Shroud of Terror

By Gary T Brideau

The Hummer-Gene, ruler of he planet Belladonna was the prime suspect in the
brutal murder of Thor's wife intended, Alicia. The Hummer-Gene, asked Thor to
investigate the murder of his granddaughter, who was found splattered all over the
walls of her home. Thor called in the Mystery's Three murder investigation team to help
him solve this murder, that has the police on Belladonna baffled.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Oct 29, 2014
• ISBN: 9781499082159

Gary T Brideau

I was born in a small house in Brooklyn, Nova Scotia, Canada in 1947 and moved to Bridgeport, Connecticut as a small boy. I met Lauren, the love of my life in1985 and were married years later and moved to Bristol, Connecticut. One night, I had a vivid dream that caught my attention, that spurred me to write it down, and sent it to my sister T. Jene Brideau, for an interpretation who also is a writer. She wrote and told me that the story was good. I took her encouragement and my imagination went to work. That’s when I discovered my God-given talent to write great space adventures stories. From then on, I have written over fifty stories of which only seven of them have been published with great reviews.

Book preview

Chapter 1

A contentious leader

Thor had resigned himself, to spend the rest of the afternoon, going over evidence concerning Alicia’s death, wondering how he was going to get the Hummer-Gene.

An elderly man with long, white hair, down to his ankles, dressed in a long, dark blue, and yellow toga, appeared in Thor’s office. Carried a twisted, and knotted staff in his right hand. Thor kept on reading, and didn’t pay any attention to him. The old man smashed the base of his staff on the floor, showering the office with sparks, and hollered, How dare you stay seated, in my presence! I am the Hummer-Gene, ruler of the planet, Belladonna!

Thor glanced up, and, said, calmly, Hummer, nice to see you so soon, kill any more innocent women, lately? Grab a seat, I will be, with ya in bit, I have to finish this, then, we can talk.

I never killed anyone, and remember, I have diplomatic immunity, which means, you can’t touch me. Dark clouds formed over the Hummer-Gene, as he screamed, twirled his staff over his head threatening to unleash a powerful bolt of lightning at Thor. Suddenly, General, the institute’s huge, security male lion, burst into the room, and let out a thunderous roar, at the old man. The Hummer-Gene, spun around, pointed his staff at the enormous cat, and commanded, Silence, I say!

General batted the staff out of Hummer-Gene’s hand, and let out another roar. Thor put down his folder, and stated, Mister Hummer. If I were you, I’d sit down, and be quiet, before kitten, makes a chew toy, out of you.

The Hummer-Gene slowly sat in a chair next, to Thor’s desk, all the while keeping an eye, on General. Thor scratched General behind his right ear, and said, We’re good, here, Kitten. The cat sniffed the old man, and left.

Just then, Gideon Bear, a two feet tall, blue bear, wearing a light blue vest, generated by a Three Dimensional Particle Acceleration system, waddled into Thor’s office and handed Thor a note, that read, Did you forget, Your wife, Cherry?

Thor glanced at his watch, and exclaimed, Good Lord, it’s past, the evening meal!

Thor rose to his feet, stared at the old man, who was still frozen to his chair, with fear, questioned, Mister Hummer-Gene. What, can I do, for you?

The old man stood up, and said, That’s an impressive beast, you have there. Care to sell him?

He’s not for sale, General is our security lion. Since he’s arrived, the prisoners are quiet. Now, what was it, you want?

Gideon struck a fighting stance, and pointed his katana, at the Hummer-Gene.

Thor bellowed, Gideon! Stand down! The Hummer-Gene is our guest.

The old man glared, at the bear, as he stated, There has been a brutal murder on my planet, and I want you to investigate it.

I am so sorry, but, as The Galaxy Sentinel, I don’t do investigations. Maybe you should call The Mystery’s Three Investigation Team, they are tops in their field.

This murder has baffled the Belladonian police force, and has all the earmarks of a crazed maniac.

