Hunting Jessica

by Elizabeth St. John

  “Yeah, dogs love me...why?”

  “My dog is kind of big and protective,” I explained before opening the door. I could hear his toenails tapping against the linoleum floor on the other side.

  He shrugged his shoulders and an image of him carrying around a little Pomeranian popped into my mind. I smiled to myself as we walked in the back door. Tank was in front of us. He was always so happy when I walked in. Plus, he could smell the food we held in our hands. His tail thumped against one of my kitchen table chairs. One thing he wasn’t used to were houseguests.

  “Hey there, boy.” Gage reached his hand to Tank’s head to give him a pet. He let out a deep menacing growl and bared his teeth. I immediately snapped my fingers and pointed to the kitchen table. He took one last quizzical look at Gage and gave a shallow grumble before he walked over to the table. He slid down slowly to lie on the floor.

  “Come on in.” I walked over to the table, set the food down, and bent to rub the top of Tank’s head to reassure him everything was alright. I looked up at Gage, embarrassed at what the dog had done. “Sorry about that.”

  “That’s okay. He’s doing his job.” He sat his food on the table and took a chair. He began looking around my big kitchen. The kitchen was almost the largest room in the house next to my own upstairs. My room happened to be right above the kitchen. “Why did you name him Tank?”

  Tank growled again, “I don’t know, I guess it stuck after he pummeled into me.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I love gardening. When I was pulling weeds, I get run over by this cute little Bull Mastiff, Pit- Bull mix pup. I picked him up and told him he ran me over like a tank and he licked my face, so the name stuck. Now I have this,” I explained and pointed at my tan floppy-lipped dog. “I assume he was either dumped or ran away from one of the many breeders around here.”

  “Possible. Do you have any ketchup?” he asked with his mouth full.

  “Sure, it’s in the door of the fridge.” I popped a piece of chicken in my mouth.

  Gage moved too fast and Tank was on his feet quick. He put himself between us and barked. His body was rigid as he growled at my houseguest. Gage stopped where he stood. “Woah.”

  “Tank.” I grabbed his collar. “You stop that right now. He isn’t going to hurt me.”

  “You’re right. He is protective.”

  I began scratching his chest to calm him down. He finally sat down but kept his eyes on Gage as he walked toward the fridge. “It’s been only us for a while.” I gave him a bite of chicken and he settled down.

  “You don’t have friends come over?” he asked as he sat back down slowly.

  “I haven’t had many people over since I started working for Jay,” I explained as I pet Tank. He was laying down now, but still watching and keeping his body between me and Gage.

  “Your ice cream is melting.”

  “I know. I’m letting it melt a little first.”

  His brow furrowed, “Why?”

  “Tank loves ice cream.”

  “You give your dog ice cream?”

  “He’s my baby.” I smiled down at him. Gage shrugged his shoulders and continued to eat. “So, what are you gonna do?”

  “I’m not sure I follow.”

  “What are you going to do about your living situation?”

  “My ex still has all of my stuff, so I guess I’ll get an apartment someplace in town,” he explained.

  “I do have an extra room. You are welcome to it until you find a new place.”

  What am I thinking? I felt like I was going to choke on the chicken I was chewing, so I bit on it to hold it in place. I held my tongue and waited for him to answer. He chewed his food slowly. He was thinking about my offer, and I knew by the look on his face he was going to take it. Finally, he answered me.

  “Thank you, but what about Tank?”

  “He will get used to you.”

  “Alright, but I wouldn’t feel right living here for free. How much would you want a month for the room?”

  The thought of charging him never crossed my mind. I couldn’t believe I even offered it to him. Surely, he wouldn’t be using only the room. He would use the bathroom, washer, and dryer which meant he would be using the water and electricity too.

  “How does a hundred a week sound? We split the price of food. You have to get your own toiletries.”

  “That sounds like a good deal. When can I move in?” He took another bite of his burger and his eyebrows went up in question.

