All Men

By CL Neville

All Men takes readers on a thrilling journey through the challenges faced by Mr. Alex Tremont, a Congregational minister who has recently transferred from the Midwest to a small New England community. In this new community, Alex soon discovers that perceiving the enemy is no longer a simple task. He is faced with a litany of problems, including investigating the sighting of a mysterious ‘monster’ that he cannot comprehend, and his church being designated a ‘sanctuary’ status.

As he navigates through these problems, Alex finds himself increasingly drawn to a young lady who is the driving force behind the sanctuary movement. However, opposing her could lead to dire consequences. And as if that wasn’t enough, the ‘monster’ that Alex has been investigating becomes the prime suspect in the gruesome murder of his predecessor, a murder that resembles a terrorist attack common in the Middle East.

Despite being only 28 years old, Alex is expected to earn his stripes and overcome these challenges. But as he faces the trials and tribulations of his new community, he realizes that not all men are equipped to handle the weight of the world on their shoulders.

All Men is a gripping tale of mystery, love, and self-discovery that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
• Release date: Oct 13, 2023
• ISBN: 9781685621513

CL Neville

CL Neville was born in Boise, Idaho and currently resides in New England. His favorite hobbies are leisurely walks and watching sports on TV.

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About the Author

CL Neville was born in Boise, Idaho and currently resides in New England. His favorite hobbies are leisurely walks and watching sports on TV.

Copyright Information ©

CL Neville 2023

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher.

Any person who commits any unauthorized act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Ordering Information

Quantity sales: Special discounts are available on quantity purchases by corporations, associations, and others. For details, contact the publisher at the address below.

Publisher’s Cataloging-in-Publication data

Neville, CL

All Men

ISBN 9781685621506 (Paperback)

ISBN 9781685621513 (ePub e-book)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023906374

www.austinmacauley.com/us

First Published 2023

Austin Macauley Publishers LLC

40 Wall Street, 33rd Floor, Suite 3302

New York, NY 10005

USA

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Chapter 1

Not even normal Oakwell could have illustrated a more perfect New England evening and thus Rev. Alex Tremont would waste no time in attempting to ensconce himself in the company of these wonderful churchgoers who obviously were waiting to be entertained by a forum or symposium of some sorts.

Already, a wall stage had been erected at the rear of this congregational church; a church sporting an Eli tarry manufactured clock while on the stage were to be observed four individuals, three males or three locals and one stranger and a lady. While at the bottom of the stage and to his right stood two other males, neither seeming the most happiest or contented.

He could have introduced himself properly. But in a mood of mischief, he’d intended to portray himself as a Mr. Harrison and thus had placed himself amongst these audience of gentle folk and begun to enjoy the ongoing performance. His adjoining neighbors would also introduce themselves as the Tolbert’s. Mr. and Mrs. Tolbert and indeed what a lovely couple, both in their sixties, much like his own mom and dad.

Maybe we ought to be all aware that the offer of sanctuary to Mr. Lopez; many of us voted against it, especially one of our own, detective Eiden. A man, many of us have known for nearly all of our lives, spoke out against it but maybe we were simply following the tide.

His neighborly companion, Mrs. Tolbert began.

She’s a local girl or was, she continued, She was born here, attended our local schools until she decided to go away to college, to one of those Boston schools. We all tried to talk her into going to one of our schools, maybe first to Guilford community and then maybe to New Hampshire but she wouldn’t have none of it. I guess a lot of kids like her wanted to see the world beyond Guilford. We tried to warn her that what is beyond Guilford isn’t always pretty.

Naturally, he had to exhibit a degree of interest; though it was the performers on stage who continued to draw his interest.

Also, Governor Russell was a local boy too, one beamed. Once in a while, he used to visit Guilford congregational but now not as often as he upsed to, she continued. He found himself gaining confidence in the decision and including the ongoing charade.

But sad to say, Mr. Harrison, you’ll never become acquainted with Mr. Lopez, the South American gentleman granted sanctuary by the Guilford, especially at the behest of Miss Perringer but you see, one of the conditions of this sanctuary is that he cannot depart the church building. Mrs. Tolbert also explained.

And why not, Mrs. Tolbert? he asked, if only to prove his Communion.

