Balance: Book 1 in the "BALANCE" series, #1

By Glenn A. Edwards

The whole world needs “BALANCE” without it you have CHAOS. Going about our daily lives we rarely pay attention to the animals that live around us. This was about to change. The world that we know has become overcrowded and polluted with the expansion of mankind. Threatening the death of the blue planet.

        Hiding in the forest as myth and legend the self-appointed protectors of the Earth and the creatures that reside upon her are about to let themselves be known.

        The fate of every human and our way of life rest upon the shoulders of a Game Warden by the name of Mary Hatchfield. She forms a most unusual and unlikely alliance with a creature of legend known as “BIGFOOT”.

        Together they race north to save mankind from extinction. Unknown to them another evil sadistic creature of the forest seeks to prevent them from reaching their destination to stop the SLAUGHTER

• Language: English
• Publisher: Glenn A. Edwards
• Release date: Aug 13, 2015
• ISBN: 9781516358229

Glenn A. Edwards

          Glenn lives in central Kentucky with his wife Kimberly on a small farm with a multitude of animals which at times seems to be a Zoo. He is a fulltime member of the Kentucky National Guard and a member of the KBRO (Kentucky Bigfoot Research Organization). With a passion of telling stories and the urging from his family he finally decided to create one on a mysterious subject he enjoys “BIGFOOT”.             “BALANCE” is his first book in the “BALANCE” series with plans already in place for another three additional novels to follow. He has also published another book (Squatching a guide for the novice) which is a beginners manual for those interested in becoming an investigator for the elusive BIGFOOT. Visit me at www.balancebyglennaedwards.com

Book preview

I dedicate this first book to my loving wife Kimberly for her patience and support and all the hours she stayed up with me in its creation.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

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The cover art was created by Glenn Edwards.

I wish to thank my son Jacob for the illustration inside the book as well. Now if I can get him to do a few more in the future.

BALANCE

Ollie Kentucky

November 10

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The ding, ding, ding, and flashing yellow light of her low fuel indicator brought Mary Hatchfield back to reality. Her mother would have said she was spacing out. In her mind she was creating new ideas in which to apprehend a few local poachers who had been eluding her for some time.

Three years before she'd finally been hired as a game warden for the Mammoth Cave National Park and surrounding area here in Kentucky. The position was her dream come true. Ever since she was a child on her parent's farm, raising goats, cattle and chickens she’d come to love all types of animals, seemingly to have a strange bond with them. Once she was told by her grandmother, If there ever was a green thumb for critters, you got one child she smiled at herself for bringing up such an old memory. So studying hard, taking all the necessary classes, she excelled in biology and agriculture at Kentucky University. While attending there one of her professors suggested she would make an excellent game warden. Doing some research on the duties and requirements, her decision was an easy one. Believing working in the outdoors would suite her just fine.

Time to feed the monster she said to herself. Spotting Bob's Gas and Go she pulled into the center row of three pumps. It wasn't no easy task guiding the state issued, tan extended cab four by four between the vehicles fueling on either end. Her experience handling large equipment on the farm in her younger years coming in very handy and she managed it without a catch.

Finally squeezing the big rig in the slot provided placing it in park and setting the emergency brake then turning off the engine. Picking up her warden's hat off the seat as she flipped down the sun-visor. Inspecting herself in the mirror she positioned it just right on her head. Looking the part was the key to respect, she said to herself flipping up the visor and reaching for the door handle.

At five foot nine, her Native American heritage reflected in her flawless dark complexion and raven hair, dressed smartly in her wardens uniform which did little to conceal a body sculptured from many hours of painful exercise and miles of running, Mary turned many of a male's eyes. If it wasn't for the 38 revolver on her side and the look of don't mess with me written on her beautiful face, she would have received far more attention than she desired.

Removing the cap to the tank, she inserted the fuel nozzle and turned on the pump, glancing at the price of fuel for the day. It seemed to change every time she filled the beast up.

Damn, $3.75, it's a good thing the state reimburses me for fuel she thought, watching the numbers continue to rise on the display.

With a loud click, the nozzle indicating the truck was topped off. She glanced at the final amount on the display, which read, $68.55. Sighing heavily she replaced the pump and screwed on the fuel cap. Walking past her truck to go inside to pay she clicked the lock button on her key-chain, ‘Beep, Beep" came the response

Locals whom she recognized greeted her as she made her way into Bob's. A few she passed were most likely from out of state or tourist. She could tell this by their cold manner and the odd assortment of clothing they wore.  Pressed suites, top of the line dresses, and some with multicolored hair which was completely out of place for this part of the country.

