Dead Theater 2

By Brad Garcia

Dead Theater 2 picks up after Dead Theater. Dead Theater is 4 Book Series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Primix Publishing
• Release date: Jun 24, 2021
• ISBN: 9781955177115

Brad Garcia

Brad Garcia was born and raised in Fayetteville North Carolina.

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Primix Publishing

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© 2021 Brad Garcia. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by Primix Publishing 06/24/2021

ISBN: 978-1-955177-10-8(sc)

ISBN: 978-1-955177-11-5(e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2021913215

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by iStock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © iStock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

The following material contains:

(graphic violence)

(graphic language)

Brad. Garcia: The Dead Theater is here for you! Last time we spoke, Robert. Wofford got himself banned to the other side and took in a few movies in to boot. Well, he’s back and ready to cast his dead sockets on a new set of blood-tastic new movies! In this book, Robert finds a little more about his co-star C.C Skins and learns things are upside down, not right-side up! So now let’s begin. Remember Dead Theater is best read after midnight, and there not much time until the sun rises. So please enjoy and try not to get blood on the couch. And thanks, so much for reading.

Wooden box entertainment presents:

I’m in another room! shouted Carl back.

What’s in there? asked Rimes.

It’s very dark., said Carl. I can’t see anything!

FIVE MINUTES REMAINING.

If he’s going to do something, he needs to do it fast. said Burt to Rimes.

WELCOME TO THE BONUS ROOM.

_______ MONEY HOUSE

DEAD THEATER

One week later…

You want to do some bowling with the go-cart? asked C.C Skins.

It was a beautiful summer day outside of the cinema and C.C was now wearing a pirate’s bandana with and eye patch on his forehead (Not his eye).

No, I’m kind of sick of that already., replied Robert shaking his head.

It had been a week since Robert learned of his death by motor vehicle accident and he and C.C Skins had just about tapped the well dry of fun things to do when you die.

Want to play poker? asked C.C Skins.

Um… no thanks., replied Robert. We did that last night, remember?

The cinema had gotten some what trashy since Robert came to stay. In the corner to the left was the go-cart, C.C Skins and Robbie rode around the place. There was also a small kiddie pool filled with soda. A pumpkin with daggers sticking in and out of it. C.C had taught Robbie how to throw daggers at it. A lot of chicken feathers. C.C had taught Robbie how to shoot a gun at pillows stuffed with chicken feathers. Newspapers and porno magazines everywhere. (All C.C). Skate boards with pizza pans superglued to them (Robbie’s idea). Some had pizza on them still. There were poker cards, UNO cards and even Magic the Gathering cards. (Robert just wanted to show C.C Skins what they looked like). Still, it had grown stall fast and Robbie was now getting to the point where his cell mate was starting to get under Robert’s skin.

Oh, I got it! shouted C.C Skins. How about we make a bunch of paper airplanes!

Skins., interrupted Robert.

We can then glue razorblades on them, and, and… toss them at the wall in the ladies’ room!

Skins, we did that already. said Robert. Remember, Wednesday?

Ok, well how about this one? We set up a basketball net.… and you can use my head as the basketball!

What…what are you talking about? asked Robert.

Suddenly C.C Skin reached up and took his head off his shoulders.

Whooww! shouted Robbie in amazement.

Skins bounded his own head off the hard-carpeted floor like a basketball.

That’s great, Skins. said Robert. But, could we just talk for a moment?

What’s there to… talk.… what’s there… to talk about? he said as his head bounced off the floor.

He stopped and put his head back on. This eye patch was over his right eye perfectly now.

Well, I still had few questions about this place., said Robert looking around.

I’m sorry, kid, but I thought we had covered all the basics., replied C.C. Skins.

He then went and sat down in his chair.

Well, what do you like to talk about? asked Skins.

How did you die, again?

l told you, I was stabbed by a bunch of bikers in 1955, out on Highway 60.

How do you… or should I say, where do get these objects from? asked Robert.

What objects?

Oh, come on, Skins! shouted Robert. The go-cart! The pumpkin! These weird little newspapers, everywhere! Come on! They have to be coming from somewhere!