Mr. Harrison, don’t you see those two men standing at the base of the stage; one is detective Eiden and the other is Ice agent Mr. Brisken but to make a long story short, if Mr. Lopez should escape the church grounds, the detective has pledged to immediately arrest him and turn him over to the Ice agent, declared Mrs. Tolbert.

While as expected, the government had yet to finish with the microphone, Many of you are aware of some of the facts concerning my biography but what a lot of you might not be aware, my father came under the wire illegally.

Was this short, almost pudgy gentleman relating the truth? Though regardless, this confession had to be very emotional and traumatic for this official, the fact that his father had not been a Bonafide American emerged originally but had come under the wire illegally.

According to Mr. Lopez, his family remains in Salvador and if he were to even return there, he’d surely be oppressed and maybe tortured and maybe even jailed. also updated Mrs. Tolbert, while obviously awaiting his own conclusions and though he remained amongst strangers, he had to be reluctant to provide those opinions as yet. That is what Miss Perringer told us. Added Mrs. Tolbert.

Obviously, her opinion was not unanimous but out of community accord, the majority decided to support her, especially since she grew up here. Added Mr. Tolbert.

Senator Bertrand and Governor Russell, this is Mr. Greene, Damon, interceded the apparent moderator who was tastefully dressed in striped black pants and while the young African American, Mr. Greene wore a green dress but no overcoat or jacket. He was also sporting about a week’s worth of facial hair while his braided hair was worn in a ponytail.

As many of you know, I met Damon while at college and we’ve been friends ever since. Laura, Miss Perringer continued.

I guess it’s time for me to add my own two cents worth and as expected, I wholeheartedly support this current movement of sanctuary since who else to better sympathize with this concept than yourself by contemporary standards, I must be regarded as a free man but I am really free or in other words, am I still suffering from the pangs of slavery? There are many who would say, look how long ago I and my fellowmen were freed but according to many of us, those chains, though invisible, still exist, declared Damon.

The applause from all about, though with two notable exceptions. Though naturally and to a certain extent, his inclination was to disregard the words from this young, while for whatever reason, in a sense he could not.

I’m not saying, I’m blaming you for this current state of affairs but what I am saying is that it does exist, that I am not the whole man I thought to be, that I cannot be the father I’d like to be to my children and not due to my own fault. I’m sure this is something many of you cannot comprehend. After all, you look at me and you see a successful college-educated man, a man with a degree but yet, a man who at times finds it almost impossible to relate to his own children or at least as he should and like so many of you relate to your own children, declared Mr. Green.

But which had to be intercepted to mean what? Thus naturally, he had to be unsure what to think of this young man and admittedly was the measure of success. Admittedly, a college degree, smartly dressed in dress pants and a green dress shirt and tie.

Or in other words folks, it isn’t that I do not want to be a good father, simply that I find it impossible to communicate with my boys with the issues of the day, declared Mr. Greene. I did not know my father; I never, in fact, met my father and therefore, I never experienced the pleasure of establishing a true relationship with him. I never got to experience that true son bond and which, according to many, is the foundation for a successful society, Mr. Greene had continued.

But which had to mean what or in other words, was he bored? And though in a way, he had to wish that this young man had chosen another topic to stimulate this outdoor audience or at least a hundred and all sitting contentedly in their folding metal chairs. While there definitely was something very disturbing and very discomforting about that topic of Father–Son relationship.

So Mr. Harrison, are you one of us, a hunter or not? Inquired Mr. Tolbert.

Whereupon, it was time for a quick decision, whether to end the charade and identify himself as the new minister of this, the Guilford congregational church and following the abrupt departure of his predecessor, one Reverend Pierce, a man who’d served for what he understood over thirty years.

Chapter 2

But then, Monday morning arrived and had it not been for the abrupt departure of his predecessor, Rev. Pierce; an extra week might have been allotted for his probation but under the circumstances, he was needed.

According to his schedule, a Mr. Chandler was supposed to be his first petitioner.

Rev. Tremont, my wife and I have been married for over forty years but now she’s decided to leave me, said the complainant, Mr. Chandler, a man of great proportions, much like an NFL lineman. Thus, great reflection would be attempted but even before that reflection could be finalized, a hubbub of sorts would be heard occurring outside his rectory door and a noise, which obviously would attract both their attentions.

