Penny

By Bette Pratt

Memorial Day’s a perfect day for a bike ride to the lake, but is it?

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Feb 19, 2021
• ISBN: 9781664221291

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Copyright © 2021 Bette Pratt.

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This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue

in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

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ISBN: 978-1-6642-2128-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6642-2130-7 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-6642-2129-1 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2021901471

WestBow Press rev. date: 2/12/2021

CONTENTS

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven

Eight

Nine

Ten

Eleven

Twelve

Thirteen

Fourteen

Fifteen

Epilogue

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ONE

T he lovely girl came in the brightly sunlit kitchen where her mom was fussing over her special bar-b-cue sauce. The lady had obviously been up since dawn, there were salads, a rich chocolate cake with dark chocolate icing and two gallon jugs full of dark liquid, with a two quart glass pitcher of lemonade sitting on the counter and the kitchen table. The family was gathering this afternoon for the holiday and soon Penny’s older brothers and their families would arrive from Columbus and her college age sister who lived in town in an apartment was bringing her boyfriend for the celebration.

Penny was the only one of the children who still lived at home. She loved this house and loved her parents. It didn’t seem right to desert them just yet. Her mom was very happy to have her stay at home. Now that three of her children were out of the house it seemed huge for the three of them to rattle around in it. Penny had been recruited for a much sought after summer job and planned to start next Monday that would lead to a permanent position in the fall. Possibly, when she started her job in the fall, she’d find an apartment closer to campus.

Penny was dressed in her spandex riding shorts, her favorite T-shirt she used almost exclusively for riding, and her shoes that fit in her pedal stirrups. She carried her helmet that she would put on after she brought out her bicycle from the garage. It was a beautiful day for a bike ride and since the lady of the house wouldn‘t let anyone help her; Penny decided to enjoy her favorite hobby for part of the day. Besides, there was a bike race coming up later in the summer that she planned to enter and each time she had a chance to ride, it helped her increase her strength and stamina. Life was good, only days ago she graduated at the top of her class and if she planned to go on there would be scholarship money for her PhD.

Penny watched her mom bustle around the kitchen for several minutes. She knew there was no point in asking if she wanted help, she asked many times and been refused just as many. One of these days, it might happen, but Penny knew it wouldn’t be today. Perhaps Marjorie felt this was her way of telling her family how much she loved them. Having all of her family here, even if it was only for a holiday afternoon made her extremely happy.

Leaning against the counter next to her mom, Penny said, Mom, I’m riding down to the lake. I plan to be back long before anybody gets here so I can help you with whatever. We’re eating on the back deck, aren’t we? Dad’s doing those ribs and the pork chops, right?

Marjorie draped her dishcloth over the faucet and said, Yes, Dear. I just took the chops out of the freezer a few minutes ago. Now do be careful. It’s the holiday and there’ll be lots of cars on the road. I know it’s early, but with the holiday and all, some of those drivers could be drinking already. The always fussing lady pulled the dishcloth off the faucet. Again.

Yes, I know, Mom. People are so stupid to drink at all, but I know on a holiday it’s the worst. It’s why I go to the public beach; there isn’t quite so much alcohol or drugs. She grinned at her mom. Don’t work too hard, please?

Chuckling, the lady said, You know me, I never work too hard.

From the doorway, Penny said, Mmm, yes, I know you. Penny could hardly hide the sarcasm, everyone knew Marjorie worked too hard, even though she’d always been a ‘stay at home mom’. She always worked especially hard to have everything perfect when her children were all coming to spend some time. Penny wondered if it wasn’t a hold-over from her mom’s youth when she and her siblings lived on a farm. Not a whole lot was handed to those children on a silver platter and what was set on the table, you ate. Without complaint.

Penny walked out the kitchen door that opened onto the driveway. Standing there she heard the riding mower. It brought a smile to her face; both of her parents were doing what they loved the most. Mom loved to fuss in the kitchen, especially when her four children were coming, and she knew her dad was at his favorite pastime. He loved to sit on the riding mower and mow the two plus acres he’d transformed into lawn. Of course this time of year, with all the rain he did have to mow often to keep it looking nice.

