Blood Assassin: The Arrowhead Chronicles

By Dana Leigh

Delaney McClellan is Chief of Police in rural Arrowhead, Colorado. The usually quiet town, set along the northern foothills of the Rocky Mountains, is the scene of a grisly attack on one of its citizens by a Blood Assassin, the creature produced by a demonic spell on a human.  Covina is, of course, suspect number one, but the linge

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dana Leigh
• Release date: Apr 1, 2020
• ISBN: 9781734315516

Dana Leigh

Dana Leigh is an American author of supernatural fiction. Dana was born in Northern Colorado in 1979 and was raised in the rural town of Pierce. She attended college in Northern Colorado and East Texas, where she studied history. In 2011 she moved to East Texas. While there, she worked in law enforcement. In 2015 she moved back to Colorado where she currently lives with her only daughter and continues to pursue her dreams of being an author.

Book preview

Prologue

J

ohn Cool Wind flinched at the abrasive buzz of the jailhouse door. He stepped into the visitation room where a bank of monitors with attached telephones was in alignment in an L shape around two adjacent walls of the room. An officer directed him to a specific monitor. John sat on the cold metal stool and waited.

John scanned the room with a critical eye. It was the color of dirty paste, and free of any furniture aside from the monitors and the corresponding stools. It smelled of industrial disinfectant. The officer standing at the door regarded him with disinterest. John would have preferred to have had the meeting in a conference room where he could have a face to face conversation, but the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department had the policy to follow. Video visitation was his only option.

The monitor remained black for several minutes until finally, it flickered to life. John picked up the telephone receiver and put it to his ear. The young man on the other side of the monitor picked up his.

Luke Running Deer, John said warmly. I’m happy to see you’re okay. Your mother is worried sick about you. She sent me to see how you are.

Luke didn’t look up into the monitor. He adjusted the neckline of his orange jumpsuit and stared at the floor. I’m a grown man, he stated proudly. I do not need my mother to look after me.

Rebellious until the end, John thought to himself. She realizes you are a grown man, but a mother’s love does not go away simply because her children have grown.

The statement brought Luke’s attention to John. Luke had put on some weight since being incarcerated. The damage Luke’s meth addiction had caused his body appeared to be healing. Luke was no longer the dirty, skinny, and scabbed up individual he had been back on the reservation.

We want to get you out of here and get you into the substance abuse program on the reservation, John encouraged. Sally Brings Rain is doing amazing things with the members of not only our tribe but also for people who belong to surrounding tribes.

Luke bowed his head, defeated. I’m so ashamed, how can I go back and face the tribe? I have let everyone down.

"You are strong, Luke. You have more strength than you realize. I need you to be strong for yourself as well as for the tribe. There is a war coming. The spirits have shown me a storm is brewing. I need you. Please."

Luke brushed his raven hair out of his eyes and nodded. He lifted his chin. I will do it then. I will not let you down John Cool Wind.

John visibly relaxed. I am going to work out the details of your bail. It might take me a day or two, but I will get you out of here.

Thank you, Luke whispered gratefully.

From behind Luke, John saw the image of an officer walk into view of the monitor. John Cool Wind’s blood suddenly ran cold. Before him was the man he had spent more than a hundred years tracking down, the Scarlet Devil. There was no mistaking him. John had given up hope years ago and assumed the evil man had died, but he was grossly mistaken. The Scarlet Devil had been responsible for the murder of hundreds of Lakota Sioux when he was the captain of a small group of cavalry soldiers. And now he was once again in a position of power and authority. John began to shake uncontrollably.

Luke didn’t notice the reaction but turned to the officer and responded to what he was told. He turned back to look at John. My time is up, Luke stated dryly.

Too stunned to speak, John nodded once in reply.

Luke hung up his phone and got up from his stool. He strolled away. The Scarlet Devil turned to follow Luke but stopped suddenly. He turned his head slowly and gazed at John. A slow, evil smile spread across his red face. The Scarlet Devil took several quick steps and picked up the telephone receiver. John’s eye’s widened as his enemy stared at him from the monitor.

Well, hello, John Cool Wind, long time, no see.

Chapter 1

T

he call came in that morning at nine o’clock. Chaos downtown had traffic stopped, and the residents of Arrowhead hiding behind locked doors. Delaney responded immediately to Main Street and 2nd Avenue. Aaron arrived just as Delaney was climbing out of her squad car. Once the pair had assessed the scene, they agreed it would be in the best interest of the town to call Larimer County Special Agent Shawn James for assistance. Shawn told Delaney it would take him about ten minutes to get to Arrowhead and to contain the perpetrator to the area. She informed him they would do their best and hung up. She gave Aaron a skeptical look.