Oh, I get yah, kid., replied C.C Skins as he stood up from his chair. Want to know where, good old Skins gets his tricks!

Sure., replied Robert.

Well, I’m here to tell. you, it ain’t none of your fuck’in business!

I’m sorry… come again.

Suddenly C.C Skins took a different tone with Robert. One that Robert was not expecting.

Skins, I’m sorry!

Don’t you take with me, I’m sorry, you’re a little bitch! screamed Skins as he took a step towards Robert.

Wait! shouted Robert as he backed up. Wait, Skins, it was just a question!

All I hear is, show me how you do it, Skins! Show me how to do it!

Well, you don’t have to… show me anything! begged Robert as he backed up some more.

You really want to see how I do it! shouted C.C Skins. You really want to see the man… under the mask!

No! shouted Robert now holding up his hands in surrender.

Well, I’m going to show you! Hold out your left hand!

What! shouted Robert almost in tears. Why!

Just do it, Robbie!

The fear in Robert suddenly made him hold his left hand out.

Stick out your pointer finger, do it!

Robert who now had his back again the movie poster wall, stuck his left pointer finger out at C.C Skins and covered his face for protection with his right arm.

Now get ready, because I’m going to show you exactly how I do it! screamed C.C Skins.

He reached up and pulled Robert’s finger. Suddenly Skins bent down at the knees for a moment.

Pooooooooottt!

Then he came back up. C.C Skins had farted.

Aaaaahhaa! cried out C.C Skins in laughter. You should have seen… you should have seen… your fuck’in face, Robbie!

Robert uncovered his face.

Aaaaahhhhhaa! laughed aloud Skins.

That wasn’t funny, Skins! shouted Robert. You scared the shit out of me! And the name… is Robert, cheese bag!

I’m so sorry Rob! But that was magical! Hey, want to pull my finger now!

He held his pointer finger out. Robert didn’t even attempt it.

Suit yourself then. said C.C Skins.

He pulled his own finger.

Buuuurrrtt!!

He had farted again

Ahhhaahhaaaa! laughed Skins like a mad clown.

Not funny, Skins! replied Robert as he walked past him and sat in his own chair.

Oh, come on, kid. said Skins. It was just to lighten the mood. Hey, what about a movie? I noticed you haven’t wanted to see a movie in a few days.

Those movies are ok. replied Robert. Don’t get me wrong, they were good, just not that scary.

What! Are you kidding me! Kid, do you know what happened the first time I saw those particular movies?

No. said Robert. What?

Buuuuurrrnnnt!

But seriously, I was really scared., said Skins. Thought I was going to poop out what’s left of my ass bone!

Robert looked at him for moment. He could tell C.C was serious now.

Well… maybe If you watched the next set of movies. Hell, kid, not everyone likes horror movvvvv…ies!

That’s not it. said Robert. I love horror movies. Heck, I grew up on some of the classics. The Fly. Hellraiser. And of course, one of favorites. The Blob.

The Blob from 58? asked C.C. Skins. Because I was dead before then.

No, I’m talking about The Blob from the eighties. replied Robert. The one with Kevin Dillion. Anyways, to me, horror, hasn’t really gone anywhere since the eighties.

Well, then there’s only one solution I could think of for you, my friend. suggested C.C Skins. You need to get in there and check out the next set of movies!

Robert was going to say no. Than he had a plan pop into his head.

Ok. he replied. I guess I’ll check out some movies, then.

That a boy! shouted C.C Skins. Now what would you like to take with you this time?

Snowcaps. replied Robert. And some popcorn.

::: TIME FOR OUR FEATURE PRESENTATION:::

Thorns

The Tinner family moved through the middle of the night. South Dakota was a different state and the move had taken its toll on everyone, including baby Brandi. To make matters worse, it began to rain for the last few hours. They were coming from Seattle and it was Friday today. As they drove down the final road, it began to lightning far off into the distance.

Are we there yet? asked Rebecca as she tended to the baby in the middle of them in the car seat.

Soon, honey. replied her husband Russell.

