Hoot

Hoot1

By Zaffen2

Prologue3

Jamie knew he should not have done it.4

In fact, his mom had told him not to, but he was nearly thirteen years old, the man of the house for better then two years since his father had died. Jamie still missed him, it was hard not to because every time he looked in a mirror he saw a younger replica of his dad's face.5

As he thought of his dad, Jamie felt a tear spill onto his cheek and angrily brushed it away. None of that now, he thought to himself, even if there isn't anybody but Hoot to see.6

Hoot seemed to know, somehow, that Jamie's thoughts were not on hunting, at the moment, and the little calico-colored Terrier mix dog pulled his nose away from the scent he had been investigating, to lope back to where Jamie sat brooding on a stump. Placing a paw on Jamie's denim covered knee, he seemed to be saying he understood and, if needed he was there.7

Jamie reached down and scratched Hoot below an ear. "Thanks, Hoot," Jamie said, "I love you too, I guess it doesn't do any good to brood about it, so let's go get some squirrels and maybe Mom won't be mad."8

Standing up, Jamie re-buttoned his red and black flannel shirt (a Christmas present from his mom) and zipped his denim jacket up part way, before starting. He was glad his jacket had a lining because when he had left home at Spring Creek earlier in the day, it had been 35 degrees, partly sunny and relatively warm after the severe freezes they'd had lately.9

The clouds had been closing in, the temperature had been dropping, and you could almost smell snow in the air.10

Picking up the gleaming .22 rifle resting against the stump, Jamie started up the rugged hill in pursuit of Hoot's bushy flag of a tail.11

He thought of his eighth birthday when his dad had given him the rifle (in spite of Mom's reservations). Dad said he thought Jamie was responsible enough to have his own gun. Talk about feeling 10 feet tall!12

Jamie had been out hunting with his dad many times, had paid close attention to everything his dad said or did, and it hadn't been long before he could track and shoot almost as well as his dad.13

Just then, he heard Hoot bark “Treed!" He realized that he had been following without really paying attention. Hurrying to the pine tree that Hoot was reared up on, Jamie looked up into the branches, and saw the fat fox squirrel about thirty feet up, trying to blend into the bark of the trunk.14

Dad would have been proud when the squirrel thudded to the ground because he had taught Jamie not to use two when one shot would do. As he picked up the squirrel, Jamie told Hoot "Good dog. Go get another one!"15

So it went for the better part of two hours and five squirrels. One more would do and they would head for home, which wasn't more than a mile away because they had been circling back as they went and getting lower on the hill.16

Just as he heard Hoot bark again, a huge snowflake blew in under Jamie's hat bill and plastered itself between his eyes. Pulling off his glove, Jamie wiped the melting snowflake off his face and looked around to see the snow begin in earnest. Oh well, he thought. What else can you expect in January?17

Hoot yelped again and Jamie moved toward the sound, stepping out onto the road.18

He knew he had plenty of time, in spite of the weather, because the road intersected the county road and just a half mile on it, they'd be home.19

Hoot yelped again and Jamie noticed that it wasn't Hoot's treed bark but was more intense. In fact, it was beginning to border on frenzied.20

In the gathering dusk, Jamie could see Hoot darting at something in the bushes just off the road.21

Jamie did not cuss as a rule because Dad had always told him it usually wasn't really necessary, unless you smashed your finger with a hammer or broke a leg, in which case it might be permissible as long as no females were around.22

When Jamie saw what Hoot had found, he knew for certain that this was one of those times.23

As he hollered for Hoot to heel and got his shaking legs to move, Jamie ran toward home as fast as he could go. All he could say, and all he had breathe for between gasps, was a breathy, “Aw shit!”24

Edited by Stormy Weather25

Hoot26

By Zaffen27

Chapter 128

The wet snow, falling in huge flakes, seemed to appear suddenly, as if by magic, out of the pitch-blackness above into the bright headlight beams below, there to dance to the vagaries of the troubled wind before gently adding itself to the eight inch layer already on the ground or the deeper drifts piled at random.29

Occasionally a stray tendril of the wind, which had started in Alaska, would arrive, fly down the old logging road on moaning wings, to slap at the fake fur collar, on the real leather Patrol Jacket. There it would deposit its quota of wet snow, and promptly melt to cascade in small but persistently cold rivulet down Sheriff Roberts' spine.30

Roberts felt the goose flesh rising on his arms and legs with the hair on the back of his neck stirring.31

Although he was chilled, it was not from the cold because he was sweating. Nor did it have a great deal to do with the emaciated, frozen, nude male corpse before him (Sheriff Roberts had seen more then a few corpses in his time), because it looked almost peaceful, even if it was awfully skinny. The reaction, rather, had occurred when the County Corner informed him that the corpse might be empty of fluids, which confirmed what the Sheriff had thought all along.32

Tommy Daniels should know. He was not only the local County Coroner; he was a Licensed Mortician, as well.33

One thing for sure, Sheriff Roberts thought as he brought his stocky, muscular body under control, Edger Roberts does not believe in Vampires!34

*****35

Later, what passed for dawn was doing what it could to illuminate the gray and white landscape, which should have been a good advertisement for this part of the Boston Mountains (better known as the Ozarks), but to Sheriff Roberts tired eyes it only looked cold and dreary.36

The snow sifted, the frozen ground exposed for twenty feet in all directions, the scene documented with measurements to back up the photographs and Tommy Daniels had seen to the transport of the body to Harrison over the, twisting, winding, up and down, snow covered, treacherous fifty miles, for an autopsy.37

Sheriff Roberts, or “Pate,” as only very close friends called him and only since his hair had started to turn up missing in action, had heard somewhere that it was not that the mountains were so high but that the valleys were so deep. Pate figured that if you ever slid off the road, and were unlucky enough to drop into one of those valleys, you might begin to appreciate the gravity of the statement.38

Some of the valleys were over fifteen hundred feet deep, not that you seriously had to worry about traveling all the way to the bottom, because rocks or trees would stop you long before that.39

Usually that stoppage was permanent. Pate was tired, wet, cold, hungry, and he was frustrated, baffled, bordering on angry. Worse, he had run out of coffee some time back. In spite of an extremely careful, methodical search, not one unusual item had turned up, not a wheel tracks or footprint to be found in or on the frozen ground, not even of the boy or his dog!40

That thought reminded him that, he still needed to visit the Edwards home at Spring Creek on his way back to his office in Marshall, and his first chance to get warm and dry in the last twelve hours.41

Slogging through the thickly piled snow away from the busy crime scene, Pate spotted the tall lanky forms of the Davies twins, Bill and Jim, two of his best deputies, standing at the access point by their vehicles. The only way to tell them apart was by Bill’s handlebar mustache.42

As he approached, Pate said, “I hate it but, with Gabe sick, Paul on vacation out of state and Trommer tied up in Little Rock, here’s what we’ll have to do. Jim, go home, shower, change clothes, eat, stock up on coffee and come back to relieve Bill as fast as you can because he’ll need to rest up for patrol tonight. Then hang around until the State boys are finished. I do not think they will find anything but they might. When they get finished call me and let me know what they want to do.”43

Both Deputies answered with, “Can do,” and, as Pate got into his Japanese manufactured SUV, he heard one of the twins say something about, “It was better than a sharp stick in the eye.”44

In spite of how tired he was, Pate had to smile. He knew he had the best deputies a man could ask for, and not just, because they were his friends. He had to admit, though, that sometimes they tended to sound like dumb hillbillies. He chuckled. Better, make that sometimes into often.45

In spite of how they sounded, they were both highly intelligent, graduated from State with Honors, Bill in accounting, but he found it too dull, and Jim in Political Science, but he found politics too demeaning and he refused to lie.46

All six-law enforcement officers for the county had graduated from the State Police Academy in Camden including Pate. As an elected official, he was not required to attend but he did not believe in having someone do what he would not be willing to do himself.47

As Pate backed down the old logging road because the woods were too thick and the road too narrow to turn around, he had to admit he was getting used to his new 4X4. The Quorum Court, in their collective wisdom and with the County Judge’s input, had purchased the bright red monstrosity despite his suggestions. He thought he might learn to live with it and, possibly, even come to like it in time. If he could just get them to have, it repainted. He was tired of being mistaken for the Fire Chief!48

*****49

Rafe Blannder knew he was in trouble. No one in the group would take his calls.50

He was broke and he did not dare go home.51

He had driven as far South as he could, just barely outrunning the snow.52

The money he had in his wallet had only taken him about four hundred miles to El Dorado.53

He had called his mother, collect, from a pay phone and begged her to wire him his savings, explaining that, "He had accidentally gotten off without his checkbook."54

She had finally agreed to wire the money when she went to town in the afternoon but not before telling him that, “He was a damn fool and she wondered if he would even be able to find his way out of the phone booth.”55

He had taken it without talking back but his jaws still hurt from clinching his teeth together.56

*****57

Anna Edwards was of the opinion that the ten years she’d had with Jake, had been precious, but not nearly long enough, and she had looked forward to so many more.58

It had been two years, three weeks, and at noon, five days since she and Jamie had found Jake’s body on Taylor Hill.59

Jake had gone to cut up some dead trees for firewood behind the house, about a half a mile away, while Jamie and Anna finished up some chores. They had planned to bring lunch, and after eating, help load the truck for the return trip home. Instead, when they arrived, all was still and, although they found the truck, Jake was nowhere around.60

They finally saw his hand, fingers curled as if reaching, sticking out from under a huge pine tree lying on the ground. The chainsaw lying on the ground nearby was still hot. To this day, no one had any idea why Jake decided to cut the tree down since he had been cutting up the dry deadwoods that were already down.61

The Coroner-Tommy Daniels and old Sheriff Mackenzie had concluded that it was an accident.62

All Anna knew was, that for her and Jamie’s world had been shattered.63

Jamie didn’t say much but she knew he missed his dad because, as far as Jamie was concerned, the sun didn’t dare show its face until Jake said it could and Anna, had begun to think it was true because the sun hadn’t shone for her in a long, long time.64

Even now, if Anna closed her eyes, she could smell Jake’s aftershave lotion, feel his kisses on her body, as his hands caressed her, and she ached with longing.65

Anna had told Jamie not to go hunting after the accident, not because he didn’t know how, but because she was afraid of losing him too. She knew it was irrational, Jamie had minded her about not hunting for all but the last six hours, and she probably wouldn’t have scolded Jamie too much, even if he hadn’t come in half scared to death. As soon as she could get Jamie calmed down enough to get a clear picture of what had happened she had called 911.66

After the deputy from the Sheriff’s Office arrived and Jamie showing where the body was, He had been far to excited and upset to go to bed. Therefore, they had set by the fireplace drinking coffee and hot chocolate, talking until Jamie couldn’t hold his eyes open any longer.67

He’d slept until just a moment ago, when Hoot decided Jamie had rested enough and demanded that he get up.68

Hoot. What a name for a dog!69

It seemed more like yesterday rather than four years back that Jake had brought home the inquisitive little bundle of fur, all bright eyes and cold nose and teased Jamie that, “The dog probably wouldn’t be worth a hoot.”70

Hoot he was from then on and he and Jamie were inseparable.71

“Are you hungry?” Anna called to Jamie.72

“Yes, Ma’am,” he answered, as he and Hoot came into the kitchen.73

“What would you like?” she asked.74

Jamie sat down at the table, Hoot at his feet. “How about some bacon, hash brown potatoes, eggs, and biscuits?” he said hopefully.75

“No problem.” She smiled at him. “I thought you might be hollow when you woke up, so I got enough fixings to feed an army and, if you're full, all you have to do is tell me, When!”76

“That’s great!” crowed Jamie and Hoot barked his agreement.77

As Anna turned to begin cooking, Jamie said, “Mom, I’m sorry. I know you were just worried something might happen to me.”78

At this, Anna thought again, of how much like Jake he was, almost able to read her thoughts.79

Jamie got up from the table came over to the counter and put his arms around her.80

Goodness, She thought. He’s nearly as tall as I am, strong from working on the place, and more mature for his age than a person would expect.81

She knew, at that moment, that she would have to start turning loose and let Jamie grow.82

“I love you,” she said.83

Jamie looked up into her eyes and said, “I miss him too Mom.”84

Then they just hugged each other and cried, to mourn their loss a finale time. A healing had begun and never again would it hurt as intensely as it had.85

Anna didn’t know how long they had been standing there but Hoot’s yelp at the front door announced that someone was coming. Stepping over to the window, Anna saw a bright red 4X4 pull up to the house, through the still falling snow, and plow to a stop in the drifts out front next to her Ford Bronco.86

As someone got out and came around the front of the vehicle, she could see a badge but the person’s face obscured because of the hat brim tilted into the wind. When he finally made it to the enclosed front porch, he began knocking the snow off his clothes and boots.87

Opening the front door, Anna called out, “Hello, come on in before you freeze.”88

As the Officer raised his head, the first thing to appear was a flash of teeth in a big smile; the next were eyes as green as grass sparkling with dew on a fresh spring day.89

Anna realized that he had said something but she had missed it and said, “What’s that?”90

She heard him repeat, “Too late,” as he came across the porch.91

Boy, she thought, for someone as solid as he looks, he sure moves light on his feet.92

