Down into Dulce

By Barry Gibbons

When he and his father first moved to the tiny little town of Dulce, New Mexico to help his grandparents save their cattle ranch, Michael never expected to find himself embroiled in a decades old mystery with otherworldly origins. But when strange, unexplainable lights start to appear over their fields, and a string of puzzling cattle mutilations begin plaguing the area, it's up to Michael and his new friends, Elan and Nitis, to put an end to the slaughter, and save the family ranch from bankruptcy. With rumors of a covert alien base hidden beneath the nearby Archuleta Mesa, and strange men in black suits following their every move, they set forth to learn the secrets of the sleepy little desert town, and discover what really lurks beneath Dulce.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Barry Gibbons
• Release date: Apr 18, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311925084

Barry Gibbons

37 Year old writer. Resides in Plano, Il

Book preview

166

Down into Dulce

By Barry Gibbons

Smashwords Edition

License Notes

This Smashwords Edition 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 Smashwords Edition ebook with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you're reading this ebook and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author's work.

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Prelude

September, 1971

I think it's time to admit that your secret hunting spot is a bust, Frank. The dark haired teenager, who was dressed entirely in camouflage clothing, grumbled to his companion with a note of exasperation in his voice. We've been sitting here all day and haven't seen a single deer.

Just be patient, Jeb. The second teen, a blond haired young man dressed in similar camouflage clothing, told him confidently. I'm telling you, this is the place to bag a trophy buck.

Jeb had awoke early that morning to find Frank, a stupid grin plastered across his face, pounding on the front door of his family's farmhouse. After forcing several cups of coffee down Jeb's throat, and swearing that this secret hunting spot would practically guarantee them a buck, Frank finally persuaded him to drag himself out of his warm house and follow him out into the middle of the forest.

I think you've gone and drank yourself stupid, Frank. Jeb murmured with a sigh. We've been here since dawn and haven't seen a single living creature. He frowned, then took a long drink from his beer. When you dragged me out of bed this morning, I thought we were going hunting, not going drinking.

You'll be changing your tune soon enough. Frank predicted in a knowing tone.

You know I don't like coming out here. The dark haired teen murmured, looking around with an uncomfortable expression. We can get in big trouble for hunting on tribal land.

Frank's secret hunting spot had turned out to be several miles deep into the Jicarilla Apache reservation, which was strictly off limits to outside hunters. Despite his worries about venturing onto tribal lands, Jeb had followed Frank deep into the woods to a rudimentary deer stand which had been constructed at the edge of a clearing, not far from the base of the Archuleta Mesa, one of the mountains that loomed over the sprawling reservation.

What did I tell you? Frank whispered a few minutes later. He pointed to several deer which were cautiously making their way out into the clearing led by a large buck with an enormous rack. I told you this was the best place to take a buck!

Well quit your damn gloating and shoot the fucking thing!

Frank quickly leveled his bolt action Marlin and took aim.

You'd better hurry! Jeb warned him as the deer slowly began to make their way back towards the tree line.

Frank continued to watch the lead buck carefully through his rifle scope, then finally squeezed off a shot.

Are you blind? Jeb asked in disbelief as the deer bounded off. You missed the damn thing!

There's no way I missed it. Frank disagreed, jumping up from his place in the blind and hurrying out into the clearing. See! He pointed triumphantly to a few drops of blood near the edge of the tree line. I knew I hit it!

That's great. The dark haired young man said with a sigh of exasperation. You're a regular Anne Oakley. But now we're going to have to track the damn thing!

It can't have gotten far. Frank started off into the forest with Jeb trailing along behind unenthusiastically.

They hurried through the brush following the trail of blood, their eyes carefully searching for any sign of the buck.

Are you certain that you didn't just graze it? Jeb asked after a mile or so. It doesn't seem to be bleeding very badly.

It's bleeding bad enough. Frank murmured, kneeling down to examine a small pool of blood. He looked up and frowned. It looks like it's heading towards the mountain.

They hurried on through the thick brush until they finally arrived at the base of the Archuleta Mesa.

