“Where’d he go?” asked Jack.
Maureen shrugged “Off playing somewhere.”
Jack stood up from his chair and walked back into their trailer.
“Arnie you in here?” he called out.
Jack shook his head and walked out “He’s not in there.”
“Well I’m sure he’s fine, hun.” replied Maureen.
“How do you know?” replied Jack looking around at the surrounding woods.
Jack thought back on when Arnie was young and almost didn’t make it, an ever present fear gripping him. Now at ten years old Arnie was barely speaking and it was easy to get lost in the woods that surrounded the Dodd’s property.
“There you are.” said Jack walking around the back of the trailer.
Arnie looked up with a grin on his face playing with something in the dirt.
“What you doing son?” asked Jack squatting down by Arnie.
Arnie mumbled some incoherent words and patted the dirt in front of him. From off in the woods the Dodd’s two dogs, Brute a boxer and Rex a black lab, came bounding up to Arnie and Jack their tales wagging. Brute nosed up next to Arnie and licked his cheek. Arnie giggled and stroked Brute’s neck. Rex came around the other side and placed his chin on Arnie’s lap. Arnie smiled and petted Rex as well.
“Good dogs.” said Jack standing back up.
Jack turned to walk away but heard Arnie give out a low cry of displeasure. Jack spun around.
“What is it bud?” Arnie was staring up at Jack a concerned look in his eyes. Jack squatted back down.
“What’s wrong?” asked Jack.
Arnie pointed under the trailer. Jack gave Arnie a confused look and then bent down looking underneath the trailer. One of the Dodd’s three cats Tips was underneath the trailer.
“You want Tips bub?” asked Jack but Arnie had returned to playing with the dirt in front him the dogs wrestling with each other a few feet off.
Jack shook his head and stood back up dusting himself off.
“Alright bub, don’t wander off too far.”
Arnie mumbled a guttural “Okay.”
Jack walked back around to the front of the trailer.
“Where was he?” asked Maureen.
“He’s playing out back.” replied Jack.
“See I told you there was nothing to worry about.” said Maureen.
Jack grumbled sitting back down in his chair. He took a swig of his beer and looked around him at the light shining through the tree branches, he sighed with pleasure.
“Anything you want to do with your extended weekend?” asked Maureen.
“Nothing I’m not already doing.” replied Jack “There’s nothing better than taking in nature and spending time with my family.”
“Can’t argue with you there.” replied Maureen.
Jack sat back and let the gentle breeze and warmth of the sun lull him to sleep. He woke up to Maureen giving him a pat on the shoulder.
“Dinners ready hon.”
Jack sat up and sniffed looking around. The sky had darkened and the land around him changed a shade a blue as he had slept.
“Man, I was out.” said Jack standing up.
“You sure were.” said Maureen.
Jack walked up inside the trailer. He opened the door which led into the trailer’s kitchen. To the right was a hallway with Jack and Maureen’s bedroom at the end. A little closer to the door was the family restroom. To the left was a small dining room and just past that the living room where Arnie slept.
“What we got tonight Arnie?” asked Jack seeing his son at the table, with the two dogs wagging their tales underneath him.
Jack smiled and sat down next to Arnie tussling his hair. Arnie didn’t notice he was busy playing with his two toy dinosaurs.
“Are they fighting?” asked Jack.
Arnie smiled nodding.
“Put your toys away dear its dinner time.” said Maureen.
Arnie promptly stood up and placed his toys on the ledge of one of the windows and sat back down. Jack took another sip from his beer, which was now warm, petting Rex who had come over to see him. Maureen sat out three plastic plates on them sandwiches and chips.
Jack ate happily with his family. After dinner he sat in the living room watching an old game on TV. Arnie sat on the floor with Rex and Brute happily playing with his dinosaurs. Maureen was reading a book on the couch against the wall, Arnie was making buzzing sounds laughing every now and then. Jack felt himself growing tired again and fell asleep.
____________________________________________________________________
Jack woke up to a much cooler trailer with moonlight shining outside the window. He stood up rubbing his stubble. He looked over to the dogs who were both sleeping soundly on the couch where Arnie slept, but he wasn’t there. Jack suddenly panicked and turned toward the door which was open.
“Arnie.” gasped Jack.
Jack heard a grumble from behind him and spun around. Arnie was looking out one of the rear windows of the trailer.