Shawn is on his way. He should be here in about ten minutes. He wants us to keep the animal here and not let him get loose.

How the hell are we supposed to do that? Aaron asked, throwing his hands up.

I guess we need to get creative.

Delaney used the police radio in her car to call all available officers to town and, using their vehicles, block off any side streets or alleys where the offender could make a getaway. They responded quickly, and in a few short minutes, they had the area surrounded.

The mid-December morning was sunny but frigid. Delaney shivered and stuffed her cold hands into the pockets of her coat. Her movement caught the eyes of the offender, and he swiveled his big head in her direction. Bursts of steam emanated from his nostrils, and his red hair glistened in the glorious daylight. He pawed at the ground and lowered his horns. Delaney froze and cast a helpless look at Aaron. Aaron look equally worried.

"Tell me again how this bull ended up downtown."

Shh! Delaney hissed. Stop talking. He’s looking at us.

The Herford bull zeroed in on Delaney and Aaron, his horns curved down, slime dripping from his pink nose. He bobbed his massive head and pawed at the ground. The creature bawled in a menacing show of dominance.

You grew up around these things, Aaron pointed out. Do something.

Delaney cast a look of contempt at Aaron. "That thing weighs damn near a ton and is pissed as hell. What exactly would you like me to do? Delaney didn’t wait for any suggestions from Aaron before continuing. I have an idea; maybe, I could use you as bait. I’ll shove you in his direction, and while the bull is stomping you into the street, I’ll run away."

Aaron looked wounded. Why do you gotta be so damn, mean?

It’s a gift, Delaney retorted.

She and Aaron flinched at the sound of another ear-splitting bellow from the bull. The animal meant business. Delaney steeled herself for the beast to charge at them. She could read the creature's intentions on his fur-covered face.

Rockway, when I tell you to run, you haul ass and get as far off the ground as you can.

Aaron looked scared, his brow pinched in worry, and his mustache drooped in a frown. He took a breath to ask Delaney to clarify her instructions, but at that exact moment, the bull pawed at the ground and, like a freight train, charged in their direction.

"Run!" Delaney yelled. She scrambled for her squad car. She was able to get on the roof of the vehicle just as the creature rocketed past her. Dirt and hair flew into the air, raising a cloud above the bull. The animal was heading for Aaron, who hadn’t yet located a safe spot to climb. He shot Delaney a terrified look. Remembering Delaney’s instructions, the back of his pickup appeared to be the closest, suitable getaway. Aaron darted around his vehicle. He reached for the tailgate to hoist himself up into the bed of the truck. The bull was quicker than Aaron. One of the animal’s thick horns caught Aaron on the back of his thigh. The beast flung his head in an upward motion, catapulting Aaron into the bed of the pickup. He landed on his back with a loud metallic bam. The bull rammed the bumper of the truck with its head, denting the polished chrome. Aaron lay gasping; the wind knocked from his lungs. Delaney flinched with every smashing hit the pickup endured from the enraged bull. Aaron was able to catch his breath eventually and struggled to sit up in the bed of the vehicle. The bull’s desire to fight began to wane, and he soon lost interest in Aaron’s truck. He wandered toward the door of the veterinary clinic.

Inside the clinic, the veterinary assistant coward behind the front counter while the dogs barked wildly from within their cages. The bull casually walked up and put his big nose on the plate glass, fogging it up and leaving a dripping trail of snot. The girl inside shrieked when the bull bumped the door with his head.

If that bull tries breaking into the building, I’m going to have to put it down, Delaney yelled over to Aaron.

You can’t do that from the roof of your car. There are too many people around to be firin’ a shot.

"I know, Delaney responded, irritated. I’ll have to get down and get close enough to him, so I don’t miss."

From behind their cars, and at a safe distance, the rancher who owned the offending beast was having a fit. "Chief, you can’t shoot my bull!"

Delaney turned in his direction. "Like hell I can’t, Earl! It’s your fault he’s running around in my town! You’ll be lucky if I don’t haul your ass off to jail for this!" Earl went with his better judgment and decided not to argue with Delaney.

Maybe we could pepper spray him? Aaron suggested.

Delaney thought for a moment but shook her head in disagreement. No, that’ll piss him off. Then he’ll be blindly running around. He might hurt someone.

Relax, you two. Delaney and Aaron turned at the sound of Shawn’s voice. I’ve got this.