  He needed a place to stay. “I don’t think I would feel right if I let you sleep in your truck again, or at some crap motel. Tonight is fine.” I nervously picked my chicken into small pieces while he ate his food.

  “As long as you can guarantee your dog won’t murder me in my sleep. That would be great,” he chuckled and looked down at Tank. He didn’t make a noise but still watched him.

  I smiled evilly, “I make no guarantees.”

  He laughed, “Fair enough. Could you show me around a little?”

  “Sure.” I ripped up the remainder of my chicken into the cup of ice cream. I mixed it together and dumped it into Tank’s bowl. He acted as if he were ravenous and gobbled it all down quickly.

  “Maybe I should give him treats to make him like me.”

  I turned around to face him but he was standing directly behind me. I almost bumped into him. A rush of excitement pooled between my thighs. I stepped back. I felt the heat on my cheeks. I had to get control. If he was going to be living here for a while, I couldn’t keep blushing every time he stood close to me. Plus, I still had to work with him. “Please, one thing I ask, don’t feed my dog.”

  “Understood,” he nodded.

  “I’m not trying to be rude but…”

  He stopped me, “I get it. It’s a dominance and trust thing.”

  “Yes,” I smiled. “Thanks for understanding.”

  We left the kitchen and we entered the small hallway which led to the living room. The living room was big with large windows in front with the shades drawn. The front door is next to them but I never use the door unless it’s during the day.

  “You’re welcome to watch TV anytime. I barely watch it, but I have cable with multiple channels.”

  “Then, why have it?”

  “I do enjoy TV once in a while, just not all the time. Plus, I really don’t have much time.”

  “Yes, we have been working a lot lately.”

  I scoffed and smiled, “I know, I have.”

  I started up the front stairs first and I could feel him looking at my ass. I turned and smiled at him. He quickly looked up and smiled in return. I turned around and a smile stretched across my face. He was looking.

  Upstairs, the first thing we hit was my room. I didn’t make the point to show him inside. I kept the door closed and we continued down the hall to the room he would be using. Next to his door was the back staircase to the kitchen, but I kept that door locked as well and only used the front stairs. I remained at the door while he took a look at his room. He went to the locked door which led to the bathroom we would be sharing. He unlocked the door and looked inside. Straight across from his view was my bedroom. His eyes lingered for a moment before he closed the door.

  “This is the only bathroom upstairs. We will have to share it unless you choose to use the other. It’s located under the front stairs.”

  “Sounds good.” He sat on the bed and bounced a little. He settled back to check out the bed and my mind started to wonder again. I imagined getting on top of him, removing his shirt, and touching every inch of his chest. I really need to get a handle on myself or I was going to get into trouble. He sat up. “This will work.”

  “I’m glad. I will go to Hank’s tomorrow and have you a key made. If you need any help getting your stuff, let me know. I should be free tomorrow,” I explained. “Should be.”

  He stood from the bed and walked up to me. He was close. He smelled of sweet cologne and the salty scent of swea
t. It was a scent of masculinity and demand. My body could feel his attraction but I pushed it back. I tried to step away but collided with the door frame. He leaned in ever so close and flipped off the light switch. “Thank you.” His voice was beyond deep. It was the dark depths of the ocean and I wanted to go swimming in the danger of the unknown. I wanted to wrap myself around him but stepped out into the hall.

  I cleared my throat, “Bedtime, I mean, I’m off to bed…to sleep.” Embarrassment washed over me as he laughed slightly. “Good night.”

  “Good night, Jess.”

  I walked into my room and closed the door behind me. I was trying to breathe but my libido was in high gear. I needed a shower to cool down. As the water relaxed me, my mind drifted to the thought of Gage coming into the bathroom while I was in here. I imagined him undressing and stepping into the shower with me to take over the washing. There is nothing wrong with a little fantasy.