They had been driving for days inside a moving van. The gas stations and quick stop food environments were all getting on everyone’s nerves at the moment. The Tinner’s just wanted to make it to the house and be done with the road.

The baby needs changing. said Rebecca.

We’re really just about a few minutes away from the house. said Russell. Let’s just wait, until we get there.

They were new to a town called Edgewood. So far, the houses were spaced out more than their old neighborhood. They seem to come every five minutes going down the road. Russell had taken a new job as foreman for the town’s nuclear plant and was due to start in two weeks’ time.

Should we not have gotten there by now? asked Rebecca.

Yeah, just give me a moment to look at these directions., said Russell as he glanced at the folded-up map.

Is that it? she asked pointing at the next house coming up.

Yes, I believe it is. said Russell as he put away his map. Good job, honey!

She reached in and took the baby out of the car seat. She then kissed her forehead.

We made it, baby. she softly said to Brandi.

They pulled into the driveway, into their new home. The wind had now began to kick up and rain was being distributed everywhere from all different directions. It was Rebecca, with baby who got out first. She had her baby bag around her shoulder and had her baby covered from the rain. Together, they ran up to the house door. Rebecca had her own key made, so she used it and went inside. Next was Russell. He got out and went into the back of the moving van. After he took some bags from the back, he closed it and ran up to door. He opened it and stepped inside, out of the rain.

Shit! he called out as he came in. It is coming down like cats and dogs out there!

l know. replied Rebecca.

She was changing the baby on the counter.

Wow, would you look at this place. he said as he took off his coat.

l know. replied Rebecca as she picked up baby Brandi and put her on her shoulder. It looks great.

The Tinners had bought a six-bedroom house on Penmanship St. The house was completely empty and ready for the Tinners to begin the next chapter in their life.

Well, shall we look around? asked Russell.

Yes, we shall. replied Rebecca with Brandi in her arms.

Over the next few hours, the Tinners walked through the house, making their future plans and for the most part, got settled in. They did a little unpacking. Then next came dinner. There wasn’t any food in the fridge yet. Hot Pockets for Russell and Rebecca. Formula for baby Brandi. Russell pulled the mattresses from the van. Russell also set up Brandi’s crib. Then they put her to bed. It had been a long night for her, and she was tuckered out. Around one in the morning, the rest of the Tinners retired to bed.

Did you set up the baby monitor, Hun? Rebecca asked as she slipped under the sheets.

It’s right here next to me. replied Russell as he took off his shirt.

The rain has stopped.

I cannot wait for tomorrow. said Rebecca. I hope it stops raining and the sun comes out.

Me too. replied Russell as he got under the covers. I’m beat from all that driving.

Home. said Rebecca as she smiled at him. We’re finally home, Russell.

Suddenly there was a loud crash over the monitor.

Grrrrrraasssssssshhhhhhhh!

The baby began to cry loudly over the monitor.

Russell! screamed Rebecca.

I know! he shouted as he flew out of bed. I heard!

Both Tinners raced from their bedroom. The sound of baby Brandi crying filled the hallway.

Brandi! screamed Russell.

Brandi! screamed Rebecca.

They both busted into baby Brandi’s room. The baby was gone from the crib. There was a huge gaping hole where the window used to be. It looked as if someone had smashed through it and took Brandi.

Aaaaaaahhhaa! screamed Rebecca.

Russell ran to the hole in the wall and looked out.

Call 911! he shouted back to Rebecca.

She ran out of the room to find her cell phone. He looked through the gaping hole into the back yard. He saw a man in a red plaid shirt, carrying something through the rain. He quickly disappeared behind a metal shed. Suddenly some water came off the hole in the wall and dripped into Russell’s eyes. He wiped it away and looked again. Nothing was there.

Hey! shouted Russell.

He ran past baby Brandi abandoned crib and out the door.

Oh God! she was screaming out to herself as she dialed for the police. Oh God!

Russell ran past her and into the garage. Then out a side door into the backyard. He ran past the metal fence only to be stopped by the thick section of woods.

Brandi! he shouted as he looked all around. Brandi!

