Nightmare at Turtle Lake

By June E. Hudy

The accident that took the life of the young boy was the worst day in Mitchells life. Even though it was unavoidable, he felt terrible. He tried to put it behind him and take the family to Turtle Lake and enjoy his much deserved holiday. But a calm, relaxing holiday was not to be. As things went from bad to worse, Mitchell started to realize what was really important in his life. It wasnt his job, being in control or always being right; it was his family. Protecting his wife and children was the only thing that really mattered, but doing that when the enemy was unknown was the hardest thing he ever had to face. Follow along with Mitchell on his quest to discover who was out to destroy his family and make him suffer, even to the point of taking his life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: May 12, 2016
• ISBN: 9781514492994

June E. Hudy

The author was raised on a mixed farm in central Saskatchewan. At the age of ten, she wrote her first poem and, after graduating from high school, took a journalism course, receiving her diploma. While working as editor for a newspaper in the early 1970s, she did some freelance writing and edited several newsletters. She had several short stories and poems published in various magazines and newspapers. She always wanted to write a full-length novel, and in 2009, Family Lies was published. Since then, she has had two more published: Blood Ties and Shadows of the Mind. Nightmare at Turtle Lake is her fourth novel. After retiring from farming at Kindersley, Saskatchewan, in 2000, the author and her husband moved to the village of Paradise Hill, Saskatchewan.

Book preview

Chapter One

The Beginning

It happened so fast, Mitchell didn’t have time to think let alone stop before the bicycle hit the front of his car. There was a flash, a crunch and then the bicycle catapulted into the ditch. The body of the person riding it flew through the air and landed in the middle of the highway.

Mitchell slammed on his brakes. Shaking like a leaf, he vaulted out of his car and ran back to the person but before he got there he knew it was bad. He grabbed his cell phone out of his pocket and punched in 911.

Mitchell was returning home to Saskatoon after a meeting in North Battleford. Usually he enjoyed the drive, especially when the weather was good and the meeting productive. Today he was running late and looking forward to getting home and relaxing. Now this happened.

Several cars had stopped and people were either gawking at the scene or on their phones, probably also calling 911, Mitchell assumed. He could see it was a young boy around fourteen or fifteen years old. He had no helmet on and his head was bleeding profusely. One of his legs was twisted under him and he was not moving. Mitchell reached out to check for a pulse on his neck, but couldn’t find one.

Is he alive? A man had appeared at Mitchell’s side and was staring at the fallen boy.

I don’t know, Mitchell answered. I can’t find a pulse. Why don’t you see if we have any medical people in the cars that stopped? An ambulance is on its way, but might take a bit. And get someone to stop the traffic until the police arrive. We don’t need any more collisions.

Okay, the man replied, Craziest thing I ever did see. He looked like he wanted you to hit him. He didn’t even appear to slow down before attempting to cross. Crazy kid.

Mitchell stayed beside the young boy and kept trying to find a pulse. The boy never stirred and Mitchell feared the worst.

Then a young woman hurried up and she was carrying a medical bag which Mitchell was very happy to see. He moved aside to give her access to the boy. She didn’t say a word, but took her stethoscope out of her bag and pressed it to the boy’s chest. Listening for a moment, she glanced up, shook her head and then started CPR on him.

Oh, why didn’t I think of that? Mitchell moaned as he slapped his forehead. Everyone knows that the first thing you do is start CPR. He couldn’t believe he had forgotten his training that quickly in an emergency.

It was then that he heard the sirens. An ambulance and two police cars arrived. Figuring he was in the way, he stepped back as the EMT’s rushed over to the woman and the boy. She let them take over and glancing at Mitchell, put her stethoscope away and came over to him.

Are you okay? she asked.

Not really. I can’t believe I didn’t think to start CPR. I guess I must have been more shook up than I realized.

I believe the boy died in the impact. What actually happened?

