A Spectrum of Menace

By Judith Robbins Barrett

It became apparent that Melissa's control of the tigers was jeopardized by the exhaustion that now plagued her, rendering her incapable of holding them spellbound for much longer. She tried to continue but was struck with a weakness from which she could not recover.

Before William could barricade the only remaining window and with a horrific crash, the tiger shattered the glass. Lana snatched the torch and hurled the flame in its direction, but the frenzied beast shrugged it off, let out a growl, and leaped at her. She could hear the flesh tearing from her arm. In the aftermath of its abrupt surge, the tiger, with inadvertent error, stepped on the torch and succumbed to a ball of fire.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Judith Robbins Barrett
• Release date: Aug 9, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463922224

Book preview

Prologue

This is as far as I go! Don’t come near me or I swear.... I’ll shoot this thing!

Don’t be stupid! You’re not going to shoot me! You don’t have the nerve!

You don’t think so, huh! Do you really want to find out?

Come on, lady. Hand it over before you hurt someone!

Not on your life! She yelled, assuming full control of the situation.

In a blink of an eye, with no hesitation, he leapt toward her, his quickness prompting her to pull the trigger, but the gun jammed!

Chapter 1

(One month earlier)

It had been nearly a year since Lana Sterling's last encounter, a less than desirable feat, for she had worked many long days searching for two missing children. She found them bound in shackles, huddled together in a dirty, wet bilge with nothing more than bread and water at their disposal. They were cold and starving, but they were alive.

She performed investigative services in Mystic, Connecticut, a quaint nautical town inundated by vacationing tourists, who patronize the specialty shops and flock the Seaport to catch a glimpse of maritime nostalgia. Among its many charms, in the heart of town, sits an ancient drawbridge that opens its wings for the occasional sloop.

It was the seasonal time of early fall when the trees shed their best attire to spread their glorious debris upon the ground and roads. Her tires slid on the leaf-infested grid of the drawbridge, the sloppiness hindering her control, but she was easily reminded that she preferred the inconvenience of the smaller road. She would not, at any cost, engage the increasing road-rage of I-95.

She pulled into her driveway and entered the house where Bosco, her feisty pup, named for his sleek, brown hair, greeted her with excitement, his tail wagging with furious anticipation of her arrival. Their happy reunion was interrupted by the ring of the telephone.

Lana.

Hello, mother.

Where have you been, dear? I've been trying to reach you for hours.

I was running errands, mom. I had a lot to do; just now getting back.

Well, I’m glad you had a fruitful day. How are you, dear?

I’m pretty good; and you?

I’m fine. Lana, the reason I’m calling…. well, I’ve been hearing things. Did you ever get around to meeting your neighbors at that big estate next door?

No, I haven’t had the chance. Why? What have you heard?

Oh, nothing really, it’s just that I was talking to Karen, you know, the girl who lives on the corner just down the street from you. Well, according to her, there have been complaints from the other neighbors. They’ve been talking about strange noises coming from the estate.

I’ve heard nothing.

I hope you're keeping your doors locked, my dear.

Around here? Mother, please! No one ever shows up uninvited.

Well….you never can be too sure.

I know, but you needn’t bother yourself. I can handle myself just fine.

I can’t help it, sweetie. I worry about you. After all you are my little girl. And…. it’s just that I don't like the looks of those characters hanging around over there. These recent complaints only add to my worry.

As far as I can see, there’s nothing strange about the place. What can possibly be dangerous about those people anyways? They look ordinary to me. They keep to themselves, and besides, I'm almost certain that those characters, as you call them, are employees just doing their jobs.

You’re probably right, but something seems wrong to me. Promise me you’ll be careful.

I am careful, mom, all the time. You know that. And in case you’ve forgotten, I have Bosco to protect me.

No, I haven’t forgotten.

Then will you drop the subject, please?

Yes, I’ll drop the subject. I know it's pointless to argue with you, but I’m still going to worry.

I know you are, mom, and I do appreciate your concern, really I do.