  I shaved my legs and other parts of my body and turned off the water and got out of the shower. I brushed my hair and teeth and I walked out of the bathroom to get dressed for the night. Now, I usually dress in panties and a tank top for bed. With someone in the house, I would have to be mindful. I wrapped myself in a bulky robe and walked out of my room. Usually, Tank was at the door waiting for me, but he was gone. The living room was dark, so I was careful on the stairs in case my dog was there at the foot. I turn on the kitchen light and grabbed my water out of the fridge. Tank was scratching the back door to come back in. Gage must have let him out. “Come on, bud. Time for bed.”

  As soon as I turned out the light I bumped into Gage. “Oh, I’m sorry.” My body was up against his, my breasts were actually touching his rock-hard stomach. Tank growled but didn’t attack our house guest. Before my mind could drift into the already flooded gutter, I stepped back. “I’m sorry, Gage. I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going.”

  He stepped closer, closing the gap between us, and looked deep into my eyes. I thought he was going to kiss me. I honestly wanted him to. I wanted to lick and suck on his full bottom lip. “Don’t worry about it, Jess,” he said in a husky and damn sexy voice.

  “Well, I’m off to bed. Goodnight.”

  “Goodnight.” His voice was soft, tender. It was nice to hear someone say that to me after so long. I smiled back at him and walked up the stairs with Tank trailing behind. I had a hard time sleeping.

  CHAPTER

  4

  The following morning, I wake up at ten o’clock on the dot. I pulled my heavy comforter over my head and tried to sleep, but it didn’t work. I went down stairs to start the coffee. Still sleepy, I opened the refrigerator door, grabbed a bottle of water, and the coffee from the freezer. I reached for the coffee pot and found a little note hanging on the handle.

  Jess-

  I went to get some of my things. Be back later.

  -Gage

  I wasn’t expecting that at all. It didn’t even cross my mind he would care enough to let me know where he was. It was a surprise but I liked it. I started the coffee and noticed I was smiling the entire time. I made myself a cup and adding sugar and cream. I retrieved my newspaper, The Devils Bend Times, from the porch and took my place at the kitchen table to read.

  I turned the page to my favorite section, Strange in the Bend. It was an entertainment section where I got all my juicy stories about UFO sightings, Bigfoot footprints, and strange sounds. If I was lucky I could even get some insight on vampire activity. A black and white picture of a truck and sedan which had been involved in a collision. The front-end of the truck had been smashed in, and the passenger side of the sedan was as well. The headline intrigued me.

  ***MORE STRANGE SIGHTINGS***

  (Strange animal causes accident)

  More strange sightings in Devils Bend and surrounding counties. Upon arrival at the crash scene, the drivers were clearly shaken and one of them claiming to see yet another strange animal. Upon further questioning, the driver of the pickup claimed to see something unbelievable. A black lion-like creature darted in front of his vehicle, causing him to swerve, ending in colliding with another driver.

  “It was huge,” he said. “I have never seen anything like it in Devils Bend, and I have been here all my life.”

  This is not the first report of strange sightings. Many local farmers have reported seeing a strange creature on their property. It is said to linger in the shadows, slaughter livestock, and family pets. They fear for their families and refuse to go out after sundown. Local authorities assume wild canines are to blame, and nothing more than wild imaginations.

  I put the paper down in utter awe. Living in a small town, you hear a lot of tall tales about legendary creatures living in the woods. Bigfoot was practically a celebrity in a place such a Devils Bend. I enjoyed reading about the reports, but now, they were getting out of hand. People were getting hurt and animals were dying. There could be something out there. Three years ago, vampires only existed in books and movies. Now, I hunt them for a living. There was a possibility something else was actually lurking in the darkness.

  I took a sip of my coffee and went upstairs to get my cell phone. The phone rang and after the fourth time, he finally picked it up. “Hello.” Jay’s voice sounded gruff with sleep.

  “Good morning, Jay. Have you read the paper today?”

  “No, I just woke up. What’s up?”

