Driftwood after Dark Volume 2 Thinman

By Gene Summy

This story follows Gene, Peggy and Heston hunting a terrible creature named Thin Man. Cole and White Rabbit help them as they avoid being killed and hunt the evil Thin Man after he emerges from a deep underground cave system.
Texas Rangers and Dripping Springs Sheriff Deputies are called in as events spiral out of control. Unfortunately, they will not all make it to the end of the story. Violence is explicit, content that may not be suitable for kids under 16. There are no sexual situations.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gene Summy
• Release date: Oct 22, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005072292

Gene Summy

Gene lives in Driftwood, Texas and is married to Peggy. They have 6 kids and 2 dogs.

Book preview

Gene Summy

Driftwood After Dark

Thin Man

Mrs. Thin Man

© Gene Summy

8/16/2020

Gene Summy

2476 La Ventana Parkway

Driftwood, TX 78619

Story finished on 6/29/22

Smashwords Edition

Thanks to my beautiful wife who always says nice things about my stories.

Thanks to Kevin Ayres for being a great Heston Hand.

This is a work of fiction.

Nobody is real.

Prologue Thinman

Cole Learns to Live with the Indians

Sebastian and Noah

The Boulder Moves

Cole

Trent and White

Deputy Wyatt

Mr. Haggard

Blake is a Numbskull

Awkward Truths

Archie

Noah

Warren

Sebastian

The Hunt

Warren knew the small Ghost was Right

Mrs. Thinman

Earl Sharpe

Locked up

Where is my Husband?

Good Morning

Hot Wire

Linda

Ranger Debra Lace

Here’s Johnny!

Retreat

Heston Help Me!

Mossberg

Thin Man

Prologue

Thin Man waited because patience was his virtue. It was his only virtue. His cruel nature was a peculiarity he was born with. But saying he was born insinuates that he might be human. Nothing could be further from the truth. He came from dark places miles below the earth's surface. He traveled through caves and tunnels that honeycombed up to the earth’s crust. When he arrived on the surface for the 1st time, he discovered he enjoyed cruelty. He especially enjoyed hurting humans.

He consumed humans as food. Food was plentiful for Thin Man. He did not need humans for food. He simply enjoyed hunting them and hurting them. He especially enjoyed consuming their intestines and organ meat. The female mate he left behind enjoyed their heads. She ate them like tiny snacks. His cruelty had nothing to do with the need to feed. His cruelty was entertainment. Selfish entertainment.

He arrived on the surface for the first time in over 175 years. The Indians (whom he hated with an extraordinary passion) rolled a huge boulder over his secret tunnel entrance after his retreat the last time he battled them to a truce. He worked on moving the boulder since his painful retreat from battle. He worked daily digging the dirt around the boulder with his clawlike hands. He was not built well for digging, but dig he did. He made the long trip up to the boulder every day and dug until his claws were too sore to dig anymore. Finally, after many years he was able to get it to move. He rocked the boulder side to side with his natural strength until he rolled it entirely out of the way. Now he would roam the earth's surface at night again, looking for unsuspecting victims to hurt. And worse.

Cole learns to live with the Indians.

Gene was happy his kids were coming for a Thanksgiving visit. They were all over 21 years old, but they would always remain ‘The Kids’. Ashley, Lazer, Brittany, Warren, Blake, Darryl, Sarah and Marcus were due at the Austin Bergstrom International Airport later in the day. He couldn't wait to get them around the kitchen table to tell them the stories about Laconta and his new adventures with Peggy.

There was no chance they would believe him. But he would still enjoy telling the stories. Peggy would be there to verify the stories were true, but they wouldn’t believe her either. There was a time, several years ago, that they might have believed Peggy. But not now. She was just as notorious as Gene for telling a small falsehood in the pursuit of a good story.

Peggy drove to the airport to pick up the kids and left Gene at home to continue preparing the food for a family dinner. They used their propane grill on the back porch to cook steaks, and the family enjoyed the experience. Gene prepared the onions, mushrooms and peppers for grilling in his stainless steel basket.

She hadn’t been gone longer than 10 minutes when Gene’s cell phone rang. It was Heston Hand.