Rev. Harrison, began this lady and while proceeding down the other side of Derry St. was a pickup at an unusually high rate of speed. Accompanying Mrs. Tolbert was Mr. Tolbert and seeming almost as apprehensive as Mrs. Tolbert. He’d also, of course, previously informed all that he was Rev. Tremont and not Harrison but this apparently was not the time for splitting hairs.

Rev. please, let’s go inside, I’m scared. I’ve never been so scared in my life. Pleaded this matronly lady, whose eyes were as red as never before. And thus, according to this lady not only was she scared but she also looked it and moreover was in fact, trembling. Was it possible that the medium-sized Mr. Tolbert had resorted to violence or was in possession of a weapon?

The thought would occur to both men and though for whatever reason, the door could not be bolted and maybe, due to the presence of the Herculean Mr. Chandler but now Mr. Tolbert would be seated but not for long and within moments of sitting and despite the presence of those stalwart males, she’d arisen and walked over to the window and from which, she’d excitedly began a surveillance of the neighborhood. Within moments, both men found themselves becoming similarly infected and becoming almost as scared as Mrs. Tolbert.

Mr. Tolbert, what is the matter? He finally inquired but words which would be almost wholly ignored by Mr. Tolbert and instead this lady would now take hold of his hands and while continuing to do so declare:

Reverend, you’ve got to come with us. You’ve got to see for yourself. Luckily, he had but one more individual scheduled for this day and then not until one o’clock.

As might be expected, Mr. Chandler would not loiter behind but would join in the procession and if only to become better acquainted with the sighting, a Canadian emerge had witnessed. Also, from her behavior it had to be apparent that this encounter had not been a most pleasant one but had been one which had caused this lady a great deal of distress and a thought which had to now weigh heavily upon his heart.

Also, according to their initial contact, they were small farmers and providers of live chickens and fresh eggs. And in addition, both seemed to be honest, God-fearing people but obviously something had distressed Mrs. Tolbert and true to a certain extent that he had to be confident that soon all will be well. Normally, this drive from Guilford to Mrs. Tolbert’s farms would take about twenty minutes and depending on the traffic, which at this time of day had to be sparse.

But already their entourage was beginning to attract attention, with alert neighbor along Main St. waving and attempting to attract their attention. Under normal conditions, he’d have loitered to engage in a neighborly conversation, if not to say hello, then to wonder about any new additions to the family.

Guilford community and maybe they could be culprits. Mr. Tolbert would suddenly exclaim, though most alarmingly Mrs. Tolbert had yet to enlighten him for the cause of her distress and though on so many occasions, he’d gently tried to visually coax the results from her, nor would Mr. Tolbert it seemed was any better prepared.

In this day and age, this shouldn’t be happening not in this day and age. Mr. Tolbert had remonstrated and thus obviously his audience, he and Mr. Chandler specifically, what had caused Mrs. Tolbert such distress but on each occasion, she’d simply defy his entreaties and instead, supply an invention of her own.

It’s the devil, I tell you! That’s what that monster was, with those weird eyes; what else could it be; Terry, didn’t I tell you this was going to happen! The signs are everywhere, you can see this sign, from politics fashion, our people just don’t listen. All they care about is their selfishness and therefore, God is ready for his Retribution.

Tribulation! If before the interest had been lukewarm to the concerns of Mrs. Tolbert, after hearing that reproachful word, retribution, his ears would become completely alert. And more ever, wasn’t he becoming aware to another side of this lady’s personality. And though as he continued to observe this buxom lady, he could not be totally surprised.

Since to a certain extent, she had reminded him of his own mother, a lady of similar build and though not as emotional as Mrs. Tolbert, had also mentioned the master of evil incarnate and thus, as he peered behind, he had to be further buoyed by the continued presence of Mr. Chandler, who was trailing behind in his Chevy suburban.

Obviously, if Mrs. Tolbert’s observation was practically correct, that the master of evil might be involved, then Mr. Chandler’s stalwart powers would be no match but still his presence had to be most comforting. Also, Mr. Tolbert himself was a hunter and everywhere, guns were mounted on the passing pick-ups.

Also interspersed would be other small farms and while abridging each would be those dense woods and not so distant mountain, including the grand master Mount Washington. May be one day, Laura, Miss Perringer would consent to accompany him on a short hike and since he definitely did not want to venture too far within, considering his scant knowledge of the local terrain.

