The Hound, The Whore, and The Angel

By JD McIntire

Hound’s twisted life is shaped by his time in Vietnam, his connection to Irish gangsters and his entanglement with the head of a Colombian drug cartel. Three women fall in love with him, but his childhood experiences, dreams and violent destiny militate against close relationships. His life is guided by fate along dark paths leading finally to success, but not without favors, paybacks and unforeseen consequences. While Hound runs a troubled gauntlet of sex, violence and death to a suspenseful climax, even the most morally scrupulous may see that good intentions do sometimes require evil deeds.

• Language: English
• Publisher: JD McIntire
• Release date: Nov 5, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463826775

JD McIntire

J.D. McIntire is a novelist who retired from the mental health profession and began a second career as a writer.

Book preview

It was the first week of November 1948. Mindy Collins, a sixteen-year-old sophomore, was about fifteen minutes from completing all the cleaning chores at the church. Her father, Henry Collins, had been pastor of the church for the past seventeen years. Mindy was doing the cleaning in preparation for a social gathering to be held at the church the next afternoon. She had gone directly to the church as soon as school dismissed that Friday afternoon. It had taken her almost four hours to complete her work. The time was now 7:15 p.m. She was expected to be at home for supper by eight. Although she was alone doing her work that evening, she gave no thought to locking the church doors. The town and surrounding community where Mindy lived in southern Arkansas had a crime rate considered almost nonexistent. She took a moment to rest from her work and heard footsteps approaching from behind. Startled, not expecting anyone to visit, she turned quickly and came face to face with a man unknown her. The man was around six feet tall with a medium, muscular build. His age was late twenties, possibly early thirties. It was apparent a few days had passed since he last bathed or shaved. His clothing was old, soiled and in poor repair. Regardless of these things, Mindy could not help noticing how strikingly handsome he was.

Who are you? she asked in an anxious, startled manner. What are you doing here? What do you want?"

I’m just passing through town. I saw the car out front and the lights on in the church. I was hoping to rest here for a little while and possibly get something to eat, if you have anything. I didn’t realize you were alone here. I’m sorry that I frightened you.

When did you eat last?

Yesterday. The refrigerator in the banquet room where they were contained soft drinks, luncheon meat and bread. Mindy prepared a sandwich and opened a bottle of soft drink. She placed them in front of the stranger on the table where he was seated. Because of the stranger’s seemingly good manners and kind nature, Mindy felt she had nothing to fear from him. She continued to mop the banquet room floor as the stranger ate. Their casual conversation continued. The church nursery was located directly across from the banquet room. A small hallway separated the two. The door to the nursery was open. A light on inside permitted view of the room’s furnishings.

Miss, what is your name? the stranger asked.

My name is Mindy. Mindy Collins. What’s yours?

Jim Carson. Please call me Jim. Do you suppose I might be able to spend the night in the nursery? I noticed there are several beds in there. It’s been several days since I slept in a bed. I could use a good night’s sleep.

I’ll have to call my father at home to see if it’s OK, but I’m sure it will be fine. It would seem to be the Christian thing to do.

I’m sure your dad will want to come meet me before giving permission. How far from the church is your home? I wouldn’t want to inconvenience him with a long drive.

A little over ten miles. Perhaps he won’t have to come after I tell him what a nice man you are.

What time are you expected home this evening?

Between 8:30 and nine. I figured it would be eight, probably later before I finished my work. Fortunately, I’m almost done. Go ahead and finish your meal. I’ll dump this mop water, put the mop bucket away, and then I’ll call dad about your request.

The stranger insisted on helping her finish the work. When they returned to the banquet room, he grabbed Mindy by her arm and shook her. When she struggled to break free, he slapped her hard across the face. He delivered two more slaps before dragging her into the nursery. Once inside, he ripped off her clothing and threw her onto a bed. As he began to lower his trousers, she screamed. He delivered another blow to her face. This time it was with his fist. As her face began to swell, she continued to resist, but the next blow from his fist ended the resistance. He raped her as she lay still on the bed nearly unconscious. When he finished, a third blow was delivered, rendering her unconscious. He quickly departed the church and disappeared into the night.

2

The horrible and brutal attack on Mindy that night became known to all her friends and most citizens in the community. The fact that it was known by anyone other than her parents only added to her emotional trauma. When she learned she was pregnant a few weeks later, she was determined that no one other than her immediate family would ever know. Under the guise of leaving for a period of time to live with and care for her grandmother in Texas, she was sent to a highly recommended home for unwed mothers in Louisiana. Mindy’s assailant would never be found and brought to justice. He had told her his name was Jim Carson. Naturally, the name was fictitious. Mindy would stay at the home until she gave birth to her child. Her baby was born on July 31, 1949. The infant would be left at the home and offered for adoption. Mindy returned home from Louisiana on August 10, never having seen her baby boy.