Delaney and Aaron watched from their perches while Shawn casually strolled up to the menacing animal. The bull swiveled his head around to look at him. Shawn crossed his arms over his chest and cocked his head to the side. The bovine lifted his head and looked thoughtfully at Shawn. The atmosphere seemed to crackle with electricity. Delaney could feel the hair on the back of her neck buzz. She shot Aaron a startled glance. The expression on Aaron’s face told Delaney he was feeling the same energy. The mortals in the crowd either did not seem affected by the power or were not reacting to it. There was a reaction, however, when the bull slowly moved in Shawn’s direction. Shawn reached out a hand. The beast sniffed it with his slimy nose and then butted his big head gently against Shawn’s fingers. Shawn smiled and scratched the mammoth animal behind his ears.

You’ve gotta be shittin’ me, Aaron murmured.

Whoa, Delaney marveled with amazement.

Shawn now seemed to be speaking out loud to the bull as he continued to scratch the animal’s head. The people trapped inside the buildings began to gather at the doors and windows to watch as Shawn gently led the bull toward the stock trailer from which it had escaped. The beast stepped into the stock trailer with no resistance. Shawn swung the door shut and latched it securely. He turned triumphantly to Aaron and Delaney. They were still perched on their vehicles, staring open-mouthed.

That’s how it’s done, folks. Shawn bragged, taking an exaggerated bow.

That was the wildest thing I think I’ve ever seen, Delaney said, sliding down the hood of her car.

Aaron hopped down from the bed of the truck, dusted off his dirty jeans, and felt the back of his thigh with one hand. Damn it, he complained. That critter tore a hole in my pants.

Delaney and Shawn snickered. You’re lucky he didn’t tear you a bigger hole somewhere else, Delaney pointed out. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you move so fast, Rockway.

Ha, ha, Aaron remarked dryly.

Delaney detected quick movement from the corner of her eye and turned in time to catch Earl, the absent-minded rancher, skittering toward his truck. "Hold it! Delaney ordered. Earl came to a screeching halt in the middle of Main Street. He held his hands up and out to his sides. Where the hell you think you’re going, Earl?"

Well, Chief, I thought it would be in my best interest to get my bull back to the ranch.

Delaney approached Earl, one hand resting on the butt of her gun. Really? she grilled. "Don’t you think you should have thought about that before you decided to go sit your ass in the diner and drink coffee all morning? Earl didn’t respond. Next time, how about you check and make sure the trailer door is latched before you leave it unattended. Don’t wait to figure it out after your twelve-hundred-pound bull gets out and turns downtown Arrowhead into Pamplona, Spain! Delaney was standing behind Earl yelling into his left ear. Earl flinched with every punctuated syllable of her tirade. I’m going to write you a ticket for having livestock running at large. If this happens again, I’m going to hit you with an animal cruelty charge. Am I clear?"

Earl mutely nodded his head. Delaney scribbled the ticket out on her pad, ripped it off, and handed it to Earl. He took it without looking at it and shoved it into the pocket of his parka. When he realized that Delaney had finished with him, he half-ran to his truck. Earl clamored in behind the steering wheel, started the engine, and quickly pulled away from the curb. Delaney, Shawn, and Aaron watched him leave.

I think someone owes me breakfast, Shawn pandered.

Aaron clapped Shawn on the back. We owe you more than breakfast, but that’ll have to do for now.

Delaney turned to follow the men to the diner. She took three steps, and she slid through a fresh pile of feces. "Son of a bitch! she thundered. Would someone get the town’s maintenance man here to get this cow shit out of the middle of the street?" Delaney shouted at the nearest officer. The officer nodded nervously and left to do as ordered. Delaney awkwardly dragged her boot across the pavement to rid herself of the mess. Aaron and Shawn were standing at the door of the diner laughing at her.

Laugh it up, she remarked indignantly. "But when the Ladies Auxiliary slips in a pile of shit tonight at the annual Christmas parade, I’m going to send them your direction, Rockway."

Aaron stuffed his thumbs in the pockets of his jeans and rocked back on his heels. God, you’re sexy when you’re mad.

Delaney grunted, and shoved past him, stepping into the entrance of the restaurant. The hostess sat them at a booth by a large window that looked out over Main Street. Delaney settled herself next to the window; Aaron sat next to her. Shawn took a seat across from the pair.

The seats of the booth were worn, red vinyl. Silver tape covered up the rips and cracks in the well-used booth. The table was smeared with moisture where the busboy had wiped up from the previous customer. Delaney took a menu from its spot tucked between the window and napkin dispenser. She flipped through it absently, already knowing what she wanted to eat. Aaron and Shawn studied their menus in earnest.