Stepping back and recovering her composure, Anna motioned him in and shut the door after him. As he took off his hat, she saw the brown hair, what there was of it, was shot through with gray, and plastered to his skull. He was still smiling easily but, since he was closer, Anna noticed how exhausted he looked, and that his eyes were raw around the edges.93

“Take off your jacket and get closer to the stove,” she said.94

“Thank you, I don’t mind if I do,” he replied.95

As he took off his jacket, Anna saw how wet he -really- was. “Hey,” she said, “you’re soaked. You’ll get sick if you don’t get dried out pretty quick.” Turning to Jamie she said, “Take him to your room while I find him some dry clothes to put on.”96

She heard the Officer start to protest but she cut her eyes around at him and said, “Go on, don’t argue with me.” At which he just smiled and meekly said, “Yes ma’am.”97

As Jamie and the officer headed for Jamie’s room, Anna went to her room and began burrowing through drawers and closets until she found all she needed. Handing the things to Jamie when he appeared, she headed for the kitchen to fix more coffee and a bigger breakfast, even if it was noon.98

That man looked hungry!99

*****100

As he toweled off and changed into the dry clothes, Pate’s mind was on Anna Edwards. When the door had opened, it was all he could do not to just stand and stare. Blonde hair, eyes so deep blue that a person could get lost in them. Her long-sleeved, red, flannel shirt was tucked into a pair of form fitting denims with the legs covered nearly to the knees by tan, fringed top moccasins, none of which had done anything to disguise Anna's slim but well-rounded, long legged body.101

All of this had been taken in at a glance while Pate was trying to unwind his tongue enough to speak. Pate would later describe his mental condition as, “A state of shock.”102

No one had been home when he was around to campaign for office, so he’d had left a card and never met Mrs. Edwards.103

When she had said something about getting dry, it sounded good but he started to protest out of politeness. Then those blue eyes had snapped around at him, she told him not to argue and he didn’t put up any further protest. He knew when to holler, “Uncle.”104

Following the boy, Pate couldn’t help but notice that the house was solidly constructed and warm with well-filled bookshelves along the walls of what he assumed was a den. He could tell that love and pride had gone into the finish of the interior by the way the peeled surface of the logs, planed flat, sanded satin smooth, and sealed.105

The finish on the tongue and groove room partitions matched the warm, yellow-brown glow of the logs. When you added the bright colors of the various handmade patchwork quilts, Afghans, throw rugs and curtains, mixed with an array of Jamie’s possessions, the effect served to warm the heart, if not the body, on a cold and dreary day. Of course, the dry clothes didn’t hurt either.106

The clothes almost fit, although the shirtsleeves were a little long and the pants legs took a turn or two. The waist was a little snug, caused by too many hours behind a desk or steering wheel, with too many short order meals grabbed on the run.107

As Pate sat down in a chair by the bed to put on the dry socks, he noticed a picture of a man and boy on the nightstand.108

Probably Jamie and his father, they favored each other. He thought. If I remember correctly, he died in a logging accident before I started campaigning.109

As Pate stood and began to gather up the wet clothing, his stomach rumbled and he realized that the smells of coffee and bacon had been drifting into the room for some time. His stomach rumbled again, when he stepped into the kitchen, causing a quick glance and smile from Anna, who was standing at the stove.110

With arched eyebrows and a smile, she said, “It sounds like you need what I’ve got, how do you like your eggs?”111

Pate couldn’t help but chuckle as he replied, “Over medium thanks,” He said, then added, “Not that I’m complaining, but I’m curious, do you always take strangers in, give them dry clothes and feed them or was it just the uniform?”112

He saw her cheeks color but he could tell that he hadn’t embarrassed her too badly, because her gaze and smile remained, as she quipped, “I’ll never tell,” and reached for the wet clothes he still held.113

She said, “Sit down and drink some coffee while I drape these by the fire.” Then, with a quick turn, she walked into the front room.114

After a long look of admiration for the retreating form, Pate pulled his eyes back to his coffee cup, Good Lord! He though as he sat down, She does things to me that I haven’t felt since Helen died. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Jamie setting at the table next to him and thought with a jolt, I’d better get myself in hand. I was so distracted that I didn’t even notice him sitting there.115

Reaching for the for the cream and sugar, Pate glanced at Jamie to find the boy watching him with curious eyes, which is when Pate felt the color begin to rise in his face!116

To cover his embarrassment, he said, “So, Jamie, do you feel like talking about last evening or would you prefer to wait until after breakfast?”117

Instead of answering right away, Jamie looked down to pet Hoot sitting beside his chair. “I really don’t have that much to tell,” He finally said, "We were out hunting and Hoot found him.” Glancing up at Pate with a half-sick grin he added, “Mom had told me not to go hunting, and I wish I had listened. Since Dad died, she’s kept Hoot and me on a pretty short leash and we just had to get out.”118

“I’m sorry about your father Jamie. I never have to meet him. What was he like?” asked Pate.119

The question seemed to open the floodgates and Pate listened as Jamie told him about the father he had loved and the accident. Anna had come back into the kitchen as Jamie began his tale and by the time he finished, she was placing bacon, eggs, hash browns, and biscuits in front of them.120

“Eat up,” she ordered, “before it gets cold,” and they both dug in without argument. By the time, they finished eating and, Pate had enough information for his report, it was nearly two o clock.121

Jamie excused himself to do some chores and, grabbing his coat, he and Hoot went out the kitchen door.122

Pate smiled and said, “That’s quite some young man you have there Mrs. Edwards. You’ve every reason to be proud of him. For his safety and your own, as well as to keep the reporters from hassling you and Jamie, I’m going to request that you say nothing to anyone about Jamie finding the body.”123

“Thank you, Sheriff. I won’t say a thing and will make sure Jamie understands how important it is not to say anything, as well.”124

“One other thing, Ma’am, He said.”125

Anna asked, “Yes, Sheriff?”126

“While most people call me Sheriff or Edger, my friends call me Pate, and I’d be honored if you were included in that category."127

She smiled and said, “I’ll call you Pate if you’ll call me Anna."128

“It’s a deal,” He grinned and she offered him another cup of coffee, which he had to turn down. “As much as I wish I could stay longer, I really need to get back to the office. Thank you for all you’ve done for me today because I was just about done in."129

”I’ll get your things and you can take them with you and return the ones you’re wearing another time.”130

As Pate pulled away from the Edwards home, he knew there would definitely be another time, and soon!131

*****132

The snow had all but stopped and, as Anna watched Pate drive away, a ray of afternoon sunlight broke through the thinning clouds. Suddenly it was a beautiful day and she felt as if she had awakened from a long, bad dream.133

She had cleared the table, washed the dishes, and was starting to clean the rest of the house when Jamie, with Hoot at his heels, came in.134

Anna looked up and noticed Jamie grinning. “What’s up?” she asked.135

“It’s nice to hear you singing, again.”136

Anna was surprised because she hadn’t even known she had been!137

*****138

Rafe had been checking to see if the money had arrived every few minutes since noon. The clerks at the wire service were beginning to view him with a certain suspicion and it was nearly eight p.m. leaving the car for what seemed like the hundredth time; he walked to the wire service office and found that the money had finally arrived.139

On the road once more, still headed south, he tried to think of a way out of his fix. He had no better success now, than when he had awakened and found that he had a problem to start with. His mind had been whirling and spinning around like the exercise wheel in a Gerbil cage. His head hurt, his eyes felt filled with sand, and his stomach had been telling him what a bastard he was.140

Maybe if he just dropped out of sight for a while, everything would blow over. He could get some kind of job somewhere and establish another identity, at least until it was safe to resurface or he could figure out a better plan.141

He wished he had never gotten involved. He had needed a job but not that bad. He didn’t know for sure what they would do if they caught up with him and he didn’t want to find out. He had no desire to experience any type of pain, suffering or, if his worst fears were realized, death.142

Of that, much he was sure!143

Settle down, he told himself. You’re driving too fast, blend in with the other traffic. Pulled over now is definitely what you don’t want!144

He badly needed another drink, if for no other reason then to calm his nerves and make his hands quit shaking.145

He had swiped a bottle from the boss’s storage room earlier and had hidden it in the trunk. The boss wouldn’t miss it (not with as many as he had). He remembered parking on the old logging road and moving the body out of his way onto the shoulder of the road because he was cold and needed a nip to warm up, he didn’t think the cold would hurt the body.146

The next thing he knew the bottle was empty, he was at the drop off point, and the body wasn’t in the trunk!147

That’s when he had run.148

Maybe he would pull off at the next liqueur store and get something to drink. In fact, there was one just ahead and it wouldn’t take that long. It sounded like the best idea he’d had this whole misbegotten day.149

As he pulled into the parking lot of the liqueur store, parked and entered, he didn’t notice the gray truck, which had been behind him ever since he had left El Dorado, pull in at the gas station next door.150

When he left, the gray truck followed several cars back.151

*****152

That evening, as Jamie was getting ready for bed with Hoot watching the process from the foot of the bed, Jamie said, “Do you think Mom likes Pate? I know I do, he’s funny. That story he told about the Preacher and the Bear made me laugh so hard my sides still hurt!” He grinned at Hoot. "You even ate the piece of bacon he slipped you and you won’t ever take anything from anyone but me or Mom! You didn’t think I noticed, did you?”153

Hoot had been listening and cocking his head from side to side, as Jamie talked but at the mention of the bacon, his ears had drooped. Jamie was quick to reassure him that it was all right.154

Sliding into bed, Jamie slept; he dreamed, and the dreams were good.155

In her room, Anna was looking at Jake’s photograph. The smiling face served to remind her that he had loved her and seemed to be telling her now, that he was glad she was happy again and to do what needed done.156

Tomorrow, she thought, I’ll begin clearing the closets and drawers, see if there is anything else Jamie wants of Jake’s things, and box up the rest. The church always needs things to help others and Jake was always helping, so, I think he would be pleased.157

Plans made, Anna turned out the light and with a smile, dropped into the most restful sleep she’d had in two years, three weeks, five days and, at midnight, twelve hours, but, this time, she hadn’t remembered to keep track.158

Edited by Stormy Weather159

Hoot160

By Zaffen161

Chapter 2162

By one in the morning, Rafe was far into Louisiana and needed to relieve his, nearly, overfilled bladder. Pulling into a deserted rest stop, he made a dash for the restroom, barely taking time to shut off the engine of the car.163

His return to the car was a great deal more leisurely but a little unsteady since the nips he had consumed were finally hitting him. Whew, he thought, that was lose. Damn, I didn't even shut and lock the car door since I was in such a hurry.164

He couldn't seem to work up much concern over the warm golden glow of the alcohol sloshing around in his veins. At least he had quit shaking and was a lot more relaxed then he had been earlier.165

Maybe he should give the 'Boss' a call. Maybe it wasn't as bad as he thought. Shoot, when you got to thinking about it, it was even a little bit funny. In fact, the more he thought about it the funnier it got, and he was giggling as he got into the car and reached for the ignition.166

As the engine started, a black clad arm clamped around his throat pulling his upper body toward the back seat and a black gloved hand slapped a rag over his nose and mouth!167

"The Colonel sends his regards," hissed a voice in his ear.168

Holding onto the steering wheel to keep the person from pulling him over the seat, his foot rammed the gas pedal to the floor. The car engine screamed as he tried not to breathe, struggling to reach the gearshift but it was no use and, as his lungs convulsed, he breathed!169

It was pitch black; Rafe was cold, his mouth tasted awful, his head hurt, and he was wet.170

Wet! Why am I wet? He wondered. Then he realized that he was still in the car but setting in water up to his chest!171

Just as he reached for the door handle, the car gave a lurch and rolled over. Suddenly he was under water entirely, confused as to up or down. The rollover had caught him by surprise and he hadn't had time to get a breath of air. He had to breathe!172

Scrabbling frantically to find a pocket of air, he found only seats and floorboards. His lungs convulsed causing him to swallow water. He gagged, his lungs convulsed again, causing him to swallow even more water. He was strangling, choking, and clawing at whatever surface met his frantic fingers, all to no avail.173

Watching until the car sank; the followers climbed into the gray truck and drove away. As the taillights disappeared, the frogs and other creatures resumed their age-old dirge as the black night closed back over the deep black pool of water and quicksand.174

In Marshall, Pate awoke to find himself crossway of the bed and eye to scarred eye with El Tigre' the boss cat, which preferred the back of the hide-a-bed.175

Soft light filtering in from the street light outside illuminated the room enough for him to see that the covers, a twisted mess, had pulled completely out at the foot.176

With a glance at the clock on the end table, Pate told El Tigre' that, "From midnight until five a.m. was too short a night." Midnight, the time he had finally collapsed onto the bed in near exhaustion, only to awake a few short hours later when the dream, starring Anna Edwards, had climaxed, waking him.177

El Tigre' merely opened one yellow eye in annoyance, looking in disgust at Pate from the back of the couch, as if to say, "That sounds like a personal problem, not requiring the rousing of the entire neighborhood." Then, having handled the situation to his satisfaction, tucked his paws under his chest and promptly went back to sleep.178

Pate wished he could do the same, but even if the dream hadn't seen to the end of sleep for this night, it was almost time to get up anyway. Sitting up on the edge of the bed didn't make Pate feel any less tired, switching on the bedside light caused his eyes to hurt and even though the room temperature was tolerable, the cold radiating up through the rug under his feet was numbing his toes.179