But there was no telling where he went. The woods stretched down for miles. It began to rain again.

The Edgewood police came to the house to investigate.

Looks like it done with an axe. said the investigator as he measured the hole markings.

Another one took a picture of the gaping hole. Back in the living room.

Why is this happening to us? asked Russell aloud.

Rebecca looked to be in pure in shock. She sat by Russell, but just stared at the floor. Her eyes were red with tears.

I know this is a lot on you folks, right now. said Sheriff Wallace White. But have to ask if you two had seen anything that can help us find your daughter.

I saw... something., said an exhausted Russell. It was a man. He had on red… shirt.

Where was he, exactly? asked White as he wrote on a pad of paper.

It was through the hole in the wall., replied Russell. I saw him for a moment. Then I lost him.

Can you tell me what he looked like? asked the Deputy. Maybe the color of his skin?

No., replied Russell. He just had a build.

I’m sorry did you say a build?

Yeah., replied Russell. He had a build… like a man.

Where was he headed? asked Sheriff Wallace.

I think he went into the woods., said Russell.

Wallace looked up like he had seen a ghost.

Those woods back there? asked Wallace pointing to the backyard.

Yeah., replied Russell.

Wallace then looked at his deputy. His deputy then nodded to him. He looked back at Russell.

There was something else too., said Russell. It looked like he… was carrying a wicker basket.

He then looked at Wallace.

Oh, my God! Russell shouted. Do you think he put Brandi in that basket!

It’s hard to be certain., replied Wallace. But we will do our best to find her, sir

You remembered the color of the cloths., said the deputy. Did he have any other features of his…?

He had on blue overhauls too., interrupted Russell. I don’t remember anything else.

Do you remember the back of his head? asked Wallace White. Maybe what his hair color looked like?

No, I don’t., replied Russell. I’m sorry. Like I said, he was there one moment. Then he was gone.

Mr. and Mrs.’s Tinner, we will have the woods searched for your daughter., said Sheriff White. And I know this is not going to sound convenient, but I would like for you two to stay at the station, until we have concluded our search.

Ok. said Russell. We will.

He looked over at his wife, Rebecca who began to cry. He put his arm around her in comfort.

Russell and Rebecca were brought into the interview room a day later. Inside Sheriff Wallace White was quietly waiting for them

Hello, folks., said Wallace. Come on in and have a seat. Now, I know each of you two have a chaotic night, but I must ask, did anyone get any sleep last night?

No., said Russell.

Rebecca just nodded no.

Um... they provided a room for us., said Russell. But I don’t think me, or Rebecca could sleep very much.

White looked at Rebecca, who was looking down at the floor once more, He could tell she was not much into chattering after her child was taken from her.

Well, I have an update on the woods area we searched behind your house. And I’m sorry to say, we were not able to find anything to help the case., replied Wallace.

What! shouted Rebecca. Where is she?! Where is my daughter!

Russell put his arm around her for comfort. She threw it off her.

Don’t touch me! I want to know where our daughter is!

I’m sorry mame, but we searched the entire woods., said Wallace. And with the rain coming down and possible washing any clues or leads away, I’m sorry again, but we weren’t able find anything. Now we’re still investigating this case, and something may come along or pop up in the next twenty-four hours.

Twenty-four hours! screamed Rebecca. That’s not good enough! Our daughter could be dead in the next twenty-four hours!

She began to cry again. This time she went to Russell’s chest. He held onto her while she cried.

l know this is certainly an intense situation., said Wallace White. But I promise, I will have my best men working on this. Now you’re both free to go home. And I would try get some sleep. If we hear anything or something changes, promise you, you two will be the first to know.

Ok, sir., said Russell as he stood up with his wife. Please just, keep up informed anything thing changes. Please.

I certainly will do that., replied Wallace as he got up from his chair as well. I promise you and Rebecca.

Thank… you., replied Rebecca slowly.

She and Russell began to walk out of the interview room together.

Mister Russell., said Wallace. May I speak to you in private?

Uh… sure., said Russell.

He turned to Rebecca, his wife.