Penny reached the detached garage and opened the small door on the side. Inside she lifted her bicycle from the hook on the wall and took it outside. She grinned; this was also her favorite pastime. Riding her bike was her favorite way to relax. She pushed the kickstand down, rested the seat against her hip, took her helmet in both hands and put it on, buckling it securely. She raised the kickstand, pulled in a deep breath, mounted the bike and pushed off to glide silently down the driveway to the street in the quiet subdivision. Penny loved to ride; she’d entered many bicycle competitions in the last several years and had some trophies to show for it.

Marjorie Benning finished all her preparations and washed down the counter one last time. She watched the clock as the hour hand slowly and silently went from ten to noon, then to one o’clock. She scowled when it reached two and still Penny hadn’t returned. Their company would arrive around three for the bar-b-cue and she was sure Penny planned to be home by now. Where could she be? She knew the route she took to the lake, it was an easy ride down and back, less than two hours each way. Why wasn’t she home?

There was the putt-putt of the riding mower on the driveway and Marjorie looked out the window over the sink to see her husband disappear through the open garage door to park his mower in its place. Hank was a fine looking man; he kept in shape, with no middle-aged paunch, even though he was over fifty. Marjorie was proud of her husband. He hadn’t been able to go to college, but he made them a good life and all their children were educated.

The man came through the back door, the sweat glistening on his forehead. He wiped his face with the edge of his T-shirt and said, So where’s Penny? She’s out riding still? I thought she’d be back by now with everybody coming in just a little bit.

Glancing out the window at the driveway again, Marjorie said, Yes, I thought she’d be back by now, too. Maybe the traffic was heavier than she anticipated or the time got away from her, but she did have her watch on. I remember seeing it sparkle when she put her helmet on out on the driveway. She’s always so dependable, when she says she’ll be somewhere, it’s rare that she doesn’t follow through. Looking back at her kitchen clock, she said, You’d better hurry, Dear; you’ll need to get the grill going pretty soon, you know.

Hank sighed, looking at all the things his wife had generated for the meal, Yes, I know. It’s only Memorial Day, but that sun’s hot. I’m thirsty, so I’ll get a drink then go for a shower. We’re being descended on about three, is that when this shindig begins?

Marjorie chuckled a little at her husband‘s words, but she said, Yes, I kind of think Marilyn’ll get here before that, but who knows, when she’s bringing her boyfriend, they may dawdle. Can never depend on that girl anymore.

Nodding over his glass, Hank said, Yes, a good possibility. He grinned at his wife. I’ve known that to happen. He winked and took another swallow. I think it’s happened in other generations, not just this one.

Her eyes twinkling, a pink color spread up Marjorie’s neck, she shooed her husband from the kitchen. She wasn’t about to grace that remark with one of her own. However, there was a slight lifting of her lips, as she said, Henry! Hurry and go get your shower! We will not be anywhere close to ready if you don’t hurry!

As Hank left the kitchen, he chuckled and said over his shoulder, Oh, ye of little faith! Besides, I know some of your kids love the BBQ smell.

Marilyn’s boyfriend hadn’t shut off his car after he up to the garage doors when a sheriff’s car pulled in right behind him. Hank had just picked up the platter of pork chops and bar-b-cue sauce to head out the back door to start them cooking on the big grill in the back yard when Marjorie gasped.

Marjorie scowled and said to Hank, Could Jason have done something? Why did the sheriff follow him onto the driveway? He’s parked so close, it’s like he chased him here! Their house could barely be seen from the road, it wasn’t like they had regular visits from the sheriff’s department. Penny and Marilyn had never garnered attention from any police department.

Hank’s head came up. He nearly dropped the platter back on the table, but he managed to set it down in one piece, with the chops still on it, then he rushed to the back door, still holding the bottle of bar-b-cue sauce, with Marjorie right on his heels. He was outside in only a few long strides. Jason and Marilyn were barely out of the car and Jason had turned toward the white car, when Hank said, Is there something I can do for you, Officer?

Without answering, one officer stepped out and nodded to the people on the driveway, while the other went to the back of the SUV, opened the hatch, pulled out a bicycle from behind the back seat and set it down on the driveway. Both Hank and Marjorie knew whose it was instantly. The hatch door went slowly down and the first man asked, Is there someone who lives at this address named Penny Benning?

Why, yes! Of course! Marjorie exclaimed, her eyes going huge as she stared at the bicycle that was in perfect condition. Yes, that’s Penny’s bike. Why do you have it? Where‘s Penny? Is she at the hospital, was she hurt? The lady was so upset she was babbling and tears welled in her eyes. Her hands were nervously wadding up her apron.