He came out of no where. I was driving along and suddenly he was in front of me. I slammed on my brakes, but he had already hit my car. I was doing the speed limit so the collision was hard. I don’t know why he rode out in front of me. Are you a doctor?

Yes. I work in North Battleford and have a clinic there. Are you sure you are all right? I can check you out if you like.

I’m okay, just shook up. It is going to take a long time to get over this, if ever.

The Doctor nodded and replied, Yes it will, but you have to remember this was not your fault. You can’t control what other people do. It is very sad this young man didn’t pay attention to the traffic and it will be devastating for his family. I see the police are coming to talk to you so if you are sure you are alright….

I’m okay, Mitchell replied as he glanced up to see an officer heading his way. He walked back to his car and reached in to get his registration. This was going to be a very long day indeed. He had a dozen things waiting on his desk in the city. His job kept him very busy and now he had this to add to the work load. His car was also damaged. He just hoped he could drive it home and deal with the insurance later.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

By the time the police finished with the report and insisted that Mitchell contact his insurance, it was getting late. He knew Andrea would be wondering why he wasn’t home but he was reluctant to call her and mention an accident. But if she had already called the office, she would know he wasn’t there. Sighing, he picked up his cell phone. She answered on the first ring with a surly, Where are you?

Hello to you, too. I am still on the road. I should be home in an hour. You go ahead with supper. I will grab something when I get home, or I can stop and pick something up.

You know how I hate it when you aren’t here in time for meals. It puts my whole schedule out of whack. What was the hold-up this time?

We’ll talk about it when I get home. Don’t worry about me. I will grab something on the road.

What are you hiding from me? Are you with another woman?

Don’t be ridiculous. I am working. You know I had a meeting in North Battleford.

And just how do I know that? Because you told me? Well, forget it. I’m hanging up now. Andrea slammed up the phone. Mitchell stared at it and then closed his cell. He wondered how many drinks she had consumed this time, waiting and stewing because he wasn’t home. He sighed. Someday he was going to have to find a way to get some help for Andrea. It was going to be difficult because she refused to admit she had a problem.

The police had assured Mitchell he could drive his car home, so he started the engine and easing back onto the road, headed out. He knew it was going to be a long night.

Chapter Two

Preparations

Mitchell laid the file down on his desk and sat back in his chair. He rubbed his forehead and closed his eyes. It had been a rough week, starting with the accident on Monday, dealing with Andrea when he got home and trying to clear up some of the work on his desk before his scheduled holidays starting the next week.

The accident was bad enough, but Andrea’s meltdown that night after he got home upset him even worse. Their fifteen year old daughter Cynthia and twelve year old son Paul had made themselves scarce and were staying in their rooms. When Mitchell walked into the house, Andrea started screaming and throwing things. He finally managed to calm her down enough to explain to her about the accident. She didn’t believe him until he showed her the car. Then she burst into tears. He managed to get her upstairs and into bed after assuring her that he was okay and he wasn’t at fault. He had a very restless night, thinking about the family of the young boy and what the tragedy would do to them.

Now sitting in his office, he contemplated just how he was to deal with an alcoholic wife, a teenage daughter that was rebelling and trying to get cases finished off so he could take a much deserved holiday. He also wondered if he should be contacting the family to offer condolences for their loss. Would that be the proper thing to do or would it just cause more pain, being as he was the one who hit the boy? He would have to think on it. Putting thoughts of the accident and family aside, he thought about his coming holidays and how much he enjoyed getting away from the office for a while.

Every summer, he took the family to his parent’s cabin at Turtle Lake and that was the plan again this year. He had a month’s holiday coming and planned to do a lot of relaxing and fishing with his son Paul. Paul loved to fish and was the only one that seemed excited about the trip to the lake. Mitchell was hoping that getting Andrea away from her drinking buddies in the city would be a good time to get her to lay off the booze. He felt it was his fault that she started drinking in the first place. He worked long hours and when they were together and went out with friends, it was usually for drinks at the local establishments. He introduced her to his friend’s wives and next thing he knew they were meeting for lunches, etc.