Gene answered his iPhone using the speakerphone so he could continue work on the vegetables.

Hello?

Hey Gene it’s Heston.

Heston, Dude, how have you been?

My family and I are good. Good as can be expected. We all still miss Cole a bunch. Chrissy and Trent still aren't over it. Neither am I, really.

Have you seen his little ghost again?

Nope. Not since the ordeal with the witch. I think he may be gone for good.

I hope we see that kid again. Him and his little Indian girlfriend.

Hey, I just wanted to say ‘howdy’ and we appreciate you folks. We are glad you moved in here.

Hey Heston, it’s me and Peggy grateful for you. Experiencing that Bigfoot Laconta and the evil witch were enough to shake up any family. Makes you question everything we’ve been taught about what is real and what is not.

That's exactly what Chrissy and I have been talking about. I never thought those things existed before. Now I know different. Honestly, we miss Cole. That kid was a special kid. Watching him get killed was –too much.

Heston smiled painfully. He still couldn't talk about Cole or that crazy adventure a couple of months ago when they tracked a Bigfoot that supposedly did not exist. During the hunt, a neighborhood boy named Cole was killed by the Bigfoot that the Indians called Laconta. It was a painful memory for Heston. Stranger still, Cole came back as a small ghost and helped them battle an evil witch. Cole was with a tribe of Comanche Indian ghosts that live in the local forest. It looked like Cole had made a young Indian girlfriend named White Rabbit. After the witch was killed, Cole and his new Indian friends disappeared into the forest together.

My kids are coming in today. They should be here in an hour or so. You should swing by and meet them all. Gene smiled at the phone, hoping to change the painful subject.

Well, if I can I will. If not tonight, tomorrow. OK?

Sure thing Heston.

Bye Gene.

Bye, Heston.

Gene hung up the phone and thought he and Heston were becoming friends, real friends. He realized this was the case because Heston stopped calling him ‘Mr. Gene’ and just Gene.

The loss of Cole was heartbreaking. The young man was ten years old going on thirty. His bravery was unusual and inspiring. Gene wondered how ten year old kid could be as composed under events as violent and dangerous as Cole witnessed.

Gene couldn't shake the thought of looking up in the trees and seeing the four balls of light floating over them after Cole was killed by Laconta. Then the recalled how Cole helped them battle the evil witch Lady Mabel. Cole stood between the witch and Gene for protection. Cole actually protected Gene and Heston. Not many ten year olds could do that.

Peggy and Gene had both grown fond of young Cole. Cole was both timid and brave making him a very special kid. Cole was terrified of Heston but fearless against Laconta as well as the evil witch. Cole was playful enough to play ding dong ditch but honest enough to apologize when he was caught.

Cole was a great kid, and everyone would miss him.

Gene wasn't sure how he would tell this story to his kids.

Soon, Peggy drove up with a vehicle full of their offspring. They hit the house in full force looking for Gene.

Warren was in first in the house and hugged his Dad with a solid bear hug.

Hey Dad, I missed you Warren was always first to hug his Dad.

Well, Big Stud I missed you too Gene smiled and was grateful to see Warren again.

Blake was next, then Darryl, Marcus, Lazer and Ashley. Brit stayed close to her mom. Sarah came in with Peggy and Brittany.

Everyone was glad to be together again. These gatherings where everyone visited happened about once every five years. With their busy adult schedules, it seemed someone was absent during every gathering. So having everyone together in the home was remarkable and wonderful.

Ashley was first to ask about the story she heard from Peggy. So, Dad she looked at him with raised eyebrows.

I understand from Peggy you saw Bigfoot.

Yep, we did. Sounds like you may not have heard about another story. About a witch.

Oh for crying out loud. Ashley shook her head.

Dad, you are so full of crap. Blake stared at his Dad to get a read on him.

Oh, I didn't tell you guys about the witch. I figured one story at a time. Peggy smiled.

So you’re gonna stick with that story? Ashley grinned. She had first listened to her Dad’s stories over 30 years ago when they traveled from San Diego up to Orange County. He told stories of yellow submarines, evil witches and ax murderers. So Ashley knew a ‘Dad Story’ when she heard one.