Ma’am, we found the bicycle along the road down close to the lake. Someone called on their phone saying they saw it sticking up – partly in a ditch beside the road. We went and searched the area, calling the name on this name label, but there was no response. We thought she might have been thrown off after hitting something in the road, so we called the hospital, but they’ve had no ambulance run, no one brought in or anyone coming in by that name.

Others of the family were arriving as the officer spoke. Penny’s oldest brother rushed up and asked, You’re not going to stop looking, are you?

The officer looked at the young man and said, Well, no, we thought perhaps she hitched a ride home and had to leave her bike there, so we came here first.

Marjorie and Hank both were sadly shaking their heads. No, Hank said, she hasn’t come home or even called. We thought possibly she lost track of time, since she said she’d be back long before this. Hank scowled. It isn’t like her at all! She’s a very responsible young woman. Her bike’s in perfect shape!

Yes, it is, sir. It certainly is a mystery, since she isn’t here. You say she hasn’t called? Of course, we’ll start a search! The lake’s huge and there’re many out of town visitors here, today being the holiday and all.

Where could she possibly be? Marjorie asked, looking from the officer, down the driveway, as yet another of her children pulled in.

Ma’am, I have no idea. We searched quite some distance all around the area where her bike was. There were no skid marks, no sign of a scuffle and certainly no blood. If she was wearing a helmet, that wasn’t even there.

Marjorie covered her mouth, horror showing in her eyes. Oh, my! Oh, my!

Hank put his arm around his wife, hoping to calm her. They’ll look for her, Marj.

Ma’am, since she’s not here, could we take a piece of her clothing and get our K-9 unit working in the area to perhaps do a better search? the other officer asked.

Oh, certainly! I’ll go get something right away from her room, Marjorie exclaimed.

When she returned, one of the officers had a small see-through bag ready and held it out to Marj. She dropped Penny’s favorite top that she wore yesterday into the bag. The officer closed the seal then the two men stepped back into their SUV. They gave the sad looking family their own versions of encouraging smiles and backed away.

That very afternoon the officers were as good as their word. A K-9 unit was dispatched and thoroughly searched the area. The dog only found Penny’s scent in the ditch where they found the bicycle. It didn’t go any further even though they searched for many yards all around. The sheriff’s department dispatched more officers to search the area and called in a diving team to scour acres of the huge lake, since her bicycle was found on the road less than a mile from the lake. However, the diving team came up empty. They searched long into the night, combing the area in ever widening circles, calling her name and searching with bright search lights for her unconscious body. However, they all came up empty and finally called the Benning’s late in the evening to report they found nothing.

Instead of the joyous family get-together they had anticipated at the Benning’s home, three of Hank and Marjorie’s children, two daughters-in-law and two grand-children huddled together, talking quietly and crying. The little ones didn’t understand why everyone was so unhappy, but they cried right along with the adults. Every so often someone went to look out the long driveway, hoping another car came to let off their darling daughter and sister. However, no one came. It grew late, Hank junior’s family, his brother and his wife had to leave for home, but Penny never came home. They never received any word about Penny from anyone other than the police department, even after dark.

Starting in the morning Penny’s parents found that the whole city rallied around them. The newspaper ran a full page article with a large picture of Penny, telling about the young woman and the mystery of her sudden disappearance. The sheriff’s department added what they had done in searching for the girl. The last paragraph of the article asked that anyone who had any information at all should call the police or sheriff’s department immediately.

A day or two later she was declared missing, yellow ribbons appeared on trees and telephone poles. People held vigils and others printed signs that were plastered on car windows and front doors of businesses showing Penny’s smiling face, asking people to call a number. Others decided that money talks loudly, so they offered a large reward for any information about the missing young woman. Days went by, but no one heard anything from Penny. Marjorie found it very hard to walk by Penny’s immaculate room day after day, so she finally closed the door. Her abandoned bike hung on its hook in the garage as if taunting anyone who entered.

There was speculation, what could have happened? Could she have wandered off? Her bicycle was unharmed when the police brought it back. On a busy road leading to the lake on a holiday weekend how could someone have disappeared without a trace? People shook their heads, there didn’t seem to be any answers at all. No one could reconcile her disappearance; Penny was such a responsible young woman. Not only that, she had a wonderful job waiting for her when the new school year began.