Entering Bob's pausing a moment, and looking around. She waited for a couple to finish paying for some items at the counter. Mary enjoyed visiting this quaint little store, ever since the first time she walked through the doors. The old wooden boards, worn smooth from decades of use, to the mounted animal heads scattered on the walls. Its interior displayed the character of the mountains and the people she had come to love. Noticing the counter was vacant she headed over to it where an older balding gentleman stood behind the register.

Morning Mary he said greeting her, displaying a big gap toothy smile.

How are you on this fine day? Bob, she replied flashing him a big smile. Having known him from the first time she came to Ollie he’d grown to be one of her favorites. He'd always been a little overly friendly in a harmless sort of way, but enjoyed any attention she passed his way, even though it was just for fun.

Answering and smiling a little broader, Just fine, Just fine, ya had to stop and feed that monster I see, didn't ya? he asked with a nod toward the truck outside.

Placing three twenties and a ten on the counter, Well it’s still trying to eat me out of house and home, but it does take me where I need to go she replied, nodding her head in agreement.

I’m sure that big thing does, he agreed with a chuckled taking the cash then handing her a receipt and a little change back. Frowning as he placed it in her hand then looking at her he reached up and begun rubbing his chin as if he needed to tell her something. Then he suddenly slapped the counter with his hand when it came to him, OH, yeah, Kip Smith has been wanting to talk to Ya mighty fierce about something, he said with a grin his face beaming, upon actually remembering what it was.

Kip Smith was one of the locals she'd been informed by two other shady characters that he'd been out doing some illegal spot-lighting, but then again she had to remember the source of her information was from Frank Morrow and Jake Edwards. Who were two buddies that hanged out together which Kip accused of doing the same thing, so just for good measure? She felt it best to keep an eye on both parties.

Smith, did he say what it was about? she asked, tucking the receipt in her shirt pocket.

Leaning forward, and propping his elbows on the counter, He said it was something that you wouldn't believe and it was a secret, he answered then whispering to her trying to sound a little mysterious, and just for you only!

A secret for me, huh, she replied back. Then smiling while leaning in a little closer herself, do you happen to know where he is? she asked lowering doing her own version of sounding mysterious. Even-though in his mind she sounded a little sexy to him. 

His face reddening a little more he straightened back up and pointed to the back of the gas station, He’s right back there, and he's been there all morning drinking coffee, he replied. Then leaning a little closer once again across the counter towards her and adding a little quieter, And black too!

That was odd she thought. It wasn't like Kip to drink coffee. From her experience he tended to lean toward the hard stuff like Moonshine or even Kentucky Bourbon if none was to be had. Something was definitely going on if he's resorted to drinking black coffee.

I’d best go and see what's up with him, she answered patting him on the hand.

Anything for you Mary, he replied, grinning even broader as she removed her hand from his.

Thanks Bob, she said giving him a wink and a little grin. Leaving Bob a little happier than when she first came in. She made her way to the rear of the dining area greeting a few of the locals she’d come to know along the way. Seeing Kip at a table in the far corner sitting alone hunched over a cup of coffee. So she headed his way and stopped at the end of his table.

She stood there a moment looking down at him until he glanced up from the steam rising from his cup. Noticing that she was standing there he nodded his head to the vacant seat across from the one he was seated indicating for her to join him.

Accepting his invitation and sliding into the seat, Bob said you've been looking for me? she asked, as she studied him. Kip wasn't that bad looking of a man for his years. He still sported a head of red hair under his John Deer cap, his beard and mustache the same reddish shade. For a man of forty five he still stayed in good shape. Most likely from all the exercise he received from roaming the mountains hunting and trapping and most of it being illegal she thought.

Officer Hatchfield, I've been sitting here all morning waiting for you to show up, he said releasing a heavy sigh, as he straightened himself up in his chair, placing both thick meaty hands flat on the table then looking across at her he said, I got something strange and a little spooky you need to know about!

Is that so Mr. Smith, she asked sitting back and crossing her arms, What might that be?

Leaning forward, as if afraid someone else might hear him speaking softly, I saw one of those Bigfoot critters, he whispered to her with eyes wide and serious. Then looking about making sure no one heard him say it.

