tension to the silence. Something was wrong. It wasn’t normal that crickets get quiet just like that, when it was still night, which was punishing with its darkness. There was no sleepiness anymore. There was no tiredness. Adrenaline ran through every pore of his body. He suspected that something would happen soon, which made that each second look like a threat. Something was approaching. He knew it. His self-preservation instinct seemed not lying. Felt a noise… not from the insects… neither from the bats… not even from the drops of water that had been disturbing since the beginning of the deathly silence. In a desperation attempt he began to scratch the ground with the hand that was free, perhaps with hope of finding something that could be used as a weapon. Was able to touch something long and sharp. It was one of many stalactites that could be found in similar caves. Joe wasn’t interested in knowing what he had grasped. Only knew that he would hold on tight to the object until the last consequences. He knew that moving abruptly would lead waking up Christopher, so he would wait until the last moment to make his move. Christopher was too weak to withstand a possible hoax of his father. Was able to get free the hand that was lightly touching his son’s hair. This time he took it to his pocket. Pulled out the flashlight. His hand was shaking, not for less. Couldn´t see anything, but knew where to aim… towards the Moon´s beam. Pressed the power button. His heart pounded exaggeratedly. Felt a shiver from head to toe. There, barely at one meter of distance, the light illuminated the face of his predator.

Joe awoke extremely scared. The sound that issued with his mouth and body was enough to wake up Christopher.

Daddy, what happened?, asked Christopher with weak voice.

Nothing to worry about. It was only a nightmare, answered Joe while trembling. Keep resting. You need to recover all the energy you can.

Where are we?, asked Christopher.

In a cave. Just when we arrived you fainted, now Joe answered calmly.

How long have we’ve been here?, asked curious the child.

With so much tension it didn’t occur to Joe to check the time that had elapsed since they touched the cave. He had lost notion of time when felt asleep against his will. That information was vital to be more alert in case that had passed very little time. Instinctively he looked for the cell phone, but unfortunately the battery was dead, so he sought for a digital wristwatch that had in his backpack. It was a cheap watch with a broken wrist, but still working. Activated the clock´s light in order to see the time. The light was enough to illuminate very vaguely the environment. Joe and Christopher smiled mutually. It was a joy to be alive, but worrisome because they still remained in danger.

Can't believe it, answered surprised Joe. It’s 3: 12 am. We have been here eight hours. I thought that it had only gone minutes. Next time I have to be more careful.

Daddy, do you think that we have lost them?, asked Christopher.

Don’t know, but we’ll stay here. Won´t risk it. Anyway, you need to rest. You’ve lost too much blood. Fortunately, the bullet didn´t touch vital points. We’ll leave early in the morning and gather for someone that can suture that wound.

No! No hospitals! They’re not safe, insisted Christopher.

Don't worry, Joe said slowly to calm his son. I’ll be careful to find a doctor that will help us in anonymity.

And how are you going to do that? No doctor will help without first asking. Remember that this type of wound isn’t normal.

From here to dawn something will come to my mind. Meanwhile, young man, go to sleep so you can recover energy, ordered his father.

The truth is that Joe didn’t have any plan. Was feeling more energized after that dangerous dream. Even if he were tired he wouldn’t dare to sleep again, at least during that night. Then he accommodated his back on the stone wall, cold as the first time. Supported his hand on the ground. And tripped over something. Was long and sharp … a stalactite. His skin bristled.

***

Something awoke Christopher.

What was that?, asked scared.

The adult bats returning to sleep, replied Joe. It should be, more or less, 6 am. The cave hides the clarity, so it appears to still be at night. Let´s not waste time. Now that we are awake let’s leave this place.

