Hawk's Trail

By kd Alexander

An isolated town. An ancient evil. One woman's fight to survive the night.

Escape the past. Uncover the truth. Live to see the sun rise.

When Alice McDermott moves to the remote gated community of Lake Cherokee seeking a fresh start, she finds a dark secret instead.

Ominous sounds echo from empty buildings. Inhuman shapes stalk the woods. Locals stay silent, but the terror in their eyes speaks volumes.

Each night an unnatural quiet descends, broken only by glimpses of creatures on the prowl. When Alice finds herself hunted by horrors made flesh, she knows the truth must come to light or she'll join the missing.

Alice teams up with Jackson, the only one sensing the evil below Lake Cherokee's calm facade. They dive into the town's dark history plagued by disappearances, ominous legends, and an ancient relic tied to a family curse.

Piecing together the puzzle of rituals, artifacts, and cryptic clues, Alice and Jackson must expose Lake Cherokee's buried secrets and learn how to survive the nightly terrors before she loses her life or her very soul.

HAWK'S TRAIL is an intense supernatural thriller where sunsets unleash unspeakable horrors in a remote mountain town. Perfect for fans of terrifying mysteries and cross-genre fiction

• Language: English
• Publisher: kd Alexander
• Release date: Nov 15, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215671641

kd Alexander

I write like Michael Bay directs.Put simply, I grew up in a strange time, where parachute pants were cool, and hyper-flourescent colors were all the rage. Cheesy action shows and even cheesier sitcoms fed my television addiction. Comic Books opened my eyes to all sorts of things that my parents would not approve of.Gold Eagle was publishing dirty books that I was never allowed to read. They were full of exotic locations and high stakes adventures. But, the cover art alone convinced my mom that they needed to be passed by. So, instead, she let me read Dragon Lance, Shadowrun, Dark Sun, and Redwall. No really. I was surprised too!When I became a real boy, I made a point to read all the pulpy good stuff I was never allowed to read as a kid. Characters like Conan the Barbarian, Doc Savage, the Shadow, Mack Bolan, and even a little unicorn named Ariel became some of my new heroes.And as a writer, I try to go back to that sense of wonder and adventure that I loved reading about when I was a kid. There’s nothing like the high you get when a book sucks you in. And as you come back to reality, letting the world slowly come back into focus, I hope that you were entertained.

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March 15th, 1865

The township is under a shroud of dread. The malevolence has seeped into every corner, infecting the lives of its inhabitants. Children wake screaming from nightmares. Livestock are found dead, their eyes wide with terror. Plants wither and die, as if the very soil they root in has turned against them. Nightfall brings unspeakable horrors, shadows that crawl and moan, that whisper promises of pain and death.

There must be a way to reverse this. To unmake my mistake. I've started pouring over ancient texts, scrolls collected over the years, desperate to find something, anything that might help. But the words seem to dance before my eyes, eluding understanding.

- Albus Shoal

ONE

The relentless wind pummeled the side of Alice McDermott’s car like a boxer seeking redemption. An unsettling symphony of rusted parts groaning and the tires crunching gravel beneath accompanied her as she drove down the desolate road. The sun was a bloodshot eye, barely visible, staining the sky with an eerie shade of crimson. A taste of iron lingered in the air, leaving Alice with an unsettling sensation of thirst.

Why the hell did I think this was a good idea? she muttered, gripping the steering wheel so hard her knuckles turned white. Her battered car heaved and complained with each bump and pothole, every shudder sending jolts of pain up her spine. She fought to keep her heavy eyelids open, the monotonous hum of the car luring her into a dangerous drowsiness.

She thought of the life she left behind, the shadowy memories of betrayal and disappointment that clung to her like a second skin. It was no life at all, merely an existence—always waiting for the next sucker punch from fate. She craved a fresh start, a chance to escape the twisted tendrils of her past.