Padding into the kitchen, dressed as nature intended, Pate found that the timer on the coffee pot had functioned as advertised. The aroma seemed to help pull his tired brain together and, after pouring a cup, he headed for a much-needed shower.180

As steam arose in billowing clouds to fill the bathroom, Pate's mind went back to his dream. He knew that he was feeling the possibility of something special. Although he had met a great many women of every description with many more then willing, he had steered clear of intimate entanglements and never, until now, had he even dreamed, no pun intended, of finding someone the caliber of Anna Edwards.181

While shaving, his mind drifted over the events of the proceeding day. When he had finally arrived at his office, he wished he'd stayed away because every busybody in town wanted to know the latest and he finally told the dispatchers to hold all but the official calls; there had been enough of those.182

Pate discovered that Gabe, who was feeling a little better, was coming in to help and he had sent him out to relieve Jim, so Jim could get some rest. Another message stated that Trommer was on his way back from Little Rock so that also relieved some of his manpower shortage problems, or at least as close as they usually got to being relieved. His offices still had the usual problems to deal with in addition to this recent bit of business.183

He would call the medical examiner in Harrison later this morning, to see if he could speed up the autopsy. All that was available locally was a glorified clinic, run by the Harrison Hospital with several other doctors rotating through to flesh out the staff of two resident MDs.184

Tommy Daniels, elected as County Coroner reached the limits of his expertise just picking up the bodies of those that had died of natural causes.185

As expected, the State Police hadn't found anything.186

After dressing, Pate stripped the bed, remade it, folded it closed, which earned another dirty look from El Tigre' who had, almost, decided to forgive Pate temporarily, at least until the food dish was filled.187

Pate dumped everything in the washer, hit the button and it dutifully began to work. Doing the wash was not one of the top ten on his list of favorites but he didn't like to let it pile up. He'd long ago learned that he wouldn't have the time to do it later.188

Opening the front door and stepping out onto the front porch with another cup of coffee in hand, Pate noticed that the paper carrier had made it through the deep snow and, for once, had found the porch which the wind had swept clear of snow. Well! There's a first time for everything, he thought.189

As he picked up the paper, Pate noticed that the sky was crystal clear, the air was crisp and, though he had assumed that it had been the street light shining through his windows earlier. Instead, He saw the full moon had illuminated the still world imitating a massive spotlight.190

El Tigre' came out through the still open front door, with a glare in Pate's direction that plainly stated what was thought of people that left the door open, which let cold air into the house, disturbed the sleep of the Head Cat, didn't fill the food dish and then left cold white stuff all over the toilet.191

After tossing El Tigre' into the middle of the "snow covered toilet," better known as the front yard, to see if that would bring about a much needed attitude adjustment, Pate reentered the house. He poured a third cup of coffee, filled El Tiger's food dish, and began trying to extract the newspaper from the multiple layers of plastic wrappers and rubber bands which encased it.192

The articles didn't surprise him. Mona, the reporter for the local gossip rag, had left two dozen messages for him to call and the daily statewide paper had left a dozen. How they learned of it he hadn't a clue but before he could answer any calls, even if he had been so inclined, both reporters showed up.193

He gave them what he could, which was nothing, making sure he left out any mention of the Edwards boy, stating only that a hunter's dog had found the body and all other information was confidential as part of an ongoing law enforcement investigation.194

Neither, reporter had been happy that the other was there, or that so little information was forthcoming, but at least they'd gotten the story straight, even if they had misspelled his name.195

Listening to his tires crunch through the snow as he drove to the diner, Pate's mind reviewed the news he had read in the rest of the paper, which to him looked the same as usual, only worse.196

The people in Searcy County actually did not seem to know how blessed they were to live where they did.197

The politicians on the state and national level made promises to correct the problems at home but only continued to either, try buying friends in other countries, or feathering their own nests at the expense of those, that elected them to serve.198

A problem reflected to a lesser extent on the local level and one requiring correction before the nation as a whole collapsed.199

Speaking of problems, his stomach informed him that it was under the impression that someone had cut his throat.200

At 0600, Pate plowed to a stop in front of the Gaslight Restaurant, he hoped that Bob and Carol had made it in to open up because he might not get another chance to eat for a while.201

Opening the inner door, Pate saw Bob just beginning to switch on the 1900's style fixtures, for which the restaurant was named, and could hear Carol in the kitchen getting ready for the breakfast crowd. Although, thought Pate, that crowd might be no more than a group today.202

"Morning, Pate," Bob said, "I saw you plow in. There's a cup of coffee already on the counter. I didn't put it in your usual spot because I wasn't sure if it was you or Jim."203

This last, said with a perfectly straight face, but Pate could see the twinkle in Bob's eyes and at a growl from Pate, Bob suddenly decided that Carol needed his assistance in the kitchen. It didn't help one bit that Carol had snickered when she heard Bob.204

I've got to get them to repaint that SUV, thought Pate; it was bad enough that it wasn't American made but the fire chief jokes were wearing a bit thin.205

Breakfast had, somewhat, mellowed Pate's disposition as he drove the two blocks to his office. According to the thermometer on the Bank, it was a chilly twenty-nine degrees with the sun not yet breaking over the mountains.206

They had canceled school of course and the kids would be out in force later, making the most of their extra holiday. Then the kids would piss and moan because they had to make up the days later in the spring instead of going on Summer Vacation.207

Parking at what should have been the curb, Pate noticed that the grounds around the old court house were an unblemished field of white at least sixteen inches deep in the shallow spots with drifts around the corners and elsewhere of at least a couple of feet. The exception was the main walk, which had been cleared and salt-sanded all the way from the street to the front doors.208

Well, thought Pate, at least Clank can get to his office without undo difficulty.209

The Honorable (if dishonest), Hubert Penworthy Groefeld, County Judge of ten years, had come by his nickname because of the hardware which replaced his lower left leg (a souvenir from WW II). Pate did not begrudge the man a clear shot at the door, even if he had been responsible for the Red SUV, Pate just didn't care for the man's political practices.210

Wading over to the cleared section of walkway, Pate entered the old courthouse, descended a flight of stairs, and turned left, walked through an opening flanked by a massive steel door in the basement, now standing open and locked to the wall.211

Inside was a steel corridor four feet deep, sized to the original opening, which terminated in a steel door with a camera mounted above and a button, hooked to a speaker mounted in the middle, which he pressed, to gain admittance.212

Once identified, He opened the door when it buzzed; entering what had originally been a large vault covering half of the basement of the old Courthouse.213

Formally used to store the county records, it had stored junk for years after construction of the Searcy County Court House and Office Complex adjacent to the jail, aka Searcy County Correctional Facility, which most of the folks shortened to SCCF (pronounced Scef).214

Once elected Sheriff, he requested that the dispatchers transfer out of the jail into the Vault area because of the security requirements for a terminal to access the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) computers and suggested the Vault’s utilization as the Incident Command Center for Disaster Response (ICCDR).215

After lengthy heated debate, the Quorum Court had grudgingly approved the move. With the introduction of the 911 system a year later it had been shown as a wise decision since the dispatchers for both systems could be combined into one unit and placed in a separate partitioned area.216

The Vault was also completely self-contained with systems separate from the city for water, electric, air, and solid waste.217

Pate was proud of what the people in Searcy County had accomplished, even going the extra mile and voting a sales tax increase, in order to finance the renovations.218

The Vault had already shown it was worth the cost and effort when, less than a month after completion, a tornado had knocked power out over most of the county for several days, County Emergency Services had continued to operate efficiently.219

When it became apparent more room at SCEF was required, Pate had requested that the Sheriff’s Office Operations transfer to the remaining space in the Vault.220

The usual bitching, moaning, and sometimes acrimonious debate ensued but the people of Searcy County liked the new way that things in the county were progressing.221

They brought petitions signed by a huge percentage of the registered voters in Searcy County to the Quorum Court demanding approval.222

The members of the Court had dithered, squirmed, and tried to drag their collective heels but in the end had to, again, grudgingly approve the move if they wanted to be re-elected.223

Once moved, Pate and the deputies were able to interview suspects or witnesses free from prying eyes or ears, which had not been the case in the old offices at SCCF.224

Now when someone wanted to see a member of the county law enforcement team, it had to be only on official business. Then only when the person they wanted to see was free to escort them from the entrance straight to an office and back, with the escort held responsible for the visitor.225

There had not been many accidental or intentional leakages of information from the Sheriff's Office since the move, Pate made sure the cause of the leaks was long gone.226

Waving to the dispatchers visible through the bulletproof glass of the secure area, Pate made his way to his office in the far corner. There was a message from Paul Graysky offering to cut his vacation short and a return number.227

Pate called to leave a message at the resort for Paul, thanking him for the offer but telling him he should finish the two days he had left on the only Vacation and Honeymoon he and Jean had been able to take since they were married over a year ago.228

Then Pate made a call to the ME's office in Harrison, which got the answering machine, where Pate left a request for all possible speed on the case.229

Grabbing an aluminum scoop from the storage area, Pate headed back out to clear the back entrance walkway. As he cleared the main Vault door, he nearly collided with Jim Rosen but this was no real surprise since the Fire Chief's office was on the other side of the corridor in a remaining fourth of the basement.230

"Stupidity, rank stupidity, now we shall have to cease operations for a period of time because of a lazy, sloppy cretin, which you suggested we hire, and still we stand a chance of the whole operation being uncovered! I have dealt with the individual in question and the original problem. Remember this, any further problems and it's your neck! Is that understood?"231

The menacing voice and words, though quiet, had the same effect as a scream and were enough to cause chills to race up and down his spine as rivers of sweat poured from his body. “It won't happen again,” said Joshua Yantal, hating the quaver in his own voice, "That, I promise!"232

“Good, for the sake of you and your family see that it doesn't!” snarled the voice.233

With the phone connection replaced by silence; Joshua shakily hung up, and was glad he was already seated because he didn't believe he would have been able to stand.234

Pain, confusion, who, what, why, where, when, and then, blessed nothingness once more.235

After delivering Jamie, Hoot, and the inner tube, which had taken up the back half of the Bronco, to the already well traveled Great Face Road, Anna Edwards continued around Taylor Hill to the Pine Refuge Church to drop off Jake's things.236

She visited with Pastor Barnes and his wife Emma who well knew her pain, although Anna's attendance had been erratic since Jake died they greeted her with no condemnation, only concern and love for her welfare.237

She left out any mention of Jamie finding the body as Pate had instructed her but told them that, "Since she felt Jamie was old enough to pretty well take care of himself, she was going back to work part time."238

She didn't really need the money due to Jake's insurance and careful investing but she had been in contact with the Marshall Clinic, where she had worked as an RN until Jake died.239

She would start as soon as she had finished taking a couple of classes, which the hospital would pay for, to bring her up to speed on the latest medical protocol.240

This news met with an enthusiastic response, best wishes, and Anna gratefully accepted their promise to help her in any way possible.241

Taking her leave, Anna promised to keep them informed and plowed her way toward Harps Market for supplies before heading home. As it was, her route through town just happened to take her by the Old Courthouse.242

On Great Face Road, the sledding was fantastic. Jamie and Hoot along with most of the young folks and the young at heart, were taking advantage of the unusual snowfall. Utilizing everything from trash can lids to rubber inner tubes like Jamie's to slide down the long steep slope with only an occasional sled in evidence, since the snow fall in any given year was usually to sparse to justify the expense.243

Hoot made every trip with Jamie, up slope or down, sometimes in Jamie's lap as he rode his inner tube and sometimes ran along side in the hard packed snow until he was one pooped puppy. Flopping down on top of the hill, never letting Jamie out of his sight, he contented himself with watching the rest of the crazies.244

Suddenly, a stray sliver of wind wafted a faint scent to his sensitive nose making him whine as his hackles raised because it was the same scent he had smelled when he found the dead pack leader but just as quickly it was gone, leaving him puzzled.245

Jamie came up the hill, dragging his inner tube and flopped down by Hoot blowing hard from the climb.246

"Well Hoot, have we had all of this we can enjoy?"247

An enthusiastic wagging of the rear appendage and a sharp bark were sufficient answer.248

Leaving the inner tube for one of the others to use and climbing ever higher, the two set off over the top of Taylor Hill toward home.249

After many a detour by Hoot to investigate things; they arrived at the rock ledge at the top of the mountain, and stopped to rest and eat the lunch they had brought.250

The crisp air revealed almost half of Searcy County spread out below them in cold, white splendor. To the North, Jamie could see that the highway department was trying to clear the main highway with the secondary roads still packed. No one was stirring that didn't have a four wheel drive vehicle and just had to get out.251

Home lay on the South side of the mountain just half a mile straight down, over a couple of hundred foot high bluffs, but two miles by trail. Thanks to the wild animals that made the trail, it followed the path of least resistance. The trail also ran within a hundred yards of the spot where his father had died.252

Jamie had avoided that area ever since the accident but today he decided it was time he laid that bit of business to rest.253

“Whoa Pate, if you won't run over me, I'll give you a hand!” quipped the grinning Fire Chief, as he brandished the scoop in his hand.254

“Accepted!” Pate said with a laugh, “I thought I was going to be communing with this scoop for quite a while and anything to shorten that conversation is more than welcome.”255