3

It was John William Smith and his wife, Linda, who adopted the child. They named him John William Smith Junior after his adoptive father. The new parents took their child home to their 750-acre farm located north of Baton Rouge. John was only twenty-one years old. Linda was twenty. Both had grown up in farming families and had been high school sweethearts. They married soon after Linda graduated. John became sole owner of the farm when both his parents were killed in a tragic car accident shortly after he and Linda were married. Although he was only twenty-one, John was a very responsible young adult who knew everything needed to operate a large farm. Linda was also knowledgeable regarding the farming industry and a very responsible young woman. They had been married a short time when they found out Linda would never be able to bear children. Both desired to have children, so it was natural for them to adopt. They weren’t sure if they wanted more than one child, but they were sure they wanted the first to be a boy.

John was six feet two inches tall, with a medium build, dark hair and dark skin tone. Years of hard work growing up on the farm had given him a strong, muscular body. He had a reputation of being intelligent, hardworking and honest. Linda would be the first to agree he was a handsome young man. She was also tall, at five feet ten inches. She had natural blonde hair, fair skin tone, green eyes, and a firm, attractive body. She was considered a very pretty woman. Both John and Linda were devout Christians and members of the First Baptist Church in the community where they lived. Only illness or emergencies on the farm would keep them from attending Sunday school and church services every week.

4

Hector and Lupe Vargas were a Mexican-American couple who had been employed full time on the farm for two years. Hector was only a year older than John, but like John had grown up in the farming industry and was very knowledgeable in all things required to maintain a smooth and profitable operation. Hector was farm foreman and John’s right hand. He was a man of average height and stocky build. He was average in looks. Lupe, however, was a very attractive young woman. The 750 acres of farmland had accumulated as a result of two neighboring farms being purchased over the years and joined with the original Smith farm. Each of those farms had very nice houses. As a benefit of their employment, the Vargas family could live in one of the houses rent free. Hector and Lupe had one daughter. Carmella was one year old.

There were some other full-time employees that had been hired from within the community. During the fall and winter months, John, Linda, Hector, Lupe and those other employees were enough to meet the work demands. During the planting and harvest season, additional employees were hired as needed to meet the increased demands.

The farm grew a wide variety of seasonal produce. In addition to vegetables, apples, and peaches, two variety of grapes were grown. Livestock in the form of cattle and hogs were also raised for market.

5

John and Linda brought their new son home to the farm on August 10. The Vargas family was waiting in the front yard of the Smith home to greet them and meet John Junior for the first time.

The boy looks just like you, Hector told John. He’s got your blue eyes, dark complexion, and dark hair.

Yes, indeed! He’s handsome just like his daddy.

He’ll have my intelligence, winning personality, and splendid social graces, Linda added, smiling.

6

By the time John Junior was two years old, John and Linda had reason to believe he was very intelligent. He had begun to walk and talk much earlier than normal. When either of his parents would read to him from any material, his eyes would follow the lines of the page. He quickly learned words and how to pronounce them correctly. His young mind seemed like a sponge, soaking up everything he saw or heard. By age three, he was shadowing his father as much as possible during daily work being performed on the farm. He seemed to be interested in learning everything possible.

Our son may be only three years old, John said to Linda at supper one evening, but he’s showing not to be afraid of work. I think he’s a natural to become a darn good farmer.

I know you would like that, John, but don’t be disappointed if our son chooses another profession.

7

It was August 1, 1953, one day after John Junior’s fourth birthday. A severely abused and starving young dog appeared on the farm. The dog arrived staggering and joined the boy, who was playing under the large oak tree in the front yard. The dog’s age was estimated to be around two years. It appeared to be a purebred Bloodhound. When the hound reached John Junior under the tree, he collapsed beside him. Realizing the dog was in dire distress, the boy ran to the house and solicited his mother’s help in assisting the poor creature. When John Senior arrived home that day for lunch, he accompanied his son to the oak tree to view the animal.

The dog has been severely abused, John reported. He’s also suffering from starvation. However, I don’t believe he is afflicted with any serious disease.

What do we do with the dog now? Linda asked during lunch.

Can I keep him? the boy asked anxiously. I really like him. I know he likes me. Please let me keep him.

John and Linda were both of the opinion not to allow the hound to remain, but they did not have the heart to refuse their son’s request to keep him.