It has to be close. Frank said, a desperate look in his eyes. He hurried around a rocky outcropping, then stopped dead in his tracks. There! He pointed to the wounded buck, who was standing a hundred or so feet away. He quickly leveled his rifle and took careful aim.

"What in the hell is that thing?" Jeb asked suddenly, pointing to a crouching figure that appeared from between a pair of boulders halfway between themselves and the buck.

Huh? Frank asked, then he suddenly cursed as the buck bounded off again. Great! It's gone! He whirled around to face Jeb. Thanks a lot, dumbass! You distracted me! Now we've got to chase it down again!

Jeb ignored him, and continued to stare at the crouched figure, his face deathly pale.

What's your problem? Frank asked with a baffled look on his face. He turned and followed Jeb's gaze to the dark figure, which slowly stood and turned to face them. Who in the hell is that?

I don't know, Jeb murmured in a hesitant voice. but he don't look normal.

What are you talking about? Frank asked, raising his rifle again and carefully peering through the scope.

The figure that was now watching them stood well over six feet tall, and was dressed in a tightly fitted silver jumpsuit. Its head seemed oddly shaped, with a protruding muzzle and prominent brow ridge, and was covered in a strange scaly looking skin which was a dark shade of grey.

It's just some idiot in a lizard mask, you pussy. Jeb snorted, still squinting through the scope. It's probably just a native trying to sca... He stopped as the flesh around the figure's broad mouth suddenly peeled back into a vicious snarl, revealing dozens of sharply pointed teeth.

What's wrong? Jeb asked nervously, watching as the color drained from Frank's face.

Th-That's no mask! The blond haired teen took an involuntary step backward, still watching the strange figure through the scope.

What in the hell is it, then?

I don't know, Frank murmured, taking another step backwards. and I don't think I want to find out.

The strange creature suddenly started towards them, its scaly lips peeled back in a vicious snarl.

Oh shit! Frank exclaimed, flinching back fearfully, and accidentally squeezing off a shot that grazed the creature in its shoulder.

The beast hissed angrily, but ignored the wound and continued to charge towards them.

Run! Frank screamed in panic. He turned and saw that Jeb had already shot off into the forest, leaving him behind. He sprinted off after his friend even as he fumbled to chamber another round in his Marlin, then he chanced a glance over his shoulder. The strange Reptilian creature was much closer now, close enough for him to see its snake-like eyes, which were narrowed with rage. Jeb! Frank cried out fearfully.

Jeb ignored him, and continued to crash blindly through the underbrush ahead in his haste to escape.

Another angry hiss caused Frank to glance back at the creature once more. The beast had managed to close the distance between them and was now reaching out to grab him with a scaly, claw tipped hand. He screamed in terror, then spun around and leveled his rifle, but before he could pull the trigger, the strange Reptilian-like creature stopped dead in its tracks and ducked behind a tree, moving far faster than he would have believed possible.

Frank immediately spun back around and continued his panicked flight, quickly catching up with Jeb, who continued to crash blindly through the underbrush in his rush to escape.

They finally emerged from the forest a few moments later and saw their truck sitting just a few yards away. Without bothering to check to see if the creature was still following them, they scrambled into the truck and tore off down the dirt road.

What the fuck was that thing? Jeb asked, struggling to keep the old Ford on the muddy road.

How in the hell am I supposed to know? Frank snarled, still out of breath. I've never seen anything like it before. He suddenly punched Jeb in the arm, causing the dark haired teen to nearly drive the truck off of the road.

What in the hell was that for? Jeb winced, rubbing his arm gingerly.

You left me back there, you asshole! The blond haired young man roared, his face still deathly pale. You were going to let that thing kill me!

What in the fuck did you expect me to do? That thing was going to rip us apart!

They both fell silent as they attempted to find a rational explanation to what they had just experienced. They reached highway a few minutes later, then immediately set off for the nearby town of Dulce, New Mexico, pushing the old Ford to its limits in their haste to reach town.

We need to call the sheriff. Frank murmured, finally breaking the silence. He needs to know what we saw.

Are you crazy? Jeb demanded in disbelief. What are we going to tell him, a crazy lizard man in a silver jumpsuit jumped out and tried to kill us? He'd lock us up in a mental hospital!