The Fire Chief, a tall, thin, redhead almost made it a Mutt and Jeff act when the two of them were together.256

The two men weren't above a little friendly competition causing the snow to disappear from the back steps and sidewalk with surprising speed. In less then an hour the job was done, leaving the two men leaning on their respective shovel handles, blowing hard to catch their breath but with grins of satisfaction on their sweaty faces.257

“You didn't do to bad for an old timer,” Jim said.258

Grinning Pate replied, “Unless this old man's eyes are going the way of his hair, I think I see a kid leaning on his shovel handle pretty hard too.”259

With a laugh, they agreed to adjourn to the Knothole Café across the street for a welcome cup of coffee and a well-deserved rest. Leaving their shovels sticking in the snow, they had started across the street when Pate saw Anna Edwards driving onto the square, and waved to her just as his pager went off.260

Valuable time was slipping away, faster then the Colonel wanted to admit. The Project had to continue and this trouble couldn't have come at a more critical juncture.261

The loose ends had been eliminated, but he was realistic enough to know that anything was possible, all one could do was try to cover all the contingencies, trust to luck, keep an ear tuned for developments, and be ready with contingency plans if necessary.262

He wasn't a coward he had proven that on a good number of battlefields, but to quote Menander Monostikoi, “The man who runs may fight again.”263

Anna had seen Pate wave and then his hand go down to the pager on his belt. With a shrug, another wave of his hand, and a rueful grin, Pate had doubled back, at a trot, in the direction of the old courthouse and his Red SUV, leaving Anna damning all modern electrical devices of communication but she waved, and smiled back. Oh well, she thought, I needed to get the shopping done anyway, and decided she would leave a message inviting him to supper that night.264

Although Dobson Bates had tried to fool himself into believing the line of patriotic bull espoused by “The Group,” he knew there was no way to justify his involvement other than pure greed and the need to cover the short accounts at the bank but, now, he heartily wished he'd had nothing to do with it.265

No amount of money was worth the possible consequences but no way out existed. They had seen to that, and he knew that to attempt escape would make him, and his family, a loose end and loose ends were ruthlessly trimmed.266

Hoot was not a happy puppy. He had been catching whiffs of the troubling scent as they descended the mountain but with the still, crisp air the scent was hard to pinpoint.267

Jamie had almost become impatient with him because of all the side trips, which worried Hoot as well because it was not good to have your Pack Leader and friend unhappy with you because it cut down on the treats one received.268

They finally arrived at the scene of Jake's accident with Hoot's hackles still at half-mast, his tail tucked low, and walking stiff legged.269

Jamie looked the scene over while Hoot whined his uneasiness, the ways of Pack Leaders can be so strange, but eventually Jamie seemed satisfied with whatever it was he was looking for, and they departed for home, which suited Hoot just fine.270

After sliding off of the highway, the ambulance had hit the bluff outcropping about eight hundred feet down, and had burst into flame on impact. The fire had been extremely hot, fed by the large oxygen cylinders the ambulance carried as part of the equipment.271

There wasn’t that much left except for the engine, which was resting in what would have been the center of the vehicle, the twisted frame, and the running gear. The ambulance body had melted to puddles of aluminum slag with bits of whatever embedded within.272

Of the ambulance crew and the corpse, they'd been carrying, only bits of ash remained, and not much of that.273

As Pate surveyed the scene, he felt a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach but not from any stench emanating from the melted ambulance. The fire had burned so intensely it cleansed any sign of corruption from the area but rather because of the lives of two fine young men lost, and the grief of the families involved once notified.274

Thank God, Pate thought, since the unit was out of Harrison at least it is not my responsibility to notify the next of kin but I don’t envy those who will.275

Leaving Trommer to direct traffic while the state trooper and Tommy Daniels completed their part in the scene, Pate headed back to Marshall, not exactly sure how to proceed now with the body destroyed.276

Arriving at his office by the back entrance, he found Mona already camped on his doorstep wanting information about the accident. He gave her a sparse account and promised to give her more, if he could, after the report was finished.277

Pate decided that he might as well take the bull by the horns and go see Clank about backing him when he requested that the Quorum Court have that SUV repainted, bypassing the Vault, Pate headed upstairs to Clank's office to beard the Right Honorable but dishonest, Hurbert Penworthy Groefeld in his den.278

That Edwards kid had been messing around on Taylor Hill again. Expected it was, since the family lived at the base of the mountain, but something the Colonel wanted reported nonetheless.279

Moving back into the mountain toward operations, Jorg Johanson wondered if another accident would be necessary and was glad it was someone else's decision.280

It was pitch black. Where am I? He wondered. He hurt all over; the worst was his hands but when he feebly tried to lift them, he couldn't. He heard a soft bell and muffled indistinct voices but couldn't tell where they came from.281

On the other hand, He couldn’t even remember why he should care. His mind was a blank but it seemed like too weighty a problem to consider at the moment and he slipped back into unconsciousness before he could ponder it further.282

“The county can't afford to get a new vehicle repainted just because you don't like the color,” said Clank. “Besides, we got a great deal by buying both vehicles from the dealer's last year inventory and they just happened to be red. You'll just have to learn to live with it, even if you don't think you can love it. At least it beats that piece of junk you were driving.”283

This last bit said with a condescending sneer that rankled Pate, who had to swallow hard. Being careful to let nothing but the appropriate expressions show, no sense in tipping his hand too soon, and had to struggle to keep the sharp retort about Clank's cousin being the dealer, and Clank had received a kickback, from erupting from his mouth.284

Pate knew if he ever started in about the corruption that was a tradition in Searcy County politics he would probably end up madder than he already was, but no closer to changing anything. He'd just hold his peace, for now, continue to gather the evidence and when the time was right, he would do a little house cleaning of his own.285

Taking his leave of Clank, Pate descended to the Vault and into his office, where he found a message from Anna Edwards inviting him to supper that night.286

Well now, the day hasn't been a total loss, he chuckled to himself. After calling Anna, confirming that it would be his honor to attend, and being told to, dress casual, Pate tried to catch up on the ever-mounting pile of paperwork, the presence of which tended to make finding of the top of his desk a problematic exercise at best.287

After trying to read the same paragraph for the fifth time, Pate finally gave it up as an exercise in futility. His mind couldn't seem to do anything but dwell on curves instead of words, and calling it a day he headed home to change.288

“Leave the boy alone, for now. If we can conclude this stage of our business quickly, and without further incident, then the stir will just fade away,” the Colonel said, “You did well to report it. Maintain surveillance and continue to report as need be. This conversation is terminated.”289

Yeah, terminated, that's a good choice of words, Jorg thought as he hung up the phone, and it's getting closer every minute for somebody.290

Bill Mackenzie knew his time was near but before he died, he wanted to pass along some things he knew to Pate. They could no longer buy his silence and threats had lost any effect. Weakly he reached for the phone, dialed Pate's number, and left a message for Pate to call when he got in.291

He failed to hear the double click as he hung up.292

Supper had been fantastic. Grilled, melt in your mouth steaks, fluffy baked potatoes, carrots with green peas, cornbread, real creamery butter, with fresh apple pie, and home made ice cream for dessert.293

The company was even better then the meal, if that was possible. At least as far as Pate, who was engaged in a fierce game of Monopoly with Anna and Jamie, was concerned it was. With much laughter, good-natured ribbing and exclamations of, “How much did you say I owed?” they played for hours.294

Hoot, curled up in front of the stove, a full belly making for a sleepy puppy, was content that he wouldn't miss anything important and twitched as he dreamed.295

Edited by Stormy Weather296

Hoot297

By Zaffen298

Chapter 3299

In spite of the massive snowfall on Saturday night and Sunday, Monday had been remarkably light on motor vehicle accidents since not many people could get out.300

Today was already making up for it and today had started at 3 a.m. when Pate's phone had jarred him from a deep, peaceful sleep with pleasant dreams, to the rude and unpleasant world of jackknifed 18 wheelers, and multi-vehicle accidents.301

Since he had gotten to bed at about 2300 hours, at least he had gotten a few hours sleep. A partial thaw had begun on Monday but everything had refrozen last night, which made for treacherous travel. The schools remained closed and probably would for the rest of the week. Most of the businesses in the northern third of the state closed, except for essentials such as gas stations, grocery stores, and hospitals.302

The only people stirring away from the hearth were people who, absolutely had to get out, such as road crews, emergency services, wreckers, and the power company. The National Guard had transported those folks who needed temporary shelter to the Armory where food was available.303

Civilians possessing four-wheel drive vehicles had helped those folks needing assistance of one kind or another, which had alleviated the pressure on the Sheriff’s office as well as the State Police, which had their hands full just working, traffic accidents.304

At least there had been no fatalities, although MediVac chopper had taken one to Little Rock with suspected spinal injury. Only one baby, so far, had made an appearance.305

The parents lived in a local community, close to the main highway, and the ambulance had gotten through without a problem.306

You could bet on two things; that baby probably wouldn't be the last, they have a habit of being born after midnight or when the weather is horrendous. With the power out and no television, video games, or other distractions you could bet there would be allot more appearing in Searcy County around early October.307

It was getting toward suppertime; lunch had come and gone, uneaten. Everyone was either finishing up paper work or out working the most recent accident, and Pate still hadn't had time to return Bill Mackenzie's call.308

He'd heard that Bill hadn't been feeling well for some time. He and Bill had a cordial relationship but weren't particularly friends, more on a professional level of lawman to ex-lawman.309

Bill had been sheriff for fifteen years when he decided to retire and had supported one of his deputies who ran against Pate in the election, which had been a pretty, big upset because people had decided they needed a change.310

Picking up the phone, he dialed Bill's number but got no answer, and made a note to try to go by on his way home, if he did get to go home tonight.311

The question of the corps that the Jamie had found was still a puzzle that begged solving. All of the nursing homes, clinics, or hospitals polled for recently deceased or missing patients with negative results.312

No missing persons reports matched the description of the, now, cremated body.313

The only persistent irritation he had to deal with, besides the usual busybodies, was the news media, both state and local, but mostly Mona who seemed to be under his armpit every time he turned around.314

In-between a trip or two outside to have a snowball fight and build a snowman, all with Hoot's enthusiastic help of course, Anna and Jamie had spent the day baking chocolate chip cookies, talking or sorting out some more of Jake's things, and, basically, cleaning house.315

Generally, it had been a fine day so far and, perhaps Pate would be able to finish up early enough to come by, as if he didn't live in the opposite direction. Hard to believe that they had only been acquainted for a few days because already it seemed they had known him for ages and missed him when he wasn't around.316

There was a story here; she was sure of it, and more than just the few facts that dribbled out. She hoped it would get her noticed by the wire services and lead to a job offer to get her out of this one horse town. She had been out to the scene, but outside of a picture of a patch of bare ground surrounded by piles of snow and thick trees, there was nothing there of interest.317

Then the business of the ambulance, the loss of the body had led her to haunt the sheriff's office ever since the first phone call from one of her informants on the scanner brigade told her of the finding of a body. She could tell she was beginning to get under Pate's skin but, as she had told him, she was doing her job just as he was doing his.318

Mona decided to drive out and talk to Bill Mackenzie, no problem for her since she'd had the foresight to invest in an SUV when she moved to this back end of nowhere fresh out of college. From what she had heard of his tenure as sheriff, he might be able to shed light on anything that took place in this flea bitten county.319

At least she would be out from under Pate's feet for a while. Let him take a breather then she'd get after him again. Bill lived alone about four miles out of town on County Road 9 in a ranch style home set back from road about a half a mile.320

If she was to believe the rumors, built, not with the salary that he had received as sheriff, but from the money, he had extorted from the dope growers, bootleggers and the Able Sisters.321

Marshall had been too small to be able to support more then two of the ladies of the evening so they kept it in the family, while the sheriff looked the other way, gave protection, and got a cut of the profits.322

As Mona eased up the driveway to the house, the setting sun glinted off some glass or metal and she noticed a gray truck parked by the entrance and wondered if it was a doctor, since she had heard Bill had been sick. Parking beside the other vehicle, Mona walk up to the front door hearing what sounded like a television and noticed that the door was standing partway open.323

As Mona was about to knock she looked through the opening into the house and froze because she saw two men standing over another, pressing a pillow over his face, as he reclined on the couch under some quilts.324

Mona didn't know how long she had been standing there but she must have made some sound or movement because one of the men swiveled his head and looked at her.325

She turned to run but tripped on the doormat and fell, scrapping her knee and tearing her slacks. She heard footsteps behind her as she tried to get up, but then the world fell on her head.326

Well, he was awake. Still a little woozy but his eyes were open. He guessed he was in a hospital room from the beep-beep-beep of what must've been a heart monitor and pages for doctors. He could see by the light filtering into the room from the window behind the drapes, the bottles of liquids hanging over each side of the bed.327

Tubes were running from the bottles down to his arms, wrapped in gauze from forearms down to the hands, hidden under gauze that appeared to secure them solidly to his chest.328

No wonder he hadn't been able to raise his arms to look at his throbbing hands. How did I get here? How long have I been here? What happened, did I have an accident of some kind? He wondered. He tried to remember but then he realized that not only did he not know the answers to those questions, he didn't even know who he was.329

