Cold Cat Mountain: The Peak (Cold Cat Mountain Trilogy Book 1)

by Kimberly Goss-Kearney

  The radio static increased forcing Roy to repeat himself. His tone was edged with fresh aggravation.

  “Who the hell is that?”

  Wyatt laughed from the back of the helicopter. “Uh- it’s Shelby, over.”

  All radios went silent. Taking a deep breath Roy spoke firmly into the mic.

  “I thought she was fighting fires?”

  Wyatt keyed his mic. “Yeah, well fire seasons over and little sis is here I guess.”

  The radio turned silent as Wyatt, Norma and Dillon watched while his sister stopped and climbed a tree. Norma cued her AP.

  “Shelby girl, to the right!” Wild as a March hair, Shelby pushed up, panting from her run up the mountain. Careful to steady her breath she took aim again as Wyatt maneuvered the spotlight from above. Squatting on the limb of the tree she’d climbed she let the arrow go. It pierced the ground at the heels of the large creature.

  “Someone make her back off! She’s not even a part of the rescue team.”

  Roy’s impatience was obvious as he tried to maintain order. Gordon keyed his mic.

  “Team nine to team one, over.” Relieved someone was using correct radio protocol Roy responded. “Roy, my granddaughter is trying to herd that thing your way. Have your weapon ready, over.”

  Acknowledging Gordon's instructions, Roy partially resigned himself to the chaos and pulled his rifle out, sliding off the seat of his four-wheeler to rest the barrel across the seat, taking careful aim. His daughter’s and wife did the same. In position and ready they waited as Shelby jumped from the tree she had been in, herding the creature ahead toward them. Dillon caught the creature in his sites and squeezed the trigger. Another scream followed. With the helicopter circling, and Search and Rescue on all sides while Shelby pushed the creature ahead, everyone waited. Wyatt scanned the forest floor with the spotlight, finding nothing.

  Both the creature and Hoyd were gone. “She was torn between the impulse to run and the urge to curl up like a pill bug, close her eyes, tuck her head beneath her arms, and play the game of since-I-can't-see-monstersmonsters-can't-see-me.”

  ― Holly Black

  ~Thirty-one~

  Blaze slowly sat up in the dark interior of a damp dirt hole. Feeling around with her hands she encountered root systems and dirt only. Grateful, she winced. The rancid smell was overwhelming and she clamped her hand over her mouth. In the pitch black she could see nothing, and strained to listen for anything akin to breathing, growling, or movement. Whatever had taken her must have purposely knocked her out. Her head throbbed in the back, and she held back a moan, uncertain if causing noise would draw attention from the thing that had grabbed her. Shifting, she caught the scent of snow and fresh air. On her hands and knees she followed the smell until she caught the dim light of the moon overhead. With her heart pounding she crawled out of the dingy hole and cautiously stood on shaky legs. Nothing moved around her. Trees reached up to the dark sky, swaying gracefully overhead. Turning, she noticed she had been placed in a shallow hole of some sort. Standing in the cold night air she thought she heard the distant thrum of helicopter blades. Carefully moving around rocks and limbs she hid behind trees and boulders as she unsteadily made her way toward the sound. Not far from her something disturbed the trees. She froze. Pressing her back against the trunk of an old tree she breathed silently. Footsteps, heavy with weight made their way toward the opening of the underground enclave. Blaze carefully leaned around the side of the tree and caught the movement of something large and black. It pulled a man behind it. Whatever it was sniffed the air, pausing. With its nose lifted high toward the night sky it sniffed deeply a second time, suddenly dropping the man to the ground, growling. Blaze remained stationary, carefully moving her head back behind the tree. She waited in that position until it began to move again. When it did, it was to drag the man into the shallow dug-out with it. Moaning, the man resisted, pulling back against the creatures strength. Blaze peered around the tree as the growling beast picked him up at the waist, pushing him into the opening of the small underground cache. She gasped in surprise.

  It was Hoyd. His face was etched with pain. He fought back with all his strength, straining against the beasts superior strength, trying to grab for something, anything to hold on to as the creature shoved him downward. Blaze searched for a rock, and lifting one, took aim. The rock bounced off the side of another boulder nearby, affording Hoyd a chance to gain purchase before grappling with the creature again. The beast turned, growling toward Blaze. Obviously it knew the rock had flown from the trees and it loosed its grip on Hoyd, who collapsed to the ground, scanning the tree line from his side, holding his arm. Standing clumsily he leaned against the boulder Blaze’s rock had bounced off of. Hopping on one foot he watched the large dark form advance into the trees where Blaze had hidden herself. Without any choice Blaze retreated from her hiding spot, lunging forward toward Hoyd, calling his name as she ran to him.