Hawk's Trail, an isolated speck on the map, had promised her that chance. The voices of the locals, caught in a hushed whisper at the rundown gas station, had hinted at the town's secrets. She found herself drawn to the mysteries that seemed to lurk beneath the surface. But, as the dark corners of her mind threatened to consume her, she wondered if this was merely another pit stop on her journey to nowhere.

Skeletal trees outlined the moon. A crow tilted its head in curiosity at the strange car laboring up a steep incline with its engine growling like a wounded animal. Her hand slipped on the steering wheel, wet with sweat. Come on, just a little further, she urged, her voice cracking with fatigue. The road curved around a bend, her headlights briefly illuminating the rickety sign that marked her destination: Welcome to Hawk's Trail.

The car's headlights flickered and faded, casting her into a world of shadow. Alice cursed under her breath as she fumbled for the flashlight she kept in the glove compartment. Its yellowed beam fell on the road, revealing a town shrouded in darkness. Squinting, she caught glimpses of boarded-up storefronts, gutted houses, and overgrown foliage that seemed eager to reclaim its territory.

A shiver crept down Alice's spine as she stepped out of her car, the damp gravel beneath her feet hissing with malice. A distant howl echoed through the desolate streets, as if the town itself was mourning its lost dreams. You've got to be kidding me, she said, surveying the desolation before her. She let out a hollow laugh, the sound swallowed by the encroaching shadows.

The cold air stung Alice's cheeks as she slammed the car door shut. She pulled her frayed jacket tighter around her shoulders, attempting to shield herself from the relentless wind that seemed to whisper sinister secrets. The distant howl that had echoed through the streets moments ago now reverberated in her ears, adding to the unease that twisted her insides.

As she approached the closest boarded-up storefront, a flickering neon sign caught her attention. Through the dirty window, she saw the dim outlines of empty shelves and discarded debris—a ghost of a store that had long since lost its purpose. A damp, moldy smell clung to the air, seeping into her clothes and hair.

Alice squinted into the darkness, looking for any indication of life. Her heart raced as her flashlight's beam fell on a silhouette leaning against a crumbling brick wall. A man with a worn, leather jacket and greasy hair that hung in his eyes regarded her with a mix of curiosity and suspicion.

What brings you to Hawk's Trail? he rasped, taking a drag from a half-smoked cigarette.

Looking for a fresh start, she replied cautiously, her voice barely above a whisper.

The man let out a raspy chuckle, exhaling a cloud of smoke that danced in the wind. Ain't nothin' fresh 'bout this place, he drawled, flicking his cigarette onto the damp pavement. Best turn around, darlin'. Nothin' for you here.

Alice clenched her jaw, her resolve hardening like steel. Thanks for the warning.

The man smirked and pushed off the wall, leaving her with a cryptic warning. Don't say I didn't warn you, he muttered as he vanished into the shadows.

Alice took a deep, shaky breath, steeling herself for the uncertain path that lay before her. The echoes of her footsteps were the only sound in the night.

In Hawk's Trail, the silence was a living thing, wrapping its tendrils around Alice's throat and choking her with unease. She scanned the deserted streets, taking in the crumbling facades of buildings that once held life but now stood as hollow sentinels. A shudder crawled up her spine.

The wind whispered through the cracked windows and rusted gutters, sharing secrets she couldn't decipher. She inhaled the scent of decay, a cocktail of damp wood and mold that made her stomach churn. The air tasted stale, like the exhalations of a dying town that had been abandoned by hope.

Alice's footsteps echoed on the broken pavement, the rhythm of her movement the only defiance against the stillness. Her breathing sounded loud, abrasive, as if the town didn't appreciate her intrusion.

An oppressive tension clung to the town like a damp shroud. The feeling that someone, or something, was watching her festered in her mind, gnawing at her nerves. Shadows reached out to her, eager to pull her into their embrace. Her heart pounded in her chest, a frenzied drumbeat signaling her own fear.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, an otherworldly glow set the sky ablaze. It bled into the streets, casting long, distorted shadows that writhed like hungry serpents. The decaying structures took on sinister, twisted forms, their dark windows like unblinking eyes. Alice clutched her flashlight tighter, the cold metal biting into her palm.