Just then, the door to the room opened and a matronly nurse entered. “Well, hello, I see you're awake finally,” she said in a low, soothing voice, “How do you feel?” she asked as she checked the readouts on the monitor.330

He tried to speak but nothing came out.331

When she saw that he was unable to speak, she said, “Just relax and I'll get the doctor,” and with that, she turned and left the room, leaving him to wait and wonder.332

In just a few moments the nurse returned with the doctor who quickly ascertained that his throat and larynx were all right but he still couldn't get any sound to come out The doctor seemed to think it was psychological trauma and would have a psychiatrist come to see him later.333

They communicated by the doctor asking questions, and he would nod his head for yes and move it side to side for no. It was a short conversation even at that because he couldn't remember anything. The doctor also told him that, when he arrived in the emergency room he had water in his lungs. They had pumped the water out and it didn't look as it there would be any pneumonia.334

In fact, the doctor was astounded at how quickly he was recovering considering the shape he had been in when admitted.335

His hands had been the worst with, the flesh shredded from the fingertips and some pretty, deep cuts ran from there up his arms to the elbows. They had been attached his hands to his chest so that skin would graft onto his fingertips from his chest and therefore heal much quicker. The bandages covering his head and face except for his eyes and mouth, the result of cuts to these areas.336

With the finish of his examination, the doctor took his leave saying that he would return in the morning, and that the police would probably want to try to talk to him at that time if it were possible.337

He didn't know why but the mention of the police filled him with dread.338

The Colonel had thought it was a mistake but a re-count had confirmed his worst fears. One of the “special” bottles was missing from the storage area. He could think of only one person who would have taken it, and when.339

With pounding heart, he quickly grabbed his cell phone to check with his security personnel and see if they had found it when they disposed of that particular piece of filth. He couldn't rest easy until he knew.340

He'd left late and it required all of Pate's remaining energy just to place one foot in front of the other. He hadn't even wanted to look behind him, not that he had the energy to turn his head, as he walked the short distance to his Red SUV but because he might have seen his hip pockets dragging the ground, at least it felt that way.341

He'd even been too tired to see Anna, as much as he would have liked to. Even if he had driven out to her place, he would probably have fallen asleep while they were talking and that is definitely not the way to impress a lady.342

He had made do with a quick phone call from home explaining the situation and told her that, "Perhaps tomorrow would be less hectic." She had sympathized and said she would be looking forward to tomorrow.343

Now, with El Tigre' glaring at him from the back of the pullout, Pate pulled off his boots, collapsed into the bed fully clothed and was asleep before his head hit the pillow.344

Edited by Stormy Weather345

Hoot346

By Zaffen347

Chapter 3348

Things had very nearly gotten out of hand yesterday, the boss was all a-twitter over a missing bottle of Serum from the lab, probably in the drunk's car at the bottom of the pool, but everything was back in hand now.349

Mackenzie snuffed and the scene sanitized. That nosy reporter had finally gotten her story; she just had not expected to be the lead, snickering, Jorg decided on pancakes with powdered sugar and ham for breakfast.350

Anna awoke to the sound of water dripping off the eaves and noticed that the sun was just about to rise. The wind was blowing softly to judge by the gentle swaying of the silhouetted treetops. Picking up the flashlight on the nightstand and shining it on the thermometer outside her bedroom window, she saw that the temperature was up to forty.351

Hmmm, late January thaw, she thought. The roads will thaw but, then the bottom will drop out, and we will be plowing mud with the undercarriage when we try to drive to the main road. Oh well, that is the price you pay for the peace and quiet of the country.352

She could not help a sardonic snort escaping as she thought, Yeah, dead bodies showing up just like in the big city. At least black clouds sometimes have silver linings.353

Snuggling down under the covers, she let her mind wander over the things for which she had to be thankful. A little smile quirked one corner of her mouth as she thought of Pate and giving her fantasies free reign, she thought, Maybe today, maybe today.354

Noticing the sun trying to rise above the hills in the distance, he was glad this shift was about over. Trommer thought, It had been a long night, for that matter a long month, as he shifted position in the seat trying to ease his large, tired body into a more comfortable spot in the seat, which felt as if it would need surgically removed.355

The State Troopers, the Sheriff, the Deputies, including his own tired self, usually buried in work even before this unprecedented snowfall had descended, and made life really, miserable.356

The last of the accident reports had been finished and the weather was at last warming up so a man didn't freeze his butt off, or at least, not quite as fast. One last loop around, as he headed home, to check those areas of slick and dangerous roadway that were especially troublesome before he went 10-7.357

He hadn't even had time to do more then make a quick call to his girl friend. She had informed him that, “She wanted to see his young Charlie Daniels looking self because she had something that needed his personal attention.”358

Since he didn't have to be, back on duty until Friday night, if all went according to plan, Trommer hoped to remedy that situation, but a short nap was going to be imperative. It wouldn't do to fall asleep in mid-stroke because Debbie might take it as an insult and that could get a feller to singing soprano!359

Trommer had no more then completed that shuddering thought when he rounded the north side of a sharp curve and felt the wheels of his patrol car lose traction. As he brought the vehicle back under control, his headlights illuminated the guardrail in the pre-dawn gloom, showing mangled metal and blackness where the headlights didn't reach into the dark valley below.360

Easing to a stop, tripping the strobes on top of the cruiser, and stepping out onto the roadway, he carefully sidled over to the edge. Shining his Maglite into the abyss, it reflected back off of twisted metal far below.361

After quickly calling in the accident on his shoulder mike Trommer shook off his fatigue and slithered back to the trunk of the cruiser to retrieve the first aid kit.362

Damn, He thought as he carefully started down the treacherous slope, Bed and bush would both just have to wait.363

The call came before breakfast was finished, so it was still very early in the morning. Examining the twisted ball of metal that was at the bottom of the valley, Pate found he was saddened more then he expected. True, Mona had been a pain in the butt, still she had been a vibrant young woman, and her death was truly a shame.364

Since there was obviously no need of more than a coroner, they would wait to extract the body until the wreck was once again on the roadway above and, even though it appeared obvious as to the cause of death, they would still conduct a forensic examination to be certain.365

The accident scene was right on, the border of Harrison's jurisdiction and much closer by road to Harrison then back to Marshall so he had called the coroner's office in Harrison directly to, "See if they would perform a professional courtesy and perform the pick up of the body."366

He'd been informed by the assistant coroner that, "Business was slack at the moment; they would be happy to help out and would be there shortly."367

Leaving the scene in the capable hands of the Sate Police and his deputies, Pate returned to his office to try and, once again, tackle the mountain of paperwork on his desk. I would almost swear that those papers breed at night or anytime no one is looking and have progeny immediately! He thought.368

Every time Pate looked at the mess, it seemed it had doubled. After several hours of intense concentration and significant progress, it was time for some Tylenol, a head call, and a break for something to eat.369

Heading out of the office he met the Fire Chief in the hall and invited him to lunch or at least coffee if he had already eaten.370

Jim was amenable to the proposal and they sallied forth to the Knothole Café.371

After ordering the Daily Special as they came in the door, the two men took seats in a back corner booth to keep from being bothered, and keeping their voices low, fell to discussing various occurrences around the county.372

There had been the usual fires do to unsafe flues, faulty wiring, and carelessness but nothing involving a death or suspicious activity on Jim's end but Pate had experienced several unusual things happening in a short time span that were making him uneasy so Pate asked Jim, "If he had seen anything out of the ordinary lately?"373

While Jim pondered the question, their food arrived and they dug in. The only sound for a while after that was the sound of cutlery on china.374

After finishing their food and relaxing to enjoy their coffee, Jim said, "I don't know of anything at the moment, at least nothing comes to mind right now. If I remember, hear of or see anything I'll be sure to let you know right away."375

"Fair enough," Pate replied. "Well, I guess I can't lollygag any longer, I'm surprised that I haven't been paged already."376

Paying the tab the two returned to the courthouse and their respective offices. Looking at the pile of paperwork still to finish with disgust and issuing a sigh, Pate once more threw himself into the fray.377

About an hour later, a call a call to him from the Coroner in Harrison, requesting his presence. The Coroner had found something but didn't want to discuss it over the phone and didn't think that Pate would want to wait for the official report.378

Pate told him that, "He was on the way," and, after informing dispatch as to his whereabouts, left for Harrison.379

"The Marshall is doing his best to find anything for a lead and he just had the body of the nosey reporter picked up by the Harrison Medical Examiner's Office. We needed her death to be public, and attributed to the ice, so there wouldn't be a lot of questions but I hope nothing was over looked. Our operative wasn't the Coroner on the accident scene because the Sheriff called Harrison directly and we couldn't arrange to switch vehicles and drivers.380

"That means we haven't been able to arrange to get rid of body as yet. Could there be any thread left hanging that could unravel our operation?" the Colonel asked his two lieutenants.381

Jorg spoke up for the pair and stated, "No Sir. All loose ends, with the exception of the missing serum bottle, have been trimmed and sanitized as per instruction."382

"What about the whereabouts of the bottle any further idea where it might be?" the Colonel asked.383

Jorg replied, "The only thing that makes sense is that it might be in the car with Rafe but that's at the bottom of a quicksand pit in Louisiana and unlikely to be found at all."384

At the mention of Rafe's name, the Colonel turned crimson and in a quiet, deadly voice said. "I never want to hear that name again! The next person that utters it will die lowly and painfully, clear? You're dismissed."385

Both of the men replied, "Yes Sir!"386

Leaving the Colonels office neither man said anything or looked at the other. They knew better then to do that. There were far too many cameras and microphones around to chance it and it had been fatal for others that had made that particular mistake.387

Pate found Dr. Elise Parker working on a body when he arrived and knocked on the doorframe to prevent startling the man because it is really bad form to startle someone with a scalpel in his or her hand.388

Pate waited until Dr. Parker looked up and, with a wave, acknowledged Pate's arrival before entering the morgue proper.389

Dr. Parker was a short, energetic individual. He had noticed on earlier meetings with the good doctor, that he had a striking resemblance to the Elmer Fudd character of the bygone cartoon era, with no hair and big ears but fought back the urge to say, "Eay, what's up Doc?"390

That was where the similarity to the character ended because the man was a brilliant forensic scientist and Deputy Medical Examiner for the State of Arkansas. He could have chosen anywhere to work and made big money but liked the relaxed life style of the Ozarks.391

Stripping off his plastic gloves and reaching out to shake Pate's hand, he motioned for Pate to follow him.392

When Pate finally caught up with him, he was standing by his desk. Pate said, "I've been meaning to ask you something but I've been a tad busy and keep forgetting."393

Dr. Parker picked up a small plastic bag while asking, "What's up?"394

"Just curious, but why was an ambulance used to pick up that John Doe we found instead of the Coroners Wagon?" Pate asked.395

"Well, from what I was told, that was what was requested," Answered Dr. Parker.396

Handing the bag to Pate, Dr. Parker said, "What do you think that is?"397

Pate looked closely at the tiny piece of matter in the bag and said, "To me it looks like a rock chip or something."398

"Well, you're partially right, it's concrete actually, and it was embedded in the patient's Left knee. I also noted that her trousers had a tear on that knee, and the knee appeared abraded before death since it appeared to have bled a good deal.399

Those findings, in conjunction with that chip, made me pause and reconsider a bit on my original diagnosis as to the cause of death. I checked the external injuries much closer and discovered that she had a contusion with bruising at the base of the skull.400

"Upon discovering that, I examined the injury site closer and discovered she had a fractured spine at that juncture. Now, I will admit that it might have been the result of the accident but I just couldn't get the injury to fit the kinematics of the accident.401

"The patient also had a laceration on the forehead due to impact with the windshield in the crash but the injury had not bled. This leads me to believe that the injury was made postmortem."402

"Okay," Pate said, "What did you conclude from all of that?"403

Without a blink Dr. Parker stated, "She was murdered and the accident staged."404

Pate had immediately called the State Crime Lab, requesting a slot in the garage, and then, called his office as soon as he headed back to Marshall.405

He had directed his deputies to, "Get Mona's wrecked SUV sealed in plastic and get Red to haul the wreck down to the State Crime Lab, where the Forensic Tech's could go over it with a fine tooth comb." Then they were to contact Mona's editor and see if she had left word where she was going when she left the paper.406

He informed dispatch that, "Since he was out this way he intended to stop by Mackenzie's place and see what he wanted to talk to him about."407

About an hour, later Pate pulled up in front of Mackenzie's place, got out, and knocked on the door. There was no answer but he could hear the TV or a radio playing.408

After knocking a second time, Pate was turning to go when he happened to notice a small stain, apparently blood, on the concrete entry pad in front of the door.409

Turning back to the door, Pate used his handkerchief to gently try the doorknob but found it locked. Figuring he'd just have to apologize to Mackenzie later if he was wrong, Pate notified dispatch of the situation, ordered back up, and kicked the door in.410

Moments later, he was on the radio to the dispatcher requesting the State Police, and the coroner as well.411

Jamie, with his Mother's permission this time, headed out for another short squirrel hunt with Hoot in ecstatic attendance. It was a beautiful day, sunny and warm. The snow was pretty well gone where the sun could reach. Only the deep shadows and the North facing areas retained their reduced covering of snow. Actually, it was better walking in the snow than on the road because the road was pure mud since the thaw.412