He also was not an avid hiker and therefore, neither did he want to get lost or to give Miss Perringer the impression that he was a neophyte that he did not know how to take care of himself and thus, her. And thus, maybe upon his arrival and after all or some of the emotional uproar had been settled, he could tender a similar question to Mr. Tolbert, though at the moment he refused to speak or remove his eyes from the road.

And then as they neared their apparent destination, the intensity could be felt being amped. First, Mrs. Tolbert’s heart could be felt beating faster and then, Mr. Tolbert. Both would become more poignant. According to Mr. Tolbert, much of the blame had to lay at the feet of that fiendish creature out, still he could not exclude his own hands and thoughts. Mrs. Tolbert would also decide to squeeze his hands a lot harder, though her husband also continued to sit beside her.

Mrs. Tolbert, I’m still here. I’m not going anywhere, he tried to assure her, while attempting to ward off thoughts of failure that he might be able to overcome that fiend. But then, according to a small weather-eaten wooden sign hung with small rusting chains, this was the Tolbert’s farm, where live chickens and fresh eggs could be obtained.

At least Harry is still here, uttered Mr. Tolbert wearily as he now exited the vehicle to open the mangled gate and then closed it after the vehicle had entered. As he looked about, he found himself being addressed by new surprises, a chicken coop with chickens fluttering about and also a mangy horse, white with black spots, which had apparently experienced better days.

And then, even before the SUV had come to a halt, Mrs. Tolbert would return to her histrionic self; at first, she could hardly wait for him to exit the SUV as she almost pushed him out of the way and while also unleashing a mixture of anxiety, as if afraid to go forth or maybe indeed return to the comfort and safety of her farm.

Mr. Chandler had also failed to desert them and thus his presence would provide that extra ounce of security, if necessary. Apparently, Mrs. Tolbert’s initial destination had to be the chicken coop but embarking on the steps, she’d suddenly come to a halt and as would Mr. Tolbert and thus, leaving both him and Mr. Chandler in dire confusion, unknowing what to do or think, except to await further instructions.

Also strangely, all about was quiet and silence. That’s a little sound from the coop and that hag, Harry, though overhead, high above could be observed that ever-present Hawks.

Rev. That’s where I saw it. Mrs. Tolbert finally declared to break the silence and pointing to the front of the chicken coop, while standing but a few feet from her own front door. As might be expected, both men had to be most astounded by the announcement. According to Mrs. Tolbert, she’d witnessed a creature, this thing, though no accompanying description had yet followed.

That is, what she had also observed was a ghost, an apparition. Thus, both men had to continue in a state of suspense. That is what Mrs. Tolbert had really observed and which apparently had caused such anxiety, such distress. Obviously, it had to be an unusual manifestation and since no ordinary ghost could have caused such distress, it would also be Mr. Chandler who’d supply a partial resolve.

Mrs. Tolbert, what did you see, a ghost? asked Mr. Chandler with a discoloration of his features, though it would not take long for Mrs. Tolbert to confirm that this had been no ordinary ghost or apparition.

Terry, let them know this was no ghost. I’ve heard of ghosts and though I can say this was no ghost. Tell him about that evil thing. Tell them about its eyes, those bloodshot eyes. Rev. you’ve never seen eyes like those; those were not the eyes of some earthly creature. Right Reverend, those were the eyes of some creature that had to live deep down in the bowels of the earth and maybe only surfaced when ordered to do so by its Evil master. But definitely, it was not something from the human race. Go ahead and tell them Terry, you saw it yourself, urged Mrs. Tolbert, whereupon of course, Mr. Tolbert would not deny the exhortation.

What time was this? Interceded Mr. Chandler somberly and since he himself was still suffering from the premature departure of Mrs. Chandler. I mean, what time did all of this happen, when this thing was seen? asked Mr. Chandler and simultaneously, his vision would be side-tracked to the antics of two other farm animals and moreover, what an unlikely pair; the old white nag and a goat.

At the moment, the nag would, believe it or not, nuzzle the goat and then quickly scamper like a mischievous child but then as quickly return to repeat the process, all the while unaware of the trauma recently suffered by his master and mistress.

"Just about daybreak, Champ in fact was just about to start his crowing, which around here means it’s time to get stirring but that’s when I heard what had to be interpreted as a screaming and like one I’d never heard before in my life. If it wasn’t for the fact that I was just getting up, I’d run for my Ithaca pump action but since I’d yet to get my bearings, it took me awhile to realize it was my baby screaming and that if I was any Court of man, I wouldn’t let anything happen to her.