“Arnie.” said Jack relieved.
Jack walked over to the door shutting and then locking it. He walked over to Arnie and saw that he had been crying.
“What’s a matter buddy?” asked Jack.
Arnie didn’t reply but continued to stare out the window. Jack followed Arnie’s gaze out the window but didn’t see anything.
“Let’s go to bed Arnie.” said Jack rubbing Arnie’s shoulders.
Arnie recoiled at his father’s touch, then seeing it was him, he started crying again and embraced him. Jack hugged his son then pulled him away looking into his eyes.
“What happened son?” asked Jack.
Arnie’s eyes showed deep fear.
“Maureen!” called Jack but no one answered.
“Maureen!” said Jack again louder.
From the bedroom in the back Maureen emerged wide eyed.
“What’s wrong?” she asked worried.
“Something scared Arnie and the door was open.” said Jack.
“The door was open?” asked Maureen glancing at the door “Why…I’m sure I shut it, Arnie even saw me.”
“Lock it?”
“Of course Jack…what happened?”
“Stay here with Arnie.” said Jack his voice stern.
Maureen grew scared “What happened Jack?”
Jack walked past her into the bedroom returning with his shotgun.
“Jack what happened?” asked Maureen almost crying.
“Stay with Arnie and do not open that door for anyone or anything, I have a key.” said Jack unlocking the door and stepping out “Lock this behind me.” he called out before closing the door.
Maureen locked the door a disturbed look on her face. She ran over to Arnie and placed her arms around him.
“What happened baby.” she asked trembling.
Arnie did not respond.
Jack raced around the trailer looking for any trail or hint that something had been there. Finding nothing Jack started down the dirt road their trailer was on, toward the paved main road at the end of it. Reaching it Jack looked around but found nothing. He looked back toward his trailer suddenly growing worried. He started back toward the trailer running.
Maureen sat with Arnie on the couch her arms still around him. Suddenly Rex looked up and leapt down from the couch Brute following close behind him.
“What is it boys?” asked Maureen her voice barely above a whisper.
Rex and Brute walked to the window by the locked trailer door and began growling.
Maureen gasped “Come with me Arnie.” she said trying to keep herself together, heading toward the bedroom.
Once inside Maureen switched off the light and closed the door. She sat Arnie on the bed and reached in a drawer pulling out a .357 Magnum.
“Stay on the bed Arnie.” said Maureen opening the door a peek.
Rex and Brute remained by the door the hairs on their back raised and their teeth showing.
“Doggy.” said Arnie sitting up on the bed.
“Doggies are fine sweetheart lay back down.” said Maureen tears welling up in her eyes.
Rex crept closer to the window like he was ready to pounce.
“What is it Rex?” whispered Maureen.
Brute was close behind him also lowering himself as if readying to fight.
Jack pounded toward the trailer his uneasiness growing. ‘What the hell is going on.’ thought Jack as he neared the trailer. He walked up the stairs and unlocked the door.
“Oh God.” cried Maureen as he entered running to embrace him tightly.
“What happened?” asked Jack seeing fear in his wife’s eyes and hearing it in her voice.
“Some…something…was here.” said Maureen pointing toward the window.
Jack ran over to the window looking out.
“When Maureen?” asked Jack.
“Just a second ago.” replied Maureen beginning to cry.
Jack embraced her “Where’s Arnie?”
“On the bed.” replied Maureen.
Jack walked in and sat down on the bed with his son and wife embracing them both.
“Maureen I’ve been heading toward the house for at least five minutes now and I saw nothing out there.”
“There was something there Jack, I swear.”
“I believe you honey.” said Jack “I felt something out there…something dark”.
“The dogs.” said Maureen.
“What about them?” asked Jack.
“They sensed something too. Their hair was all up on their backs and they were growling at the window there.” said Maureen.
Jack’s face grew dark “Then something was here.”
“Oh God.” said Maureen throwing her arms back around Jack.
“Arnie.” said Jack placing his hand on his son’s shoulder “Was someone here tonight?”
“Doggy.” replied Arnie.
Jack looked to the door at Rex and Brute entering the room to greet their master.
“Hey boys.” said Jack petting both of his dogs “You’re good dogs.” said Jack turning back to Arnie.
“Was someone here tonight bud?” asked Jack again.
Arnie looked up at him clueless. Jack bit his lip trying to hold back his frustration.