I hope this trip turns out better than the last one, he thought. He definitely hoped he wouldn't find any more nude dead bodies, or clothed ones for that matter. He had decided to start where he had ended on the last hunt and see if he could reverse his luck. He knew it was silly but he figured it was worth a shot.413

Jamie wouldn't be able to hunt very long, since it was after lunch but that wasn't really, all that bad. He had mostly wanted to get out of the house for a while and get some fresh air.414

As he approached the old logging road, Hoot started whining, and he saw another hunter just stepping out of the woods but was too far away to recognize who it might be.415

The other hunter raised their head about that time and, seeing Jamie, cradled their rifle, held up a hand in greeting, which Jamie returned, and they walked toward each other.416

When they finally got close enough talk without shouting, Jamie said, "Howdy, haven't seen you around before, any luck?"417

To Jamie's surprise, a voice as clear as a spring fed creek, and pure as honey answered back, "Not a thing, of course this is my first trip out since we moved here."418

*****419

The responding law enforcement units stopped at the beginning of the Mackenzie driveway and established a perimeter.420

Tommy Daniels had arrived earlier, almost as quickly as his deputies had, and after a rather cursory examination of the body, had stated that, "In his opinion, there was no evidence present to suggest foul play, and he would arrange transport as soon as possible."421

Pate looked at Tommy with a slightly different perspective after this statement but didn't let his thoughts reflect on his face. Something was nagging at the back of his mind, but he couldn't quite grasp what it was. He just knew it was important.422

Thinking quickly he said, "Thanks for responding so quickly and the help with the preliminary exam but I think since The Boone County office is going to be doing the autopsy anyway, and we're not that far from Harrison. I'll call them directly and request that they perform the pick up."423

Tommy had protested that, "He was already there and it fell under his purview."424

Pate decided to stand by his decision and prevailed since the area was a 'grey' border area between the two counties.425

Tommy left in a huff but he left.426

It would take an hour for the State Crime Lab tech's to make the one hundred mile journey but Pate didn't want any evidence destroyed, and was going to err on the side of caution for now.427

After calling the ME's office in Harrison and arranging pickup, Pate carefully looked at Mackenzie's body again. Although there were no signs of a physical struggle, Pate knew there had to be something.428

Carefully lifting one of Mackenzie's eyelids, he noted the Petechial-hemorrhaging present in the conjunctival surfaces of the eye.429

The signs of suffocation were clear. Tommy Daniels had seen what Pate did and had chosen to ignore it. Now, the nagging at the back of his mind came to the front.430

Tommy Daniels had arranged for transport on the first crime scene with the nude corpse, subsequently destroyed in the crash. Now, he would be willing to bet any amount of money that, if he had allowed Tommy to arrange transport, something would have taken place to obliterate either the corpse or any evidence that might be present before it ever reached Harrison.431

"I think Pate is on to me! He wouldn't allow me to arrange transport of Mackenzie's body and the signs of Petechial-hemorrhaging were plain to see!" Tommy all but shouted into the phone.432

The voice on the other end of the line said, "Get out of there now! Don't take time to pack just go! We will meet you at the usual rendezvous point and arrange transport from there!"433

Tommy dropped the handset back into the cradle and sprinted for the door. This is not good, not good at all, Tommy thought.434

Turning to his Lieutenants the Colonel said, "Tommy Daniels has become a liability. Meet him at the rendezvous point and arrange his disappearance. I don't want a trace of him found. Got it?"435

"Yes Sir," was the reply and, just that quickly and easily Tommy's fate was sealed.436

Hoot was waiting patiently at the school bus stop for Jamie to arrive home. He really didn't understand where Jamie went for so long nearly every day during the cold time and would have gone with him but Jamie had forbidden it.437

Hearing the school bus approach and seeing it round the corner, Hoot jumped to his feet.438

When the bus came to a stop, the doors opened and Jamie stepped off, met by a very happy Hoot. "Hi Hoot. How's the dog? Did you miss me?" All were rhetorical questions because Hoot's actions left no room for doubt; just a ritual they indulged in every day. "Let's go see if Mom has any snacks made, I'm hungry."439

With Hoot leading the way, they headed for the house.440

Anna had seen the school bus drop Jamie off, met the two at the door, and said, "Well, hi stranger, rough day at the salt mines?"441

"Not too bad, just a lot of homework to catch up on since we were out so long due to the snow," Jamie sighed.442

Anna raised an eyebrow as she asked, "Well, you did enjoy the snow fall, nothing is free so now, you're paying and you really can't complain can you?"443

With another sigh followed by a grin Jamie said, "No, but its fun to try."444

Anna laughed. "There is a fresh batch of chocolate chip cookies with your name on them setting on the table in the kitchen. Go on in and start your homework, and I'll get you some milk to go with them."445

With a, "Thanks Mom," thrown over his shoulder, Jamie headed for the kitchen.446

While Jamie was busy scarfing down the cookies and milk, Anna started to prepare the vegetables for supper She wasn't worried about ruining his appetite, he'd be hungry again by the time supper was ready.447

As if to prove Anna's point, Jamie, while swallowing the last of the milk and cookies said, "What are we having for supper?"448

Anna couldn't help it; she burst out laughing and laughed so hard that tears were running out of her eyes, and down her cheeks. When she finally could stop and catch her breath she said, as she wiped the tears from her face, "I love you, you teenaged bottomless pit. The way you're socking the food away, you know what's going to happen don't you?"449

Jamie was looking at her as if she had lost her mind and even Hoot's head cocked over sideways. "Nooo, not really," was the answer with a pensive tone.450

"Your body is storing up energy so it can grow again and, of course this means we will have to go shopping for more cloths for you. I noticed the other day that those are beginning to look like high water pants and your shirtsleeves are headed for your elbows."451

Jamie groaned, "Shopping, ach, boring! That's worse then homework! Can't I just chop some wood or something while you go by yourself?"452

"Sorry sport nice try, but you have to be there to try the stuff on to be sure it fits with a little room to grow into." Anna replied. "Now, to answer your original question, potatoes, green beans, and pork chops are what I'm fixing for supper. How does that sound?"453

Even though Jamie had just had a snack, his mouth began to water, "Works for me. How about you, Hoot?"454

An excited bark or two passed for a resounding, "YES!"455

After seeing to the transport of Mackenzie's body to Harrison, Pate headed back to Marshall. He didn't have enough evidence to charge Tommy with anything, at the moment, but he did want to talk to him.456

Arriving at the Coroner office in town, Pate walked in but Tommy wasn't there and he could see a sign of a hasty departure. Pate thought, running is not an option Tommy.457

Palming the microphone attached to his uniform shoulder epelet, Pate contacted the dispatcher, and had a BOLO request sent out to all units for Tommy Daniels.458

Arriving at the rendezvous point, Tommy found Jorg and his partner waiting on him.459

Jorg said, "Pull your vehicle under the trees, in amongst the brush, and we'll hide it. That should give us some time to get you out of here. When you get your vehicle parked, go over, get in the crew seat in the truck, and lay down."460

Tommy did as instructed and it wasn't long before Tommy heard the doors open and felt the two men get in. Neither, one said anything further to Tommy, just started the truck and began to drive.461

Tommy had no idea where they were going, couldn't see anything, and didn't really care that much about it; just as long as it was out of Searcy County, he was happy.462

Pate had done all he could do at the office, the crime scene had been released by the State Crime Lab, the deputies were patrolling and if Tommy's vehicle or Tommy was spotted they would notify Pate immediately. In the mean time, He thought, I've got a date for Supper with a beautiful woman, a very bright young man, and a dog, As the last thought went through his head he had to chuckle.463

Supper was a smashing success. Pate made sure to praise Anna's fine cooking, many times. In fact, so many times that Anna's face was red from more than any heat that might have remained in the kitchen.464

"Stop, stop, you're making me blush," Anna finally blurted out, as if the evidence wasn't plain for Pate and Jamie to see.465

Pate couldn't help it, it came out before he could stop it, quietly, "I love you Anna."466

There, it was out. Now, Pate waited, with more than a little trepidation, to see what her reaction would be.467

Jamie was bug eyed and speechless with his mouth hanging open.468

Anna sat her eyes dazed with her mouth hanging open as well.469

"You're going to start catch flies soon," Pate said as he gently used a finger to close Anna's lower jaw.470

Jamie managed to get his mouth closed on his own and had a huge grin on his face.471

Anna finally sputtered, blushed even harder, stammered and said, "P-Pate you sure know how to surprise a girl." Looking at him with eyes just starting to tear, she quietly said, "Pate, I have loved you since the first moment I saw you."472

Pate received a lap full of very excited and happy Anna giving him warm sensual kisses that curled his toes.473

Jamie was laughing, Hoot was barking, and everyone was happy.474

They had been driving for several hours, only making quick pit stops, and it was nearly midnight when they finally pulled over and stopped. Jorg told Tommy it was safe to get out of the truck and stretch his legs before they continued.475

Tommy, looking around, saw that they were near what looked like a swamp and ask where they were.476

Jorg said, "Louisiana," and he and his partner began to unload concrete blocks, chains and other materials from the back of the truck.477

Tommy began to get a bad feeling about this. "What are you doing?"478

Jorg replied, "We're going to hide you so the authorities can't find you."479

Pulling a pistol, he shot Tommy in the head.480

Jorg and his partner began to wrap the body in canvas, chain and, lastly they attached the concrete blocks. It took all the two strong men could do but Tommy's body managed to hit the black water at almost the same spot that Rafe's car had disappeared.481

Climbing into the truck, Jorg turned to his partner and said, "I disabled the tracking device on the truck, swept it for any more before we left and I've got all I need to start a new life. I don't know about you Burt but since we're this far away from the Colonel, I'm thinking about just continuing on down the road."482

The Burt looked thoughtful for a moment but finally said, "I've been thinking the same thing. I've got my kit packed as well, along with my new documents. I just didn't know how to bring it up. Let's get the hell out of Dodge."483

With that Jorg fired up the truck, they drove off into the night and allowed the frogs to begin their dirge.484

Edited by Stormy Weather485

Hoot486

By Zaffen487

Chapter 5488

It was Saturday, no snow, sunshine, mild in the upper 40's, and Jamie had received permission to go hunting again but squirrels were not all he was hunting. Jamie hoped that Sherry would be there as they had agreed to try to meet again today to go hunting.489

Jamie thought, For no longer then they got to talk, Sherry seemed like a very nice young lady, and Jamie definitely wanted to get to know her better.490

Jamie was not exactly running but he was not exactly dragging his feet either, and he arrived at the old logging road in half the time it usually took. He did not see Sherry anywhere and, a felt just a little disappointed, hoping that she wasn’t here just because he was early.491

Hoot had not given any indication that anyone was around so it was a shock when Hoot let out a surprised YELP, Jamie levitated about three feet straight up, and yelled, "Ach," when Sherry quietly said, "Hello," behind them.492

Jamie was finally able to get his heart rate and breathing somewhat under control, and he squeaked, "Say what?"493

Sherry was laughing so hard she was rolling on the ground holding her sides.494

Hoot was looking at Jamie with a hangdog look since he had not smelled Sherry but Jamie knelt down and reassured Hoot it was not his fault. Jamie realized that the wind had been behind them, which meant their scent was preceding them while Sherry's scent was blowing away from Hoot and Jamie.495

Jamie sat on a large rock beside Hoot to let his shaking legs recover, waiting for Sherry to calm down.496

Sherry was finally able to bring her laughter to a hiccupping semi-stop and said, "I'm sorry, I just couldn't resist. I saw you and Hoot coming up the road and knew that you probably couldn't catch my scent so I just sat still behind the brush."497

Jamie could see the humor in the situation and was not upset or angry. Who could be angry with someone so sweet, especially with someone that looked like an angel? Jamie just smiled at her and said, "Payback will occur when you least expect it."498

The look on her face was priceless; it was a cross between astonishment and a deer in the headlights.499

Now, it was Jamie's turn to crack up and Sherry tackled him.500

This resulted in a tangle of laughing, barking, and confusing arms, legs and a tail.501

When finally, they ran out of breath, and were sitting side by side on the ground with Hoot between them, they smiled at each other and knew that they were friends and partners. It did not matter that they were boy and girl, the bond was there.502

Sherry fluttered her eyelids and asked, "You still want to go hunting?"503

"Did you mention Hunting?" Jamie asked a deadpan expression on his face.504

At this, they both cracked up again.505

Pate mused, There had been no sighting of Tommy Daniels, it was as if the earth had opened up and swallowed him whole. Pate did not know how close he was to correct.506

Dr. Parker had promised the autopsy report by Monday afternoon, barring unforeseen complications, and the State forensic lab was sure their report would be available by then as well, with much the same caveat.507

With things on hold until those two things were ready, and everything else under control for the moment, Pate decided to spend time with Anna. He thought, Now, that was a hard decision, NOT!508

Passing the old logging road on his way to the Edward's house, Pate noticed Jamie sitting on a rock beside Hoot and another boy, so he pulled in to say hi. Imagine Pate's surprise when he found out that the other boy was actually a young lady.509

Jamie introduced Sherry to Pate and explained how they had met.510

Sherry seemed very nice and, after chatting a few minutes, Pate wished them a good day, and continued the short distance remaining in his journey.511