We need to let everyone know what happened! Frank told him heatedly. That beast could kill someone!

Jeb's eyes were haunted. "I'm not telling anybody anything, and I'm never going near that reservation again! Whatever that thing was, it was not happy that you shot it, and I'm not going to give it the opportunity to repay the favor. Besides, who's going to believe us?"

I don't care what you say. Frank told his friend stubbornly. I'm going straight to the sheriff.

Well, you can just go without me. Jeb told him firmly. I don't need everyone thinking that I'm a raving lunatic.

They quickly reached town, then slowed to a stop outside of the local cafe.

C'mon. Frank growled as he jumped out of the truck.

No way. Jeb shook his head firmly. I don't need everyone thinking I'm crazy.

But we have to tell everyone what we saw!

No, we don't. Jeb stared at his friend seriously. Think about it, Frank. Let's put aside the fact that we were out hunting on Jicarilla land, which is enough get us arrested. Do you really want to announce to the world that we were chased from the forest by a lizard man? We'll be laughed out of town!

Frank suddenly looked uncertain.

Listen, Jeb told him, throwing the old Ford into gear. Go ahead and do what you want, but keep my name out of it. As far as I'm concerned, it never happened. I don't want to think about that beast ever again. Without another word, he pulled away and sped off into the distance.

Frank watched as Jeb disappeared, then turned to stare at the distant Archuleta Mesa, half expecting to see the strange Reptilian creature charging up the street in pursuit. He couldn't believe what they had just experienced. It all seemed so unreal! He finally turned and slowly made his way into the cafe.

Hey, Frank. Lori, an older woman that had worked as a waitress in the cafe since Frank had been a child, greeted him with a cheery smile. You been out hunting?

Huh? Frank jumped nervously, then glanced down at his clothes. O-Oh, yeah. I j-just got back.

Any luck?

Uh, He started towards a nearby table. C-Can I get some coffee, please, Lori.

Of course, sweetie. She grabbed up a coffee pot and bustled over to his table. Here you go. She poured him a steaming hot cup of coffee. So? She gave him an expectant look. Any luck?

Frank stared at Lori for several long seconds, his hands trembling slightly.

What is it, honey? The older woman asked, her expression becoming concerned. Are you feeling okay? Are you sick?

Frank stared at her for another long moment. Lori, He blurted finally, unable to contain it any longer. "You're never going to believe what I just saw."

Chapter 1

June, 2012

Michael groaned as a loud knock suddenly came from his bedroom door, startling him awake.

C'mon, Michael, get up! A deep voice ordered him through his door in a commanding tone. The movers will be here in about twenty minutes. You need to be up, packed, and ready to go when they get here.

Michael ignored his father and rolled over, burying his head deeper into his pillows.

You've got five minutes. The deep voice warned him. If you're not up by then, I'm going to come in there and drag you out of bed myself.

Okay, okay. Michael said with a sigh of exasperation. He threw off his covers and sat up. I don't see why I have to move with you. He mumbled sourly. I'm not the one who went and lost his job.

What was that? The deep voice asked through the door in an ominous tone.

I said I'll be down in a minute! Michael bellowed back angrily.

He listened as his father stumped back down the stairs, then sighed again, and slowly began to get dressed.

His father had worked for the last ten years as a warehouse manager in Aurora, Illinois, until the warehouse burned down from an electrical fire. After spending several months looking for a new job without success, his father finally decided to give up looking for work, and move Michael and himself back to his parents' cattle ranch just outside of a tiny little town in New Mexico called Dulce. Michael's grandparents had owned the ranch since the sixties, and still raised hundreds of heads of cattle every year which they sold to the slaughter houses, but their advancing age had prompted them to suggest to his father that he and Michael move back to the ranch where there was always plenty of work to be done.

Michael had been vehemently opposed to the idea, and wanted to remain behind in Aurora. He went as far as begging one of his friends' parents to allow him to move in with them, but his father had refused to even consider the idea. Ever since then, Michael had been dreading the day that they would finally leave the only home that he had ever known.