Christopher was still weak. Had no strength to stand up so Joe helped him to join up. With slow steps they approached the entrance. Christopher didn’t complain, but was obvious that he demonstrated it by his gestures. Soon, the darkness that had wrapped them all night and morning, disappeared. The Sun gave them a very warm welcome. Joe observed suspicious. Had to make sure there was no danger. After a slight recognition he had the audacity to start the descent. Under normal circumstances it would have been something easy to do, but having to assist Christopher, made it little more complicated. Each step meant a possible fall, as there were many loose stones that served as an obstacle. They finally reached the plain. From now on the road looked clearer. But, which direction to take? To the North was a large mantle of trees. Towards the West, a few miles away, could be seen a collection of mountains. The East preserved a more attractive landscape, with trees smaller and dispersed. It showed a path maybe caused by the constant animal walking, perhaps of domesticated cows or goats.

Was a good idea to get into the forest. Don´t think they have dared to cross it, but it’s very likely that if we take that route they will be waiting for us, said Joe. The route of the East seems to be the most reasonable. Something tells me that path holds civilization very close to here.

I’m hungry and thirsty, said Christopher.

I know son. Me too. This candy will calm down a little bit your appetite.

***

On the other side of the forest, at about 7: 30 am, the scenery was another. There was euphoria. Patrol cars and an ambulance were present. The door of one of the vehicles read County Fond du Lac. In addition, very close, a 4 x 4 black truck with completely black windows. At few yards was a figure wrapped in white cloth... a corpse. The grass under the body and around it was burned, but no smoke was noticed, although its smell was evident. No one seemed it was strange in places like these, because spontaneous combustion fires were almost normal or perhaps some mischief of local young people provoked it. Another black truck arrived with the same characteristics of the other. The passenger door opened and came out an imposing man with dark glasses. Bald, not by nature but by razor, avoiding that way, to show a possible partial baldness in his forehead and upper part. Slender and face mistreated by the Sun. His name... Godot.

What happened?, asked enraged while taking away the glasses.

Commander, we had him cornered, Joseph answered. We were sure that we had him, but something went wrong.

I cannot believe it. A 10-year-old boy... two highly trained adults cannot with a helpless brat. Do you know the orders?, Godot was even more enraged, but hiding such feeling to the strangers.

Yes Sir. Shoot to kill, answered Joseph nervously.

And why do I have the damn idea that such an order is too complicated to carry out?, Godot asked more annoyed.

Sir, the child was there. Just between Aaron and myself. He looked into my eyes and I felt the desire not to shoot. Sir … felt peace... not fear, sighed Joseph

Exactly that is for what you are trained. He is very astute and deceitful. And I see we have underestimated him. His true nature is awakening, long before as was prophesied. Still does not have the age, but it seems we have advanced his evolution. I just hope in God that he does not know who he is and what his fate is, said Godot in a worrying tone.

Sir, how you know if he already knows it?, Joseph asked curious.

I assure to you that when that moment arrives not only you will realize… the entire world will know it. It will be the end of humanity as you know it, countered Godot in a prophetic way.

After searching for a lollypop from his vest, Godot returned his glance to the inert body. With a lot of patience unwrapped the candy and took it to his mouth. Waited some seconds, seeming to be thinking with care of what was going to say.

How is that he is there and you are here?, Godot asked.

Sir, Aaron aimed to him with his weapon, but he didn’t shoot. Didn’t know what was happening to him. I was at 200 meters, more or less. I ran towards them. Just when I had the perfect distance to shoot the boy turned around towards me. Felt electricity that penetrated each pore of my body. It was dark. There was no way to know that the boy would develop his abilities so early, at least that ability. Suddenly felt that something struck my head. My body reacted and unconsciously my finger pulled the trigger. While I was fainting I noticed that the bullet touched the boy and at the same time Aaron fell. Don’t remember anything more until I woke up this morning with the farmers aiding me just before the sheriff arrived.

So an accomplice exists. That complicates it more. What did you say to the sheriff?, Godot asked.

Sir, told him we were persecuting a dangerous federal fugitive. Nothing else, Joseph asserted.

Not very far the sheriff concluded his investigation with one of the locals and came to approach Godot.

If I’m not mistaken you should be Commander Godot. I’m Chief Ryan.

At your orders. In what can I be useful?, Godot responded.