Thor pondered it, for a moment then, said, Mister Hummer-Gene. Why don’t you join me and my wife, for dinner, at my place? Then, we can discuss this case further.

The Hummer-Gene bowed slightly, and replied, I would be delighted. Lead the way.

Stepping out of the Institute building, Thor turned right for a hundred yards to a crushed gravel path, that lead down the mountain to, a white, sandy beach, on Smile Lake. As they were walking, The Hummer-Gene questioned, What is it, that you do?

Quite a while ago, The Planetary Alliance set up this top secret Institute, to capture and imprison the Warlords, who ruled the galaxy. The head honcho was dubbed, The Galaxy Sentinel.

So, you are a bounty hunter. stated the Hummer-Gene.

No, not exactly. True, I do, round up crooks. But, only, if they’re a threat to society.

Puzzling.

It goes, like this. The planetary head alerts me to a possible felon. I follow him, and record the felon’s actions. Once I have enough evidence on him. I bring him here, to the Institute, So, he can be permanently out of society’s way. He can’t claim, that he is innocent, because, I have recorded his deeds, which will testify against him, so, he is without excuse. You see, Hummer-Gene, in the Alliance, actions speak louder words. If a person is arrested, while committing a crime, his actions say, that he is guilty, and he is handed over for sentencing, and is put in a labor camp, until he has served his time.

Let’s say, you capture the one who killed that poor girl, on my world, he won’t escape, because, of some, legal loophole, would he?

If, you, bring me in on this case, and I deem the murderer unfit for society, your legal system will be powerless, to set him free.

The Hummer-Gene paused, widely stared at Thor, and questioned, You have, that much power?

Yes, and no. This complex is hidden, from the rest of the galaxy. So, even if someone wanted to protest, they can’t, because, the facility is top secret. Then, there is the Silent One, who is my overseer.

Impressive.

At the foot of the mountain path, Thor asked, Do you like fish? Because, my wife is baking a succulent Red Stinger Fish, with potatoes and carrots, in a butter sauce.

Lead the way.

After the evening meal, everyone retired to the front veranda, where Cherry served hot cinnamon coffee, with Rocky Road ice cream. Thor questioned, Mister Hummer. What, can you tell me, about the murder besides, they had to sponge her off the walls?

The woman was in her thirties and lived alone, in the rural section of town. Her suitor was a well respected man, in the Belladonian world.

"How was it done? Did they use PX ninety explosive, Earth style C-4, TNT, what did your forensic lab, come up, with?

Our Who? questioned the Hummer-Gene, You want to elaborate on, that, for me? the term is new, to me.

You know, the ones who collect, and examine, the evidence.

Oh, you mean, the Dialectic, the ones who discusses the ins and outs of the evidence, after it is collected. They could not come up with, any residual energy patterns, explosive material, nothing. It’s as if, every cell in her body erupted, with such force, that it blew out several windows. All they found, was a surveillance camera, showing her alone, that evening, when suddenly, she exploded.

Okay, I’ll take the case, under one condition, I bring in the Mystery’s Three Investigation Team.

As long, as you can promise me, that this sicko will be caught, and the premises will be left, intact.

Not, a problem. answered Thor. He stood up, cocked his ear, and with his sensitive hearing he heard, Sprite Mary Bell, a half mile out, on the lake, in trouble.

Cherry placed her hand on his back, and inquired, What’s up, Hon?

Thor turned to his Will-o-the-Wisp daughter, and said I think, our favorite Sprite, is in trouble, again.

Where is she, Dad?

She’s about a half mile out, over the water.

Tippy, flew low over Smile Lake, returning twelve minutes later, with Mary Bell dressed in a yellow, two piece bathing suit, set her on the beach, and hollered, Dad! Call sprite doc Chrissy! Mary Bell’s been hurt!