  “I’m sorry to wake you but I think it’s important. The entertainment pages.” I explained as I eyed the blurry photo of the truck. I read the article again while I waited. After a few seconds, the sound of his newspaper rustled in my ear. He was muttering to himself as he read. “Well, what do you think?”

  “Jessica, are you serious?” he yawned. “Please tell me you didn’t wake me up to read this.”

  “Yes, I’m serious. What do you think?”

  “I think we have another vampire on our hands.” I was dumbfounded. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. This was no vampire. “Didn’t you and Gage take care of the problem last night at the Scott property?”

  “Yes, we did, but I don’t think this is a vampire. I think it might be a…something else.”

  “Like what?”

  “Maybe a…werewolf,” I said, questioning my own accusations. Jay was laughing on the other end of the line.

  “Jessica, be serious. There is no such thing as werewolves.”

  I was getting irritated. “I’m telling you it’s something different, and I think we should check it out. What if there is such a thing? We do have vampires,” I whispered. “Why wouldn’t we have something else?”

  “The old man was probably drunk.”

  “Jay,” I grumbled and rolled my eyes as if he could see.

  “Ok, you go ahead and check it out, but on your own time. We don’t have time to be worrying about something else when we have bigger fish to fry.”

  “I understand that, but.”

  “But, what?”

  I sighed, “Maybe I’ll look into it, but I think we all should keep our eyes open.”

  “Talk to you later, Jessica.” He was still laughing when I hung up the phone.

  I looked at my dog who was sleeping on the kitchen floor. The moment I opened my mouth he looked up at me. “Your momma is gonna find out what’s going on. You watch.” He tilted his head and eyed me quizzically.

  I got dressed in simple jeans and an old t-shirt. Downstairs, I turned off the coffee pot and headed out the front door. Hank’s Hardware was located only a few blocks from my home. I had to get Gage a key made. I opened the door of the small store and a bell above the door jingled. It was too hot inside, I almost couldn’t breathe. The clerk was a young, pimple-faced kid. His name tag read ‘Hello My Name is Bryan.’ He was helping another customer but welcomed me to the store.

  “Can you make me a copy of this key when you get a moment?” I handed him my key.

  He smiled at me, “Sure, no problem. I can have it for you in about ten minutes.”

  “O
kay, thank you. I’m going to do some looking around. Thanks so much, Bryan.”

  He smiled and turned to his customer. I strolled the aisles and found the dog collars. I held one in my hand, it was heavy and the spikes weren’t too sharp. I thought Tank would look cute in it. My attention was grabbed by the sound of voices on the next aisle. Two men were talking about the story in the paper. I bit my lip, knowing it was rude, but I started to eavesdrop.

  “Did you read the paper this morning?”

  “Yeah, I think it’s a bunch of bullshit.”

  “Well, I don’t know. Clyde said it looked like a lion but had more hair and solid black. He said it darted right in front of him. A lot of people think he was drunk, but Clyde is a good friend of mine. I know he doesn’t drink or lie.”

  “There hasn’t been a big cat here in years, but I guess it’s possible, but a black lion?” They were talking about mountain lions but they were rare in Devils Bend.

  “You probably think it’s a Bigfoot, don’t you?” he chuckled.

  “What else could it be?”

  “All’s I know is if anything come’s snooping on my land, they are going to have a good taste of my Winchester Rifle.”

  The story in the paper had everyone worked up. I returned to the counter and the kid had my key ready. I paid my total and turned to leave.

  “Have a good day, ma’am.”

  I smiled at the kid, “Thanks, and you do the same.” My stomach growled with hunger, so I made my way toward the small diner on the corner of Main Street. The little place has things like muffins and egg specials for breakfast. The lunch menu included hamburgers and fries. You can also get the chicken fried steak with any potato. There was no need for a dinner menu as it closed its doors after lunch.

  It was a quiet little place with little round tables which seated up to four people. I thought I would be able to sit and relax, but the entire diner was buzzing with the animal sightings. Everyone had their papers and electronics in front of them.