This is a peaceful county. In fact, I´ve never had the necessity to pull out my weapon. Twenty-five years on service and not a single shot. Looking at your man there brings many doubts about what could have happened. Why were your men here?, Sheriff Ryan asked.

Ryan was a man of medium stature, whose years had gained him something of pounds. His voice was heavy, reason why he distributed a level of authority although he weren’t wearing the uniform.

We were after the track of a fugitive, answered Godot.

I see! And which government agency has much interest in persecuting an important fugitive?

I believe my man already answered that question, replied Godot.

I have short memory and would like to listen it from your mouth. If you don’t have any objection, replied the sheriff.

We are agents. This is a secret operation… do not want to alarm the community.

May I see your identification?, Ryan ordered.

Godot entered his hand in his vest’s left pocket and showed the identification to him within a leather cover.

Godot III Justiliano. Hmm! Your full name isn’t common in these places. I notice that you are from the FBI… What is Commander for? , Ryan asked.

Pardon me?, asked surprised Godot.

The FBI doesn’t have that type of title. Don’t you think so?, Ryan repeated.

That’s confidential, replied Godot energetically.

I already see. There is something that doesn’t fit to me. The neighbors over here say that while they helped your man he continued murmuring of the presence of a boy, Ryan emphasized. That doesn’t seem to be the profile of a dangerous fugitive.

At that moment the sheriff’s cellular rang.

Excuse me a while. It’s the governor, said Ryan. Yes Sir… Yes Sir… but… it’s that… what happens… yes Sir!

Showing the cellular to Godot, He wants to speak with you.

Good morning Mr. Governor… affirmative… understood … continue enjoying your vacations in Honolulu, responded Godot.

Well Sheriff Ryan. I believe it has been very clear who is the boss here, said Godot staring at the sheriff. We will establish a search perimeter in this place. Sheriff… I want that boy to investigate him. Surely he is hold hostage by the fugitive.

And which are the characteristics of the boy?, Ryan asked indignantly, but without demonstrating it.

Reach an agreement with my man. He will give you the physical description and how was dressed.

And which are the fugitive’s characteristics?, Ryan asked.

If you find the boy you find the delinquent, Godot answered intelligently, because he didn’t have an idea who was helping the boy. Sheriff, we do not have time to waste. Every minute counts. Put your men to work.

The sheriff retired and immediately Godot called his team of four men. And began to speak in a low tone with the only intention that what was spoken wasn’t heard by the locals.

The sheriff does not know anything. The High Command was in charge to convince the governor. So the sheriff will not be an obstacle. On the other hand, the damn tadpole has more life than a cat. Now he has an accomplice. We do not know who is the man, but must also be eliminated. The boy is wounded. Investigate the hospitals, doctors, independent doctors or whatever has to do with medicine. He will look for aid from one of them. And when that happens I will gladly be waiting for them. He will wish not to been born ever. What the hell are you waiting? Move your asses!

Everybody accepted the issued orders. While the corpse waited for the arrival of the public prosecutor its body rested on a burned pastureland. At simple sight it was just was carbonized grass.

***

Joe and Christopher kept firm steps, but slow due to the condition of the minor. Both stayed quiet. Joe began to remember:

Joe answered his cellular phone, which was ringing very insistently. He knew who was, because only that person had his number.

"Tell me Jenny, something happens with Christopher?", Joe asked.

Frankly yes. Joe, listen very careful. It’s a life/death situation. They already know it. Christopher is in danger. I don’t know how they found out, but they are looking for him, you know what for. I’m not in the apartment. Probably they already destroyed it looking for clues. Christopher doesn’t have idea. Joe, what should I do? I’m scared.

"Calm down, Joe insisted. Tell me where you are."

"In Wisconsin, Fond du Lac County", said Jenny.

"Where exactly?", Joe asked.

"Parish… The service was interrupted and a feminine voice insisted, To continue speaking deposit two dollars with seventy-five cents."

The line was dead….

In a blink of an eye Joe’s mind transferred to Fond du Lac County.