Patrick, the Leprechaun, rushed out of the beach house, with his medical bag, and stopped abruptly, when he saw the sprite, with one of her wings pointing up, the other wing pointing out, her right leg twisted up in front of her face, and left arm hanging loosely by her side. questioned, What were you doing, to get yourself twisted, up, like this?

Belly Skimming, whimpered Mary Bell.

Belly Skimming? What is that?" questioned, a puzzled Patrick.

You fly low, over the water, with your back arched, so, your belly just, touches the water, and skim along. It’s fun, unfortunately I plowed right into, that stupid duck. Now, you gonna help me, or, what?

I’ll do what I can, until Chrissy gets here. Patrick slipped on his surgical gloves and applied a goodly amount of white, numbing cream, to his hands, and asked, Tippy, can you hold Mary Bell so, I can apply the cream to her hips, back and arm, to ease the pain?"

Cherry rushed up, with a blanket, and suggested, Here, set, her on this, so, she doesn’t get sand all over her.

Once the sprite was on the blanket, the cream was applied to ease the pain, Patrick carefully rotated Mary Bell’s wings back, into position. Chrissy, landed next to Patrick, and exclaimed, Good Lord, Miss Bell! When, are you going to learn to think, before, you act!"

I was trying to imitate a pretzel, alright, snapped Mary Bell, Just, fix me up.

Chrissy took a white rod, a foot long, and one inch in diameter, with a digital read out, and buttons on it, waved it over the sprite, and commented, Mary Bell, you have a dislocated hip, and rotator cuff, torn wing ligaments, and a torn meniscus in your right knee. Looks like, you won’t be flying, for a long time.

Not fair! Not fair! cried Mary Bell. What about that gizmo, you used to heal people with?

Your injuries are too extensive, for me to use that. Besides, you are going to need therapy for those wings, in order for you to fly again. Sorry, little One.

Stupid duck, grumbled Mary Bell.

Chrissy took hold of Mary Bell’s leg, and warned, I’m going to snap your leg back, in place, so hold on. Cherry, Tippy, hold her still.

Marry Bell shrieked, as Chrissy snapped the leg back in place, and put a temporary splint, on it. Once the doctor was finished, she sat next, to the injured sprite, and asked, Do you mind, if I give you a hug?

After a tearful hug, Chrissy suggested, Why don’t you go home, to the sprites, until, you are healed?

Sniffling, Mary Bell replied, Thanks, doc. But, I think, I’ll stay here, with all my friends."

The doctor stared in Mary Bell’s eyes, and stated, You’re one gutsy sprite, you know that? Chrissy then hollered, Okay, Tippy, Cherry, grab the stretcher, and let’s go!

All the while, the Hummer-Gene stood by, quietly watching. Thor approached him, and stated, I’ll meet you tomorrow, at the murder scene, to start the investigation.

Agreed. Will you be able, to find the place?

Not a problem.

The Hummer-Gene drove his staff in the sand, creating a mild tremor, as he vanished, in a puff of white smoke.

Thor contacted the Mystery’s Three Investigation team, on the video phone, and stated, Trudy, there was a murder, on the planet Belladonna, that has baffled their police. Is, your team available?

Can you give me, some of the details, surrounding the murder?

Sure, can. The woman was splattered all over her, home. I mean, tiny bits of hair everywhere.

Gross, and disgusting. We’ll take it. Do you know, what kind of explosive might have been used?"

No explosive would’t have splintered her skeleton, and liquefied her organs, like that. stated Thor.

Thanks, that was more information than I needed, especially after I just, ate.

Oh, you need to be at one eleven-twenty Garden Road in sixteen hours, and if you find any body parts during your investigation. The Belladonian police would like you to put them in plastic bags, seal them, and put them aside.

Trudy’s eyes suddenly bulged, as she quickly put her hand to her mouth, and mumbled, Gotta go, and hung up.