He joined his father downstairs a few minutes later to find that all of the food in the kitchen had already been packed away.

I thought we'd stop for breakfast once we're on the road. His father told him as Michael began to look through the empty cabinets with a sour expression.

I still don't see why I can't stay behind. Michael grumbled in a sulky tone.

Because a fifteen year old boy can't live on his own. His father frowned. Listen, I know you don't want to move away from your friends, but we really don't have much of a choice. We can't afford to stay here any longer. There just isn't any work around here for me anymore.

I know. Michael sighed unhappily. I just never thought we would ever have to leave. I grew up here. Mom... He fell silent as his eyes suddenly began to well up with tears.

His father placed a hand on his shoulder and squeezed gently, then turned away, his eyes haunted.

Michael's mother had been killed two years before by a drunk driver as she made her way home from work. Her death had devastated his father, who had tried his best to keep himself together for his son's sake, though he changed almost overnight from a man who was quick to laugh and always wore a smile, to grim faced fellow who was always somber and withdrawn.

The moving company arrived a few minutes later, and, in less than an hour's time, had all of their belongings loaded into the back of the moving truck.

I guess that's it. Michael said sadly, watching the movers pull away, then turning to look up at the empty house.

I guess so. His father sighed heavily.

Heading out, Jeb? Mr. Henderson, their next door neighbor for the previous fifteen years, asked, hurrying out to bid them farewell.

I'm afraid so. Michael's father nodded. It's not so bad, though. Growing up on a cattle ranch was great, and now Michael gets to experience it, too. He gestured to his son, who frowned unhappily.

Well, I sure am sorry to see you go. You've been good neighbors. I'll miss you. He shook their hands, then watched as they climbed into the family Jeep and pulled away.

Do you think we'll ever come back? Michael asked, feeling a pang of sadness as he realized that it may be the last time that he ever saw his childhood home.

Maybe someday, His father murmured thoughtfully. but if we don't, we'll always be able to look back at our time here and remember all of the good times that we had.

They stopped at their favorite restaurant one last time, lingering just long enough to eat enough food to feed a small army, then they set off down the highway towards New Mexico.

Do you remember the last time we visited the ranch? His father asked him later that day as they hurtled down the highway somewhere in Iowa. You were only four years old at the time, and you spent your entire visit chasing a chicken around the front yard. He chuckled. You were determined to catch that poor bird.

I remember. Michael grinned. That chicken had pecked me, and I was trying to catch it so I could bite it back.

His father burst out laughing. That explains the angry look you had on your face as you chased it around. I just thought you were getting frustrated because you couldn't catch it.

So what kinds of things are there to do on the ranch? Michael asked curiously.

Well, His father thought about it for a moment. there are horses that you can ride, streams where you can fish, forests where you can go hunting, and tons of trails that you can hike.

Will you take me hunting? Michael asked excitedly.

The lines around the corners of his father's mouth suddenly grew hard, and a haunted look appeared in his eyes. Maybe after we have settled in and gotten the ranch in order.

Are there a lot of kids my age in Dulce?

I'm sure there are. The town itself isn't very large, but there are a number of other ranches in the area, not to mention the Jicarilla Reservation.

I hope there is. Michael frowned worriedly. It won't be much fun if I don't have some friends to hang out with.

It's not going to be all fun and games, you know. His father warned him. There's going to be a lot of work that needs to be done, and you're going to be expected to pitch in and help. That's one of the reasons your grandparents wanted us to move back to the ranch. They can't afford to hire anyone.

How am I supposed to pitch in? Michael demanded with a scowl. I've never worked on a ranch before!

You'll learn quick enough. His father assured him. It's not hard to pick up. It's getting accustomed to waking up at four o'clock every morning that you're going to have trouble with.

Four o'clock in the morning? Michael stared at his father in disbelief. You're joking, right?

There are chores that need to be done. His father shrugged. Life is a lot different on a ranch. There are cattle that need tending, chickens that need fed, fences that need mending, not to mention the massive garden that your grandmother keeps. I'm pretty sure that she's going to make it your responsibility to keep it watered and weed free.

Why me?