“Door, Arnie door, who opened the door?” asked Jack pointing toward the door.
Arnie looked at the door and seemed to be lost deep in thought.
“Arnie?” asked Maureen softly but Jack held up his hand.
“Gone.” said Arnie satisfied.
“Gone.” repeated Arnie smiling.
“Gone?” repeated Jack.
“Whose gone Arnie, who?” asked Maureen.
Arnie slid off the bed and hugged Brute who was wagging his tail.
“That’s all we’re going to get out of him tonight Maureen” said Jack.
Maureen sighed as Jack stood up.
“You can sleep with us tonight Arnie” said Jack.
Arnie turned around and hopped up in the bed lying down. A few minutes later he was sound asleep.
“Well he seems fine now.” said Jack.
“But what was that Jack?” asked Maureen stroking her son’s hair.
Jack shook his head “I have no idea dear.”
The dogs curled up by the door and were soon asleep.
“Whatever or whoever it was, it’s gone now.” said Jack.
“Will it be back?” asked Maureen.
“I’m not sure dear, who knows it might have been nothing. Right now we need to get some sleep.” said Jack.
Maureen lay down holding her son still not satisfied they were safe. Jack took the guns and put them away. He laid down and put his arms around both of them drifting off to sleep.
____________________________________________________________________
Jack was the first awake that morning. He rolled over and stood up, it was still dark outside but the sky had hints of light in it. He walked over and retrieved his shotgun.
“Up boys.” said Jack to the dogs.
Both dogs shot up at their master’s voice. Jack opened the bedroom door to the rest of the trailer and nearly dropped his gun from surprise. Every window in the trailer as well as the door leading outside had been opened.
“You son of a bitch.” roared Jack stomping around slamming all of the windows shut.
“What is it?” asked Maureen appearing in the bedroom doorway her eyes wide.
Jack waved his hand across the windows.
“All open and the door.” said Jack pointing.
Maureen slunk down tears welling up in her eyes.
“Now don’t you worry sweetheart we are going to find out whoever the hell did this.” said Jack “No one messes with my family.”
Jack walked out the door with the two dogs close behind him. He walked around the perimeter of the trailer looking for footprints or any signs of a trail.
“You smell anything boys?” asked Jack.
The two dogs followed close behind running around sniffing here and there but not following any particular trail. Jack decided to walk over to their neighbor.
“I’m going to go see if Jacob saw anything last night.” said Jack poking his head back in the door “Keep the dogs in here with you.”
Maureen nodded calling for the dogs. Rex and Brute bounded up the steps and around Maureen’s feet.
“I’ll be back.” said Jack.
Jack walked towards his neighbor, Jacob Brown. Jacob lived next door with his wife and two daughters, one in middle school and the other in first grade. They lived in a one story ranch and had always been friendly to the Dodds’ as well as helped to look after Arnie when needed.
Jack knocked on the door. Jacob answered.
“Hey Jack how are ya?” asked Jacob.
“Not good.” replied Jack.
Jacob noticed the weary look on Jack’s face.
“What’s wrong?” asked Jacob.
Jack looked past Jacob to his daughters staring out from the living room.
“Why don’t we come out here and talk about it.” said Jack.
Jacob looked over to his daughters and then back at Jack with a disquieting look.
“Alright Jack…sure.” Jacob stepped out and closed the door behind him.
“What’s up?” asked Jacob.
“You see anyone near my trailer last night?” asked Jack.
“No, can’t say that I did.” replied Jacob.
“What about anything weird or out of place?” asked Jack.
“No Jack, yesterday was just like any other day…why what happened?” asked Jacob.
“Something got into the house last night Jacob.”
Jacob raised his eyebrows as Jack retold what had happened. After he was done Jacob was shaking his head.
“Well damn Jack. I have no idea…you looked all around the trailer for anything?”
“Of course.” replied Jack a little harshly.
Jacob held up his hands “Look I know you’re frustrated, was just making sure.”
“Sorry.” said Jack.
“Nothing to be sorry for…have you called the police?”
“No, not yet.”
“You may want to do that.”
“Can I use you phone, ours is out.”
“Of course.” replied Jacob opening the door and walking in, Jack following behind him.
“Hey Mr. Dodd.” echoed Jacob’s daughters.
“Hey girls.” replied Jack.
“There is the phone.” said Jacob pointing to the end of the counter.