Accumulation of gray clouds was noticed. Throughout the clouds there were irregular lightning bolts and weak sounds wanting to imitate drums… indication of a positive and negative particle overload. It almost grew dark what helped to think that those were special effects of some motion picture. Joe approached the parish. It was obvious to identify such structure. The walls were covered of big and multicolor windows with silhouettes of saints and angels. The door was enormous, of a strong wood with metal printings. The huge ceiling supported a tower bell and that, as well, a big cross with four smaller ones surrounding the greater one. Joe observed distrustful, but didn’t manage to see Jenny. He walked to the temple, still vigilant, avoiding to be persecuted. Opened the enormous door and for his surprise it didn’t seem as heavy as it pretended. The interior was nothing outside the normal thing. There were many shining wooden benches where the parishioners settled during the masses. The light rays, sadly the last ones of the day, showed a pleasant climate when mixing themselves with the contrast of the windows. He walked slowly by the corridor hoping to find Jenny and Christopher hidden between the benches. Three parishioners were scattered, apparently praying.

"You must be the father", a voice in low tone surprised him behind.

Glancing towards the voice Joe noticed a thin man, of normal and middle-aged stature. His clothes were black and large, avoiding displaying his shoes. His hands were supported within the clothes.

"Don’t know what you’re talking about. Just came to prey", answered Joe.

"White, black curling hair not too long, brown eyes, tall for his age and shy", continued the stranger.

"Don’t think I’m good for riddles", Joe insisted.

"A two inches mole in his right side above the second rib", said the stranger.

Joe changed his face. That last statement described Christopher perfectly.

"I’m Father Antonio. Just wanted to make sure it was you. Your wife gave me this", said the priest.

Father Antonio extended his hand giving him a small paper. Joe’s hands shook, not of fear, but by the uncertain destiny of his lovely beings. The paper contained his telephone number. Only one person knew that number… Jenny.

"She told me that it would call your attention and confidence", said Father Antonio.

"You got my attention, father. Where are they?" , Joe asked.

"Far from here for their security. Take this map. The X on it marks the place. Twenty kilometers from here. The road doesn’t have asphalt and gets narrow. It’s a cabin near the forest side", said Father Antonio.

"Thanks father", said Joe.

"The boy is alone. I took him to the place. The site is safe. It’s a cozy cabin, owned by friends who are on vacations."

"And Jenny?", asked Joe.

"Still don’t understand how she convinced me, but insisted that she would reach us soon", responded Father Antonio.

"Why they didn’t wait here?", Joe asked.

"I gave them asylum for a day, but today she insisted. She seemed nervous, with persecution complex. As I said before, don’t know how she convinced me", answered Father Antonio.

"How much time has passed?", Joe asked.

"Four hours, more or less, the priest responded. When I left the boy in the place I felt chills… fear… I still feel it. A sixth sense insisted me on leaving… the boy understood my glance. It’s as if he was invading my mind and understood my urgency. Then I returned to my parish to wait for you."

"Father, thanks for all the help you offered to my family", Joe said.

"Take my keys. It’s a 15 minutes trip in car, for who knows the route, and like half an hour for who doesn’t."

Joe transports his mind to the cabin.

There Joe was watching with chill while two men of black suits threatened, with weapon in hand, his son. It already was at night. The darkness was dense, but the Full Moon let see perfectly their silhouettes. Some clouds had accumulated, giving a frightful aspect. They were lower than normal, but didn’t obstruct the Moon light. A thunderclap was heard, but its responsible wasn’t seen… must have fallen far away given by how opaque that it sounded, and because wasn’t seen no burst.

"Aaron, pull the trigger. Kill him", shouted the man who was behind Christopher, while he ran towards them.

"I can’t… doesn’t let me", shouted Aaron.

"Damn it. Shoot at once", shouted the other man.