I guess you can keep him, his father replied, but it will be your responsibility to care for him in every way from now on.

Thank you, Daddy! I promise to take real good care of him!

After lunch, John Senior walked with his son, leading the hound to the large hay barn located one hundred yards from the house. This will be your dog’s new home, John told his son. Let’s bust open a bale of hay and cover it with a horse blanket for the dog’s bed.

The boy carefully positioned his new friend on the blanket and placed fresh food and water beside him. He began gently stroking the dog’s head with his right hand. As he did, the dog began to lick his left hand. John Senior smiled. He was watching the beginning of a special friendship between the hound and his son that would last until the dog died many years later.

What are you going to name the dog? John asked. He was surprised how quickly his son answered.

I’m going to name him Hunter.

Well, I think that name is very appropriate for a bloodhound.

8

Within a few days, Hunter was showing signs of recovery. His appetite improved and he began to eat more. As he gained weight, his ribs, which could clearly be seen beneath his skin, began to disappear. The wounds from abuse healed, but a few left permanent scars.

It soon became Hunter’s regular routine to rise from his bed each morning and begin his walk to the Smith home to meet John Junior for their day of activity together. As he walked, he would begin howling loudly, signaling the boy of his approach. The boy would eventually begin returning a howling sound of his own in response. Soon, when either of them wanted to signal the other, a loud howl would be offered by one and returned by the other.

John and Linda, amused by this, nicknamed their son Hound. The nickname was intended to be a way for them to affectionately tease their son. It was not intended to be permanent. It didn’t take long, however, for the nickname to stick and become permanently used. John Junior would be called by the nickname for the rest of his life by all who met and grew to know him. He was fond of the nickname and insisted on being called by it.

9

Hound and Carmella started playing together soon after they were both able to walk and talk. Whenever they were together, Hunter was always close by. Hound and Hunter were separate from each other only when Hound was in the house. Anytime Carmella would join Hound to play, Hunter was always there to participate when he could, but always acting in the capacity of protector for his young friend and master. Hound and Carmella had also begun to build a friendship that would create a strong bond between them that would last throughout their lives.

A wide creek flowed through the western section of the 750-acre farm. Its flow was steady but not swift. The creek provided a year-round water supply for the farm’s livestock. Located on an area of the creek was a nice swimming hole. A naturally occurring rock dam that extended from one bank of the creek to the other created it. On the far side of the creek was a ten-foot-high rock. The rock’s flat top provided an ideal diving platform. Hound was swimming in the hole when he was two years old. Both John and Linda participated in teaching him to swim. They were amazed how quickly he learned.

This offered more evidence of his high-level intelligence. They also became aware of his fearless nature. Shortly after learning to swim, he became insistent on being allowed to dive from the rock. He was first allowed to jump before graduating to a dive. Hunter remained in the water with Hound as much as possible. When not in the water, he always lay on the bank, keeping a watchful eye on his friend. During the summer months after the day’s work on the farm had been completed, many, sometimes all, employees would visit the swimming hole to cool off and refresh themselves before going home for the evening. Carmella was more fearful of the water than Hound. She didn’t learn to swim until age six. She refused to jump from the rock until she was nine.

10

John and Linda were convinced Hound would be ready to start school by age five. Linda had been working with him since he was two, giving him a head start in learning how to read, write, and solve math problems. John and Linda believed he would not be challenged by the level of work presented in first grade.

Administrators at the school would quickly come to agree with John and Linda. Hound would begin his first day of school the last week of August 1954 at the age of five. Hound and Carmella began first grade together. At the end of the first school year, John and Linda were called to attend a meeting with the school principal and the teachers of grades first through third. They were told Hound could skip second grade and be placed in third the following year. They were also told if he did as well as expected he would be moved from third grade to fourth.

John and Linda were in agreement regarding Hound’s ability, but they declined the offer to speed his advancement through school. They felt allowing him to skip grades would deprive him of valuable socialization he would get by completing grades in their normal sequence. They didn’t want to rush his life, causing him to miss any part of his childhood or teenage school years. By starting school at the age of five he would only be sixteen when he graduated from high school. They felt that was young enough. From first grade until he graduated from high school in May 1966, Hound would not earn a grade below that of excellent.

11

As the years passed, the friendship between Hound and Carmella continued to grow. When they began eighth grade in August 1961, Carmella’s childhood friendship with Hound had turned into quite a crush. She was now thirteen and he was twelve. They had both began to mature early, emotionally and physically. Being tall for their ages, along with other advanced physical development, gave them the appearance of being older than they were.