“Thanks.” said Jack.
Jack took the phone off the receiver and dialed up the police station and explained his story to them. Putting the phone down Jack sighed.
“What’d they say?” asked Jacob sitting with his youngest on his lap.
“They’re sending someone up to take a look around the trailer.” said Jack
“What happened to your trailer Mr. Dodd?” asked Jessie, Jacob’s oldest.
“Nothing hun, raccoon or something must have gotten in…just need to double check.” replied Jack.
“How’s Arnie?” asked Leah, Jacob’s youngest.
“He’s good sweetheart, thanks for asking.” replied Jack.
“I’ll walk you out.” said Jacob standing up, placing Leah on the ground.
“But daddy.” replied Leah.
“I’ll be right back hun.” said Jacob.
“Okay.” replied Leah smiling.
“See you Mr. Dodd.” said both the girls as he left.
“Bye girls, tell you mother hi for me.”
“We will.” they echoed.
Once outside Jacob turned to Jack.
“Y’all are more than welcome to stay here tonight” said Jacob.
Jack held up his hand “I appreciate that, but I won’t be run out of my own home.”
Jacob nodded “I understand still…the offer is there.”
Jack nodded stepping down from the Brown’s porch.
“This whole thing is strange.” said Jacob
“Yeah it is.” replied Jack starting to walk away.
“You don’t think…” started Jacob but then his voice trailed off.
“Think what?” asked Jack turning around.
“You don’t think it’s kids messing with Arnie again do you?” asked Jacob hesitantly.
Jack felt a deep anger rise within him “It better not be” he said walking off.
“I’m sure it’s not Jack…I’ll be seeing you.”
“Goodbye.” replied Jack.
____________________________________________________________________
“Morning Mr. Dodd, Officer Douglas.” a middle aged sturdily built police officer extended his hand.
Jack took it, shaking it.
“Nice to meet you Officer Douglas, hey I really appreciate you coming out here.” said Jack walking over to the trailer.
“Not a problem Mr. Dodd.” replied Officer Douglas as Maureen appeared in the doorway.
“This here is my wife Maureen.” said Jack extending his hand.
“Pleasure to meet you ma’am.” replied Officer Douglas.
“Thank you so much for coming out.” said Maureen.
Arnie stood halfway behind his mother holding one of his dinosaurs in his hand.
“And this is my son Arnie, say hi Arnie.” Arnie managed a weak wave then retreated behind his mother again.
“Hey Arnie, remember me?” Officer Douglas smiled “I was at Arnie’s school a few weeks ago.”
“Oh how nice.” said Maureen.
Officer Douglas smiled. “Now Mr. Dodd would you mind running me through what exactly happened last night?”
Maureen shuffled Arnie into the living room. Jack watched them and waited until Arnie was out of earshot and distracted. Then he explained the events that took place the night before.
Afterward Officer Douglas whistled “And no trail or nothing?”
Jack shook his head “Nothing.”
Officer Dodd glanced to the edge of the trailer “Mind if I take a look around?”
“No, of course not.” said Jack.
Officer Douglas did a few rounds around the trailer but turned up nothing. “Mind if I check inside?” asked Officer Douglas.
“Do whatever you have too Officer Douglas please…just help me.”
The officer nodded and headed in. Maureen was sitting by Arnie watching him play with his two dinosaurs. Officer Douglas went around the house checking the windows and doors. Finishing up he indicated for Jack to follow him outside.
“Well I can’t find a single thing Mr. Dodd and without any evidence or anything else, there isn’t much that I can do. I apologize.”
“No, I understand thank you for coming out.”
“Not a problem.” said Officer Douglas “Anything else happens you don’t hesitate to call, you understand?”
Jack nodded “Of course not, thank you.”
“Have a pleasant rest of your day.” said Officer Douglas
“You too.” replied Jack.
____________________________________________________________________
Jack sat down with Maureen their dinner finished, Arnie lay asleep on the floor his head against Rex’s side.
“You don’t think it was kids messing with Arnie again…do you?” asked Jack.
Maureen’s eyes widened “No…no.” she said quickly.
Jack looked up and locked eyes with Maureen.
“They couldn’t Jack…they couldn’t…they wouldn’t be so cruel. Who would pick on someone with his condition.” said Maureen more to herself than anyone else.
Jack sighed “I wouldn’t think but you just…you just never know Maureen.”