Lot of good it does! I'm going to stop by tomorrow for a visit if it’s okay with you; haven’t seen you in a week.

Oh please do. I’d like that very much.

Good. Oh, and I'm having a dinner party in two weeks. Your father will be retiring at the end of the month. I'm counting on you to be here.

Of course, I'll be there. I wouldn’t miss it for anything in the world. We'll discuss the plans when you get here.

I look forward to it; we can talk over tea.

Sounds good to me; I’ll make a carrot cake to have with it.

Okay, dear, I’ll see you tomorrow; take care.

I will, mom…. you, too. Good night, and stop worrying about me.

I’ll try, sweetheart. I know I can be a real pain sometimes, but it’s just my way of showing how much I care. Good night, Lana.

Lana and her pup relished the solitude of her tiny room. A soothing breeze whipped through the window, brushing her face with its cool touch as it lulled her into a deep sleep, and the darkness wrapped her in a seamless flow of time.

But her serenity was interrupted by a horrifying sound that shattered the nurturing silence. At first it seemed to her that her mind was suspended in a dream, playing its trick of deception, but she soon realized that it was not in her mind at all. It was someone crying for help.

The crude, hot screams continued their resounding shrill, burning Lana's ears with steaming tenacity. An eerie chill crawled through her drowsy spine, causing a shiver, and her hands trembled as she lifted herself to a sitting position.

The screams tormented her again and again, forcing her to clutch the bed sheets taut against her face, and though fear consumed her and she wanted to hide, she realized that she must do something. She must do anything she can to help. She turned to the nightstand and grabbed the receiver, but when she attempted to dial 911, she sent the cordless phone crashing to the floor. She watched in horror as it slid beyond her reach.

In an effort to reverse the sudden predicament, she dragged herself from under the bedding and slid her feet to the floor. The cold wood enhanced the trembles in her unstable legs, and while plagued by a feeling of total defeat, she struggled to contain the panic that manifested within her.

She somehow found the courage to fetch the receiver from across the room and dialed 911. Her voice jumped in the distance like echoes through a canyon, and her clarity was hindered by her fear. But she got the point across.

They're on their way, the dispatcher assured her.

Please hurry!

Is anyone there with you?

No, I'm alone, said Lana. I'm going outside to see if there's something I can do.

No! Stay on the line, please! shouted the dispatcher, her brassy utterance pinging at Lana's ear.

Lana pounded the receiver to its cradle, and through her horror, she felt metaphorically split apart, yet she remained compelled to do something. Her body carried her out of the house and onto the lawn where she stood frozen with fright. The inept nature of her efforts angered her, perpetuating her inadequate attempt to help.

But she regained her composure and approached the stone wall that stood high above her reach as it cut between her place and a sizable estate. It was masked by a snaky bramble, wiped barren by the changing season, and the mingling bloom of morning glory did not camouflage the madness.

She located the gate that led to the estate next door, but when she tried to open it, she was stunned by the nasty growl of an animal. It was a chilling edition to the moment at hand. She was terrified. What was that? She whispered to herself before the ground smothered her face and turned her mind off to sudden darkness.

Chapter 2

Lana woke to the sound of voices all around her, and when she tried to stand, a burning sensation traveled mercilessly from her ear to the corner of her mouth and back again. It moved across her cheek to sting every nerve ending within its path, and as a result, her throbbing head dropped to the ground with an annoying, quick thump.

But with a little effort, she managed to manipulate herself into a sitting position. She made another attempt to stand, but again her head was burdened with an unsettling pain that thwarted her ability to move any further.

Are you alright? asked the patrolman.

No, I’m not!

We came as soon as we got your call, but we had some trouble finding you, and for what it's worth, you really should post your address at the front of your property.

I’ll take that under consideration.

You owe your dog a vote of thanks, you know. We were scouting the neighborhood, trying to find your house, when we heard him howling up a storm. He led us straight to you. That handsome pet of yours left a lasting impression on me, I'll tell you.