  An arrow pierced the dirt not far behind the creature as it advanced on Blaze, circling back to where it had left Hoyd. Falling to his knees in pain he grabbed Blaze’s hand and shoved her behind him. Another arrow followed, piercing the beast in its lower thigh. Its deep angry howl rang out and it turned on the two smaller humans, crouching before it. With the last of his strength Hoyd stood, facing the creature. He held Blaze’s hand firmly. Time stilled and Blaze could hear her only her breathing, the crunch of cold snow beneath her feet, feel the warmth of Hoyd’s hand over hers as she was pushed behind him. The creature stopped, screaming before them, throwing out its arms. In a fluid motion Hoyd reached around, pulling Blaze’s large fur hood down over her eyes. Screaming as the creature advanced, Hoyd pushed her back yelling. “Do not look it in the eyes!”

  Another arrow zipped between Hoyd and the beast, its white teeth gleamed in the half light of the moon. Hoyd stood to his full height, glaring the beast down. A single moment of defiance passed between them. To his right he watched the snow leopard dart from the trees, advancing on the beast, lunging through the air.

  Blaze stumbled backward when she saw a red headed woman drop from a tree and withdraw another arrow from her quiver. Running behind the archer, Blaze watched as the legendary snow leopard grappled in earnest with the creature, almost appearing as though the two were fused. Unmoving, Hoyd stood rooted to the spot where he and the creature had made eye contact. The young archer hissed under her breath as the creature knocked the snow leopard aside, advancing on Hoyd. With its large arm raised, claws extended over Hoyd the young woman fired her arrow at Hoyd just as the beast dealt him its death blow. Hoyd crumpled to his knees, staring ahead. Screaming, the creature grabbed him by his limp arm and pulled him up into the darkened tree tops. Blaze screamed, lunging forward to grab Hoyd’s feet. The arrow had made contact with Hoyd’s chest, his eyes were wide. Quietly, his head rolled forward in death as he disappeared from sight.

  The glade grew quiet as Blaze slowly moved toward the snow leopard, which laid at the opening of the shallow dirt cave. Turning, Shelby heard another scream emanate from the distance. Blaze watched the cat take its last breath and exhale slowly into the cold night. She rested her hand on its neck, touching it tentatively, reverently.

  It had given its life for Hoyd. Pulled to her feet by Shelby she heard the engines of the four-wheeler's. Just ahead of them were the men and women on horseback. Gordon reigned in his horse just behind Blaze, looking down on the snow leopard. Another scream resounded not far off. Blaze recognized it as Matilda’s voice. Holly pulled Blaze onto her fourwheeler, and they sped off in the direction of the cries. Everything moved so swiftly she felt time had lost its meaning. Blaze closed her eyes, pushing her heavy hood back from her face in spite of the cold.

  Behind Holly, she fought for breath, praying for Matilda’s safety as they sped across the base of the peak. Blaze could see Matilda just ahead, in the head lights of the four-wheeler's, and in the spotlight of the copter, reaching for Skid, just as his limp body was pulled up a tree. Ma
tilda grabbed a low hanging branch and hoisted herself up into the tree behind Skid, whose arms dangled helplessly at an odd angle as he was pushed up between the rough limbs by a dark hulking creature they could not clearly see. Matilda grabbed for his right hand, holding onto it a brief moment as she balanced herself nearly twelve feet above ground. From the limbs above, the dark head of the beast lowered slowly, upside down, initiating eye contact with Matilda as it hung from a limb above her, holding Skid’s lifeless body. Black eyes with bloodshot rims stared deeply into her soul as it growled, a low rumble that caused her to freeze. Beyond fear, Matilda felt Skids limp hand slide from hers, as his lifeless form was carried away. Slowly, shaking her head, Matilda stood as if in a trance, trying to follow. She reached up for a higher branch of the tree when the limb she’d been balancing on broke beneath her, and she fell to the ground.

  Roy, his daughters and his wife rushed forward, instructing Norma to land not far from their location. Carefully, trying not to disturb Matilda’s fragile frame, they loaded her onto the waiting helicopter. Blaze rushed forward, briefly acknowledging Sheriff Walker, who helped Blaze up into the copter. Staring lifelessly Matilda didn’t blink or respond to Blaze as she called out to her. Matilda’s light blonde hair spilled out around her and slowly she closed her eyes, slipping into unconsciousness.

  Blaze dropped her head in grief.