“No…they wouldn’t be so…”
“It’s happened before Maureen…what else would it be?” asked Jack.
Maureen looked down at Arnie sleeping peacefully on Rex. “Why would they do that…” said Maureen tears welling up in her eyes.
“Because their beasts Maureen.” replied Jack anger rising in his voice, old memories flooding back.
Maureen was silent wiping tears away from her eyes. Jack stared silently out the window reliving the nightmare they had gone through when a few kids had decided to target Arnie. Jack stood up suddenly and walked toward the bedroom.
“Where are you going?” asked Maureen sniffing.
Jack returned with his shotgun and unlocked the door.
“Where are you going?” asked Maureen panic rising in her voice.
“Outside, I’m going wait out there and find out just what the hell is going on.” said Jack.
Jack stepped down then leaned back in “Brute, come here boy.”
Brute got up and made his way out the door with Jack.
“You keep Rex in here with you tonight and keep the door locked.” said Jack.
“Jack you can’t shoot the kids…just call the cops…”
“Like last time Maureen?” asked Jack angrily “What good did that do huh? Other than prolong Arnie’s suffering.”
“Jack, please.” whispered Maureen.
“Someone messes with my son, my family, on my land, and I can’t do anything about it?” asked Jack rhetorically.
“What about their parents though Jack.”
“Damn their parents, I’ll deal with them too…the law is on my side Maureen.”
“Is that what you think Jack?” asked Maureen.
Jack hesitated for a moment remembered being charged with assault for slapping one of the kids messing with Arnie.
Jack gritted his teeth “There comes a time when a man has to protect his family…above everything else.” and with that Jack shut the door and disappeared from view.
“Oh Jack.” whispered Maureen quietly.
Jack sat down in his lawn chair taking a few deep breaths to calm himself. He took in the countryside around him. Being outdoors had always brought peace for Jack and it was not failing him now.
“Now make sure I don’t drift off on us Brute.” said Jack turning to his dog.
Brute looked up his tail wagging.
“Day comes when laws fail us Brute and man has to rely on himself.” said Jack.
He looked down the street to the Brown’s whose lights were going out, Jack settled in for the night.
Jack fought off sleep as best as he could but eventually it prevailed. He blinked his eyes looking around him. A weird haze hung over the land around him. Everything seemed to be bathed in a faint red light. Jack stood up and looked to his side where Brute had been laying but the dog was gone.
Grabbing his gun he walked toward the trailer apprehensively. The door was cracked open. Jack rushed through and looked into the living room but no one was there. He shut the door behind him and looked toward the bedroom, the bedroom door was closed.
Breathing a sigh of relief but still cautious Jack made his way to the door. He pushed against it and the door gave way. His bedroom was bathed in the same red light as the countryside around him. He looked around and saw one person was sleeping in the bed under the covers.
“Maureen?” asked Jack stepping forward, but the person did not answer.
Jack walked over to the side of the bed and reached for the covers. Grabbing the covers Jack suddenly spun around when he heard the door to the trailer open. He rushed back into the main hallway but no one was there, the door moved slightly back and forth in the wind. Jack felt eyes on him, turning around he ran to the bed but the figure was gone.
“What the hell?” said Jack.
Jack slid open the closet door thinking Arnie may have been playing a trick on him, but no one was there. He looked around in the closet when the door to the trailer slammed shut. Jack raced to the door opening it and running out.
“Who’s there?” yelled Jack.
Jack heard a rustling come from the woods. Gun in hand he started off toward the sound. Entering the woods Jack heard the rustling farther in. He followed the sound yet each time he neared the source it would suddenly sound off farther away.
Jack cursed as he went deeper and deeper into woods. Finally the rustling stopped fading away and stayed in one spot. Jack shuffled through the trees and entered a clearing where the rustling seemed to be coming from.
In the middle of the clearing were lumpy and stained burlap sacks. Fear gripping him Jack inched forward staring at the bundles. Now the rustling sounds echoed from all around the woods surrounding Jack but he paid no attention, he was focused on the bundles before him. Dropping to his knees in front of one of the bundles Jack studied it.
