George, Mary Lou - Prey (BookStrand Publishing Romance)

by Mary Lou George

  “Yeah. Just a little headache. All that fear, I guess I was gritting my teeth a little too hard. It gave me a headache.” She leaned against him for a moment.

  Travis asked gently, “Do you want to see the dog now?”

  Jade shook her head, “No. I’d rather tell you what I know and then chat with the dog.”

  “Well, you’re not going to do this out here. It’s too cold. Come on, you can sit in my truck.” Sam didn’t take his arm away as he helped her back to the truck. Jade marveled at how much she enjoyed his support. She’d been doing this alone for so long it felt good to have someone strong to lean on a little. She said another prayer of thanks for this town and the people in it.

  She sat sideways on the passenger seat, her feet dangling, flexing and relaxing. She felt cherished and looked after. Jade was home. Sam stood in front of the open door, leaning a hand on the roof of the cab. Travis ran a hand through his hair in his signature manner. His hair stood up at all angles, and it made Jade smile.

  “Take your time.” Sam said.

  She shook her head, the weight of her responsibility too heavy to ignore for long. “No. I can’t. There isn’t time. They’re terrified. The thing that killed Allan Simpson was unlike anything these animals have ever seen. It hunted humans exclusively. It waited in the barn until Allan showed up as if knowing he’d be coming.”

  Travis swore under his breath. “It’s intelligent.”

  Jade nodded. “Yeah, but not in the way I’ve known animals to be. They didn’t recognize that thing as anything Mother Nature created.”

  “How the hell is that possible?” Travis sighed. “I feel so stupid asking this question, but bear with me. I’m still getting used to what you can do. Did they give you a description?”

  Despite it all, Jade smiled. It felt good. “Animals put a lot of stock in eye contact. They were all too frightened to look straight at the thing, even the cats.” She raised an eyebrow with wonder. “You know, they tried to warn Allan. The cats wrapped around his feet slowing his progress trying to communicate with him. The cattle were restless. They were all petrified, but still they tried to save him.”

  Sam nodded, understanding immediately. “I guess they’d all bonded to him and wanted to keep him safe. Allan Simpson has always been good with his animals.”

  “He shouldn’t have died this way. I’d like to see the dog now if possible.” Jade was determined.

  Travis nodded. “Sure. Ernestine’s up at the house. Chase brought her here early this morning.”

  Sam helped Jade down from her perch on the passenger seat. She was glad Aunt Ernestine was there. Maybe she could help fill in some of the missing pieces.

  Travis didn’t bother knocking. That wasn’t the way in New Crescent. He nodded to Allan’s wife Iris as she sat at the kitchen table fiddling with her coffee cup. Ernestine acknowledged each one of them with a nod. “Iris can tell you nothing of use. Don’t bother to try, Travis. She’s been through enough.”

  “I know.” Travis inclined his head respectfully. “I’m not here for that.” He hunkered down and sat on his heels in front of Iris Simpson. “Iris, you remember Jade, don’t you? Chase’s sister?”

  The poor woman nodded and tried to smile at Jade, but couldn’t and her attempt turned into a sob. Ernestine looked crossly at Travis. He gave her a ‘what am I supposed to do?’ expression.

  Taking both of Iris’s hands in hers, the old lady said. “Come on now. I think you should take those pills the doctor prescribed. I’m not really a big fan of drugs, but in this case I think we can make an exception. Sometimes you just need to rest. I’ll walk you upstairs to bed. They just want to make sure your Billy is okay.”

  Slowly, the two women walked out of the room. The dog tried to follow, but Sam stopped him. Billy was a young black Lab who loved visitors of all kinds, but preferred the kind that would throw a ball, or a stick, or a Frisbee for him. Today, he sat under the table with sad eyes. An old tennis ball rested between his feet, ignored for the first time ever.

  Jade sat down on the floor cross legged. Flexible, she bent and put her elbows on the linoleum in front of her and rested her head in her hands.