Well, yeah. I mean it’s true. So why wouldn’t I stick with it?

And a story about a witch? Isn't that going overboard with the imagination?Ashley would enjoy the story even if it was just too much.

Blake was next You’re a big liar and we know it. They are as true as your UFO stories. Blake had been fooled by stories when he was young. He vowed never to be fooled by his Dad’s stories again.

Hey– you’re right they are as true as my UFO stories. My UFO stories are true too. Gene smiled, resulting in the others not being sure what to think. Was he telling stories?

Yeah right, Blake said, Stick with it Dad.

OK– they’re mostly true. Gene smiled. He had been known to embellish a few tales in the past. He simply couldn't resist exaggerating from time to time to chase a good story.

Lazer laughed and said Never let a juicy detail go to waste, even if it isn't true.

See, Lazer gets me. Gene high-fived Lazer.

Darryl and Marcus laughed. They both knew that about half of Gene’s stories were tall tales, but the other half they weren't so sure about.

I believe you Gene, Brittany said and hugged Gene around the waist. You can tell me stories anytime.

Me too Gene! Sara said. Both the girls smiled at him. They were always very nice to Gene, no matter what the others said.

You two girls are getting the best steaks tonight. All the rest of them are getting the fat and gristle.

OK fine then. I can eat gristle. Ashley said and left to go unpack, pretending to have hurt feelings.

Later that night when they had all eaten plenty of steak, they sat on the back patio to talk.

As the darkness progressed into a cool, full-fledged nighttime, they asked about the Bigfoot story.

So, Dad how much of your Bigfoot story is real and how much is made up? Ashley started the interrogation. She couldn't buy the whole story, but she felt like enough of it may be rooted in truth that she was curious and a bit scared. She wanted more details.

Honestly, it is all true. You can ask Peggy.

Peggy? Ashley looked at Peggy for the truth.

Peggy smiled and paused for a moment to consider how to say what she wanted to say.

This time it’s all true. And you haven't heard but half of it. Peggy appeared to be serious.

What's the other half? Blake asked next. He trusted Peggy many times more than his Dad with this story. His curiosity was getting the better of him.

Did your Dad tell you about Cole and the Indian girls? Peggy asked.

No. What Indian girls? Ashley looked like she was ready to call BS again.

Tell them, Gene. Peggy looked at Gene to fill them in.

Why? They will just ridicule me. Gene acted hurt.

A long silence followed.

C’mon, Dad tell us, Warren said.

I don't think you deserve to hear this one.

OK, somebody is full of crap, Blake said.

C’mon, Dad tell us! Ashley resigned herself to wanting to hear the story, no matter how fictitious it was.

You may as well Gene-o, you know you want to. Marcus chimed in.

Who votes for hearing the story? Darryl raised his hand.

Everyone else raised their hands.

Gene smiled. He had them now, he thought to himself.

Ok here goes, but don't throw stuff at me if you can’t believe it.

No promises. Go for it. Ashley looked at him with a suspicious glare.

Well, during the hunt for Bigfoot, we had a young neighborhood kid killed by the Bigfoot. His name was Cole. Cole came back as a ghost with two Indian girls we met in the forest.

Indian girls? Ashley was very curious now. It sounded like her Dad may be serious.

Yeah, and they were– well– they were ghosts, Gene said, looking back at all the kids who were staring at him without blinking.

Cole and the Indian girls were ghosts?

Yep. And you haven’t even heard about the evil witch yet.

Ok, here we go! Marcus smiled and leaned forward. He loved a good story. He didn't care if they were true or not. He was simply along for the ride.

Seriously, Gene continued, this happened. Peggy should tell you about it. She can tell it better than me. The witch had her by the throat and almost killed her.

Everyone looked at Peggy.

Peggy hated it when everyone looked at her. She didn't want to be the center of attention.

Ok, well, yes he is right. That all happened. The little ghosts can shift from looking like little young girls to looking like small balls of light. Sort of like softballs, or volleyballs, made of light. And they can float. Peggy tried her best to tell the story without looking like she was anything less than serious.

The kids looked at Peggy in silence. They knew if they waited long enough she would crack and start laughing if she was lying. Lying was not Peggy’s strong suit. But Peggy didn't crack. She stared back at the kids.