It was a large burlap sack with red stains on and surrounding it. Shaking his head Jack reached down for the rope tying the top of the sack together. He pulled the string and the sack was undone. Out plopped the bloodied head of Brute. Jack sat back alarmed. Cursing Jack shouldered his shotgun and looked around him. The sounds still came indiscriminately from around him changing their location every couple of seconds. One would sound from his right, then the next to his left, and then another behind him. Jack then looked at the other burlap sack and slowly walked over to it. He reached down and undid the rope holding his breath.
The ropes fell away but nothing fell out of the sack. Jack pulled back the top of the sack and saw Rex’s legs. Dropping the top of the sack Jack sat back shaking his head. Tears welled up in his eyes.
“You sons of bitches.” said Jack softly.
Jack’s sorrow quickly turned to anger. He sat up and started screaming.
“Where are you!” shouted Jack again and again into the night.
“I’ll kill you sons of bitches.” screamed Jack pounding off after the sound wherever it came from.
Jack lost himself in the woods chasing after the rustling. Looking around not knowing where he was Jack thought he saw a dark shadow move in the distance, however nothing was certain in the woods at this hour.
He raised his shotgun and fired both barrels after the shadow. Cursing Jack set off after it reloading his gun as he walked. He lost the shadow in the woods and stopped, peering intently into the darkness looking for any sign of movement. He heard a twig snap behind him and swung around his gun raised. Standing behind him was Arnie. Jack lowered his gun.
“Arnie what on Earth are you doing out here?” asked Jack.
“Arnie?” asked Arnie tilting his head to the side.
Jack froze in his tracks he had never heard Arnie sound so articulate.
“Arnie?” asked Jack.
Arnie’s image began to blur before him.
“Arnie!” yelled Jack reaching out for his son.
Arnie seemed to turn to smoke before his grasp. Jack crashed to the ground. He heard a laugh from behind him. Reaching for his gun and turning around still on one knee Jack fired off one barrel toward the sound of laughter. Panting heavily Jack stood up and looked around him.
The red light still shone over the woods. He heard a scratch against a tree behind him and spun around. Three long marks stood out against a tree a few feet away from him. Jack raised his gun then felt something breathe down his neck.
“Son of a bitch.” whispered Jack.
Jack cried out rising up from his chair. Catching his breath he looked around him. The moon shone high overhead and Brute was looking up at his master his head tilted to the side. Jack calmed himself and wiped his forehead covered in sweat.
“It was just a dream.” said Jack relieved “Oh God.” said Jack plopping back down on the chair.
Jack turned to Brute and leaned over embracing the dog “I love you buddy.” said Jack.
The dog’s tail wagged. Jack stood up letting out a deep breath.
“Come on, we’re going in.” said Jack.
Brute followed close behind him. Jack reached the trailer door and laughed nervously, slowly shaking his head.
“God, that was awful.” he muttered.
Jack reached for the latch then heard a low growl from Brute. Turning around he saw Brute staring straight into the woods his hair standing up. Jack let go of the latch and brought up his shotgun.
“Come on boy.” whispered Jack starting toward the woods one step at a time.
The two advanced toward the woods slowly but surely. Jack’s finger pressed ever so lightly against the trigger ready to shoot at a moment’s notice. Brute lowered himself and stalked forward emitting another low growl. Brute stopped at the edge of the woods still growling. Jack placed one foot into the woods looking around.
Brute snarled and started forward past Jack as he saw something move in the woods in front of them. Jack raised his gun and drew in his breath. Brute began barking. In front of him a figure shot up crashing through the woods. Jack fired both barrels at the running figure but it had no effect. The dark form continued crashing through the woods uninhibited.
“Get him Brute.” shouted Jack running after the figure.
Brute shot forward bounding through the forest towards the running figure. Brute’s body in the burlap sack suddenly flashed in Jack’s mind, he called out to Brute but Brute was already on the chase. Jack raced forward following the two as best as he could. He continued pursuing for a few minutes when he heard Brute attack and then a yelp.
“Oh God no.” said Jack rushing toward the sound.
Jack nearly stumbled over Brute. Looking down he saw that the dog was bleeding but still alive. Brute’s tongue rolled out of his mouth panting heavily. When he saw Jack, he tried getting up but yelped lightly lying back down. Jack knelt down by Brute and scooped him up in his arms.
“Come here buddy.” said Jack petting Brute’s neck comforting him.
Jack looked around making sure that the figure was not still nearby. He then examined Brute’s wounds, the dog had been hit and hit hard. Blood seeped out from his stomach a deep gash running down it.