Because someone has to look after it, and you're not going to make your grandmother do it, now are you? He smiled in amusement. It was always my responsibility when I was growing up. I think that you'll find it's almost as much fun as going to the dentist.

Why didn't you tell me all of this before now? Michael asked in horror.

Are you kidding? His father laughed in genuine delight. You would have never gotten into the Jeep if you knew what was in store for you.

That... That... Michael glared at his father in outrage. You suck!

His father laughed even harder. Relax! It's really not that difficult, and besides, you'll really be helping out your grandmother. She uses the vegetables when she cooks, and believe me when I say that she's one of the best cooks in the world.

Will I at least be getting paid? Michael asked in a sulky tone.

Of course not, but you'll learn a lot about ranching, and, like I said, you'll be helping your out grandparents. They're dangerously close to losing the ranch. Cattle have been disappearing at an alarming rate, and the livestock that they've have managed to locate have all been found mutilated.

Mutilated?

His father frowned, then nodded. I'm afraid so.

What do they think is responsible, coyotes or something?

They don't know. His father shrugged. Whatever it is, it has killed twenty three cows so far this year, some of them in broad daylight. He frowned once more. From what your grandfather tells me, he'll let them out in the morning, and then return in the afternoon to find them missing. Their mutilated corpses usually turn up a few days later in an area that they had already searched numerous times. But what's even stranger is the fact that they can never find any signs of tracks around the carcass. It's almost like the corpses just materialize right out of thin air.

Weird. Michael murmured, wondering what could possibly take down a full grown cow without leaving any trace behind.

I'm sure we'll be able to figure out what's behind it once we get there, His father told him confidently. then we can work on getting the ranch back into shape.

If you say so. Michael sighed heavily, still irritated with his father for withholding the fact that he would be expected to get up every morning to do chores. I still think that you should have warned me about everything, though.

Just relax. His father said in a reassuring tone. Everything will be fine. He smiled a broad smile. Trust me. You're going to love Dulce.

Chapter 2

It took them two days to make it to their new home outside of the tiny desert town of Dulce, New Mexico. They finally arrived at the ranch just as the sun was setting, casting a red glare over the harsh landscape.

Wake up, Mikey. Michael's father nudged him awake. We're here.

Michael rubbed his eyes, then quickly sat up and looked around.

See there? His father pointed to a large rusty metal arch that had their surname, Orchard, emblazoned across it. That arch has been there for over a half century now. Your grandparents put it up the day they purchased the ranch.

They turned onto the long gravel drive and slowly started up towards the main house. His father frowned as they noticed several long sections of the fencing that protected the cattle had fallen into disrepair, and that weeds grew uncontrolled along the mile long drive. The closer they got to the main house, the worse things appeared. The doors to one of the outbuildings were hanging off of their hinges, and the roof to the enormous barn had partially collapsed inward. The main house was in a little better shape than the rest of the ranch, but was in dire need of a new coat of paint.

They slowed to a stop in front of the house and climbed out of the Jeep, relieved to have finally reached their destination.

Welcome home! A woman's voice greeted them in a happy tone.

They looked around and saw an elderly couple hurrying from the farmhouse with huge smiles on their faces.

Mom! Dad! Michael's father hurried forward to embrace his parents.

It's so good to see you, Jebidiah! The old woman gushed, using her apron to dab the tears of joy from her eyes. We're so happy that you've decided to come home!

I'm sure you both remember Michael. Michael's father gestured to Michael, who watched them with an apprehensive expression.

Don't just stand there staring, son, The old man smiled reassuringly. Come say hi to your grandma and grandpa.

Michael smiled, then hurried over to give them each a hug.

You've gotten so big since the last time we saw you. His grandmother told him fondly, holding Michael out at arm's length to get a good look at him. Do you remember the last time that you visited the ranch?

Just the chicken that he chased the whole time he was here. His father chuckled, causing his son to blush.

Well, don't you worry, His grandfather reassured him. You're going to love it here. There's tons to do, great food to eat, and there's even a few good looking cowgirls on some of the neighboring ranches.

Earl! The old woman slapped him in his arm playfully as he laughed. "You shouldn't