What about the witch? Blake asked. He knew this would make her crack.

The witch was evil. I hated her more than the Bigfoot. She ate kids and killed old people.

"So, you’re not serious right?" Ashley looked at Peggy for the truth.

This is a story right Peggy? Blake wanted the truth also.

Nope this is real, but I don't blame you for not believing me. I probably wouldn’t believe me if I was you. Peggy said matter of factly.

I believe you mom, Brittany said.

Thanks darlin’ Peggy hugged Brittany tight around the shoulders.

Look, it's getting late for me and I love you all but I’m going to bed. Peggy said. She didn't want to talk anymore about the adventure. Eventually, it would lead to Cole, and she could not talk about losing Cole. It still hurt too much.

The kids looked at each other. They wanted more of the story. But they didn't want to let on that they were starting to believe it.

I’ll go with you, Gene said. You kids stay up as long as you like. There is beer in the refrigerator outside and wine in the kitchen.

A chorus of ‘Dad!’ and ‘Gene!’ rung out from the group wanting more. That's when Gene knew he had them.

Whoa whoa wait, Marcus said The good stuff is just starting. You gotta finish the story.

Agree! Darryl and Sara said together. We want more story!

Ahhh, you guys stay up and have a drink on me. We can tell the story tomorrow Gene smiled. Always leave them wanting more was his strategy with stories.

Gene and Peggy left the kids on the back porch. It was a cool, but not cold evening. The group continued to sit on the porch and compared notes about the stories they heard from Gene and Peggy.

Blake started the poll OK what do you guys think? Is it true or not?

Lazer was first to say he believed them. The truth was that Lazer was an extraordinary human being. He had unique talents and abilities that would allow him to know if others were telling the truth or not. Everything Lazer knew indicated Gene and Peggy were telling the truth.

Lazer believing them led the others to begrudgingly believe them. Or at least not disbelieve them as much.

Wait, if this is true, Blake said, then we are saying ghosts and witches are real? And Bigfoot is real? Do we want to admit we believe that? Blakes's skeptical nature came as naturally to him as Warren’s trustworthy nature did to him.

I do. I believe him and especially Peggy. Sara said

Me too, Brittany said.

I guess I believe it, Ashley said. Sort of…

I’m in, Marcus said

Me too, Darryl agreed.

I always believed him, Warren said.

You believe still believe in Santa Claus. Blake chuckled at his older brother's wide-eyed nature.

So you don't believe him? Warren asked his brother.

Nope. He has pulled the wool over all of us too many times. When he finally admits to it, Dad is gonna laugh his head off. Blake believed the story a little more than he let on. But in case his Dad was pulling their legs, he wanted the ‘I told you so’ position to be his and his alone.

We will see, Ashley said. She almost agreed with Blake. But she knew her husband Lazer believed her Dad, and since Lazer believed his story, she reluctantly did too. Almost.

Sebastian and Noah

Sebastian and Noah were new to the neighborhood. They were Driftwood’s first gay couple. Both men were 32 years old and hailed from San Francisco. But like so many of their California friends, they were sick of California politics and taxes.

Sebastian and Noah were tired of watching their friends die. They had both lost dear friends to heroin and fentanyl abuse. The city of San Francisco seemed to turn a blind eye to the widespread use of these drugs. People were shooting up on the streets in broad daylight, and the police would literally walk right by them without a second look. So they searched for a nice place to live and landed in Driftwood, Texas. Their real estate agent recommended it to them due to the rural feel and safety in general. Driftwood had a good Sheriff presence (thanks to the nearby town of Dripping Springs) and very low crime. This area was perfect for them, they agreed.

Now honestly, this was a brave move for the two men. Driftwood, population 750 or so, did not have any gay people, at least any that anyone knew about. But, Sebastian and Noah were determined to make a go of it. They truly believed that if they treated everyone with kindness, they would be accepted into the community.

So, Noah you want to take a walk tonight? Sebastian loved going for walks after dinner. It helped them keep in shape as well as getting them out of the house.

Sure, it’s beautiful out, nice and cool. A nice long walk would feel great.