“Let’s go home bud.” said Jack turning back to the trailer.
When Jack arrived back both Maureen and Arnie were outside. Jacob has come over too with his gun. When they saw Jack, Maureen began crying followed by Arnie.
Jacob rushed over “You alright Jack?” he asked in a worried tone.
Jack shook his head “No Jacob I’m not.”
“What happened.” asked Jacob then he looked at Brute “What’s wrong with Brute?”
“We need to get him to a vet Maureen.” said Jack as Maureen raced up to him.
“What happened?” asked Maureen.
“We need a vet.” replied Jack harshly.
____________________________________________________________________
Maureen, Arnie, and Jacob’s wife Rebecca, along with his girls had gone into town an hour away to the nearest twenty four hour veterinarian. Jack sat down at the table with Jacob, Rex lay by Jack’s feet. Jacob leaned over looking into Jack’s eyes.
“So what happened out there Jack?”
“Someone was out there right at the edge of the woods, watching the trailer.” said Jack his voice rising.
“Did you get him?” asked Jacob.
Jack shook his head “I have no idea Jacob.”
“We’ll check in the morning.” replied Jacob leaning back in his chair.
Jacob took a sip from his water and looked at Jack “You seem pretty spooked Jack is there something else you’re not telling me?”
Jack shook his head. Rex got up and stretched then walked into the living room.
“So this guy…slashed Brute?” asked Jacob
“Yeah.” replied Jack.
“When will Officer Douglas be here?” asked Jacob.
“Soon.” replied Jack.
“You had every right to shoot you know that?” asked Jacob.
Jack broke from his trance for a moment and looked up at Jacob nervously laughing.
“I know” replied Jack shaking his head then muttered under his breath “That’s not what bothers me.”
“Then what is it?” asked Jacob.
Jack looked up, surprised Jacob had heard him. He sighed and leaned forward. Shaking his head Jack took a deep breath and then looked at Jacob.
“Somethings….” Jack’s voice was cut off by the sight of blue lights at the edge of the street.
“Come on.” said Jack standing up.
“Something’s what Jack?” asked Jacob but Jack held up his hand and opened the trailer door as Officer Douglas’s cruiser neared.
____________________________________________________________________
“We got officers out right now looking for whoever did this.” said Officer Douglas.
Jack nodded.
“I’m sorry about all this Mr. Dodd. From what I can see you seem like a nice guy and I don’t see why anyone would target your family.” said Officer Douglas
“Yeah well, I hope it’s him that will be sorry soon.” replied Jack.
Officer Douglas nodded and then stepped back towards his car, before getting in he turned to Jack “Remember Jack I’m just a phone call away.”
Jack and Jacob watched Officer Douglas pull out and disappeared down the lane.
“So what were you saying before Jack?” asked Jacob.
“About what?” asked Jack stepping up to the trailer door.
“About what’s bothering you.” replied Jacob
“Oh.” Jack paused “I forgot.”
____________________________________________________________________
Jack groaned waking up. Light was coming through the blinds covering the window in his and Maureen’s bedroom, He stood up and walked into the kitchen.
“How is he?” asked Jack.
Maureen looked up from her coffee.
“He’ll be fine.” said Maureen meekly.
Jack nodded pouring himself some coffee. He sat down next to Maureen blowing on his cup.
“I didn’t hear you come in…” started Jack.
“Jack I’m scared.” said Maureen staring into his eyes.
Jack put his hand on her shoulder and pulled her close.
“Nothing to be scared of Maureen, just some punk, he got shot at, Officer Douglas said he’s probably gone for good.”
“You know it’s not just some kid.” said Maureen leaning back to look him in the eyes.
Jack grunted looking out the door.
“What is it Jack?” asked Maureen.
“Shhh.” said Jack pulling her tight again.
A few tears streaked down Maureen’s cheeks. Jack looked over at Arnie still playing with his dinosaurs as if nothing had happened the night before. He sighed stroking Maureen’s head. After a few minutes Maureen had calmed down and Jack felt himself drift off in thought staring outside. He saw a car pull in down the street but took no notice of it. He reached down and took another sip of his coffee. Looking back out he saw that it was a police cruiser pulling into their front yard. Out stepped Officer Douglas a smile on his face.
“Officer Douglas.” said Maureen surprised and looking up at Jack.
“I’ll see what he wants.” said Jack standing up.