Seconds later that other man stopped. Was evident his fatigue, caused by the euphoria and race he had done. The storm intensified. This time an irregular line of light was drawn perfectly. No rain or wind. Seconds later the thunderclap was listened. The sound was frightful and dissipated in waves of greater to minor. Joe waited for the worst, but nothing happened. The three characters in front of his eyes, stayed in silence. Lightning and thunders weren’t sufficient to interrupt the concentration of those protagonists. Now or never. Joe took a firewood trunk, the kind that are used to warm up the chimneys. Taking advantage of the shades, given by the trees and the nature’s fury, rushed in frenzy towards the closest man and managed a blow behind his head. A shot was heard. At the same time was spotted a brightness provoked by a lightning bolt. Immediately Christopher and the other man fell.

"Nooooo!" , Joe shouted while he ran towards his son. The world fell to his feet.

Christopher moved. For Joe that was enough… the boy was alive.

"Mommy told me you would look for me here. You didn’t fail", said Christopher in a low voice and with a smile.

"Yes son, I’m here. From now on I will not separate from you", cried Joe.

"Daddy, why those men wanted to kill me? I didn’t give them any reason."

"I don’t know, Joe lied. We must go, probably there are others like these."

"But Mommy is coming."

"I don’t think so. I’m sure your mother will find us, said Joe. She has my number."

Joe helped Christopher to incorporate and both went into the forest. Meanwhile, they left behind two strangers… one hurt and another dead. Underneath the corpse the grass had burned, as a result of the lightning bolt, leaving the form of a great inverted cross… only visible from the height of a great tree.

Back to present.

Let’s rest here, said Joe. We need to recover energy. How you feel?

Feel my head spinning, Christopher said. Suddenly he reacted, Mommy hasn’t called. That’s weird.

Instinctively Joe grabbed his cellular from a pocket of his trousers, only to realize that the battery was dead.

It doesn’t have charge. Forgot tell you in the cave. As soon as we can we’ll charge it. In fifteen minutes we’ll continue, said Joe. Let me see that wound. You continue bleeding. I will have to tighten a little more to control the circulation in that area.

Christopher let escape a pain tear just when his father tightened the bandage. Despite of that he didn’t emit any sound, who knows if by pride or because didn’t want to call the attention of the assassins who were after them.

I remember when I was five years old, said Christopher. When that bully gave me a beating. That miserable was bigger than a monkey. Broke my nose … that bastard… I wanted to do the same to him, but I got scared. Even so I prepared to fight. Still remember the face he showed. I swore that he was scared to me… I urinated myself when I saw Mommy behind me. Can’t forget the sermon she gave me: YOU SHOULD NOT FIGHT… ONE OF THESE DAYS YOU’RE GOING TO HURT SOMEONE… That monkey was on his feet… the only thing hurt on him were his knuckles when he punched my face, and Mommy was there saying not to hurt him. That miserable laughed. I was so ashamed and with rage that I kicked his shinbone. He cried like a baby girl.

You also cried, your mother told me, said Joe avoiding to laugh, but letting go a disguised smile.

Yes, but only because she pulled my ears, replied Christopher.

What you learned of that?, Joe asked.

That next time I must be very careful not to fight in front of her, Christopher laughed, causing him pain the movement of his lungs.

I see that you have good humor, but also you are a little bad-mannered, said Joe.

I’m already big. I have 10 to 11. And I have the age to use bad words.

So you are big and you have license to be bad-mannered … hmmm, repeated Joe.

I’m glad that we have understood each other… man to man, said Christopher.

Man to man… clear like water… I imagine that one of the men is me and the other… let me guess… is you?

Exactly. Talking makes things happen, answered Christopher.

Well little man, it’s time to continue.

Joe got up first, and helped Christopher. That small moment had marked the first complete conversation of father and son since so many years ago.