Penny had disappeared into thin air, without a trace, without a clue.

Penny’s younger sister moved back home, she told her parents it was because living in town cost too much, but really she was scared of living in an apartment, even with other girls, but her biggest reason, although she wouldn’t tell her parents, was to be with them, to make their house not quite so big without her sister’s happy disposition to cheer them day by day. It also cheered her to be closer to her parents, she missed her sister. Her brothers were both married and lived out of town, but she could be with her parents, that made her feel somehow closer to her sister. After all, her room was right next to hers. When she went back home Jason abandoned her, he didn’t like her living with her parents. He said she was a baby and a scaredy cat. Well, maybe she was, but her sister had vanished!

Since it was a college town, many of the coeds changed their habits. For weeks many of them wouldn’t venture out alone in the evening. Those that came for summer school banded together or stayed in the apartments and dorms instead of strolling around campus in the evenings. Not much was said out loud, but many people speculated that there was foul-play and Penny had been kidnapped or killed and her body disposed of. Who knew what kind of ‘bad element’ lurked in a college town?

For a while, Hank’s business suffered, because he was preoccupied with his grief, but then as the community rallied around them, his moving and storage business grew. As Penny’s name became a household word, Hank’s business also came to people’s minds when they wanted that kind of service. In fact, Hank had to purchase another truck and hire two more employees to take care of the extra business he found coming in. He was glad for business, but he’d never be glad for the reason his business had picked up.

Summer turned into fall. Penny’s birthday was approaching and so the church where she was a member and where her parents went faithfully, decided to have a celebration of Penny’s life. They sang Penny’s favorite songs, many friends stood up and told stories of their times with Penny. One friend told about the bicycle races she participated in and won so often. Classmates from her university classes spoke glowing words about her. It was a very uplifting celebration, but Penny was still missing.

After the birthday celebration at the church, Penny’s older brother, Hank Jr. came storming into the house. He had lots of memories about his kid sister, but somehow, he couldn’t get up in the service to say any of them. He was the only one of the family who sat dry-eyed during the service. He hadn’t wanted to say anything while they were still at the church, but once they were in the house he couldn‘t hold it in any longer.

They were barely inside and Hank Jr. nearly slammed the back door on his wife, but he didn’t seem to notice. Mom, he said, agitated, marching back and forth across her kitchen, "what was that all about at the church today? It seemed to me it was more like a memorial happening than anything! I thought it was awful, just awful!"

Taking a paper towel to wet at the sink to try to remove the smudges from her tears, Marjorie said, Hank, it’s hard for all of us. It was hard to sit in that service. I know we want her back, we’d rather have her here than any celebration, but it does keep the fact that she’s still missing before the people. It reminds them that we can’t give up the search.

I suppose. I suppose you’re right, he grumbled. He slashed his hand through the air and exclaimed, But Mom, she’s gone! She’s been gone now for five months! Will some celebration bring her back? I don’t think so!

Tears came to Marjorie’s eyes and slid slowly down her cheeks. Of all people, Marjorie knew exactly how long Penny had been gone. She pulled in a breath and said, No, probably not, son. If she’s coming back, she’ll come back, but it was nice of Pastor Brown to want to do something in her honor. He’s been so caring and helpful since May. It was his suggestion that we have this celebration. Your dad and I are grateful. I know it’s hard for you and your brother, I’m sure it’s not easy since you’re in Columbus.

Yeah, come on, Hank, Marilyn said. They were only trying to help us through her birthday. At least this way, we had lots of people around to help us through it.

Hank looked at his mom and put his arms around her. I’m sorry, Mom, it’s so hard to think she’s gone without a trace! Nobody’s found anything! Her helmet; nothing! It was only her bike the police returned that day! And it was in perfect shape! Why can’t anybody find her? Where could she have gotten to? She was only gone four hours before she was discovered missing! She couldn’t have gone far, surely.

That’s what we all thought that day, but I guess somebody could have hit her over the head and stuffed her in their car. In four hours a car can go a long ways, she whispered, she couldn’t make the words come out any louder.

Hank had to swallow hard, before he could say, Yes, you’re right, Mom, that’s true. He and his family had arrived on Memorial Day while the sheriff was still there, but this was the first time since Penny disappeared that Hank came home and the full impact hit him in the quiet house. So they combed the whole area and didn’t turn up a thing?