"Honey, take the keys and head out to the van., he said to her. I’ll be along shortly.

Ok., she said as she took the keys.

He gave her a kiss. And then she left. Wallace White then walked up to him to have an inside conversation.

Mr. Tinner, I would like for you and your wife to stay out of those woods, if you can.

Can I ask why? asked Russell.

That part of the woods., said Wallace. Let’s just say…is not very safe to go into.

Well, did you not already have your men search them… already? You said you found nothing.

I know., replied Wallace. But there have been some issues in the past. Issues where people sort of…

Sort of what? insisted Russell.

He leaned in closer to Russell like he didn’t want people to hear what he had to say.

Sort of… disappeared into those woods., he said to Russell

What do you mean, disappeared into those woods? asked Russell. Has this happened before!

The owners of house before you, were the Whitman’s., he said. One day the Whitman’s dog got loose and chased something into those woods. Russell, the dog was never found again.

But that isn’t people, that’s a dog., replied Russell.

l wasn’t finished. Next the owner, Ed Whitman went into the woods to look for his dog.

Russell stood there waiting for a conclusion.

He disappeared too.

And you searched the woods, like you did last night? smarted off Russell.

l didn’t, myself. said Wallace White. That night I had gotten the sick with the flu. So, I had several rangers and police force, search the area. Nothing was found, Russell. Especially… Ed Whitman.

Russell looked confused by all of this.

What I’m getting at, Russell is… we may have a maniac or maniacs in those woods, who obviously knows how to make a person or persons…disappear. Just for you and your wife’s safety, I would advise you and her to stay clear of those woods!

I will., Russell replied.

Now, do you have or possess any kind of firearms in the house? he asked next.

Yeah, I have a pistol., said Russell. It’s registered.

Good., said Wallace. I would keep it close by. And Russell…

Yes, sir.

l just want to say that I’m sorry you and your wife have to go through this… but I will do everything I can to get your daughter back.

Once they got home, the both didn’t say one word to each other. They both didn’t have the strength. Both went to bed together. A few hours later, Russell raised his head. Rebecca was gone. He sat up and looked around.

Honey! he called out. Rebecca!

No answer. He got up and began to walk around the house.

Rebecca!

No answer. Suddenly he saw her walk past the window.

Rebecca!

Russell ran to the side door and opened it. He saw his wife heading for the woods.

Rebecca! he shouted at her.

She got a certain distance and stopped. Then she turned around to face him. He ran out to her. Russell was still shirtless.

Rebecca! What are you doing?!

I’m going to look for our child! she replied.

But they already searched the woods already! They didn’t find anything!

That’s our child, Russell!

And when she said it, tears came down her face. Russell ran to her and grabbed her. He held her tight in his arms.

Oh, God, Russell! she cried out. Why did we come here! Why!

I know, I know, baby! Please just come back into the house with me! Please!

As they held each other, the night time would loom over soon.

Dinner was a disaster. Rebecca cooked, but she didn’t eat. Russell was no better. He took two bites of steak and threw his fork down. The Tinners were worn thin. There was nothing from them now. No phone call about baby Brandi. No call to say they had found her. But there was a knock at the door.

Hi., said a roundish man with sandy blonde hair at the door. My name is Add. Add Harris.

I’m sorry., said Russell at the door. Did you say your name was Add?

Yes, I did., said the man. know it’s a strange name. My mother, God rest her soul, unfortunately died while giving birth to me. And my father passed before I was born. So, my grandmother, ended up naming me. Her name is Tara Harris. Still though, it kind of sounds like a math problem.

Russell looked like he was not amused.

How can I help you, Add? he asked him. We’re kind of in the middle of dinner and not to sound rude but having a family crisis as well.

l know., replied Add. And I want to help. Can I come in?

Sure., said Russell.

Add came inside and looked around the place. He looked to be in his young twenties. Suddenly Rebecca came around the corner.

Honey, this is Add., said Russell. Add Harris.

Nice to meet you., said Add.

Same here., she replied without an emotion.

Ok, well, I suppose you folks are wondering what I am doing here., said Add. I wanted to stop by, and have you look at this earlier, but I had something come up.