At first Mitchell was happy that Andrea had found some friends and companionship to take up her time when he was working. But lately he started to notice that she seemed to be consuming a lot of alcohol even at home. Something was going to have to be done. The only problem was trying to convince Andrea that she had a problem. She was in complete denial and got angry every time Mitchell mentioned her drinking. He would have to think up another approach, he reminded himself.

Mitchell picked up the file on his desk and opened it. His family problems were just going to have to wait. He had to get things in order for the office before he left. As a crown prosecutor, things were usually very busy in the office and problems always arising. Though he would have his cell phone with him at the lake, sometimes the service wasn’t very good, so he made a habit of calling into the office on a land line every few days just in case of emergency. He had some tough cases in the last few months and he was feeling in need of some rest and relaxation. He just hoped Andrea and Cynthia would behave so he could enjoy his time away from work. Dealing with Andrea was one thing but lately his daughter had been acting up, saucing her mother, yelling at him and fighting with her brother. It was wearing Mitchell out. He blamed Andrea for not controlling the situation better. He didn’t have time with his busy schedule to listen to every little complaint from the kids. If Andrea would just spend more time with the kids and less on her addiction, Mitchell was sure things would improve.

Picking up the phone, Mitchell called the insurance office. He needed to get the claim on the car finished before he left on the weekend. It looked like they would be taking his wife’s car when they headed to the lake.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

I have decided to stay home this year, Andrea announced at the supper table. You know I never enjoy the lake like the rest of you do. I would prefer to spend some quality time here by myself.

Mitchell set his fork down and glared over at Andrea. That is not an option. This is a family vacation and we are all going and that is that!

Andrea glared right back. If this is a family vacation, how come the family gets no say in where we vacation? Answer me that!

The kids like going to the lake; don’t you? He turned to Cynthia and Paul. Paul agreed, but Cynthia hesitated, and then said, Sometimes I do, but it would be nice to do something different. Mom has a point. It is all about you, Paul and fishing.

Mitchell picked up his fork and continued to eat his supper. We will discuss this later, he said to Andrea, to which she answered, You can bet on that!

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

After the kids left the table, Mitchell sat back in his chair and demanded, Why did you bring this up in front of the kids?

I thought it was about time you realized what we really thought about going to the lake. I know Paul likes it and so do you, but Cynthia and I are bored up there. There is nothing to do. There is no shopping, no friends and no television. I get tired of reading. You and Paul are always out on the lake fishing, so we never spend any time together. If it was only for a week or so, that would be okay, but a whole month! It is just too long. I don’t want to go.

It is more likely you don’t want to leave your drinking buddies for that long, Mitchell pointed out. That is something we have to discuss. You are drinking way too much. I can’t have you carrying on like this. It is not a good example for the kids.

Now that is the pot telling the kettle, you’re black! I don’t drink anymore than you do. So I have a little drink with my friends; so what? I have a little drink before supper; isn’t that allowed? You have a drink when you get home every day and I have no idea what you have the rest of the time. Maybe you drink more than me.

Andrea, there is such a thing as having a drink and knowing when to quit and having a drink and then another and another and not knowing when to quit. You don’t know when to quit because you have a drinking problem.

Says you. Who made you King Tut? We’ve been married twenty years and you don’t know me and you have never tried to really know me. You have always been so wrapped up in your job and your ego; you don’t pay any attention to me or the kids. So I have a drink or two. It doesn’t mean I have a problem.

I say you do. How many times have I come home in the evening and you are already on to your third drink. You are slurring your words and dropping things. If that isn’t a problem, I don’t know what is.

I can quit any time I want to. I just happen to enjoy a drink now and then. So do you, so what is the big deal?

Okay, okay. Let’s drop it for now. Now back to our vacation; I’ll make a compromise with you. We will only spend two weeks at the lake. Then we will spend the rest of the time at your parents in Humboldt. How would that be?