Despite the sinking dread that weighted her down, something within Alice urged her to explore the eerie silence that blanketed Hawk's Trail. With each hesitant step, she could feel the tension coiling tighter, ready to snap.

Glass shattering in the distance fractured the silence. Alice froze, her heart caught in her throat. In that moment, she realized that Hawk's Trail wasn't as lifeless as it appeared. The town held secrets, concealed within the shadows and decaying walls. And something told her that they weren't eager to let her leave.

Alice stood there, eyeing the dark corners. Fan-fucking-tastic, she muttered. Couldn't have picked a creepier spot, huh?

The shadows yawned, the wind's breath tickling her neck like icy fingers. Broken glass crunched under her boots, the town's forgotten dreams shattered at her feet.

Flickering streetlights coughed up feeble light, their struggle barely holding back the oppressive darkness. A crooked sign hung nearby, letters peeling away, revealing Diner's Last Chance. Alice smirked. Last chance? For what, salmonella?

Her stomach grumbled, a lonely echo in the empty streets. She trudged toward the diner, feeling the weight of the town's secrets clinging to her. Perfect. Let's eat questionable grub in Creepsville, she mumbled. Genius plan.

A sudden crash jolted her, the sound of splintering wood disrupting the silence. She gritted her teeth, anger flaring. Alright, fuckers, she spat. Let's see what you've got.

The noise slunk back, leaving her to stand alone, with only the wind's whispered taunts for company. Her pulse quickened, breaths came short, but her smirk remained unbroken. Hawk's Trail would have to do better than that to shake her.

Bring it, she hissed, daring the darkness to make a move.

Her challenge hung in the air, an open invitation to the lurking darkness. The wind howled, its icy fingers tugging at her jacket. Alice squared her shoulders, steeling herself for whatever shit Hawk's Trail was about to throw at her.

She moved further into the town, boots crunching over gravel and fallen leaves. The desolate buildings looked like they'd seen better days, their peeling paint and boarded-up windows a testament to the town's long-gone glory. She passed a rusted swing set, its chains squeaking in protest as they swayed back and forth, a ghost of a child's laughter echoing in her ears.

What's next? she grumbled, Creepy doll heads?

The wind whipped up again, sending a newspaper skittering across the road. She watched as it caught on a splintered fence, the headline screaming about some decades-old tragedy. She didn't bother to read the details. She had enough of her own tragedies to contend with.

As she neared the diner, she noticed a dim light seeping through the cracks in the boarded-up windows. That's when she heard it—a low hum, a melody that sounded too much like a lullaby. A chill crawled up her spine.

Fuck this, she muttered under her breath, but her feet moved toward the sound. There was something about that song, something that tugged at her curiosity. Despite the knot of dread tightening in her gut, Alice found herself pushing open the creaky door of the diner, stepping into the unknown.

The door groaned on its hinges, the sound scraping against her nerves. As Alice stepped inside, the stale scent of old grease and dust hit her like a punch. She wrinkled her nose. Smells like a deep-fried sock.

The melody grew louder, weaving through the air like a specter. It seemed to come from an old jukebox, its once vibrant colors dulled by age and neglect. The tune was hauntingly familiar, like a piece of a dream she couldn't quite remember.

Tables were strewn with debris – discarded beer bottles, crumpled napkins, a faded menu. Shadows pooled in the corners, their murky depths hiding secrets she wasn't sure she wanted to uncover. A broken neon sign flickered sporadically, casting an eerie glow over the deserted diner.

Swell, she grumbled. Just needs a spectral waitress to complete the fucking picture.

The jukebox went silent. The sudden absence of sound was deafening, and Alice felt her skin prickling with unease. She could almost taste the charged atmosphere, metallic and thick, on her tongue.

Out of the corner of her eye, she caught a flicker of movement. She turned, heart hammering against her ribcage. But there was nothing there, just her own reflection in a cracked mirror behind the counter.

Jumpy, Alice, she chided herself. You're letting this ghost town get to you.