It was the end of the first day in eighth grade. The school bus had dropped them off at the bus stop on the main road running in front of the farm’s southern property border. They would walk together quite a distance before she would take a separate road to the left leading to her home and he would continue on to his. Carmella had been meaning to ask him an important question for a long time. On this day, she would ask the question and satisfy her curiosity.

Hound, do you like me? she asked, hoping to hear the answer she wanted.

Sure, I do. I’ve liked you for as long as I can remember. You and Hunter are my best friends.

I don’t mean just as a friend. I mean like, well, maybe, like a girlfriend. Like a girlfriend you might want to, maybe kiss.

Well, I guess I’ve never thought about it before.

Why the fuck not, gringo boy? Don’t you think I’m pretty enough? Maybe because I’m Mexican you feel I’m not good enough to kiss.

Carmella had developed a habit of using vulgar language. She had the habit for quite some time. Hound suspected it was due in part because she was unhappy. She had mentioned several times how she wished she wasn’t Mexican and her family had more money. He understood how difficult it was to be a minority. Prejudice toward people of color other than white was high within the general white population of the country. He had no such view of Carmella. He harbored no prejudice against any race. His parents tried hard to be the same. He knew, however, that they would draw the line on mixing of races.

Of course, I think you’re good enough, Carmella, he replied. I just never thought you would be interested in me that way. Are you?

Hell yes, gringo boy! I’ve been interested for a long time. You’re the best-looking guy in school. Shit, you’re the best-looking guy I’ve ever seen! Do you think I’m pretty?

Of course, I do. Probably everyone who knows you thinks so.

Do you want to kiss me?

He grinned as he considered her question. Since Carmella was twelve, she had possessed a most attractive body build. She was tall, firm, and well proportioned. Her breasts were already large. Her skin was blemish free, soft, and the color of a deep, perfect tan. Her hair was long, straight, and black. It reached halfway between her shoulders and her hips. Her eyes were dark brown and always seemed to shine. Her teeth were perfectly aligned in her mouth, providing her with a perfect smile.

I’d like to kiss you, he told her. I’d be lying if I said otherwise.

Carmella took him by the hand, and they walked off the road into a group of five large trees. Hound had been more than mildly interested in sex for quite some time.

As a result, he had been researching the subject by reading everything pertaining to it he was able to acquire. He took special care to hide these materials from his parents. Many of them were very explicit and graphic. His consequences would be substantial should his parents ever discover what he was researching or the material he was using.

Once hidden among the trees, Hound put what he had read about kissing to the test. Evidently what he read was reliable. Carmella was reluctant to end the kiss. She must have been greatly influenced by his lead and example, because the kiss she returned was as good as the one she received.

That felt real good, gringo boy! she told him as the kiss ended.

I liked it too.

Carmella smiled when she couldn’t keep from noticing the large bulge that had appeared below the belt line in his blue jeans. She also concluded the tight jeans made it very uncomfortable for him. Embarrassed, he turned to hide the bulge from view.

Don’t be embarrassed, gringo boy, she told him. I’m just as excited as you. My excitement just doesn’t show like yours does. We’ll have to find a way to spend a longer time together than we have now. When we do, I want to do a lot more than kiss you.

Just what do you want to do?

Damn, gringo boy! I know you’re smarter than that. What the hell do you think I want to do? I’ve been wanting to have sex for a long time. I want to have it with you. I want you to be my first time.

I want you to be my first time too.

They emerged from the cover of the trees and resumed their walk home.

I’ll see you later, handsome, she told him as she turned onto the road leading to her house. Don’t forget what we’re going to do first chance we get.

It’s not likely I’ll forget.

I sure as hell won’t either!

Hound was a little later than usual reaching his house that day. He expected to be questioned as to the reason why. He was prepared to give a reasonable answer.

You’re late getting home today, Hound, Linda said as he entered the house. Why are you late?

The bus was running a little behind schedule this afternoon. He went to his room, changed into his work clothes, and then left the house to do his afternoon chores before supper.

After he went to bed that evening, Hound found it difficult to sleep. He thought of his time in the trees with Carmella that afternoon and the plans they had made for a future time. His level of mature thinking caused him to consider specific and important things. He wanted his first sexual experience to be a most memorable one for the girl, and certainly for himself as well. They would have to be careful not to be discovered, and of course, precautions would have to be taken to avoid pregnancy.