That would be fine, only my parents are going to Ontario for the month of July. They won’t be home.

Oh? When did this come about? I didn’t know they were going away.

See? I told you, you never pay attention to what goes on around here. I told you a few weeks ago already.

Okay, so what do you want to do for the other two weeks?

Why don’t we book a flight to the coast and visit with my brother and his family? They are always asking us to come for a visit.

Well, if that is okay with the kids, I’m okay with it. You talk to them about it and then we will decide. Now I am going out to clean in the garage for a bit. Tell Paul he can join me if he wants.

Andrea smiled as Mitchell headed out the door to the garage. Maybe she would survive this summer after all. She knew her brother would keep her well stocked with refreshments. She just hoped they didn’t have any plans for the last two weeks in July. She didn’t understand why Mitchell was so bend on destroying her life. She enjoyed going out with her friends and having a few drinks. It doesn’t mean I have a problem, she reasoned. Mitchell is such a controller, always trying to run my life and the kids. Well, I won this round anyway. I won’t have to spend a whole month at the lake. That I will celebrate. Still smiling, Andrea got up and started to clear the table. With any luck, she was hoping to get a call through to her brother shortly.

Chapter Three

Day One

They were finally on their way. It was a fine, sunny morning without a cloud in the sky. While Mitchell was packing the car, the frogs were singing in the little creek behind their house. A robin that was nesting in their spruce tree was out on the lawn, looking for her morning treat of a worm. Paul came out of the house, carrying his fishing equipment and one small suitcase.

Is that going to be enough clothes for a couple of weeks? Mitchell asked him.

I don’t need much, just some clean socks, underwear and my swimsuit. Oh, and of course my fishing hat.

I think you had better have a change of clothes. I don’t think your Mom will let you wear the same jeans for two weeks.

Okay, Paul whined as he headed back into the house. I don’t know why we have to have clean clothes when we are only going to get them dirty when we are fishing.

Mitchell had to smile. He knew just how Paul felt. If he could get away with it, he would wear the same jeans for a couple of weeks, too. Of course, he knew what his wife would say about that and one thing he did not want to do is cause any more hard feelings between them. He hadn’t mentioned her drinking after the night they argued and she seemed to be controlling herself and only having one drink with him when he got home from work. Maybe these two weeks up at the lake would get her started on recovery. He sure hoped so.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

They arrived at the lake around three o’clock in the afternoon. The drive was pleasant. Cynthia and Paul slept most of the way, while Mitchell listened to the radio and Andrea read her book. They had stopped at the Burger King in North Battleford for a quick lunch and enjoyed the break, sitting outside to eat.

As they pulled into the driveway beside the cabin, Mitchell realized just how run down the place looked. He was an only child, so no other family members were using the cabin. Since his father passed away, his mother didn’t come up to the lake anymore. She said it was just too painful. So the full responsibility of the cabin and yard was up to Mitchell and his family. Other years, Mitchell had hired a local boy to look after the place and mow the lawn, but the boy had moved away and Mitchell had not been able to find anyone else to do the job. He was hoping to do that while he was up at the cabin.

Oh no! Andrea voiced. This is even worse than I thought. It is going to take a week to get this place in order. What happened to our boy that was supposed to look after this?

Don’t you remember? He moved. I haven’t been able to find anyone else, but will be looking while we are here. It won’t be too bad. I will mow the grass tomorrow and trim up the hedge. You’ll see. It will be all right.

I haven’t even seen inside the cabin yet and I dread the next two weeks, Andrea groused as she got out of the car. Paul and Cynthia were already heading toward the cabin.

Hey, wait a minute you two. There are things to carry in, Mitchell called out. No one gets to slack off until we are all unloaded.

Cynthia grumbled and headed back to the car and grabbed her suitcase and a bag of groceries. Paul was down on his knees looking at something and called to his Dad, Hey Dad, come and look at this. Is that a badger hole?

Quit finding excuses not to help,