  Billy was grieving just as deeply as the rest of the family. He’d tried to offer what comfort he could, but he instinctively understood there was no succor for this. He’d gone out to the barn with Allan that morning. As soon as he’d left the house he knew something was wrong. He’d barked a warning, but Allan shushed him telling him not to wake up the whole county. Billy had taken a grip of Allan’s coat in his mouth and tried to stop him from moving toward the barn. Allan didn’t get it. He’d laughed and told Billy that now was not the time to play. So the poor Lab walked to the barn with his human friend knowing that danger awaited them there. He barked and barked but nothing could distract Allan from his purpose.

  When the thing jumped him, Billy had tried to fight it off, but with one effortless swipe, the thing dispatched him. That was the last Billy knew until he’d regained consciousness just as Henry had arrived.

  The dog’s story was hard to bear, but Jade put her arms around poor Billy and soothed him as only she could. Finally, he slid down and put his head in Jade’s lap. He fell asleep for the first time since that morning he’d walked outside with Allan.

  Jade looked up at Sam. “You should examine him. It doesn’t show, but Billy tried to protect Allan and took a good wallop for his trouble.”

  Sam knelt on the floor beside Jade and asked, “Is he asleep or just resting?”

  “He’s asleep. Just wait a few minutes. We should take him back to your clinic. He won’t fuss if I can make him understand what we’re doing.”

  Ernestine walked into the room interrupting them. Looking down at the slumbering Billy, she said, “Poor thing, he did what he could. He was no match for that thing.”

  They looked at Ernestine in surprise. She held up a hand. “Yes, I know as much as you do at this point. I can’t tell you anything more, and even if I could, I wouldn’t. That’s not my role here.” She took Sam’s hand. “It’s your turn, my boy. You have to stop this. Make your ancestors proud.” After her cryptic remark, she cocked her head. “Ah, Henry and his wife are here. Take me home, Travis. I’ve had enough of crime scenes.”

  Sam didn’t even bother to ask her what she’d meant. They all knew it was no use pressuring Ernestine for more information. She was a firm believer in destiny and free will. Travis, Sam and Jade exchanged resigned glances as Sam helped her into her coat.

  * * * *

  The hunt had been anticlimactic. Too easy, boring even. The old man tasted stale and used. The unnatural thing wanted to scream and tear at something, but daylight was not the best time to hunt. It would wait until nightfall. The urge to breed was all encompassing, but the opportunity had not presented itself, and the act was far too important to foul up with impatience. It snarled and bit down on its own strange flesh, relishing the swift pleasure the blood provided. It would have to do for now. The only thing that helped to ease the yearning was the taste of blood. Human blood. This time though, it would select a younger one as its prey. Perhaps the kill will be more satisfying.

  Chapter 8

  The x-rays showed that poor brave Billy had two broken ribs and a mild concussion. He must have been in considerable pain, but he’d never let on, not a whimper. Sam gave the suffering dog a mild pain killer and settled him down for the night. He’d have to be checked on a regular basis throughout the night.

  “He’s going to be fine. That’s something at least,” Sam told Jade.

  Jade stroked the sleeping dog. “Good boy. Good boy.” She looked up at Sam. Her voice trembled. “He was so brave. Scared witless, he’d still have taken that thing on. He would have happily died for Allan Simpson. He’s not going to want to be away from the family for long.”

  Sam nodded. “I’ll get him home tomorrow morning.”

  “Thanks, Sam. You do good work here.”

  “You sound just a little su
rprised.” He raised an eyebrow.

  She put up a hand in defense. “It’s not that. You’ve always been good with animals. Remember how mad you got at those guys with the frogs?” She could still see Sam’s face. He’d been furious that the boys had taken the frogs out of their environment.

  He’d fumed at them. “How would you like it if a huge hand came down from the sky and took you away from everything you know? You’d never see your parents again.” The boys sat stunned, listening to Sam rant. “Animals are not on this planet for our amusement you know.” In a kinder tone he continued, “There’s nothing wrong with curiosity, but put everything back where you found it.” And he proceeded to do so.

  Standing next to him in his free veterinary clinic, Jade smiled at him with shy affection.