He was certain of his physical sexual adequacy, but what if all he had learned in his research was not enough to satisfy Carmella sexually? Even if he had all the correct tools, they would be insignificant if he didn’t use them properly. He had been using masturbation to condition his mind and body in the prevention of premature ejaculation. He felt thankful for specific blessings that had been bestowed upon him personally. Intelligence, good looks, natural charm and winning ways, his parents, the farm, and middle-class financial status his family enjoyed were among the most highly valued. He also possessed a photographic memory, which was a great service to him. He discovered he had it in elementary school. Anything he saw, read, or heard became permanently recorded in his mind and could be recalled verbatim at any time. For whatever reason, he wasn’t completely sure what it was, he had decided to keep the photographic memory a secret.

Certainly included, but not limited to the things he valued about his body, was the size of his penis. It was above average in length and girth. He had read in his research that women considered it to be the perfect, ideal size to offer ultimate sexual satisfaction. Being twelve years old had created a difficult time in his life. He was going through a premature development physically, mentally, emotionally, and sexually. The girls in his age group were too young and immature. Their thoughts, needs, and desires wouldn’t catch up with his for at least another two years.

Most, if not all, the girls two years or more older than he was viewed him as extremely handsome and desirable. Even though he looked and acted older than he was, his true age and grade in school made it taboo for any of the older girls to have anything of a sexual nature to do with him. However, they enjoyed flirting with and teasing him on a regular basis. Indeed, at this time of his life, Carmella seemed like a miracle.

12

The next day at school, a new eighth grade student arrived in Hound’s first period class. Donnie Barker had just moved to the area. He and his family had formerly lived in Texas where he had managed to fail the second, fourth, and sixth grade in school.

He was a tall kid, four inches taller than Hound, and outweighed him by at least forty pounds. It soon became apparent that Donnie was an angry young man with quite a chip on his shoulder. This, in part, was likely because he was unattractive and too old to be in the eighth grade.

A large part of his anger was due to his abusive father. Donnie was overweight and had bright red, curly hair. Freckles covered his face and arms. Scars on various places of his body indicated he had possibly participated in a few fights. Whether he had won or lost the fights was unknown. It would later be learned the scars were the result of his father’s abuse. It didn’t take long before Donnie would show himself as a bully. He would target anyone smaller or weaker than he, or anyone not willing to challenge his behavior.

Hound made a special effort to offer him a sincere welcome to school, but Donnie quickly developed a disliking for Hound, which would soon become extreme. Donnie came to be very jealous and envious of Hound’s appearance, intelligence, and popularity with others. It was a huge mistake when Donnie decided to make Hound a target for bullying. This error in character judgment would result in others learning something about Hound they never would have imagined possible.

Hound was kind, easygoing, considerate and respectful to everyone. Donnie saw this as weakness, an unwillingness to resist mistreatment from a bully. He would come to regret his misjudgment of Hounds character for the rest of his life. He would learn to never judge a person’s grit by the way they looked or behaved.

All members of Donnie’s immediate and extended family were bigots and racists. Once he realized a special friendship existed between Carmella and Hound, Donnie saw a way to kill two birds with one stone. He could verbally mistreat Carmella because of her race and Hound because of his friendship with her. This was the way he planned to begin. In a short time, he planned to include physical acts in his bullying of Hound.

It was the first day of the second week of school when Donnie put his initial plan into full swing. He had made friends and been hanging out at every opportunity with Carl Mackie and Mark Bates. Carl and Mark were in the ninth grade and both the same age as Donnie. They had more in common than their age. Carl and Mark had failed two grades in school and were of the same character and mindset as Donnie.

Hound and Carmella were seated at a long table with other friends in the cafeteria during lunch period that day. Donnie and his entourage, consisting of Carl and Mark, joined them.

Hi, beaner! Donnie said to Carmella in a loud, intimidating voice. What the hell are you doing in here? Beans and tortillas are not being served today. You wetbacks don’t eat anything else, do you?

Hound grew very angry at Donnie’s remarks, but Carmella spoke first.

Go fuck yourself, you ugly, freckleface son of a bitch! she yelled loudly. One of the teachers on lunchroom duty that day heard her yell and what she said. The teacher hurried to the table, but nothing was done regarding Donnie’s behavior.

The teacher escorted Carmella to the principal’s office for the language she had used. Hound went along to verify her side of the story. The principal showed little concern regarding what Donnie had said. Carmella received what the principal and teacher felt was just punishment for her language. Hound knew she wasn’t being treated fairly, but there was little he could do. He was asked to leave while she endured eight hard licks from a wooden paddle.

He exited the principal’s office into the hallway. Standing just outside the door was Donnie, Mark and Carl. All three began to laugh when they heard the first blow of the paddle delivered. When the corporal punishment ended, they left, still laughing. Hound waited in the hallway until Carmella came out.