But as I said, the fog was everywhere, else normally around here, a welcome sign. I mean, there’s always something so stirring about the fog. Maybe it brings out the children in all of us but also that’s when I saw that blur disappearing into the woods and thought without a doubt, not the star and master of the occasion, without a doubt had to be." Despite their best scrutinization of the whole area, not a sign of any intruder could be spotted, still Mrs. Tolbert appeared alarmed.

It’s got to be in Canada by now; I really don’t think even Mario Andretti, at zero to sixty in three seconds flat could have caught that thing. That’s the type of speed that it had.

Definitely, he wanted to console Mrs. Tolbert, to let her know she was not alone and since after all, wasn’t that his mission, to help console this woman, to help reassure her, to let her realize that no matter the pain, no matter the threats, she could count upon his continued and unending support. Also as previously stated, Mr. Chandler was a man of great proportions, similar to one of those hulking males one man be privileged to admire on Sunday evenings during the football season.

But not even the sight and presence of this hulking giant could seem to help allay her fears and obviously, there had to be the suspicion that she’d visited or been visited by a creature of extra-human dimensions. Though did such objects really exist? Thus, for the moment he definitely preferred to concentrate his thoughts elsewhere.

So, Mr. Tolbert, you really did not get a good view of that creature that had so scared Mrs. Tolbert? He finally, though reluctantly decided to tender to Mr. Tolbert, since there also had to be the incipient thoughts that this scenario was not meant for him but for either Mr. Eiden or Brisken, both of whom Mrs. Tolbert had previously referred to and both of whom were far more trained in these matters.

Reverend, as I said before the answer to your question is yes and no. Yes, I saw this creature running away like a frisky colt. Again, it was like seeing Mario Andretti at the start of the Indy 500 but eventually disappearing into the woods. And again, at first, I had to be confounded. I didn’t know what to make of it. I really was stunned. I didn’t know what to do, how to react. I admit I froze. Quite obviously, I didn’t know what I was looking at, if I was looking at man or beast, related Mr. Tolbert.

It was no ordinary human form, reiterated Mrs. Tolbert. It definitely was not from this world.

And then as I said, all I could do was watch it disappear into the woods, which is where I have to guess it’s at the moment. Though from the speed of that thing, my guess is that by now it could be in Tennessee or Georgia, And from what we understand, these woods go all the way down there, further enlightened Mr. Tolbert and he’d decided to initiate the most feasible solution, though again reservation had begun creeping within.

Rev. you cannot leave us; you’re the one capable of saving us, implored Mrs. Tolbert, in fact attempting to prevent him from making the call by seizing his hand and though under the circumstances, what else could he do.

Ok Reverend, I’ll be out there pronto, consented the detective after the call had been undertaken.

Reverend, what are we going to do? Further implored Mrs. Tolbert, while all continued to await the arrival of the detective. And thus might be expected, he wanted this man to arrive as quickly as possible. So far since his arrival in Milford, matters had proceeded most smoothly, whether concerning Mr. Lopez, or Laura, Miss Perringer and now this.

Did there exist a connection and indeed it would not take the failed to perceive and in fact from the issuance of the call until that gentlemen’s arrival, so tense would be all that there hardly be a movement, including Mr. Chandler. Then unbelievably upon the arrival of the law enforcing authorities, Mrs. Tolbert would still be clinging unto his arms and though hopefully this law enforcement authority would help to provide some further relief and model of protection.

Mr. Tolbert would also proceed to open the gate and also close it, if only to prevent the exodus of not only Harry, their many black spotted nag but also his sometimes companion, Mat, a goat. Though more importantly, this detective would waste no time answering the summons. Also, on this occasion as on many subsequent ones, he’d be accompanied by an Ice agent, a Mr. Brisken.

A quick impression had been that the taller Mr. Eiden and the chunkier Mr. Brisken had been tainted by their association with baser elements of society over the years. Also, from the evening both men had maintained a vigil at the base of the stage and though he’d been introduced to neither, nor had Mr. Lopez attempted an escape, which either might have been hoping for. Now though it would be time for the Tolbert’s to help further enlighten the situation, to help explain the reasons for the summons.