Let's go, Sebastian said.

Maybe we will see a cowboy! Noah smiled.

Don't get excited you freak, this isn't a zoo. Remember the visitors to San Francisco that wanted to spot a gay guy? You hated them. Sebastian glared at Noah.

You take all the fun away.

Just get your tennis shoes on.

They put on light jackets and headed north up La Ventana Parkway. They admired the colossal oaks that hung over the road, just high enough to miss the cars. The massive old hanging trees appeared as looming giants in the inky dark.

The neighborhood was the nicest in the area. They actually had an electric gate that limited access to the neighborhood. When it worked. The truth was it didn't limit much at all since it was broken frequently and unmanned. But it provided some security, and it made the residents of the 130 home community feel better. The streets were wide and nicely paved with asphalt. There were no sidewalks, so walking was done on the road. Since the traffic was light, it felt safe and enjoyable. Some of the homes were huge and beautiful. Others were nice and normal sized. Some houses were single-story while others were two-story. Many had stand-alone garages with carports, while others had three car garages with typical garage doors that rolled up and down. Some of the larger homes had circular driveways that allowed for drop off at the front door of the home. Most of the residents were either very well of financially or just plain old well off. Every home had a nice group of large oak trees on their property as well as large cedars. This was clearly a wooded area. It felt like (and probably was) a forest had been partially cleared to make room for the neighborhood. It was a nice mix of upper middle class and upper class families. The neighborhood was populated with life-long Texans as well as transplants from liberal states like California.

Soon they were in front of the Summy house, and they could hear young people laughing. The lights were on and music could be heard through the open windows. The home was about 40 yards away from the road with a river rock covered front yard that had stone walkways cut through the river rocks leading to the front door. Eight large, old oak trees were in the yard, creating a lovely shaded sitting area with a circular shaped teak bench in the middle. To the right of the entry was a stone patio surrounded by a stainless steel contemporary fence. On the patio was teak furniture with colorful pillows and a beautiful large umbrella. Both the men admired the style of the landscaping efforts. It was a bit different from the rest of the neighborhood.

Sounds like a party up there.

Yes, it does. Sebastian agreed, and I like their style.

We should ask who designed their front yard, Noah said

Maybe tomorrow we can introduce ourselves. Isn’t that what they do here in Texas? Bring over a cobbler or a pumpkin or something?Sebastian looked at Noah, genuinely curious.

A pumpkin? Really? You are such a strange man. They bring pies, you weirdo. They bring pies over to each other.

Really? And don't call me a weirdo. Sebastian paused a moment. Queerdo is ok. Sebastian smiled at his remark that only gay people can say to each other. He was proud of himself.

They bring pies and fruit baskets to each other. You can bring a pumpkin.

Well, a fruit basket is a bit rich coming from us.

Yeah, let's stick with a pie. We can buy one at the HEB tomorrow. Noah thought he had a great idea.

"Buy one? You are not a true gay man. Listen mister, we are going to make one. Let's go buy peaches, or apples or mincemeat. We’ll just get whatever Texans put in pies for each other and a pie crust. We will make it tomorrow morning and bring it over tomorrow afternoon."

By the way, what the heck is a mincemeat?

I have no earthly idea. The meat of a mince– I guess.

That's not a thing.

Like you know.

Let's just go to HEB and ask one of those nice stock boys."Noah liked that idea.

Sebastian looked at Noah suspiciously. You just want to talk to the stock boy.

Don't worry. You are my only stock boy.

Fine.

We will make the pie? We have never made a pie.

Yes, that’s right. And you are going to help me. Sebastian was adamant they would make a pie and become real Texans.

Ok fine, Noah said.

Ok fine. Sebastian parroted.

As the two men walked down the dark street in the cool air, the stars were out in full force. The night was exceptionally clear making the stars very bright. Bright enough that even though there were no street lights, and the moon was not out, the two men were visible by the starlight. They held hands and walked along slowly, looking at all the homes. When car lights came around the bend they released their hands, not wanting to be completely obvious with public displays of affection.