Chapter 2

A turn for the worse

Around eleven o’clock, the following morning, on the planet, Belladonna, Thor and Cherry stood in front of a cluster of rooms, built with resilient, crystalline glass walls. Snuggled in the side of a hill, surrounded with hanging ivy, and raised flower gardens. Minutes later, a blue and white, fifty-three foot Astro-lite camper landed, in the white, crushed stone, driveway. Three women stepped out of the camper; one, with short brown hair in her thirties, followed by a pudgy woman, with curly, reddish brown hair in her mid twenty, carrying a back pack. Then, a medium height woman in her late twenties, with long light brown hair, holding a cup of coffee. Extended her hand, and said, I’m Sally, the one with the back pack, this is Debbie, and Trudy, who shook Thor’s hand, and said sensuously, Hi I’m Trudy, and I hope that there isn’t a Mrs. Thor, around."

Cherry stepped into view, and stated, with her arms folded across her chest, Hi, I’m the Mrs., you didn’t want to meet.

Trudy sheepishly waved, as Thor introduced his wife, and himself, then, entered the home, saying, I don’t think, you are going to find much.

Debbie took a metal cylinder out of her backpack, six inches tall, and two inches and a half in diameter, placed a rounded cover with holes on the top, tossed it on the floor, and shouted, Everybody, outside!

Outside, Thor asked, What’s up?

I’m using a fogger, that will show up, any body fluids in light blue. Maybe, she was murdered elsewhere, and dragged here.

Minutes later, Debbie entered the livingroom, and exclaimed, Gross! What did he use, a wood chipper on the poor thing? She’s splattered everywhere, Sally, take as many pictures, as you can. Trudy, stop fiddling with your makeup, and give me, an energy reading.

Ten minutes into the investigation, Thor was watching the women work, as he leaned against a wall, and muttered, Where is Hummer-Gene? Then, the walls begin to vibrate, Thor didn’t think much of it, until, a lamp fell, on the floor. Thor hollered, Everybody, out here!

Wait, until, I collect a few specimens. muttered Debbie.

Thor threw Debbie over his shoulder, and raced for the door, saying, I mean, now! The five of them, dove behind the camper, as the modular home exploded into millions of pieces. Thor did a quick check, to make sure, everyone was accounted for, when, the camper began to vibrate. Thor screamed, Let’s get, out of here! We’re under attack! and raced down the driveway, with everybody close behind.

A mere fifty feet, from the camper, it suddenly erupted, in a ball of fire, showering debris everywhere. Then, the ground beneath them, began to tremble, as Thor suggested, Group Hug! We’re, outta here! then, pressed his retrieval button, sending them back to the Institute.

At the Institute, Thor introduced the Mystery’s Three Team, to Dora, and asked if she could find accommodations for them. A frazzled Cherry, kissed Thor, on his cheek, and said, I’m going to the cafeteria, for a good cup, of Hazelnut coffee, and a plate of curly fries.

Thor entered his outer office, saw Stacy, his secretary sobbing, and inquired, What’s wrong?

I can’t say.

Did you pick up the office supplies, from Posa City?

Stacy nodded, yes, drying her eyes, and said, Now, if you will excuse me, Sir, I have to finish this report.

Mel’s been bothering you, about serving his costumers, again, hasn’t he?

Stacy just nodded, yes, as she tried, to compose herself.

What If I sent a security guard, with you, the next time?

Mel told me, that if I said anything to anyone, or, retaliated in anyway, he would plaster explicit pictures of me, everywhere.

Is there something you’re not telling me, concerning those photos? questioned, a disquieted Thor.

Sir! I am a Christian woman, and have been, since I was twelve! I would never stoop that, low.

Just checking. Maybe he’ll forget you, after awhile, if I send someone else to pick up the supplies?

He’ll know, and make my life miserable. So, I have to go. What am I going to do, Sir?

You leave that up to me. I promise you this, that Mel will not, bother you again. Thor entered the inner office and sat behind his desk. The room suddenly began to shake, as charcoal gray clouds formed, on the ceiling, ushering the Hummer-Gene into the office. He glared at Thor, and screamed, "You were supposed to investigate the