But even as she muttered the words, she couldn't shake off the feeling of being watched, of unseen eyes tracing her every move. She swallowed hard, her mouth dry.

Let's dance, she dared the silence, her voice ricocheting off the grimy walls. The echo sounded like a mockery, a twisted mirror of her bravado. The silence answered with a weighty pause, then a sudden, unnerving creak from somewhere in the back.

She stepped closer to the bar, her fingers brushing over the worn counter. The cracked vinyl stools lined up like soldiers, their colors faded into a uniform hue of neglect. As she moved, a floorboard groaned beneath her weight, the sound stretching out like a yawn.

God, could you be any more dramatic? she muttered to the complaining floor. I get it. You're old.

In the gloom, Alice could make out a door leading to the kitchen. It hung ajar, an inky blackness yawning from within. The light from her flashlight danced on the rusted hinges, creating fleeting shadows that scurried over the grimy tiles.

A soft, rasping sound reached her ears, a ragged intake of breath followed by an eerie sigh. Her heart lurched. Jesus, Alice. Now you're hearing things.

But the soft, whispered sigh came again, louder this time, like the remnants of a long-forgotten conversation. Alice's hand instinctively tightened around her flashlight.

Fuck it, she hissed, pushing the kitchen door open with a defiant kick. Her beam of light cut through the darkness, revealing a room that had been abandoned mid-shift.

The stainless steel appliances were coated with a thick layer of dust, the stove covered with charred pots. Rotting remnants of a meal were scattered across the counter, a nauseating still-life that made her stomach churn.

Alice stepped further into the room, her boots squelching on the grimy floor. She cast a sweeping beam around the room, the light catching on something metallic.

A knife. A big one. Lying in the center of a prep table.

Alright, you creepy son of a bitch, she muttered, her voice trembling just a little. Let's see what you've got.

The last word was still hanging in the air when the lights flickered back on, illuminating the grim scene in harsh, fluorescent light. Alice squinted, her heart pounding a loud, frantic beat against her ribs.

And then she saw it. In the corner of the room, a figure hunched in the darkness. It moved, a slow, shuffling gait, and her heart skipped a beat. Alice tightened her grip on the flashlight.

Showtime, she hissed, and then a deafening bang echoed through the room. A canister, previously unseen in the gloom, had rolled off the counter and crashed onto the tiles. The figure in the corner jerked at the sound, its head snapping up.

Holy fuck! Alice stumbled back, her heart thundering in her chest.

The figure was hunched, its body wrapped in tattered rags. It was gnarled and twisted, like an old tree struck by lightning. Long, greasy hair hung down, obscuring its face. It tilted its head, as if listening to a far-off melody only it could hear.

Alright, Alice, she muttered, you wanted a dance partner.

Summoning up her courage, she took a step closer. The floor beneath her boots felt sticky, like old blood. She forced the thought from her mind.

Hey there, she called out, her voice not as steady as she'd have liked. You lost or something?

The figure didn't respond, didn't move. It just stood there, swaying slightly as if to a rhythm Alice couldn't hear.

C'mon, don't be shy. Alice forced a grin, even as she felt a shiver crawl up her spine. Let's chat.

As if in response, the figure shuffled, its movements jerky and strange. The soft, rasping sound came again, louder now. Alice's heart pounded a frantic beat in her ears.

Fuck this, she murmured, backing towards the door. The figure moved, a swift, sudden lurch, and Alice's breath hitched. Oh, hell no.

She turned and bolted, the door swinging shut behind her with a bang that echoed through the deserted diner. Her breath came in ragged gasps as she fumbled for the front door, every creak and groan of the old building sounding like footsteps in her ears.

Way to make a first impression, Hawk's Trail, she gasped, stumbling out into the night. The cold air felt like a punch, but Alice barely noticed. She was too busy running, too busy escaping the nightmare she'd stumbled into.

Behind her, the lights in the diner flickered once, twice, then died. The melody from the jukebox trickled out, a ghostly lullaby that seemed to echo her pounding heartbeat.

As Alice disappeared