Interesting! So you saw this creature running away, after you scare him away from stalking your chicken coop and now suddenly you’re beginning to see how human nature can be, right Reverend, declared the detective, which somewhat startled him. Or maybe we ought to leave the Reverend out of this since he can’t be here when all of you people decided to forego your senses and gave this bum, what you call sanctuary and now after all that cattle and horses have escaped, you decide you want to close the gate but if it’s too late, warmed the detective.

Detective Eiden, not all of us voted to give Mr. Lopez sanctuary. Let’s not forget some of us were opposed and though not as passionately as those who were for it, lamented Mr. Tolbert. There existed none who were passionately against this sanctuary cause; he had to remind himself mentally.

Excuses, Mr. Tolbert and since it’s the results that count, which means he’s still alive and living well at the Guilford congregation and at our expense, retorted the detective. Those, of course, were not the words he’d have loved to hear but preferably words of harmony, words of sympathy or praise and especially considering the case of Mrs. Tolbert. But then soon, the detective would attempt to become a little more professional.

But anyway, where was this out of this world creature when you first spotted it and exactly what was it doing? asked the detective and which he had to think might be the ideal solace for Mrs. Tolbert, who now could afford to unburden her mind.

It was over there, standing in front of the chicken coop, she explained.

And doing what else? he asked.

Just staring at the chickens, explained Mrs. Tolbert.

And maybe trying to decide which one to nab. Maybe hadn’t eaten in a while and he wanted a young, fresh chicken to fry up, observed the detective, who was about the same height as Mr. Chandler, though less bulky.

The Ice agent Eriksen would continue to scrutinize the whole area, maybe hoping luck would be on his way. It would be then that the detective would decide to temporarily abandon his primary concern and instead saunter over to begin petting the primarily white nag.

Boy, it’s been awhile since I’ve been on one of these, he admitted.

Not me; when I was down in New Mexico, I had to be on one almost every day. admitted the Ice agent Brisken.

Professionally? Inquired the detective.

Professionally and sometimes for recreation, acknowledged the Ice agent and while the detective would now decide to be trapped over to the other animal, though this one tethered to a tree, he being a goat and Mat being his moniker.

Detective, if I were you, I’d be very careful, warned Mr. Tolbert and where upon that gentlemen would only turn his head in utter amazement and nestled on his hip was a 9mm.

You see, Mat is Harry’s best buddy and sometimes they’re the weirdest thing you’ll ever see.

How’s that? asked the detective.

Well, he’ll go over to Mat and start rubbing noses with him, as if they were pals, so as I said, be careful.

Not to worry, Mat; we friends, right? Begged the detective, who then decided to become a little more relevant. So, Mr. Tolbert witnessed the face? Continued the detective.

I guess so, concurred Mr. Tolbert.

But to be a little more specific, what height would you say this creature or thing was? asked the detective.

It definitely was not him. Those were not the eyes of a human being, insisted Mrs. Tolbert.

As far as height is concerned, I’d have to say 2 to 3, answered Mr. Tolbert.

Mrs. Tolbert? Pressed the detective.

Well sir, I’ d have to agree with my husband, since I was too scared to get an accurate description, consented Mrs. Tolbert, an admission with which the detective would agree, since it had been his experience over the years that even the most reliable individual would fail to perceive matters accurately under pressure.

And Ma’am, according to you, the eyes had to be the most conspicuous feature, right Mrs. Tolbert but what about the other features? asked the detective as sympathetically as possible. Since he definitely wanted to impress upon the Lady that though they might have had political differences, assuming she’d sided with Miss Perringer; now was not the time to hold grudges, though deep down that surprising defeat continued to sting Maybe he should have forecasted that political or cultural shift in the wind. Once upon a time, the state had been solidly Republican but no more.

Yes sir, no human could forget those eyes. They were blood red and I could even consider a human being becoming sick after looking into those eyes, continued Mrs. Tolbert.

But aside from the eyes, what else? I mean, what other features did you say it possessed, I mean like normal ears and a normal nose? Pressed the detective, while all would continue to remain at rapt attention, including me and the silent Mr. Chandler. Though it was apparent that this lasted question was causing the Lady a great deal of distress, maybe distress she’d not experienced since the birth of her son and which had occurred some thirty years prior.

But now it was a moment of great import, that it could not be easily forgotten. Thus once more, Tremont found himself concentrating his vision on the distant hills and woods, where he had to assume this creature had taken refuge; that is, if the Tolbert’s were relating the truth, though so far, he had few reasons to doubt them and despite the strangeness of their assertions, a monster with blazing eyes in a New England community.