The cabin

CHAPTER 2

The Sun was punishing very ruthlessly. The footpath became more visible. A familiar sound was listened… a goat… and another one… and another one. Finally… civilization. In front of them, not very far, was a modern cabin. The contemporary aspect was heightened by the glass windows, a rustic, but elegant door, and a balcony with a rocking chair and a hammock. By its appearance it didn’t seem to be abandoned. Except for the goats, there was nothing that could possibly be catalogued as threatening. Rather than that, the cabin seemed to be offering a welcome. Part of the land was occupied by a cornfield, occupying a space greater than the one of the cabin. Perhaps, five times greater. Two scarecrows maintained guard, while a crow served as company on the hat of one of them. Nearby the cornfield was a path without asphalt, something mistreated by the constant use. To the right side of the structure a great wooden fence, probably to give refuge to the goats during the nights. A few meters from the fence there was a small river, sufficiently deep to be able to bathe until the height of a normal adult’s chest. Timidly, a small boat, not more than 10 feet of length, danced with the swing of the small waves caused by the breeze. The water current dragged some dry leafs seeming that they fought to avoid some rocks that stayed firm to the shore. The sound of the water striking the rocks produced a hypnotic state of relaxation. Too good to be true. That calm was pleasant, but worrisome. The only discomfort was the Sun… all the rest… an oasis.

Hardly to one hundred meters away, at the backyard of the construction, a dog threatened attacking them. That oasis was guarded by a big strong canine… a pit-bull. It´s the kind of breed that doesn’t vacillate to attack someone or something. Its face didn’t show good intentions. While it ran it dropped slimy saliva, probably caused by the heat or the rage. The teeth already were showing. At that point there was no longer time for backward movements. When you can count the teeth and guess the size of the fangs you can start believing that you are dead. Many thoughts passed through the minds of Joe and Christopher. There wasn’t a living being who could help them. What kind of owner happened to leave free an animal like that? The beast already had marked its prey. His concentration wasn’t turned aside from Christopher. It was something they didn’t expect, so they got frozen by seconds… enough time for the dog to reach them. There was a fled attempt … too late. Just like having springs in its legs, the dog jumped over Christopher, causing him to hit the ground very hard. Christopher closed his eyes as if with that he managed to be transported to another place. Instinctively the pit-bull went for the neck. With that movement Joe noticed that the intention wasn’t to intimidate, but to kill. Perhaps it was the adrenalin… in a blink of an eye Joe took the animal by the neck and separated it from his son. A ferocious fight began. The dog managed to loosen and changed its priority. Made the attempt to attack Joe’s neck, but the man used his forearm as self-defense. That movement saved his life, but tore his arm. Joe noticed as the meat was opened and suddenly… CLACK! The arm dislocated. The expression in Joe´s face gave to understand an unbearable pain, but even so he could only think about saving his son and himself… any else was secondary.

As well as the attack began, it ended. The pit-bull, inexplicably, turned around and ran towards the cabin’s backyard. Father and son lay battered. Joe was trying not to move his injured shoulder while Christopher still had his eyes closed, without knowing what was going on.

Chris… Chris… Are you injured? Joe stood up without giving much analysis of the situation.

Feel pain on my ribs, cried Christopher.

Let me see, said Joe. You are bleeding more profuse. I have to stop the bleeding...

Without even completing his statement, the door of the cabin opened. Slowly, a teenager got out with a shotgun in hand. He couldn’t have more than sixteen years. Used yellow and short boots, dirty by mud. The jean was paint stripped and broken where the knees should be. Had a shirt, giving the impression he had never taken it away. Black disheveled hair. That hair seemed never to have seen a comb in its life.

This is private prop.. prop.. property. Go away or I’ll sh.. sh.. sh.. shoot, shouted the boy, ending the last word with much trouble, because of his stuttering.

We don’t want to invade your property. We just want a little food and shelter for a few minutes. My son has a wound and I need material for sewing him, replied Joe.

My pa’ will pu.. pu.. punish me if I let you pass, replied the young man.

A bit of bread and water would be enough. We’ll take it and go away, replied Joe. Your father won’t realize it. Please, I beg you. My son can die if I don´t attend him. Have mercy.

The young observed suspicious. He breathed deeply. Didn´t issue any sound for a few seconds, but without leaving aiming his weapon to the invaders.

Ok. Only a few mi..mi..minutes and then get lost, replied the young man.

Joe and Christopher approached, taking care not to be surprised by the dog. The young man was still aiming his