Trying to keep a straight face upon hearing what he’d just said while suppressing a smile at his remark, Now Mr. Smith, you know there’s no such creature, she replied back doing her best to maintain her composure not wishing to insult him by laughing.

Is so! he said sternly, feeling somewhat offended by her denial of the existence of one. He sat back in his chair crossing his arms and added admittedly, I saw the damn thing with my own two eyes, and so did Tim.

Seeing he was serious and going to argue the fact. Feeling perhaps if she listened to what he had to say might calm him down And when and where was this sighting? she asked him.

Well, Tim and me was out and about around three AM this morning just driving around, he began with a touch of guilt in his tone. It was obvious to her by his actions he was doing a little more than what he was telling.

Just driving around at three AM? she questioned him with a touch of doubt in her voice. Suspecting they were doing a little illegal backwoods spotlighting on the old deserted roads.

Noticing her look at him, and raising her eyebrows at the time which he had indicated. Thinking quickly for some sort of an excuse for their actions he answered, Oh, ya , neither of us could get any rest, so we went for a drive, this being the best thing he could up with on such short notice. 

Giving him a smile, and taking a deep breath, Alright you couldn't sleep, now what happened? she asked. Realizing he wasn’t about to tell her the true reason they were out and about at three in the morning.

Picking up his coffee cup, taking a long sip and sitting it back down he continued We were up on Ugly Creek road, you know where that L bend is just northeast of Goblin knob, where them Tucker boys went off into the holler last winter.

Yes she replied nodding her head upon recalling the accident. The two men in question had been brothers. Tommy and Paul Tucker who had apparently been doing a little late New Years Eve drinking and lost control of their pick-up on the snow covered road and ending up at the bottom of the hollow in a twisted ball of wreckage. It had taken hours for the fire-department to pry their bodies out. The wreck was the worst accident she had ever assisted the State Police with since becoming a warden.

Well we rounded that first bend, and there in our headlights standing in the road as clear as day was this humongous hairy critter, he replied, as he raised his arms high above his head demonstrating just how big it was and the excitement so evident in his voice. It was covered in black fur, and it had to be at least nine feet tall, its eyes glowing red like a devil. He then leaned toward her and added a little bit quieter, I’m not too ashamed to tell ya it scared the crap out of me.

Noticing he was serious about having actually witnessed seeing something, Are you sure it wasn't a bear? she asked. Recalling some reports of a few sightings not far from the area in question and they might explain what he and Tim really had seen on the road.

Sitting back, and crossing his arms over his chest. Shaking his head in denial, Hell no ! he said somewhat loudly, I know what a bear looks like, and this thing was walking around on its two legs and it had arms and hands just like we do, and you can ask Tim, he'll tell you the same dam thing, he finished with a tone harsh with conviction.

Noticing he was getting a little offended by her suggesting he saw a bear. So you’re saying you and Tim saw a Sasquatch up in Simpson Holler this morning, Right? she asked attempting to relieve some of agitation he was showing.

Not a Sasquatch! A Bigfoot, he replied a little angrily not realizing they were one and the same.

OK! A Bigfoot, she replied, as she raised her hand and pointed to herself, And what do you want me to do about this?

Not having thought it through that far while frowning at her, he took his cap off and scratched his head. His eyes lighting up when a plan of action which he considered would be a good one came to mind. Slapping his hat back on You need to get a hunting party and go after that thing, and shoot it. That's what you need to do, he answered sounding pleased with himself having come up with such a good plan.

Placing her hand over her mouth and doing her best not to laugh. Just a small snicker escaping, A hunting party, after Bigfoot, are you serious? she asked shaking her head, I would be the laughing stock of the county, not counting losing my job once the state found out. Unable to guess what headquarters would think if she placed a request in for authorization to gather a group of hunters to go on a Bigfoot hunt. Regaining her composure and looking over at him giving him a serious look.

I think it would be best to leave it alone for now, she suggested calmly, but, if it attacks anyone or any local livestock, I'll make sure an expert woodsman with your hunting abilities would be the first one I contact when we go after it, she continued aspiring to his ego then reaching across the table patting him on the arm reassuring him Will that work for you?

Not wanting to appear weak in her eyes and hearing how she was complimenting him as a hunter. Well I guess that would most likely be the best thing to do, he agreed, as he looked down at her hand. Then glancing back up at her, But if I see that thing again, and I got a good shot, I'll place a 30.06 round right between its eyes, he said, as he raised his hand, curling his index finger, making a shooting noise like he was