Jack went outside and waved to Officer Douglas.
“Morning Officer.” said Jack.
“Morning Mr. Dodd…I think we may have found the man who’s been terrorizing your family.” said Officer Douglas.
“You did?” asked Jack surprised.
“Yes, one of our officers’s pulled off on the other side of the woods there and stopped a man leaving them. The man was dressed in all black with his hood up. When our officer asked him to stop he attacked the officer and was shot. Later we found wounds on him that looked like knife wounds but then again we weren’t sure, could be that you hit him.”
Jack breathed a sigh of relief “Who was this man?” asked Jack.
“We have no idea Mr. Dodd but he seemed to be suffering from something. We found a shack on the other side of the woods there. He had different animals all chopped up, it was quite a gruesome sight.”
“That man had been living there?” asked Jack.
“Seems so.” replied Officer Douglas nodding his head.
Jack felt sick to his stomach.
“Really no way to control these things Mr. Dodd I’m sorry you were this psycho’s target.” Jack nodded “Anyways I came here to ask you if you mind if we take some officers out and scour the woods for more evidence?”
“Of course not.” replied Jack
“Alright, I’ll call them out then.” said Officer Douglas sitting down in his car.
“Would you like some coffee Officer Douglas?” asked Jack walking back up to the trailer.
“No thank you.”
Jack walked back in the house “What is it?” asked Maureen a worried expression on her face. Jack picked up Maureen and spun her around.
“They got him.” said Jack.
“They did?” asked Maureen.
“Yes baby they did.”
“Oh, thank God.” said Maureen sighing deeply.
“Oh thank God.” she repeated softly.
Jack set her down waling over to Arnie and lay down next to him. He kissed him on his head. Arnie looked up at his father and smiled then returned to his toys. Rex came bounding over seeing his master’s happiness. Jack patted his head standing back up.
“They are going to send some officers over to look for evidence.”
“Okay.” replied Maureen.
“And Maureen.” said Jack.
“Yes?” asked Maureen
“If I were you I wouldn’t’ ask too much about the case.” a look of fear crossed Maureen’s eyes “but that’s your call.” said Jack stepping outside.
____________________________________________________________________
Jack sat back in his lawn chair feeling the cool breeze wash over him. Maureen sat in the one next to him reading. Rex and Brute were at their sides sleeping. The police had found some foot prints that resembled the ones of the man who had been shot along with some blood where Brute and the man had gotten into it, but they couldn’t tell whose blood was who. All in all they said the case was closed and to call them if anything else came up. Jack breathed in deeply, content. Arnie sat inside playing with his dinosaurs.
Something in the corner of the trailer caught Arnie’s eye. Curious Arnie stood up and walked over to it. There was a tail hanging out of a pile of paper. Arnie grabbed the tail investigating. Giving it yank the tail gave a little as papers flew up in the air, Arnie falling back. Surprised and a little stunned he looked to see a mouse in his hands lying still. The mouse’s eyes were pitch black with a red line running down the middle, like a cat’s, and the body limp. Arnie poked the mouse seeing if it would move. He mumbled confused poking the mouse again but it did not respond. Arnie’s face changed from playful to worried.
He poked the mouse one more time but still did not get a response. He sat back staring at the mouse and wondering why it wouldn’t move, Arnie heard something toward the back of the trailer coming from his parent’s room. He stood up to go investigate. Standing in the hallway next to the trailer door that lead outside Arnie saw the door to his parent’s room slowly creak open. Arnie walked towards the door with his head cocked to the side.
Arnie sensed something he didn’t like but curiosity got the better of him. Taking a few more steps Arnie neared the doorway. Maureen looked back and smiled as Arnie passed the open door to the trailer. Arnie began to hear whispers as he neared the room.
“Arnie.” whispered a voice.
Arnie crept closer. Standing in the doorway looking into his parents room Arnie felt something watching him. He saw a black shadow skirt across the room almost mist like in form. Suddenly Arnie felt very uneasy and turned to leave. As he did he felt something at his back. He tried to scream but nothing came out. He felt himself being pulled backwards as the door closed shut quietly in front of him.
Jack suddenly felt a surge of panic course through him but couldn’t explain why. He stood up and raced towards the trailer.
“Arnie!” he shouted.
Maureen looked after him confused as he crashed into the hallway bounding into their room leaping.