  “You sure were passionate that day. I was incredibly impressed. If I hadn’t already thought of you as my hero, that day would have made it so.”

  “And what about now? Am I no longer your hero?” He put a hand on her shoulder.

  “You were today.”

  “Well, I guess that’s something. I’ll just have to try harder.” He guided Jade out the door and shut the light out. He had someone in the clinic at all times and before leaving, he thanked Brian, the night attendant, handed him a sheet of instructions and said good night to him.

  Jade waited while he took care of business. She watched him. Her heart sped up just a little when he looked at her and smiled crookedly. She wondered what it would feel like to kiss him again. It would be easy to find out. She could just do it like the last time, or she could ask him to kiss her. Jade didn’t play games. Animals didn’t play psychological games with each other. She’d always preferred their rules to human ones.

  What would happen if she kissed him? Not a good idea now that she worked for him. She grinned slyly as inspiration hit her. Christmas was just around the corner. There was always mistletoe.

  “You’re looking serious. Anything I can help you with?” Sam asked.

  “That won’t be necessary…right now.” She looked up at him through her lashes.

  He walked her to his truck and held the door for her. It was dark and cold outside. She could see her breath. The unseasonably warm weather had fled as quickly as it had appeared. Jade wondered just how powerful Reggie had become. Had she ordered up a warm day for her wedding? Jade shook her head, not possible. Not possible…right?

  As he started up the truck, Sam’s New England started to show. “It could snow any day now. Can you smell it?” He rubbed his left leg.

  Are they reduced to talking about the weather? All New Englanders talked about the weather she reminded herself. “It’s been so long since I’ve been home I’m not sure I’d recognize the smell of snow.”

  “It’ll come back to you.” He rubbed his leg again.

  “Does it bother you much?” Jade asked.

  Not long ago, Sam had broken his leg, a victim of Reggie and Chase’s adventure. He still went to physiotherapy. Typical, he was determined to get full motion back.

  “I’m like one of the old mariners. My bones tell me when the weather is going to shift.”

  Jade shook her head in mock sympathy. “Poor old man. You should eat your bowl of gruel and go straight to bed.”

  “Are you hungry?” Sam asked.

  “Not for gruel.” She giggled.

  He smiled crookedly. “No, I was thinking we could stop at the diner for dinner. I’ve kept you out late, and as your employer, I should provide you with dinner.”

  Jade shook her head. “Thanks but my roommates have been alone all day. I’d like to get back to them.”

  “Now that excuse I’ll accept. I could take you home then go get take out.” He suggested hopefully.

  Jade looked sideways at him. “You’re on.”

  “What do you feel like?”

  She smiled. “Surprise me, but remember I’m a vegetarian.”

  He laughed. “Of course you are.”

  * * * *

  Jade had just started a fire and was warming her hands in front of it when Sam walked in with bags from the diner.

  “I wasn’t sure what you wanted, so I ordered pretty much everything on the menu that wasn’t made with meat.” He grinned proudly as he held the huge bags up for her to see.

  They smelled divine. Jade was starving and happy to learn that some things never changed, the diner served wonderfully unhealthy food. The very best kind.

  “I took the chance that while you’re a vegetarian, you’re still a junk food junkie.”

  She nodded enthusiastically as she stuffed three French fries in her mouth and closed her eyes with pleasure. “Mmm. I’m with Reggie. Everything tastes better deep fried.”

  “When it comes to food, our Reggie is usually right on the money.” He started to unload the food on her dining room table. “The fire is just the right touch.”

  Jade nodded and took a deep breath. The air was filled with the scent of burning wood. “I love this time of year, especially in New Crescent.”

  Sam agreed. “The Sinclair’s Christmas party is on the twenty second this year. They’ll be expecting you.” He waited for her response.

  She didn’t disappoint him. She flushed hotly, and her eyes widened with horror. “I’m not going to sing. Sweet Mother of God, I’m not singing.”

  Sam shook his head sadly. “Jinx, I don’t think you’ll have a choice. It’s a tradition, and we’ve done without you for too many years. It just hasn’t been the same.”