I figured to get punished, but I sure as hell didn’t expect a paddling, she told him with tears in her eyes. That fucking Donnie got off scot-free! That son of a bitch!

Keep your voice down. Watch your language. You don’t want to wind up back in there. Did it hurt a lot?

It felt like one thousand hornets were stinging my ass at the same time — like somebody threw gasoline on me, and then lit it. If my ass ain’t smoking, it oughta be! That’s how it feels!

Come on, Carmella. Let’s get out of here before you get in more trouble and get me in trouble with you. Hound didn’t want to, or mean to, but he could not help laughing at the comments she made.

What the fuck are you laughing at, gringo boy? she asked as a smile came over her face. You’ve never had your ass beat into hamburger before, have you?

No, at least not yet.

The break for lunch was the longest of the day. The seventh, eighth and ninth grades shared the same lunch and break after. When they had finished their lunch, most of the boys from those grades would come together on the softball field to play the game until the first class began that afternoon. The girls usually spent their time watching the boys play softball and visiting with each other, or just walking around talking about all the girls they didn’t like, or the boys they did.

Hound was often the subject of such talk. All the girls considered him an extremely good-looking guy. They all agreed he was destined to be a handsome man. Although Carmella voiced agreement, she kept her special feeling for him secret. She kept very secret her plan to express those feelings in a physical way as soon as possible. Neither her parents nor Hound’s would be pleased to know about her plan. They would literally shit their pants should she complete the deed and they were ever to find out. Her parents were devout Catholics. His were Baptists. In addition to that, none of the parents would tolerate the mixing of race, or religion.

Hound and Donnie found themselves on the same team during the game of softball that day. Donnie had not yet offered any type of physical bullying toward Hound. He decided it was finally time. Not being completely sure of Hound’s willingness and ability to defend himself, he had Carl and Mark standing by as back up. Hound sat on the bench to the rear and left of home plate waiting his turn at bat. He was unaware that Donnie and his friends were approaching from behind.

He rose from the bench when it was his turn to bat. Donnie hit him hard in the back of the head with his fist. Hound’s body shot forward, and he fell face down on the ground. As all the other boys on the field watched in shock and surprise, Donnie delivered a hard kick to Hound’s ribs. Seeing Hound was clearly beaten and unable to retaliate, Donnie told his friends to help Hound to his feet. All three were laughing as Carl and Mark complied with Donnie’s request. Donnie positioned himself face to face with Hound.

How do you like getting your ass kicked, Hound? Donnie asked, still laughing. A large lump formed on the back of Hound’s head where he had been struck. He was extremely dizzy, unable to focus. His ribs where he had been kicked were causing him extensive pain. The breath had been knocked out of him. As he fought to regain it, he couldn’t speak.

I asked you a question, pretty pussy boy! Donnie shouted. Better answer me or I’ll beat your ass more.

Carl and Mark still had a firm grip on both Hound’s arms. When he couldn’t answer, Donnie hit him hard in the mouth with his fist. As both his lips began to swell, blood began to flow from cuts in his lips and inside his mouth. Hound finally regained his breath and was able to speak. He had become angry beyond definition. For the first time in his life, he was about to use vulgar language.

You are a cowardly mother fucker! he yelled at Donnie, looking him directly in the eyes. You three cocksuckers better kill me! If you don’t, I’m sure as hell going to kill you!

Suddenly, Donnie became fearful of the young man being held by his two friends. He somehow could see in Hound’s face that he meant to carry out his threat. Before Donnie or either of the other two could respond, Hound brought his foot down hard on Carl’s foot, who was holding his right arm. Carl released his arm. Mark was holding his left arm, and Hound quickly delivered a blow with his right fist to his groin. Mark released the arm and fell to the ground in extreme pain.

Hound rushed a few steps forward and picked up a bat lying on the ground. Gripping it tightly and holding it in a position to hit a home run, he rushed quickly back to exact revenge on Donnie and his friends. When Donnie turned to run, Hound swung the bat hard, hitting him in the center of the back of his head. Donnie fell hard to the ground and lay motionless.

Hound then focused his attention on Carl, who was given a hard blow to the left side of his face. Carl was unconscious when he hit the ground. Mark was still on the ground trying to recover from the blow to his groin. Hound stood over him. Swinging the bat like an axe chopping wood, he brought it down hard to the center of Mark’s face.

With all three bullies lying unconscious on the ground, Hound paused for a moment to methodically consider what he would do next. Would he carry out his threat and kill them? He decided against it, but he felt certain they deserved a bit more beating.