Bosco! Is he alright? Where is he?

He’s okay, mam. He's waiting for you inside the house.

Oh, good; thank heavens.

What a good name for a dog. How did you come across it?

I got the idea from his shiny, brown hair. The first thing that came to mind was chocolate, which is one of my most favorite things. So I named him Bosco

Oh, just like the chocolate syrup, huh? That works.

The patrolman’s gentle touch prompted her to move as he helped her to her feet. She wobbled under the strength of his large arm, and her head continued to spin.

Dogs are great company, especially for a loner, he continued. I’m the proud owner of a young bulldog, myself. He likes to chew on my socks, but I always forgive him. I can’t help it. I melt every time he looks at me with that wide-eyed, droopy face of his.

You really should break him of that, you know. You might end up with no socks at all. And besides, chewing the socks could lead to chewing your entire house. Then where would you be?

Perhaps you’re right, but there are pros and cons on the subject. I believe the dog is comforted by the odor and is better behaved as a result, not to mention the bonding that takes place. I’m convinced that it makes for a happier dog when I’m away. I can buy more socks. And as far as the house is concerned, I think discipline is the answer there. I plan on taking him to a trainer eventually.

So your socks are like pacifiers.

You could say that.

You know something; you might have a point there.  It's an interesting concept. I should give it a try.  

It works for me. 

 Do you know of any good trainers?

Not as yet, but when I find one, I’ll pass the name on to you.

That would be great, thank you!

  So.... you had quite a scare, tonight.

Yes, sir, I guess I did! I heard such horrible screams, and when I came outside to see what was going on, I blacked out. I was sure the screams were coming from next door. The last thing I remember is trying to open the gate.

It must have been frightening for you, mam.

Yes, it was.... very.

Well, you’re safe now. We can talk more about it in a minute, but we have to get you inside where you can sit and rest.

The patrolman kept a firm hold on Lana as they approached the entrance to the kitchen where Bosco waited with uninhibited glee. When she stepped inside, he pranced around, his tail wagging with the fervent spin of a propeller, and his frolic only added to her dizziness.

Hey boy, how are you? It's good to see you, too.

He whimpered with delight as she stroke his head, and her familiar voice enticed a furious wiggle as he maneuvered his paws up and down her legs. She could not ignore the pup, for his distinct nose that climbed to a pair of saucy, brown eyes was nothing short of adorable to her. His inside-out ears sagged every time he lifted his head.

Sit, Bosco. Sit. Good boy.

Lana grabbed a biscuit from the cupboard and offered it as a symbol of her pleasure with him. Bosco picked it from her hand with an abrupt snap and devoured the treat with minimal chewing, nearly swallowing the thing whole. His quick consumption was reminiscent of a power-vac at high speed.

You're very lucky to have him, mam.

Oh, I know; I’m quite aware of that. He’s a wonderful dog and such a comfort to me. And I love his energy.

Her voice began to wane as the slur in her speech became too obvious to conceal, and despite her efforts to remain steady, she began to waver.

You ought to sit down, mam.

I’m just a little faint; that’s all.

I'm going to call the paramedics.

No, please, officer, don't call anyone; there’s no need.

Are you sure? You look awfully peaked to me.

I'm just tired.  I'll feel better in a few minutes.

I think it’s more than fatigue, mam. You really should sit down.

The officer pulled a chair out from under the kitchen table and insisted that she have a seat, and knowing no alternative, she submitted to his gentle demand. She leaned against the sturdy back and instinctively looked down in an effort to rectify her dizziness.

That's better, I think.

You don't look like you’re doing very well. You should be checked out.

I'm fine; believe me.

Well….ok, I'll take your word for it, said the officer as he raised the pitch of his voice to reveal his distaste for her decision. I’ll need to ask you a few questions, but first I'm sending two of my men next door to investigate.

Sounds good to me.

You and I will remain here and write up the report. Hold still while I give the order.

I will; thank you, officer.