He took a mini-camcorder from his jacket.

Now my screen is a bit small on this thing., he said. Do you guys maybe have a television I can plug this thing into?

It’s in the living room., replied Russell. But it’s unplugged currently.

Gotcha., said Add. Thanks.

He disappeared off down the hallway.

Honey, why did you let this man into our house! demanded Rebecca.

I’m sorry., said Russell. He sounded like he wanted to help us out.

He could be the kidnapper Russell! What if he shows us things like, like…Brandi getting hacked into pieces! Oh, God Russell, I’m not going to be able to handle that!

I got it! shouted Add from the living room.

Both Russell and Rebecca rushed into the living room. Add was working his mini-camcorder which was wired to their television.

Ok, let me just rewind a little bit., said Add. Ok, now here we go.

He pressed play on the camcorder. What popped up on the television was an image of Wallace White and his men standing by the woods in the Tinners back yard. Wallace seemed to be just standing around having a chat with his men. By zooming in on them, the footage that was shot was somewhere far off into the distance, however, the camera man was fairly good.

This was from last night., said Add.

Where did you get this from? asked Russell.

l shot it., replied Add. My grandmother told me too. We’re your next-door neighbors, by the way.

But why? asked Russell.

I’ll get to that in a second., replied Add. Now, watch what happens when I fast forward two and half hours later.

He fast forwarded the tape. Wallace and his men started moving faster, but they didn’t go too far. They… kind of stayed in the same spot, occasionally switching spots where they were standing in.

Now watch as I fast forward another hour.

Same result. Wallace and the policemen shuffled around. They had coffee and cigarettes among each other. But they did not move, hardly.

I got seven hours of footage on tape., said Add. Those men never went into the woods to look for your child, not once at all!

Oh, my God! shouted Rebecca. Why didn’t they search the woods? Why didn’t they search them, Russell!

Why did you film them, Add? asked Russell.

"It was my grandmother who told me to film them., said Add. And to be honest I don’t know too much beyond this point. But she is the one who knows something about these woods. When the rest of Whitman’s moved after Ed Whitman’s disappearance, she sat by the window everyday looking out at them.

Wait, so this has happened before! shouted Rebecca.

Please, honey, before you ask him that., said Russell. Wallace told me the previous owner, Ed Whitman disappeared after he went after his dog… who also disappeared into those woods.

I don’t care about Whitman and his dog! shouted Rebecca. I want our daughter back!

All he said was, the Whitman’s dog disappeared and then Whitman! snapped back Russell to her. Then he told us to stay away from those woods! That’s all!

Wait, so he didn’t tell you what happened after that? asked Add Harris.

Well… no. replied Russell.

The officers he sent in the first time after Whitman, disappeared as well. Everyone in Edgewood knows this.

What? sounded off Russell.

They never came back., replied Add. That’s whats makes the locals stay away from those woods.

In the morning Russell sped the whole way to the police station. He got out of the van in fiery rage and marching into the police station. Several police men walked past him, distracted by their own police work. Russell walked up to the front desk.

How can I help you? asked the desk receptionist

Is Sheriff White in? he asked her.

Yes, he’s in the conference room in the back., she replied.

Thank you., said Russell.

Russell marched to the back room and went inside. Sheriff White was sitting at a desk going over some paper work when Russell walked in.

"Russell., said White as he got up from his chair. How can I help you?’

Russell walked over and punched the sheriff in the face. White flew back on the desk. His hat flipped off his head, revealing that the sheriff was balding and going gray a little. Russell then began choking the sheriff over his desk.

You son of bitch! shouted Russell. You never searched those woods! What are you?! A coward!

Ahhhggg… Russssell…waitttt! choked out the sheriff.

A moment later the door swung open and several police men tackled Russell to the ground. Then they put him in handcuffs and led him away. Now he was being arrested.

In the slammer, Russell did not think, two things would have ever happened to him. One was his child getting abducted. The other one was to end up in jail. Now that he was in here, he was full of regret. He regretted coming here mostly. He regretted bringing his lovely wife and child. However, he did not regret hitting the sheriff and deep down inside, he still wanted answers.