Hound walked to where Donnie was lying on his face and rolled him to his back. Again using the bat like an axe chopping wood, Hound took careful aim and brought it down hard on Donnie’s right knee. He heard the bones pop and crack as they broke. He enjoyed the same sound when he struck the left knee.

Donnie, who was now regaining consciousness, was screaming loudly from the pain being inflicted on him. Hound wasn’t through yet. He selected his next target and swung the bat down hard in the center of Donnie’s face. He once again fell unconscious as his face began to swell and bleed profusely.

Hound returned to Mark and then Carl, giving each of them the same climax to his retribution as he had given Donnie. When his revenge had been completed to his personal satisfaction, he allowed the bat to fall from his hand to the ground. The lump on the back of his head had swollen to a larger size. Severe pain and bruising were present in the area of his ribs. Blood continued to flow, but in lesser amount, from his mouth. He walked to the bench and sat down.

The principal had been notified of the incident occurring at the ball field. He soon arrived with the school nurse and several other faculty members. None of them were prepared for what they would see. None of them could believe who was responsible. As soon as they arrived, Hound rose from the bench and slowly walked in the direction of the gymnasium. Halfway there, he met Carmella and two of her girlfriends who heard about the incident and were rushing to see what happened.

Jesus, Hound! Carmella said with excitement. what the hell happened to you? Are you all right? You look like shit!

I feel exactly like I look. Donnie and his friends, however, look and feel a hell of a lot worse. I’ll be OK. I just need to get to the gym and wash this blood off.

Gringo boy, you need to see the school nurse right away. I’ll go with you and help. What did you do to Donnie and his friends?

Hound’s extreme anger and rage was dissipating in level of intensity. He began to realize his act of revenge should have ceased much sooner. The beating he gave the boys could prove fatal to all of them.

I beat them all very badly, he told Carmella. I beat them with a ball bat.

Could any of them possibly die? Please tell me no!

A flashback of what he had done rushed into his thoughts.

I fear at least one, maybe all of them, could possibly die, Hound replied. Even if they don’t, I’m for sure in a shitstorm of trouble.

Don’t worry about that right now. Let’s get you to the nurse.

The nurse is at the ball field. She’s needed there more than I need her. Right now, I need to clean up and just rest a bit.

Carmella walked with Hound to the gym. Before he went into the boys’ restroom to clean himself up, he asked Carmella to call his parents on the phone in the school office and tell them what had happened. She eagerly complied with his request and rushed to the office.

Hound washed his face thoroughly and examined the extent of his injuries. He was happy to discover he still had all his teeth. Other than a couple of deep cuts on his lips and tongue where he had bitten it, no severe damage had been done. He raised his shirt to view in the mirror where he had been kicked. On the side of his body, in the area where his rib cage began and ended, was an almost black massive bruise. His breathing was normal and not painful. He assumed his ribs weren’t cracked or broken. Dizziness continued to occur at random times. The lump on the back of his head had now become the size of a lemon.

Hound left the gym and went to the office. Carmella had just ended the phone call to his parents and was waiting for him. The principal had already returned to the office. A call for emergency medical assistance had been made.

What did you tell my parents? Hound asked Carmella.

Everything I knew. Is that all right?

Sure, it is. What did they say?

Your dad said they would come right away.

Did you tell him how serious this situation is?

I told him everything you told me.

The first bell signaling it was time to begin afternoon classes had already sounded. Carmella went to class while Hound waited in the office for the arrival of his parents.

13

Hound was sitting calmly and quietly in the principal’s office when John and Linda arrived. As they did, sirens were heard on the main road in front of the school as the ambulances sped by transporting the three boys to the hospital emergency room. Hound had refused to say anything to anyone until he talked privately with his parents first.

Hound, are you all right? John asked when he first saw his son.

I guess I’m OK, but I’ve had better days.

I’m sure that’s true, son! Tell us what happened.

Hound provided his parents with a true and complete account of what had occurred. When the principal returned, the school superintendent and the sheriff accompanied him. Hound told the same story to them, verbatim that he had told his parents. Before he did, the sheriff asked if he wanted a lawyer present. John and Linda declined the offer.

Roy Hooper was the sheriff. He had arrived with two deputies only moments after the ambulances. They quickly began their investigation of the incident. Everyone who had seen it was questioned. When Roy was notified of John and Linda’s arrival, he departed the ball field and went to the principal’s office, leaving his deputies to finish the questioning. The school superintendent went with him.

