Triptych

By Rex Doom

THE TROPHY HUNTER:

A couple on a hunting trip find out that they're the prey.

 

LOVE, MAMAW:

A young boy is frightened by his sick grandmother.

 

BELOW:

A man's wife is kidnapped by feral fiends.

 

Three tales. One journey into the dark depths of the human heart.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rex Doom
• Release date: Sep 27, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223026624

Book preview

THE TROPHY HUNTER

They all sit quietly at camp. Jack reaches down and picks up the warm water jug and takes a large drink. He wipes his lips and breathes hard.

His wife sits across from him. Her eyes are red and focused on the ground.

Have some water?

No.

A tear goes down her cheek as she swallows. The warm wind blows through her messy red hair. Jack feels heat behind his ears as he stares at her. He grits his teeth and leans in.

I think you’re overreacting just a tad, Charlotte.

You shut up.

I—

Earl steps into the canvas tent. Neither of them had noticed him approaching. One of Earl’s scouts stands at the entrance of the tent. They speak quietly. Charlotte shoots a cold look at Jack.

I don’t know how you can be so heartless.

I’m not getting into this with you.

Into what?

This same discussion we have been having since God knows when.

Earl steps back in the tent and they shut up. He sits down and lights a cigarette. His eyes go between the two.

So sorry about what happened.

Charlotte looks up at him.

I’m not quite sure what has happened.

Earl opens the tent and watches his crew for a moment and then turns to Charlotte.

A lion, I believe.. or a boar.

A boar?

Yes. Once saw a man completely ripped apart by one. Four hundred pounder.

Jesus...

Take their time. You can see clean, white bone once they’re done.

He looks out at his crew again. They are carrying tarps and throwing them into the back of a truck. Wrapped in the tarps are the half-eaten remains of the newest recruits. One of his men drop a tarp and a mauled torso plops to the ground. The man screams to the others and they help him gather the intestines and get it wrapped and loaded. Earl closes the tent.

What happened today, is tragic, but it is the risk you take on a trip like this.

Jack smirks.