Mr. Tinner, you got a visitor! shouted in the guard.

Russell got up from the shack-ity bed and walked over to the bars. A moment later came Sheriff Wallace White.

What do you want? asked Russell.

I’m not filing charges., said Wallace. We’re letting you go in one hour.

Thanks, but that doesn’t explain why you didn’t search those woods!

I know., replied Wallace. And I can’t tell you why. Not now and not here. I have my job on the line and I can’t lose it now!

What about my daughter? asked Russell.

We haven’t heard anything yet., replied Wallace. Listen. I’m on your side here.

"Why didn’t you tell me about the men you sent into the woods?! Why didn’t you tell me they disappeared too.

Be quiet! insisted Wallace looking around the cell. And I say that, Russell, only because some of the men’s families who disappeared still work on the force. It would not be wise to stir the melting pot, and have it overflow!

"Well then how come no one warned us before we moved here! Before we moved…

into that house!"

That’s just the way it’s been for years, Russell., said Wallace. No one likes to talk about it. Hell, it’s not like people disappear every day from those woods! Hell, Russell, it’s not like we’re sitting here doing nothing about it! I lost five men in those woods! Do you think I wouldn’t send ten more in?! I would have, goddamn it! Hell, I would have gone myself! Now I’m waiting… by God Russell… I’m waiting for two things to occur before I step into the woods. One is clearance from the FBI.

The FBI? repeated Russell.

Yeah, that’s right, the FBI., said Wallace. The FBI took over the case after my men disappeared., said Wallace. And we were told to stay out of it and stay clear those woods until they did their own investigation and man when I tell you the FBI moves slow!"

White gave an embarrassing laugh. Russell looked confused still.

"I’m…I’m still waiting for clearance from the FBI, Russell to go in.. said Wallace. I’m sorry, I didn’t tell you the truth.’

What was the other thing you were waiting for than, Sheriff? asked Russell

Come again?

The other thing you mentioned you were waiting for!

Back up., replied Wallace. I have some friends, I think can help.

Russell went silent and looked down at the floor for moment.

I’m going to release you in a little while, Russell., said Wallace through the bars. But you cannot come back here with this. The next time this happens, I’m not going to be able to drop the charges.

And what do I do once I get home? asked Russell.

Stay or leave if you would like, Russell., replied Wallace. Just don’t’ go into those woods.

Thorns

Part 2

When Russell got out, he went back straight home. After he arrived shortly, Rebecca was there to greet him at the door. The two went to bed early that night. The next day Russell packed for the woods.

Are you sure you should be doing this? asked Rebecca.

We can’t take a chance., said Russell. You were right all along. The police are too spooked to go into those woods, while our child is in there somewhere!

I’ve lost a child, Russell! I don’t want to lose a husband!

I’ve got to try, Rebecca. Maybe something in there can at least give us a clue where she was taken. I’ll be fine. I promise you I will do my best to bring her back.

Russell with his camping backpack on walked over to the woods. The sky was cloudy and looked like it could rain at any moment. Rebecca watched from the window. He stopped walked a few yards out and then turned back to look at her. She looked scared or frighten for him. He couldn’t tell, He turned back around and continued to walk into the woods.

For the next two hours, Russell continued to walk through the woods. First, he spotted an abandon chicken farm. There was no one inside of course. No sign of life. He continued to walk past it. Then the next thing stopped Russell for a moment was a sign that read: FEDERALLY RESTRICTED. KEEP OUT. ALL TRESPASSERS WILL BE CHARGED WITH A CRIME. There was a fence with a small hole just big enough for Russell to fit through. Russell shoved his backpack through and then crawled inside. Once on the other side, he continued. It was now that Russell began to feel scared. He didn’t know what was going to be in front of him, and he was constantly headed for whatever it, was. When, he was getting tired. He stopped for a short period to rest and got some water.

After the rest, he continued to walk through any kind of path he could find. That’s when the woods ended and began a section of South Dakota’s famous hilly sections. Dirt, rock and sand suddenly replaced the woods and Russell began his journey through them. The very moment Russell started making way up the first hill, he heard a baby crying.