Arriving at Anna's, a vision of loveliness met Pate at the door. He had to pause to catch his breath, and just drink in the sight because he could not get his tongue and lips to coordinate enough to make intelligent sounds.512

Anna had decided that she needed to maximize what time that she and Pate were able to be together, and, in the spirit of that intention, Anna had chosen to dress in a dark blue lightweight sundress that matched her eyes, sandals, and no underwear.513

Anna was also aware that the fairly, thin material would not hide much at all, and knew that the light from the windows in the kitchen would silhouette her as she stood in the front doorway.514

Having seen Pate pull to a stop out front, Anna opened the door before he could knock.515

The effect was everything she had hoped for and then some. Pate seemed frozen in place, his mouth working like a fish out of water, with little gasping, "Wha, wha's," the only sounds he seemed capable of making and his eyes were as big as Silver Dollars, with a slightly glazed look to them.516

Anna finally took pity on Pate, giving him a kiss and, taking his hand, led him into the living room. Settling Pate on the couch and, curling her legs under her, she joined him.517

Placing her arms around his neck, and snuggling her breast against his upper arm, she gave him a deeper kiss guaranteed to raise the temperature in the immediate area significantly.518

Pate gave a deep shudder and seemed to come out of his daze, returning the kiss with gusto while allowing his fingers do the walking into the unexplored territory at hand, delighting them both with his discoveries.519

Jamie returned home a few hours later, with a couple of squirrels, to find Anna and Pate still sitting on the couch, slightly disheveled, with pink faces but very happy smiles.520

Pete Stoll was not a happy man. Jorg and his partner Burt had not returned from transporting Tommy Daniels to his destination and they should have been back long ago.521

When activated, the tracking device from the truck had led them to the garage where they found it hidden.522

The Colonel went on a rampage, which was the reason for Pete's unhappiness. Pete had heard of, "Killing the messenger," and he had thought, just for a moment, the Colonel was going to make the old cliché come true.523

It had not happened, thank God, but Pete made a break away from the Colonel's vicinity as quickly as humanly possible. Things seemed to have begun to unravel, the Colonel was becoming more unstable all the time, and Pete was beginning to think that perhaps Jorg and Jason had the right idea. He thought that maybe it was time to sound out Potino and Dito to see what their thoughts were on the matter.524

At that very moment, the two men in question were out inspecting the parameter of the compound; actually, they were getting away from prying microphones and cameras so they could talk.525

Everyone knew about Jorg and Jason not returning so it was a hot topic if you were where you were not likely to be overheard. Both men were of the opinion that the Colonel was mad as a hatter and getting worse. He had been stomping around, throwing a tantrum all afternoon and did not seem to be losing any steam at all.526

Seeing a security golf cart coming toward them, they recognized Pete driving and saw he was alone. He pulled up they greeted each other, shot the shit for a moment and then go down to brass tacks. "Are you men thinking what I'm thinking?" Pete asked.527

"If you're thinking that the Colonel has gone off the deep end, yes," They answered.528

With a nod of his head, Pete said, "Ok, what do we want to do about it? I am all for bugging out before the shit hits the fan. What about you men?"529

"Lieutenant, you never gave us a wrong order when we were in the unit, and I can't fault your logic this time either," stated Potino.530

Dito quickly agreed.531

"When do we try to make a break for it?" said all three men almost simultaneously and the following laughter served to ease the tension a bit.532

Dito spoke up, "We will need to disable or remove the tracking devices just as Jorg and Jason did before we do anything or it will all be for nothing."533

"That's true," agreed Pete and Potino.534

Pete finally spoke up, "I say tomorrow before sunrise or tomorrow around midnight at the latest."535

With nods of agreement from the other two men, they began to plan what they would need to take with them so once on the road they would not have to stop.536

Pate finally returned home about midnight to a very disgusted El Tigre' who, in no uncertain terms, with much yowling, and tail twitching demanded that, "The food dish be filled immediately, if not sooner!"537

Pate gave in, fed him just to shut him up, and in the ensuing silence, thought over the afternoon. It had been a slow start on his part due to the view through the sundress and, he had to admit, it felt even nicer then it looked. Anna had proven to be completely uninhibited, bringing out the best in him to their mutual enjoyment, although they couldn't do much more than just some very heavy petting in case Jamie came back early.538

They had managed to be, somewhat, presentable when Jamie entered the house but even that had been a close thing. Pate thought with a chuckle.539

Well, I had best get to bed, Pate thought, Even though tomorrow is Sunday, somebody will more then likely have a problem that just has to have my attention.540

Kicking off his boots, opening the bed, dropping his clothes in a pile by the bed and turning out the lights, Pate lay down and was asleep as his head hit the pillow.541

Edited by Stormy Weather542

Hoot543

By Zaffen544

Chapter 6545

Since Sherry had told him yesterday that she was not going to be able to go hunting today, Jamie decided he would actually try to find a few squirrels.546

His Mom was smiling and humming a tune, almost dancing as she prepared breakfast, and once he finished his chores, she had given permission readily.547

Going by how few squirrels he'd seen last yesterday, Ok, so it was an abbreviated hunt after he and Sherry got through talking, he figured that this side of hill was pretty well hunted out so Jamie decided that today they would go over on the far side of Taylor Hill.548

He did not usually go over Taylor Hill in that direction, the folks that owned the land in the valley on that side were not, all that friendly.549

When Jake was alive, some people had approached him one day while he was cutting wood on Taylor Hill, and tried to tell Jake that he should not be there.550

Even though they did not own the land, they tried to act as if they did, and he had just told them to, "Stuff it," because he had permission from Caleb Taylor, the owner of the land, to be there.551

Jake just laughed at them when they said he should reconsider his attitude.552

When Jake said something about the incident later, Caleb had told his Dad, "Damn, Johnny come Latlies! That, so called, Colonel sent his Yankee lawyer, who seemed to have a pretty, high opinion of himself, around to see me a while back to try and buy the land.553

I did not much care for the lawyer's snotty attitude. When I declined to sell, I told the lawyer, in no, uncertain terms, that I would not sell to them now for any amount of money or, as I actually put it, Hell would have to freeze over first. I'll ask Sheriff Mackenzie to have a word with them and tell em to back off."554

That had taken place about two months before his Dad died. Jamie had only been back to the area twice since and then only to the woodlot site. Jamie figured that was due for a change.555

The Police had come and gone several times but could get no information out of him because there were no memories there to get information from.556

His fingertips shredded, almost to the bone, obliterated his fingerprints making it impossible to find any information on him through AFIS or NCIC.557

The doctor, still could not believe, how quickly he had healed. Accept for his voice which still had not recovered, and, since he had no ID (his clothes had been in shredded and he was all but naked when he was found), no memory, no money, no job, and no prospects of one, the hospital administration had decided to treat him as a charity case, and write off the charges.558

He had been discharged the third day after waking into the care of one of the local groups and they had taken him under their wing, provided food, clothing, and housing in exchange for his eventual help on the various farms of the members.559

They were kind to him, no shouting, or angry abuse, and he liked the arrangement. It got him out into the fresh air, and he enjoyed the work on the farms. He was content.560

The members came up to him after a meeting a day after he arrived and asked, "Did he want to call himself something besides John Doe?"561

After he had thought on it for a while, he finally wrote, John Farmer sounds like a good name.562

Therefore, John Farmer he became and the Brethren, as they called themselves, began the process of getting legal documentation for him.563

Clank was not comfortable, too much stir, too much uncertainty and no word from the Colonel on what was going on.564

Rafe was missing, as was Tommy, and he had tried to call Jorg and Burt but their cell phones were out of service, either turned off or the batteries were dead but both at the same time was just too much of a coincidence.565

Calling the other members, he had explained what he knew and they were worried as well; it was their collective necks on the line if everything went south. He had recommended a meeting of the group at the Leslie Café immediately, which had a private meeting room available, to discuss their options.566

When he arrived, he ordered a large pot of coffee, and some snacks to be place in the room, it was going to be a long meeting.567

Double D, also known as Debbie Dalton, she’d acquired the nickname when she had begun to develop in high school, and it had stuck, arrived first since she lived less then a block from the café.568

Debbie had been invaluable in gathering information. She was Trommers girlfriend and he would give answers to anything she asked especially while she was riding him to completion. He thought it was just because she was interested in his work, the fool.569

Joshua Yantal the Pharmacist, Dobson Bates the Banker, and Benard Darkson owner of Darkson Lumber, all arrived in a bunch.570

They sat on the Quorum Court and, had been re-elected for several two-year terms, which had allowed them to feather their respective nests at the county's expense.571

The voting block they represented also allowed Clank to do as he pleased in the county, which he felt, was only his right, and when approached by the Colonel, he had barely hesitated before jumping on board.572

The two physicians Jefferson Powell and Henry Quart arrived together, and last.573

Clank called the meeting to order and they began discussing ways and means of finding some way out of this mess.574

The general, consensus seemed to be that it was time for some serious CYA.575

Jamie and Hoot were on the backside of Taylor Hill and Jamie had been correct. They had already taken four squirrels in the thirty minutes they had been in the area.576

Hoot was not a happy puppy. Although it was an old scent, he was still catching faint wisps of that disturbing scent once every so often. It was just often enough to keep Hoot's neck hackles half raised and distract him a slightly from tracking those pesky little critters Jamie sought.577

Jamie had already scolded Hoot for not paying closer attention, and didn't know why Hoot was so distracted today but he seemed uneasy, his hackles raised, and a low growl, could occasionally be heard from deep within Hoot's throat.578

The sensors had picked up vibrations from the hillside overlooking the compound. Probably just a deer, thought Pete, as he turned to look at the monitors that focused on that area.579

Oh shit, he thought, Nope, not this time, it is that kid and his mutt. They looked like they were out hunting. Why could they not have stayed away just one more day? After tonight it would not be his problem, he planned to be out of here and gone.580

He hoped they would turn around and go back up the hill but he knew they probably would not and would pass within a couple of hundred feet of the gate to the compound, to follow the county road back to the other side of the hill.581

He did not want to have to do any more of the Colonels dirty work, especially with it being a kid involved and was going to ignore it and hope the Colonel did not find out about it.582

From behind him Pete heard, "Well, I see we have a snooper on the hill. Why haven't you tried to notify me and the rest of Security of the intrusion?"583

Trying to remain calm, Pete turned to face a wrathful Colonel and said, "The kid is just hunting on private property, he isn't trying to enter the compound and shows absolutely no interest in it. He will probably follow the county road back to the other side of the hill once he reaches the bottom."584

The Colonel seemed to get even madder, if that were possible and all but foaming at the mouth in rage screamed, "Get out there and apprehend that kid and kill the dog! They can't be allowed to leave the area!"585

"No! I'm not Jorg, I don't do things like that, and you couldn't pay me enough to pull that kind of stunt!" Pete shouted back.586

With that, the Colonel pulled a pistol from the back of his waistband and shot Pete between the eyes.587

He was dead before he could blink.588

As the body slumped out of the chair and fell to the floor, the Colonel thought, Damn it, if I want something done right I guess I will just have to do it myself!589

Potino and Dito had been in their rooms when they heard the shot and instinctively dropping flat on the floor, both jumped to their feet, opened their doors at the same time, and hit the hall running.590

It took about two minutes for them to figure out that the shot must have come from the Security office and to make their way there.591

When they arrived, they found Pete's body on the floor with blood and bits of brain splashed all over the monitors, desk, and floor.592

No one else was there but the Colonel was visible on one of the monitors leaving the building with a pistol in his hand.593

That crazy jerk had taken shot at Hoot! Jamie was so astonished that he froze; forgetting about the rifle in his own hands until he received ordered to, “Drop it.”594

Holding one shaking hand above his head, Jamie carefully placed his rifle on the ground to his side and raised his other hand, then turned around and placed his hands on the back of his neck as ordered.595

Jamie felt the barrel of the pistol on the back of his head as first one hand was cuffed, moved behind to the small of his back and the other soon followed to be cuffed as well.596

A cloth covered Jamie's eyes, his arm grabbed, led away, stumbling, and wondering, What had happened to Hoot!597

When Jamie asked to go hunting Anna had thrilled to give permission and waited until he left to call Pate and invite him for lunch.598

Pate had brought steaks and they had eaten a delicious meal that included baked potatoes, baked beans, and cornbread with real butter on the side. They both agreed that coffee and relaxation in the living room was in order and adjourned to the couch for some serious snuggling.599

They caressed each other, kissing playfully and talking about their feelings, discovering that they shared many of the same interests in music, art, food, and sex. As they talked the shadows lengthened, and the hours passed unnoticed by either of them.600

They finally noticed that they needed lights to see each other and Jamie had not yet returned.601

Potino and Dito saw the Colonel take a shot at the dog, which yelped and promptly disappeared into the brush, and with barely a pause, he forced the kid to put his weapon down so he could cuff and blindfold him.602

It didn't take but a very few moments to accomplish all this and the Colonel was leading the stumbling kid, none to gently, back with him to the buildings.603

Turning to look at each other they read the same thought in each others eyes just as plain as day, No way in Hell were they going to be involved in any lunacy like this! The next thought was, Do we intervene or split before we become involved in the Colonel's insane actions?604

