The Beast of Bromwich

By Robert P. Owen

In the quiet English village of Bromwich, gamekeeper James must deal with a mysterious beast threatening his hometown. But, when his brother suddenly goes missing, James must put aside his rivalry with the local butcher to stop the beast before it strikes again. T

• Language: English
• Publisher: Robert P. Owen
• Release date: Jun 15, 2022
• ISBN: 9781802275841

Book preview

The

BEAST

of Bromwich

Robert P. Owen

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Copyright © 2022 Robert P. Owen

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or used in any manner without written permission of the copyright owner except for the use of quotations in a book review.

First paperback edition

Book design by Publishing Push

ISBN (paperback):978-1-80227-583-4

ISBN (ebook): 978-1-80227-584-1

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter One

T

he breeze danced gently on the fields of barley. In the village of Bromwich, John and Jacob were tending their crops. August was upon them and it was harvest time. The pair had been toiling with their scythes, cutting the barley and placing it in huge piles ready to load onto the wagon that would be here at the end of the week. It was Tuesday so they had only four days to clear the field which wouldn’t be a problem if the weather held.

John shouted Jacob that it was time for dinner. Jacob nodded and made his way over as John threw a blanket on the ground and opened up the food. Cheese, ham, bread and pickles with a flagon of cider to wash it down with. Suddenly, they heard the sound of a horse approaching quickly; its hooves loud in the summer stillness.

James galloped up to the pair on his steed shouting at the top of his voice. Have you heard? Have you heard?

Heard what, James? said Jacob.

Two of the squire’s sheep have been found torn to shreds. There’s a meeting in the village hall tomorrow at five. Tell everyone you see. And with that, he turned his mount and galloped away.

***

Tom was in the coppice doing his work, chopping back the willow for fencing. He was in high demand as all the smallholders needed his timber to protect their livestock, which were mainly chickens, from predators such as foxes. Tom was a giant of a man standing six feet eight inches tall and loved the fact the villagers depended upon him to protect their animals.

***

John and Jacob had finished for the day and were making their way to the village tavern to quench their parched throats. It was no more than a barn with a bar but was nevertheless welcoming. Tom and James were already there and the brothers got their cider and went to join them.

What’s afoot, James? How many animals have been attacked? asked Jacob.

Not really sure. There’s been at least two attacks with four animals killed. I don’t know if it’s happened in the neighbouring village of Orton but maybe we’ll find out tomorrow at the meeting.

The four of them chatted for another hour or so when James bade them goodnight. I’m off for my tea now. Margaret will have a nice meal sorted. She’s one of a kind but don’t tell her I said so.

Both John and Jacob said goodnight to Tom saying their wives would be wondering where they had got to.

Goodnight, boys, said Tom. I’m having another drink seeing as how I don’t have a wife to go home to.

Chapter Two

E

arly next morning, Tom made his way to the coppice when he heard a strange rustling behind the hedgerow. When he checked, he saw a flash of black and gold. Whatever it was, it had disappeared now.

***

John and Jacob were back in the field harvesting more of the barley; a back breaking job forking it all into huge piles. The sun hung in the sky like a diamond, beating down and tanning their skin.

James was on the riverbank looking for signs of poachers. Being head gamekeeper was a non-stop occupation; looking after the deer, sheep and guarding the river from poachers.

***

The day soon passed and people were making their way to the village hall. Quite a crowd had gathered with nearly everyone in the village being there. Joshua, the village butcher was there with Mary, his wife. James and Joshua had never seen eye to eye as he always thought Joshua had eyes for his wife Margaret and so kept him at arm’s length. Bill and Joyce, the owners of the popular Skett’s Bakery were also there; an elderly couple married for thirty years, blessed with two beautiful daughters. Almost everyone that lived in the village had attended.

Tom walked in and made a beeline for James. They were close brothers and always enjoyed each other’s company. James was the eldest and had always looked after Tom when he was growing up until he towered over James.

Where’s Squire William? asked Tom.

He’ll be here soon, don’t worry.

Just as James said this, the squire entered the hall accompanied by his beautiful wife, Elizabeth. He walked to the front of the hall with a confidence becoming to a man of his standing. Elizabeth sat in the front row to listen to what her husband had to say.

Good evening, everyone, the squire said, And thank you for attending this evening. The only question is does anyone know what has been attacking our livestock?

I might be able to shed some light on the situation, said a voice from the back of the room. I’m a stranger in these parts so none of you know me but I work for Squire Snipe in the village of Orton a few miles away. I’m his gamekeeper.

I’ve seen you down by the river, said James. What do you know about the situation?

I’ll tell you all I know, said the stranger. Squire Snipe is not a particularly good man. He thinks the whole world revolves around him. Several months ago, he arranged to go on safari in India with everyone thinking he was going to try to kill a tiger. Instead, he captured one and brought it home. His plan was to release it on his estate so he could hunt it but the damned beast killed its keeper and escaped. We’ve been looking everywhere for signs of it but with no luck. I think the beast is here in Bromwich.

People began to panic, especially about the children.

Jacob rose to his feet. We need to protect ourselves. We must never go out alone or unarmed. Those people with a gun must carry it with them at all times. Those without a gun must carry a knife or a club. We can’t be caught unawares. This beast is a man eater. Please, stay indoors. Don’t even let your children play in the garden.

Squire William calmed the room down. We must formulate a plan to capture or kill the beast. He thanked everyone for their attendance and asked the men to walk their wives home and then return to the hall. The men agreed and said they would all be back within the hour.

Elizabeth, who had been listening to every word, spoke to her husband. Do we know of anyone who knows anything about such things?

I don’t, my love. I’m hoping one of the men in the village does. I’m pinning my hopes on James.

The men started to drift back into the hall. James was walking in with Tom when he noticed Joshua coming