The conversation in the dining room was soft. A Chris Ledoux song quietly played in the background. There was the table of regulars, most of the local farmers, which assembled every morning to sit around and drink coffee. Delaney fleetingly pondered why her father wasn’t present in the group. On winter mornings, after the livestock were tended to, Jack could often be found in the diner with the group. To Delaney’s right was the counter, which was empty except for a single man who appeared to be reading the paper and enjoying a plate of pancakes. Delaney didn’t recognize him and wondered where he was from and what he was doing in Arrowhead. He didn’t appear to be local. His expensive-looking leather coat with matching gloves and dark sunglasses made him stick out in a room full of farmers, truckers, and cowboys. Delaney put down her menu and began to study the man intensely.

His hair was the color of rust and long enough to touch the collar of his shirt. His complexion was fair with a thick smattering of freckles that covered even his hands. Delaney watched him as he flipped through the pages of the newspaper. Suddenly the man’s back stiffened, as though he could feel Delaney watching him. Just as he began to turn to look in her direction, Gloria, the dinner’s full-time waitress, stepped up to the table and blocked Delaney’s view of the man. Gloria was carrying three large coffee mugs in one hand and a steaming pot of coffee in the other. She plunked them down in front of each one of them and splashed coffee into them. Delaney frantically tried to look around the woman’s large, polyester-clad bottom but wasn’t able to see the man.

Delaney? Shawn questioned. Are you going to order?

Delaney glanced up at Gloria. She was tapping the end of her pen on the order pad in her hand. Uh, yeah, I’ll have the biscuits and gravy.

Gloria scribbled on her pad, and then turned on her heel and left. The man had disappeared from his stool at the counter. All that remained was a plate of half-eaten pancakes, an open newspaper, and a ten-dollar bill. Delaney’s eyes frantically searched the room. The stranger was gone. Aaron noticed Delaney’s strange behavior.

You okay?

Yeah, Delaney responded anxiously. Did you happen to see where the guy that was sitting at the counter went?

Both Shawn and Aaron turned to look at the counter. No, Aaron asked. Why?

Delaney frowned. I didn’t recognize him. He looked out of place here.

Shawn frowned. Do you often accost strangers that pass-through Arrowhead? Do you give them until sundown to get out of town ‘or else’?

Of course not, Delaney answered, annoyed. There was just something about him. I can’t put my finger on it.

Aaron looked around the room. What does he look like?

He’s a redhead with lots of freckles. He had an expensive leather coat and flashy sunglasses.

Whoever he was, he’s gone, Aaron remarked. Maybe he’s left town already.

Maybe, Delaney muttered with apprehension. She attempted to put on a composed exterior, but the memory of the stranger nagged at her.

Delaney tried to keep her mind off of it by engaging in ordinary conversation with Aaron and Shawn until their food arrived. She noticed Shawn’s failure to stop yawning, and the rapid pace in which he was drinking his coffee.

Did you pull an all-nighter? Delaney asked in between fork-fulls of biscuits and gravy.

Shawn took another sip of his coffee and rubbed his bloodshot eyes. Yeah, He answered tiredly. I was on my way home to get some sleep when you called me this morning. We had a body this morning out by Horsetooth Reservoir. The victim is a female. She suffered major neck trauma and bled out.

Delaney winced. What do you mean by ‘major neck trauma’?

Well, Shawn started, taking out his phone. This is what I mean by ‘major neck trauma.’ He touched the face of his phone and ran his finger down until he saw what he was looking for. Shawn turned the screen in Delaney and Aaron’s direction. The image of the woman was gruesome.

She was lying in a thick patch of blood-stained grass. Her body covered a rotting log. She wore a running suit. Blood soaked the front of her jacket and turned it a dark shade of reddish-brown. Her neck was a shredded, meaty pulp. Her skin was the color and sheen of wax paper.

Jesus wept, Delaney whispered hoarsely. She feared her biscuits and gravy was going to come back up when her stomach roiled. Delaney put a hand over her mouth. What the hell happened to her?

Coroner thinks it was an animal attack.

That would make sense, Aaron validated. That reservoir is surrounded by foothills.

It would make sense if I hadn’t found this, Shawn said, pulling an evidence bag from his coat pocket. He tossed it on the table in front of Aaron.

Aaron picked up the bag. Inside was a necklace that looked like sterling silver. The chain had a black pendant hanging from it. It was the size of a quarter, and in the shape of two stacked capital letter, T’s with the bottom T sitting slightly to the right of the central T. From the top crossbar of the bottom T hung what looked like a loopy upside-down Y. The high T’s crossbar extended to the right where a disproportionate three connected. The top half of the number was significantly smaller than the distended bottom half. Aaron’s brow darkened. "Covina," he spat.

Yep, Shawn sighed. As far as the Coroner is concerned, it was a mountain lion that did it.

"I saw a case like this back in 1975. I was in Las Vegas, workin’ as a beat cop. We ended