Hoot had run as hard as he could and arrived home in mere minutes to begin alerting those inside that something had happened that wasn't good. The shot had grazed his rump but hadn't really hurt more then his pride.605

When Pate and Anna came out of the back door, Hoot barked at them to follow and headed back the way he had come, looking over his shoulder to be sure they were following.606

When they seemed to hesitate, he returned and repeated his actions. It took three times before he saw Pate and Anna run to Pate's SUV out front, get in, start the vehicle, and begin to follow him.607

Pate got on the radio and began calling dispatch for all available backup to assist him.608

He heard Graysky and the Davies's twins answer with varying response times depending on their position in the county.609

Paul Graysky said, "He was only two minutes away and would follow behind when he got there."610

The twins were at least fifteen and twenty-five minutes respectively but were headed his way.611

It was almost dark and Pate was having difficulty-keeping Hoot in sight but Pate thought he knew where Hoot’s destination. The road they were on skirted Taylor Hill and passed close to a place called The Compound that was run by an Ex-Colonel doing some type of research for the government, or so went the story.612

Pate just knew that it was a single story structure, surrounded by a high chain link fence topped with wire, Halogen lights, and Security Cameras.613

He wasn't wrong it seemed.614

Hoot ran up to the fence and danced around the gate under the blinding lights.615

Pate and Anna came to a stop at the gate and Pate strapped his pistol belt on and, leaving the strobes running, stepped out behind the drivers door while asking Anna to remain behind the passenger door just in case of gunfire.616

Reaching back into the SUV Pate picked up the microphone and switched to PA. Keying the microphone Pate said, "Attention in the compound, this is the Sheriff, you will open the gate and allow entry immediately!"617

There was silence from within the compound.618

Pate turned to Anna and said, "Can you fire a weapon?"619

She said, "Yes, I can. Jake and I practiced all the time. What can I do to help?"620

"Grab the shotgun; it's loaded with buckshot, and back up a little. I'm going to ram the gate."621

The Colonel had dragged Jamie into the storage area, had him sit down, and left him there to return to the Security office, checking to see if he could find Potino and Dito.622

Neither was found anywhere within the building and failed to respond to his hail over the intercom for them to present themselves in the Security room or call in.623

He keyed the internal surveillance systems, ignoring the dead body of Pete at his feet, and began scanning for any hint of where the two missing security men might be.624

The Colonel thought he was the only one that knew about the escape tunnel but the two security men had found it long ago and they were well on the way to the terminus of the tunnel, which was in an old abandoned looking barn.625

They hadn't told Pete about it, during the planning session yesterday, just in case the Colonel caught him and Pete gave it away under torture.626

Awaiting them there were fueled vehicles with enough supplies and cash to last for a week, making it unnecessary to stop except for fuel.627

At last, they reached the metal door that sealed the end of the tunnel and carefully opened it. Looking around to be sure the area was clear; they exited the tunnel and headed for the vehicles.628

Potino opened the barn doors, started one of the vehicles, and drove out of the barn, turning to the left.629

Dito drove out of the barn and turned right.630

They both managed to drive approximately a quarter of a mile before the explosives that were wired into the computer systems of the vehicles exploded, leaving nothing but a hole in the road and a shredded, twisted, mangled scattering of metal.631

The Colonel snorted a sarcastic laugh when the indicators on the two vehicles became active. The fools didn't even check for Booby Traps. Watching until the lights went out, he thought. Well, that's why their first name is Booby. He had no more than finished that thought then, there was a disturbance at the gate.632

He heard the Sheriff identify himself and demand entry, not that he was about to comply without a Search Warrant being presented and the Colonel doubted they had enough probably cause to obtain one.633

The Sheriff surprised him with his next actions though because the Sheriff backed his SUV up, rammed the gate, and knocked it off of its hinges, the force of the strike throwing the gate into the middle of the compound.634

The Colonel saw the dog, that he had tried to shoot before, running into the compound headed for the door that he had brought the kid through earlier.635

Jamie had not been idle. He had managed to rake the cloth around his head against a protrusion, getting it to lift off of his eyes, enabling him to look around and see that he was in a storeroom with racks of bottles lining the walls from floor to ceiling with the only area free of bottles being the doorway.636

Jamie was a fairly, slim young man to begin with, he hadn't had anything but breakfast so his stomach was flat, and felt hollow. He had read once that it was possible when handcuffed, if you were flexible enough, to slip you wrists under you butt and, if you could get your legs through, you would have your hands where you could use them.637

Jamie thought, Well, I've got nothing to lose, and began by pushing his boots off by using one foot against another. When he was finally free of the boots, the hard part began as he forced his wrists down as far as he could, and strained to pass the cuffs under his hips. If it were not for Jamie's arms being a little longer because his torso hadn't grown yet, he was not sure he would have been able to accomplish the task.638

With a quiet, "Oh thank God." His wrists slid by and under his legs. Now, all he had to do was get his legs out of the circle of his arms, wrists, and handcuffs. It took awhile to do but he finally managed to slip his legs, one at a time, to freedom.639

Putting his boots back on, Jamie decided to take stock of what he had in his pockets, and since that crazy jerk hadn't searched him, it was quite a bit; In his right front pocket, his Swiss Army knife and in the left front pocket, a granola bar. Jamie opened the granola bar beginning to ease the empty place in his stomach.640

Looking at the knife he considered the different blades available, finally settling on a slim semi-flat pick Jamie began working on the locks on the handcuffs and, after chafing his wrists a bit he was finally able to unlock the cuffs. Rubbing his abused wrists Jamie said quietly, "Now, let's see if I can get out of here."641

Grabbing a couple of bottles to use as weapons, Jamie eased the door open and peaked out.642

Just then, Deputy Paul Graysky arrived on the scene, exited his vehicle with his shotgun in hand, and ran to where Pate hunkered down behind the driver's door of his SUV.643

"What have we got Pate?"644

"Jamie was overdue getting back to the house from hunting, his dog showed up back at the house about dark, and appeared to have been injured; at least there was blood on his rump but it must not have been very serious because he outran me getting here.645

He was indicating that Jamie was taken into this area and, when I couldn't get anyone to open the gate, I opened it myself."646

Paul asked, "Any shots fired?"647

"Not yet, but we're not going to take any chances. You get behind the SUV; I am going to see if I cannot make an entrance about where that big window is located. If I'm wrong, I'll apologize after the fact. Right now I'm more concerned about Jamie's safety and ours than any property damage I may cause."648

"You're preaching to the choir boss, let's get it on," Paul replied.649

Pate crawled back inside the SUV, put in gear, and, as Paul took position behind it, revved the engine and took his foot off of the brake.650

]651

Hoot had found an open window and managed to climb in, now he was on a mission to find Jamie. He picked up his scent almost immediately, following it to a closed door but just as he got to the door, it opened.652

Neither was sure which one was the more surprised, Jamie or Hoot.653

Hoot jumped into Jamie's arms, started licking his face causing Jamie to dropped the bottles he had been carrying to catch Hoot. The bottles promptly broke when they hit the floor, making a hell of a racket, and spilling the contents all over the floor.654

Jamie said, "Let's get out of here before that crazy jackass comes to check on the noise."655

Hoot squirmed out of Jamie's arms, landing in the mess on the floor turning to start leading Jamie out the same way that Hoot had just entered.656

After grabbing two bottles to replace those he had dropped, Jamie followed.657

As Hoot and Jamie were almost to the corner of the corridor, they heard a horrendous crash, the building shook and suddenly dust was so thick you almost couldn't breath.658

Jamie's boots still had some of the slick liquid from the broken bottles on the soles, and, when Jamie jumped startled by the noise, his boots slipped out from under him and he came crashing down flat on his back, slightly bumping the back of his head when he hit with a surprised, "WAH, OOF!"659

It had NOT been a good day for bottles since the bottles he was carrying broke, splashing the contents, and covering Jamie from head to toe, managing to get a good portion into Jamie's mouth in the process.660

It was either swallow or choke so Jamie swallowed, and to his surprise, it was pleasant tasting if slightly tangy.661

Hoot came back and began to lick Jamie's face clear of the liquid until Jamie pushed him away so he could get to his feet.662

Jamie said, "Let's try this again, Hoot, but this time lets see if we can do without the fall or the bath."663

Hoot gave a low, "Woof," and turning, led the way to the open window.664

They crawled through the window and Hoot led Jamie out of the compound through the opening where the gate had been.665

Anna saw Hoot and Jamie as soon as they got close to the gate and ran to gather Jamie into her arms and escort him quickly out of the light.666

"Are you hurt? Is that blood all over you? What's happened?"667

Before he could answer the first question, Anna hugged him to her breast liquid and all.668

"Give me a chance to answer one question before you ask a different question Mom, please," was the muffled answer.669

Getting a little space, Jamie replied, "To answer your questions, NO, NO and I have no idea. Hoot had just found me, then there was a crash, and I fell down. When I did I broke the bottles I was carrying."670

With a confused look Anna said, "What bottles and why were you carrying them in the first place?"671

"Well, let me tell the story from the start, might make it easier to understand. You see it started when some crazy jerk took a shot at Hoot and then...672

Pate rolled out of the SUV and took position by the wall but still behind the open driver's side door for protection while Paul was working his way down the other side of the vehicle.673

There was no sound and they cautiously advanced, searching the building.674

The found a body in what appeared, from all the monitors and controls to be a security room but the blood was beginning to congeal so it had been there a while.675

Nobody else seemed to be in the building.676

Just then they heard a muffled, WHUMPH!677

Heading toward the sound, they turned the corner to find the SUV enveloped in flames and the surrounding area beginning to catch.678

Deciding that discretion was the better part of valor, they beat feet out of the building by another door and headed for the gate where they could see Anna, Jamie and Hoot waiting for them.679

Damn it to Hell, that was close, Thought the Colonel as he raced down the escape tunnel, I had no more then pulled the escape door closed then that idiot rammed the building. I can't let this go. I have got to find some way to get revenge but first I need a base of operations and time to rebuild.680

Arriving at the end of the tunnel the Colonel ran to the remaining vehicle, opened the hood, removed the Booby Trap, started the vehicle, and drove into the night.681

Just another citizen out for a drive on the road, he thought as he avoided the hole and twisted metal with barely a glance, Since this road was so far away from the compound, no one would associate his vehicle with anything that took place there.682

Edited by Stormy Weather683

Hoot684

By Zaffen685

Chapter 7686

Epilogue and Beyond687

A little after midnight the Colonel was far into Louisiana and still headed south, passing within a few miles of where John Farmer was sleeping dreamlessly, resting from his honest labors.688

*****689

The autopsy report on Bill Mackenzie confirmed what Pate had surmised, suffocation; fibers found in his windpipe were a match for his own pillow.690

Pate's job settled into the normal routine, with a lot less excitement, which did not make him mad at all.691

The State Crime Lab's report stated that they had found several prints on the back of the vehicle as if someone had been pushing it but no match found as, yet.692

*****693

Officially, both Mackenzie's and Mona's deaths were still classified as Homicides by person or persons unknown, but Pate had a feeling it had something to do with the Colonel and his bunch. He just had no way to prove it.694

There was still no sign of Tommy Martin, his vehicle found abandoned, and, hidden in deep brush. There was not anything in it to give a clue to who else was involved or why.695

*****696

Rafe Blander's Mother had mentioned to someone that, "The last she heard from him was when he had called to request that she send his savings to him some place in Louisiana about the time the first body was found."697

*****698

Nobody had any explanation for the holes in the road on County Road 125 or the twisted hunks of metal that had once been vehicles. The crime lab did find traces of Semtex but not much else since it seemed the explosive devices wired into the fuel tanks as well.699

The building at the compound had burned to the ground along with the Red SUV, because whatever the Colonel had been doing at that location or whatever was stored there had been extremely volatile and burned with a white-hot flame turning everything to dust or slag.700

There had not, been anything left to provide any clues as to what had been going on, who the Colonel really was or who else had been involved.701

*****702

Clank bitched, moaned and threatened but Pate quietly showed him some of the evidence he had been collecting, and the matter quickly forgotten. He even got a new White SUV out of the deal. At least there would not be any more fire chief jokes.703

*****704

Pate was finding it easier to be able to spend time with Anna, although El Tigre' was not any too pleased about the situation but Pate figured he would just have to get over it.705

The weather had settled into early springtime but there were still sudden cold snaps occasionally.706

Jamie was back in school and hoot was back on his schedule both apparently none the worse for wear.707

Jamie and Hoot were also getting better acquainted with Sherry who lived close enough to come over and visit or vice versa, and they were together every chance they got, studying, roaming the woods, hunting or just hanging out together.708

Since Jamie had his own pretty friend to spend time with, he was very understanding when Pate and Anna wanted to spend time alone but they still all got together for a good natured game of Monopoly or some other board game as time permitted, while Hoot dozed by the stove whether it had a fire in it or not.709

*****710

It had been about a week since all of the excitement, Jamie was getting ready for bed, with Hoot in his accustomed spot on the foot of the bed.711

As usual, Jamie was talking to Hoot about the day and asked Hoot, "If he wanted pancakes and sausage for breakfast in the morning?"712

Imagine his astonishment when he heard in his mind, Sounds good Pack Leader, I can barely wait.713

This is the End of Book One714

Continued in Book 2715

"How Hoot It Is"716

Edited by Stormy Weather717