Noah and Sebastian were very happy and well adjusted young men. Sebastian inherited a few million dollars when his Dad died a few years ago, so working was not something they had to do. They bought one of the larger homes in the neighborhood for cash three weeks ago and were starting to get to know the neighborhood. They had plenty of time to do whatever they wanted. The only issue was that they didn't know yet what they wanted. So for now, they were content with walking through the neighborhood at night and enjoying the stars.

The Boulder Moves

Deep in the forest, not far from where Cole died two months ago, a large boulder moved. The boulder had been in the same place for 175 years. It was placed there by the Comanche Indians. They placed it there to defend against the creature the Comanche knew lived under it. They had battled it to a standstill many years ago. The creature retreated into the dark tunnel to avoid being defeated. While he recuperated the Indians moved the large boulder in place to prevent him from returning.

Under the boulder was a very deep cavern and tunnel system. The tunnels may have been naturally occurring, or they may have been created by the unnatural beings that live under the Earth’s surface. The caverns run deep under the earth. They run many miles straight down. Down to a part of the earth that no man had ever dreamed could exist. The temperature increased to well over 140F at eight miles deep. No human could survive here. However, some life forms did exist. These life forms were very evil creatures. It is unknown if all the life forms from this deep cavern system were as evil and cruel as the one that started moving the massive boulder on that cool Texas night. But the evil that moved the boulder that evening was driven by a lust for killing. It had been too long. It had been patient, but its patience was wearing thin.

Thin Man was ready to inflict pain.

Cole

Cole was finally getting used to being dead. It was hard to accept at first. But the ability to fly through the treetops made it almost worthwhile. The truth was he always wanted to fly, and now he could. White and Trent would be envious if they only knew Cole could fly. White and Trent didn't even know Cole was still around. They thought he was gone for good. Mr. Hand and the Summy’s knew he was there. He had helped them with the evil witch Lady Mabel. Cole knew though, that Hr. Hand didn't tell Trent and White about seeing him. He didn't know how. Cole didn't blame him. He wouldn't know how to either.

Cole didn't know why he was still around. For some reason, despite being dead, he was still in the neighborhood flying around. He spent most of his time in the trees or floating through the forest. He took on a protective attitude toward the La Ventana neighborhood.

Cole was determined to make the most of it. White Rabbit was his new best friend, and she made his time easier to pass. He enjoyed her very much. Her father and the Braves that guarded her still scared him quite a bit—especially her father, Two Dogs. Two Dogs was the Chief of the tribe and frankly a scary guy. So Cole just avoided him. White Rabbit was surprised at how fast Cole learned to turn into a ball of light and fly around.

Many of the Braves still hadn’t developed this ability. Two Dogs could barely do it, and he couldn't keep up with Cole. Cole was the best at flight, better than all the Indians he had met including White Rabbit and Crazy Crow. The Braves that knew about Cole’s ability to fly were not happy about his. They jealously felt they should be the ones to soar like eagles, not the little white man.

Crazy Crow had been killed, or obliterated, by the evil witch Lady Mabel. So, Cole was helping White Rabbit get over her death.

White Rabbit was thrilled with Cole’s ability to fly. Cole was special and she knew it. Cole could do things nobody else could, despite his ‘Rookie’ status at being dead. Cole could easily pass through any object like doors and walls. He could fly higher and faster than any of the Braves could. He father still couldn't fly. He could float through the forest as well as transport himself with a mere desire to be transported. So far, Chief Two Dogs was the only ghost she knew capable of transporting himself to other places immediately. She wondered if Cole would be able to develop this ability.

She liked Cole very much. In fact, she was aware that she had a serious crush on him. She had no idea what to do about it except be nice and stay close to him. She was an old soul, but her life experiences were very narrow. By appearances she was 10, but inside she was close to 200 years old.

Her father and the Braves disliked Cole intensely at first. He was a white boy, and that very fact alone was enough for them to consider killing him. Then he showed his bravery. Bravery was a commodity in high demand with warriors like Two Dogs and the Braves. Cole's last moment of his physical life was an astonishing act of bravery. He screamed for Heston despite knowing the creature Laconta would discover his hiding place and kill him. This brave act resulted in Cole joining White Rabbit and her tribe in the trees.

Next, he battled the evil witch Lady Mabel.