Brandi! he shouted as he took out his gun.

He looked up to see a large wooden shack on top of the hill he was climbing. Suddenly he saw a man come out of the shack and look down at him.

Hey! shouted Russell as he began to run up hill.

The man grabbed an axe and disappeared from sight. As Russell ran up the hill, he could defiantly tell that was his daughter crying up there. Now was his chance to save her. He got up one hill under the shack and the man he had seen before jumped down with an axe to confront him. Had on a red long-sleeved shirt and blue overhauls. It was the same man who took Brandi!

Stop or I’ll shoot! shouted Russell.

Russell wasn’t sure what he was looking at. In front of him, stood a medium sized man whose head was covered in a dirty brown sack. He had no eye holes and around his neck was a rope like noose that had been cut, like someone cut him down from hanging in a tree. He also had an axe. Probably the same one he used to smash into Brandi’s room. Suddenly he ran at Russell with the axe in his hand.

Stop! shouted Russell.

But the man continued to run at him. Russell fired. The bullet hit the man in the shoulder. But he continued to run at him. Russell fired again. This time he missed. The hangman was close now and began to raise the axe up.

Oh, God! screamed Russell and he fell backwards.

As he hit the ground, Russell reached back up and grabbed the axe to stop it. The hangman swung down, but Russell caught the stem of the axe and held it back. Now, Russell was wrestling with the man over the axe.

Stop! shouted Russell. I don’t want to fight you!

The man pushed the handle back up to Russell’s throat.

Agggaagggahaa! Russell began to choke out.

His sack face was almost touching Russell’s now. Suddenly Russell kneed the man in the stomach. This managed to make the masked lunatic loosen his grip on the axe for the moment. Russell then squirmed out from under his legs. He then tried for the pistol he dropped on the ground, but accidently kicked it out further. He glanced back for a moment just in time to see the axe come down and barely miss his face.

Shitttttttttt! screamed Russell as he jumped back from it.

The hangman was now swinging wildly at Russell.

In a small wooden shack above them a dark figure put baby Brandi back into the wicker basket. It was a creature living within these woods. She looked like a black bird. Her body was long and slick. Yet, she was full of thorns, but somewhat, refined to where they did not stick out of body.

l don’t care if you took her! screamed Russell. I just want my daughter back!

The axe wielding manic continued to swing at Russell. He swung and hit the rock. This caused a spark to shoot up between them. Once again, Russell fell backwards. The mad man ran up and raised his axe high. Russell knew he wasn’t going to be able to stop this one this time. He closed his eyes and put his hands over his face. The axe man brought down the axe. Suddenly a gun shot rang out somewhere.

Bllaaaccccccccccooffffff!

The hangman with an axe took a shot into the gut. He then fell backwards onto the ground. He was dead now. Russell opened his eyes and then rolled over. He looked down below to see Sheriff Wallace White and some men coming up the hillside. He looked like he was joined by five other men and a female.

Brandi’s in the shack up there! Russell yelled to them as they came up.

I got it! yelled back Wallace.

He and his men ran past Russell and up to the shack. Once they got to the doors, they opened them to find no one was in there now.

Someone must have taken her. said Wallace.

No! screamed Russell behind them.

Several looking forest rangers grabbed him all at once to calm him down.

Wait! shouted Wallace coming over with his hand extended out. Russell, just calm down!

Calm down! shouted Russell. I had her! And you! You would have had her had you searched the woods in the first place! You should have searched them, White!

I didn’t know what we were dealing with! shouted White back. I lost my men in these woods! Good men! I couldn’t risk losing anyone else, so yeah, we shut the case down! But we did it, Russell to protect people!

Russell began to calm down. Slowly the men let go of him.

Look Russell., said Wallace White. She’s alive! We know she is at least alive. So, let’s go get her! Ok!

Russell began to loosen up. He dusted himself off.

Russell, we will find her. I promise you.

Russell if I may., said a voice behind him.

Russell turned around to see a silver haired elderly, but quite fit