Absolutely! Hank Sr. said, coming in from the garage. The next morning before I went to the office, they called and told us. While you all were here with us that day that officer and his partner called out another half dozen officers. The sheriff’s department was all out, they combed every access to the lake and all the woods in-between. They had a K-9 unit and a diver or two. They scoured the whole lake area, stopped each boat when it docked and checked each cabin, inhabited or uninhabited. They showed her picture to every person on every beach and in every hotel and motel. You know on Memorial Day we get a lot of visitors in town. All the vacation cabins were occupied, but they even checked some of the shacks around the lake. Everything was a dry run.

In awe Hank said, It’s like she disappeared into thin air!

That’s a good word for it. Except that her bike was not crashed or even scratched, that’s the only thing anyone can come up with.

Hank finally flopped down into a kitchen chair and looked from his dad to his mom. It’s unbelievable! If only there’d been a ransom note or something. Usually there’s a clue and the police can follow up on that.

Yeah, that would have been a big help. This way, we don’t have a clue, all we know for sure is she’s not at the bottom of the lake.

Hank’s wife shivered. Oh, that’s a horrid thought!

After a moment of silence in the sunny kitchen, when his brother and sister were both there with their parents, Hank Jr. looked around at the unhappy people standing silently in the kitchen. In a voice soft, but very intense, he said something none of them were able to voice. Do you think it could be a person she knew asked her to go for a ride and then turned ugly and kidnapped her – or worse?

Marjorie gasped and sat down suddenly at the table. Hank Sr. came over and in a trance pulled out his own chair and sat down slowly. There was a long, charged silence in the room, but finally, Hank Sr. said, You know, I never thought of that. After some thought on the long list of her friends, he said, But who? We’ve heard from most of her friends, haven’t we? I realize there were students in the classes she had who would know her but only been acquaintances, but wouldn’t…?

Marilyn was leaning against her brother. Yes, Dad, every one of her friends that she’s ever talked about has called sometime since Memorial Day and I think all but one was at the celebration today. Lots of them said stuff about her. Shaking her head, she said, No, it couldn’t have happened like that.

Hank Jr. hugged his little sister. I was hoping you’d say that, it would be the worst thing in all the world for a friend to betray you.

I know. Surely it couldn’t happen like that.

Marjorie finally found her strength, so she stood and went to the kitchen sink. She wet the towel she got originally to wipe her eyes then blotted the tear smudges from her eyes. After that, she washed her hands, filled the coffee maker and pulled some cookies from the freezer, put them in the microwave to thaw, then stacked them on a large platter. She turned from the gurgling coffeemaker and said, Snacks are about ready, let’s all gather around. Knowing you were all coming I fixed plenty of tollhouse cookies.

Marjorie always fed people, especially her children, whether it was in good times or bad. The rest of the family were in the living room, but when they heard Marjorie, they came to the kitchen, found a mug and while the adults poured coffee, Marjorie filled two plastic cups with milk for her grandchildren. It didn’t take long for the pile on the platter to disappear; Marjorie always made the best home-made Toll House cookies. Finally, long after Marjorie’s excellent dinner, the brothers left. Hank Jr. took his wife and children home and his younger brother took his wife home. They both lived about forty miles away, but close to each other.

For days, Marjorie had lots of callers, some inquiring about any new developments in ‘the case’. Others who were friends, called to keep Marj from being overwhelmed with grief. The police and sheriff’s department kept in close touch with anything they could turn up, but eventually, they had nothing to report, so their calls began to spread out and then by Thanksgiving, stopped entirely. It was hard for Marjorie, but she began spending time at the family business, it helped the long days go faster, but the nights were still too long.

Penny’s bicycle hung neglected in the garage, but there were so many awards and trophies from bicycle races she won in her room and Marjorie only had to glance through the doorway to remember many of the events. She had accompanied Penny most of the time when she competed and won those trophies. Yellow ribbons and celebrations didn’t bring her daughter back; they only reminded her of who was missing from her life. Rumors made the rounds that perhaps Penny was dead; she’d been missing for five months after all.

It was November and cold in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. The full moon seemed to lower the temperature even more. The wind wasn’t blowing, but it was nearly freezing. The furnace in the little house ran much of the time and the old man sat beside the fireplace holding a mug of hot chocolate in his gnarled hands hoping to warm up. He was glad that several years before he took what money he had and filled the walls and the attic space with insulation. At least the wind didn’t whistle in the house any more.