The wait allowed her to ponder a bit while worry, fear, and pain prevailed. She made an honest attempt to relax, to comfort her ravaged nerves, but her pounding head exaggerated the exhaustion that she felt. And yet the devastating panic she had suffered no longer severed her.

Chapter 3

Moments went by before the patrolman returned. His bravado spoke volumes as he entered the room, and his dedication was clear. His impressive show of command demonstrated a pride in his work while his concern for Lana was quite heartening.

Two of my finest are calling on your neighbor as we speak. How do you feel?

I’m getting there. Do you think they’ll find anything?

Well, if there’s a real danger over there, my men will find it.

"Good, that’s comforting to know. I hope they discover the reason for those screams and put an end to it.

That’s what we’re here for, mam.

Yes it is.

Now, let’s get back to the inquiry, shall we? I will need your name for the report.

"My name is Lana Sterling, and I….

Lana Sterling! The Lana Sterling! Are you the one who solved that kidnapping case a while back?

Yes I am. But how could you possibly know that? It wasn’t anywhere near your jurisdiction.

Well, for one thing, it was in all the local newspapers, and not only that, it was the talk of the entire precinct.

But, it wasn't what you would call a high profile case. It was far from sensational, and, as a matter of fact, I did everything I could to keep it out of the media. It was never on the front page.

I’m not much of a reader when it comes to the news, said the officer. A fellow policeman, who works as a freelance writer in his spare time, was following the details of the case, and he talked about you incessantly.

I didn’t know I had any fans.

Yes, you most certainly do. He still praises your work. The way he tells it, your procedures were less than orthodox, yet you managed to get the twins home to their parents alive. If I'm not mistaken, there was an enormous ransom.

Yes there was; they were asking millions.

I remember.

It was a difficult case; that’s for sure, said Lana. We tried everything we could to hunt down those kidnappers, and when we finally did, they put up quite a fight, but we got them in the end. They’re serving very long jail terms.

Good for you. And they’re right where they belong, too.

It was sheer luck that we found the children hidden on the fishing boat. We could hear them crying while we were handcuffing the kidnappers on the dock.

Luck or not, it was a great job!

Thank you, said Lana. I appreciate your praise.

It is well deserved; I assure you.

So, what might your name be?

I’m Lieutenant James Vincent Knowles.

That’s a very sophisticated name; I like it.

Thanks. All my friends call me Knowlesy for short.

He spoke with an air of confidence that clashed with the blush on his face as he looked toward the floor.  His manner was restrained, yet his rugged face beamed with the pride of being everyone's buddy.

If you don’t mind, I'll call you Knowlesy, too.

Why would I mind that, coming from such a lovely lady as you?

Why, thank you.

Tell me about those screams you say you heard?

Well, I thought they were coming from next door, so after I called 911, I went outside to investigate the situation. When I tried to open the gate, my mind went blank, and I remember nothing after that.

That was a bit daring, don’t you think? You should have stayed on the phone with the dispatcher.

I couldn’t just sit there. Someone was suffering more than I cared to comprehend. The poor thing could have been badly hurt or even dead for all I know.

I can understand that. Did you hear anything other than the screams, anything strange or unusual?

No, I didn’t, at least not that I remember. Wait a minute, I did hear something. It sounded like the growl of an animal.

Are you sure?

No, I’m not, but it didn’t sound human; that I do know.

The weight of her sorry head was a cumbersome one as she struggled to speak, and her effort to hide her weakness was dwindling. His questions were mundane and routine, but they had to be asked. She continued to answer them with as much precision as she could muster, all the while wishing she was back in bed.

Perhaps the animal is the key, said Knowlesy. Did you see anything, any movement at all?

No. I saw nothing.

How about after you blacked out?

What are you saying?

Did you notice anything out of the ordinary when you woke up, perhaps something that didn't belong on your property?

You were there. If I saw something out of place, you’d have been the first to know about it.

Yes, of course; you’re right. Sometimes people see things they don't connect to a situation right away. That's why I asked.

I guess that makes sense.