Roy had been sheriff for over twenty-five years. He was short and stocky in stature and had a bit of a pot belly. His head with balding and he was sixty years old. He had been good friends with John’s father and mother before they died. He now shared an equal friendship with John and Linda. He was very fond of Hound, always praising him for his hard work, excellent school performance, and good character. Roy was as surprised as everyone else about what Hound had done.

Hound, what you did is pretty serious, Roy told him. I’m sure you know that, don’t you?

Yes, sir. I know that.

Can you tell me why you did it?

I was only trying to defend myself.

Don’t you think you went a bit too far?

I do now, but I didn’t think about it while it was happening.

Every witness I talked to said those boys were lying on the ground, incapacitated, but you continued to beat them with a bat anyway. A few of them said they heard you threaten to kill the boys. Did you?

It was that moment John interrupted the conversation between his son and the sheriff.

I think that’s all the questions he’s going to answer right now, John said. Hound needs more time to think about all that has happened. For now, we’re going to take him home. What happens next?

Until the school can decide what to do about this, said the superintendent, Hound will be on suspension.

John, I’ll turn the findings of my investigation over to the prosecuting attorney, the sheriff added. He’ll decide whether or not to bring charges against Hound. I’m sure he’ll be talking with the parents of the injured boys. They’ll have some influence on what he decides. How badly the boys are injured will greatly influence him. I’ll drop by your home in a couple of days and talk further with Hound. If I were you, I’d pray those boys aren’t badly hurt. Pray extra hard none of them die.

Good Lord, Roy! Do you think the boys are really hurt that badly?

They looked pretty bad to me, John. I’ve never seen anyone beaten as severely as they were.

Hound left the school with his parents. During the ride home, nothing was said about what had happened. Very little conversation of any kind took place. When Linda insisted on taking Hound to the family doctor before going home, John agreed. Her main concern was the lump on the back of his head. She also wanted to have the area where he had been kicked examined.

The doctor said he might have a mild concussion, but he wasn’t overly concerned about it. He also reported there were no cracked or broken ribs, but there was severe bruising.

Take him home and put him to bed, the doctor told them. Make sure he takes it easy for a couple of days. I think he’ll be fine.

14

Carmella told her parents what had happened after she got home from school. The Vargas family went to the Smith home early that evening to check on Hound’s condition.

How are you feeling, little man? Hector asked him.

Kinda sore, but I look a lot worse than I am.

Hector then began talking with John.

Carmella told us the three boys that attacked Hound were hurt pretty bad, John, Hector said. Do you know how bad?

I was told they were seriously injured. We won’t know how serious until later. I’m sure the sheriff will tell us as soon as he knows.

I guess all you can do now is just wait and hope for the best possible outcome.

There’s nothing else to do at this time.

While the adults continued to talk, Carmella and Hound went outside to the front yard. They sat under the large oak tree. It wasn’t long before Hunter joined them and lay down at Hound’s side.

Are you afraid of what might happen to you? asked Carmella.

More than just a little bit, Carmella. Those boys were hurt bad. I’m sure of that.

Did you mean to hurt them that badly?

He knew the answer to her question was definitely yes, but he knew it would be unwise to admit such intent to anyone. He had already come up with a story he would stick to regarding his intent.

Carmella, all I intended to do was stop those guys from beating up on me, he told her. I realize now I exceeded what was necessary to accomplish that.

What do you think is the worst thing that could happen now?

If criminal charges are brought against me, I might be sent to reform school.

That wouldn’t be fair. You were only defending yourself against three larger boys. You had every right to do that.

If I wind up in court, I hope that’s the way the judge will see it.

15

A week passed and still no news had been received from the sheriff. The local newspaper had printed an article regarding the incident and the current condition of the injured boys. They were all stable and recovering. This was welcome news, especially for the Smith family. The school board had a special meeting regarding Hound, but nothing had been reported regarding his suspension status.

Dissatisfied with this, John made an appointment to see the school superintendent.

My son has already missed a week of school, John said to the superintendent. How long will it be before he is allowed to return?

John, the school board decided to keep him on suspension until the legal system makes its decision whether or not to bring charges against him. The school also has a concern how the victims’ parents might react if we allow him to return at this time.

Even if charges are brought, it could be quite some time before the case comes to trial. Even if that happens, I’m sure he’ll be exonerated. I feel he should be allowed back in school until the case is adjudicated. I know what he did was serious, but he didn’t provoke the incident. There were three older and larger boys ganging up on and beating him. Wouldn’t you do all in your power to defend yourself if the same thing happened to you?

"There’s no question your son had the