Maybe Texas or Tennessee but not New England. And what of Mat and Harry, did they find this saga credible, as both animals also now began starting in the direction of the woods, as if wanting to be assured that earlier attempted molestation had since evaporated. While again, he had to find himself being tested by the potential of this couple’s credulity. That is, was it possible that they’d made up the whole saga and only for sport?

Mrs. Tolbert, I realize this had to be a most difficult moment for you but how about a facial description, since your husband was only able to view its back, asked the detective but again there occurred some hesitancy on the part of Mrs. Tolbert, as if the attempted recollection was too painful for her.

Despite the presence of these stalwart males, if not her husband, then Mr. Chandler and then if not Mr. Chandler, Tremont and Ice agent Brisken and determined himself and though quite conceivably following the gathering or evidence, all would be departing.

Detective, I hate to tell you this but that was not the face of the human being. That was a face of monster and worse it kept changing. Naturally, once more there occurred looks of incredulity on the face of all, maybe including Mr. Tolbert and simultaneously, he would be the only one to allot a degree of sympathy or empathy.

Mrs. Tolbert, what did you say? Pressed detective Eiden.

I said it kept changing, she reiterated, whereupon once more looks of incredulity would be administered in all directions.

Mrs. Tolbert, what do you mean by it kept changing, I mean, did it have eyes and ears or not? Further pressed the detective.

Well detective, you might find this hard to believe but at one moment, it’d have a feature of an animal, a pig, including a small snout. And then moments later, the snout will be gone and the only thing visible would be a wicked looking scratch, like an infection, she explained. As might be expected, looks of incredulity would continue to reign.

But Mrs. Tolbert, when it had the snout, how much of its facial features was covered by its animal-like features? asked the detective.

From the shoulders up, replied Mrs. Tolbert.

Oh, like the minotaur, concurred the detective, while all else would remain silent.

Reverend, I’m not crazy, I know what I saw, repeated Mrs. Tolbert.

A creature with two sets of faces, repeated the detective, while as expected, his tone would also be altered. This was also the month of October, which meant that soon children would be carving pumpkins to look like monsters or to don facial mask and therefore the similitude could not be overlooked.

Folks, did it ever occur to you that this could be a simple prank? How many colleges are there around here and with Halloween right around the corner, so what if it was simply one of those frat initiations with those students coming with life-sized face masks to imitate grotesque characters; in these times let’s not forget and especially with 3-0 printing now readily available, masks can be made, concluded the detective.

Words which had provided a degree of relief for all and especially the males, in fact Mr. Chandler could be seen smiling, while Mr. Tolbert appeared to be trying his best to hold the fort with his wife, that they’d truly observed a creature not originating within the cusp of planet Earth.

Detective, there was not a mask, rebutted Mrs. Tolbert, I think I could tell the difference. What was not the face of a human; where a nose and mouth was supposed to be, a snout-like growth was begging, spoke Mrs. Tolbert.

Oh like the Minotaur, creature of Greek mythology, repeated the detective.

The minotaur, concurred Mr. Chandler. I think I’ve heard of it.

But definitely, it had all the features of a pig including the burgeoning mouth except the eyes, stated the detective, maybe facetiously. So Mrs. Tolbert, did it have a face like that of a human or from the shoulder up, did it have a fay but as you said, plus a growth, like a horrible infection and where the snout was just beginning to materialize, repeated the detective.

Both, replied Mrs. Tolbert. It kept changing from one to other.

Both; it kept calling, mocked the detective. Like a chameleon.

As might be expected, all found themselves at a loss for words. They were being overwhelmed with a most incredible saga. He, of course, had previously heard of the Minotaur but that creature had roamed long before the dinosaurs and thus, how could they grant credulity to this edition?

The return of the Minotaur, redoubled the detective comically but who also now began his best effort to be seen as serious as possible. Also, despite his near twenty years’ of dedicated service to the committee, he’d yet to investigate a murder, though had undergone the hearing.

But over the years, naturally the whole concept had intrigued him, that is, if there were to occur a killing in Guilford, would he know how to handle the investigation and though he could easily request help, whether from the state boys or even from the federals. He also would do his best to reassure his audience of his expertise and concern. They after all were tax paying members of his constituency.