Have you heard these screams or anything that sounded like a cry for help before tonight?

No, I haven't; not at all. Believe me; I would have called you immediately if I had.

Her mind was growing fuzzy, in and out, and her drowsy eyes were fighting to stay open. The incoherence that she suffered began to take its toll on her. Any efforts to continue were nearly nonexistent, for she wanted only to sleep.

Knowlesy, it’s getting late. Can we do the questioning at another time?

One more, Lana, please?

Okay. What is it?

What are your neighbors like? Have you met them?

I've seen people moving about on the estate grounds, but I haven't met any of them yet. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd like to go back to bed. I feel like I could sleep for a week. If you have any more questions, I'll be glad to answer them tomorrow.

"No more questions. This should do it for now, but I might want to speak to you sometime in the near future.

That won’t be a problem. Just give me a call.

I will. Thank you, Lana.

You’re very welcome, Knowlesy. I’ll do whatever I can to help.

I appreciate that. My men will be reporting to me later this evening. Any information they've obtained will go into this report.

Good. I plan on conducting my own investigation, starting tomorrow if it’s alright with you.

By all means do. Just be careful. Don’t do anything stupid.

No need to worry about that.

Good night, Lana. If you find anything that sheds a light on the situation, you'll be sure to contact me, right? said Knowlesy as he exited through the kitchen door and began walking toward his patrol car.

Of course I will. Good night, Knowlesy.

He turned to look at her one more time, and as he did, he gave her a salute and a wave good night. She reciprocated.

Chapter 4

The wind toppled the leaves into a rainbow of colors as it whirled its billowy breath across the frigid, sun-deprived landscape. It was Saturday morning, Lana's day to sleep in, but she dropped her feet onto the cold, hard floor to force herself from her bed.

Her day began with a throbbing head, reminding her of the chaos that was grounded to the night before, and she thought only of the screams that haunted her mind with echoes of the hideous event.

Time with her mother was therapeutic to a point. They spent a few hours drinking tea, gibbering about this and that, and discussing the retirement party. But once alone, she gave more thought to the issue at hand.

The time had come for her to introduce herself to the tenants next door, so she closed up the house and headed out for the estate. It was a strapping stretch of land, protected by an intricate wrought-iron fence that surrounded it.

She approached the entrance, and as she did, she braced herself for the possibility of a hostile environment. Her hopes were high for a civilized visit with the neighbor she had yet to meet. The gate embodied an elaborate security system, and when she pressed the start button on the console encasement, she was presented with a series of routine questions. She answered with reasonable success, and the gate broke loose, admitting her through and beyond the cobbled pillars. 

An oval driveway held in its center a pink, marble mermaid that spouted an abundant fluency, jetting upward and descending its spray in an umbrella of cool, blue water. Concrete sculptures presented a nuance of renaissance design while steep, marble steps, ascending in a pyramid assemblage, promoted a sense of grandeur as they lured her to the top.

She came to an old rustic door, on which a solid gold knocker facilitated her announcement, and it opened with a crackling click and clang of a narrow, pendulum knob. A tall, stout woman, her disheveled hair contrasting her immaculate mascara, answered with a pout that would parallel most gloomy souls.

What do you want? she asked.

Her annoyance was quite unsettling, and though Lana managed to look beyond her insolence for just a moment, intimidation reared its ugly head as she tried to force a smile.

Hello. My name is Lana Sterling. I live next door…. right over there on the other side of the wall. Is the owner at home? I thought perhaps I’d pay a visit.

The woman turned her back to her and swung her arm forward like the matronly coach of a football team. Lana heeded her invitation and entered.

The foyer was a dazzling sight, its magnificent columns expanding their reach to touch the shiny dome, and when she looked up, she saw a spacious balcony protruding from the second floor, agreeably surrounding the room on all sides. The woman bounced in a manly sort of way as they passed beyond the regal staircase.

She led Lana to a small, dull-lit room, uninviting and cold, curtains drawn, that contrasted the gaudy