The old man sat back in his well worn recliner, shook his head and looked at his grandson who sat at his desk carving a piece for the community craft sale as if there was nothing else of any consequence going on. Jeffery Bear, will you go out to the kennels and find out what is making those pups of yours howl so? I’m nearly deaf, you know, but I can hear their constant yapping and it is driving me crazy!

The young man sighed, he was accustomed to the yapping, but he knew that his grandfather’s hearing was a bit specialized. Sometimes he heard nothing, but his dogs seemed to come through most often. Their yapping must come through on a decibel level he could hear. He laid down his carving and knife on his desk. As he stood, he said, Yes, Grandfather, I shall go find out. Actually, it sounds only like the little female who is separated from the rest. She is probably unhappy, since I only took her from the litter yesterday, but I will go find out.

The old man didn’t ever become long-winded, all he said was, Good.

The full moon made the backyard look almost like daylight as the young man pulled his fringed jacket from the hook by the back door. He silently stepped out of the small house. His moccasins made no noise as he moved down the dirt walkway between the chain link fences of his kennels. Actually, he loved this time of year; it was chilly, but not too cold. He liked it much better than the oppressive heat of summer, especially since his grandfather would have nothing to do with air conditioning.

Because of the moonlight, it was easy to see the acre sized meadow behind the house, out beyond his kennel. Everything in the meadow looked peaceful, making him wonder why the pups were raising such a raucous. Except that the full moon bathed the backyard in bright light it didn’t show in the sky where the dogs could see it yet.

Besides going to the university on the far side of his home town, Jeff raised full blooded German Shepherds and Police dogs. His grandfather had started him with one female and he expanded from there. Usually, his dogs were quite well behaved, but when it was full moon, they could be counted on to be more rowdy and look to the moon for some entertainment. He wondered sometimes what they saw in that old face up there in the sky that he couldn’t see. Maybe he didn’t look long or hard enough. Maybe his thoughts and interests were too grounded on earth to let him look up much.

Walking closer to the kennel, he found that he had guessed correctly, it was his youngest litter of pups that was raising the raucous, so he walked further between the fences to see if he could find out what was distracting them. Surprising him, none of them looked up at the moon that they couldn’t see, but they faced the woods out beyond the acre of grass behind the kennel.

As he supposed, the little female, who was by herself in the last fence enclosure, was barking the most and kept her brothers in the opposite enclosure roused. She had her nose into the chain links of the fence closest to the woods. However, the woods were on the far side of the wide meadow, but with the full moon, it was easy to see back that far.

He went around so that he stood in front of her, between her and the woods. He put both hands on the top of the fence, looked her squarely in the eye and said sternly, Angala, will you stop this noise right now! Grandfather is deaf, yet he can still hear you making all this noise. The neighbors will soon be calling me to say they can’t sleep for your racket. You must settle down. I know you don’t like to be away from your brothers, but you are old enough, you can’t be with them any longer. Soon, I will try to find an owner for you, but no one will want you if you can’t be quiet.

The beautiful young police dog, who was born in the early spring, put her tail between her legs at the sound of her master’s voice, stopped barking immediately, but she still kept her nose through the links on the fence. Except that Jeff was disciplining her, he would have pet her. Since she was the only female of the litter she grabbed his heart.

Instead of barking so loudly, she began to whine and whimper, but as Jeff continued to stand between her and the forest, she finally put her head down and stopped making noise. Nearly smelling the dirt she slunk off to her house and crawled inside. Jeff heard her turning around and around, but finally, with a deep sigh she flopped down. However, she lay so close to the doorway that she could look out at him. She gave one more mournful yip then put her head on her paws, but didn’t close her eyes. As soon as she stopped yapping, her brothers behind the other fence stopped and stood silently, but to Jeff’s surprise they all stood looking at the woods.

That’s good, Angala, now close those bright eyes of yours and go to sleep. See how all your brothers and cousins have quieted since you shut your mouth? I know it is full moon, but that doesn’t mean that you need to tell the world about it! He turned to the run on the other side of the path and said to the male dogs. Now see! Angala is quiet, you must be, too. All the males slunk off and soon were going in the small dog houses.

Jeff was about to walk back between the fences when he heard a sound in the woods across the small field. Something that was definitely not quiet. Immediately, the hairs on the back of his neck stood up. He whirled around and stared at the empty woods. A shudder, that