  Jade rolled her eyes, and her flush deepened as she remembered. One Christmas time, when she’d been about nine years old, Travis had walked in on Jade singing along with Elvis’s Christmas album. He’d slipped back out before she could see him, a dastardly plan forming in his twisted brain. At his parents’ annual Christmas party, two days later, he’d announced that Jade would be singing “Blue Christmas” a la Elvis Presley. Painfully shy, Jade froze. When she’d regained motion, she walked over to Travis and punched him in the arm. She’d been begged and cajoled by everyone there until finally, the song erupted from her throat without any encouragement from her brain. When she’d finished, she looked just as surprised as anyone. She was a hit! Her audience had loved it so much they’d made it a yearly tradition. And every year she’d dreaded it and cursed Travis for starting the whole thing.

  “There is no punishment too severe for Travis for what he did to me that day.” Jade shook her head.

  “I seem to recall you tried a number of times to get him back.”

  “Nothing could ever be enough because his was a torture visited upon me every year at the Sinclair’s Christmas party. Now I’m all confused. I always loved that party, but since Travis’s little joke, I look forward to it and dread it in equal measure.”

  Sam chewed on a slice of garlic bread. “Don’t worry. Gillian got him back for you. She made him propose to her so many times we started a pool. Everyone in town had a piece of the action.”

  Jade nodded. “And Sandy Johnson thought she’d won when Travis proposed at Reggie’s wedding. But Gillian put him in his place. Imagine proposing at someone else’s wedding. What was he thinking? No he deserves a harsher punishment. I have to come up with something that will repeat on him, like that garlic you’re eating right there.”

  Sam shook his head and looked hurt. “I’m not that old. I don’t have a list of foods that don’t agree with me…yet.”

  They spent the rest of dinner remembering Travis stories. They laughed so hard, Jade started to cough. Sam patted her firmly on the back. Finally, she sat back in her chair. Flushed and breathing heavily she stood up and in a ravaged, throaty voice asked Sam if he wanted coffee.

  He declined. Lifting his wrist, he glanced at his watch. When he put his arm back down on the table he tipped over an empty glass. Ruefully he smiled then passed her an accusing look, but didn’t refer to her ever present jinx on him. “I should be going actually. Your boss may not be impressed if you’re late tomorrow morning.”
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  “Ogre.” She walked him to the door. Fleetingly, she considered kissing him goodnight. What would he do? She wondered. Last time he’d responded immediately until he realized it was her he’d been kissing. Would it be the same? She watched her opportunity fade away as he said a casual good night and walked out to his truck.

  * * * *

  The next morning Jade arrived at the clinic early. She hoped to visit with Billy for a bit. He wagged his tail politely, but Jade knew his heart wasn’t in it. He was still groggy from the pain killers and grieving the loss of his friend. Jade understood that some animals grieved so deeply they slipped into a depression, but she doubted Billy would be one of them. He had a family who loved him. He was anxious to get back to them and begin the healing process.

  Jade went in search of Sam. She didn’t really know what he wanted her to do for the generous salary he’d offered her. She found him in the stables talking to Petra. Eavesdropping only created an odd feeling in her chest. He was wonderful with all animals, but with Petra he was even better. She could feel how much he cared about her. Petra of course had spied Jade standing in the doorway and alerted Sam to her presence by nodding her head.

  He turned to look at Jade. His crooked smile creased his face. “Hey there, good morning.” He looked so happy to see her, the strange feeling in her chest grew, and she frowned in reaction.

  Sam frowned with concern. “What’s wrong?” He was at her side immediately. He almost tripped over a pail on his way there, but he made it.

  Jade blinked. “Nothing’s wrong. I was just wondering what you want me for.”

  Speechless, he looked at her blankly for a moment. They were a rather pathetic pair this morning she thought as she clarified her question. “What are my duties and responsibilities?

  “Ah. Well, I thought you could assist me with my patients. Tell me if I’m missing anything important. My abilities to heal them are hampered by my inability to communicate with them. That’s where you come in.”