  Hoyd and Skid were both gone. Turning toward the dark mountainside Walker jumped onto a four-wheeler, riding off into the dark with the rest of the search party, fast on the heels of the creature moving through the trees.

  Turning slowly, Shelby reached for her grandfather’s hand. He pulled her up behind him onto his horse, whispering her name, grateful she was safe. She watched as the helicopter made its way back down the mountain toward Stryker and glared back out into the night as Gordon prompted his gelding forward. Dusty rode swiftly alongside and briefly squeezed Shelby’s hand when she reached for his. When they heard gunfire ahead they raced forward. Walker’s four-wheeler was tipped over onto its side in the dirt. The rest of his search unit were parked near it, trying to ascertain what had happened. With the wheels still spinning, Walker was gone.

  Dusty felt something tighten in his chest. He turned toward his grandfather, the question in his eyes.

  Gordon nodded. “Go get the Sheriff, son. We can’t afford to lose anymore tonight.”

  Shelby slid from her grandfather’s saddle and behind Dusty’s in one lithe movement. Dusty looked back at her, his eyes wide.

  “I’m going too.” Her tone left no argument. Shaking his head, Dusty urged his mare forward and up the side of the mountain. He turned partially toward her as they rode away. “You have got to stop coming home unannounced cousin.”

  Gordon watched as Dusty and Shelby disappeared into the tree line. Leaning back in his saddle he winked at Pat and John. John moaned, knowing Gordon had a plan.

  “What?”

  Gordon turned his large gelding toward the backside of the large dark peak. Pat took a deep breath. “You want to go to the backside of the peak?”

  John’s horse lunged forward as Gordon raised his voice.

  “Can’t let the youngun's have all the fun!”

  All three men moved around the back side of the mountain, leaving the rest of Walker’s search unit where they’d met them.

  “I am born here among the monsters; if I have to survive I must act like one of them.” ― M.F. Moonzajer

  ~Thirty-Two~

  In the plush rustic comfort of his mountain home Randall sipped tea from delicate bone china, rimmed with silver etchings. His leather chair beckoned him, and as he sank down into its soft padding he turned on the flat screen TV. A fire danced cheerfully in the grate and he smiled as the news team reported excitedly about the events unfolding on Cold Cat Mountain. The news crews had arrived shortly after he’d made the call under the assumed name of Roy. Cameras and lights, vans and people were crowded in front of the Cold Cat Café, as a light snow began falling above the town. The reporter, Ashly Goldwin, stood with her microphone at the ready, announcing events as they unfolded on the mountain behind them. The camera turned, allowing the viewing audience to see the Search and Rescue helicopter move in and hover over the landing pad near the base.

  “…And in a startling turn of events Anthropologist Matilda Bough is being transported to the hospital, following not only the abduction of a well-known bounty hunter, but of her assistant, and a local man from the community of Stryker, Hoyd Merger. Many of you in our viewing audience will recall the abduction of Hoyd’s own mother and noted Anthropologist, Edith Merger, who disappeared on this very mountain several years ago. Currently, Search and Rescue crews are scouring the mountain, and Cold Cat Peak, to attempt what may have turned into a body recovery at this juncture. More from News six after this short break to interview the local owner of Cold Cat Café.”

  The camera moved to a new angle and a woman in her thirties, with dark blonde hair and fierce eyes glared back. The news woman introduced herself to the owner of the café.

  “Miss Hollen, how are you adjusting to the events this evening? And do you know any of the victims or Search and Rescue personnel?”

  Straightening to her full height, Chrissy crossed her arms over her chest.

  “I do know some of these people and I want you to get the hell off of my property. Now.” Not to be thwarted, the young news woman moved in closer, extending the mic toward Chrissy a second time, whose husband had also recently arrived. He made his way toward his wife’s side.

  “I can see how angry and frustrated you are Miss Hollen. Would you like to say anything about your concern and grief to our viewing audience?” Chrissy lunged forward, grappling with Ashly for the mic. When she had it firmly in hand she turned to the cameras, pointing. “Get the hell out of here! None of you know or care what we’re going through as a community. Get off my property!”

  The camera man backed up unsteadily as Chrissy advanced on him, hitting him in the side of the head with a round house swing. Her husband Gene pushed between Chrissy and the camera crew, single handedly pushing the two other men from the property line of Cold Cat Café like an oxen plowing a field. The reporter, Ashly, tripped in the process and as she fell the camera closed in on her face, her eyes wide with fear. Chrissy and Gene’s determination became contagious As Randall sat in the warm comfort of his study, he watched the social norms of Stryker deteriorate as other residents began fighting back against the reporters and out-oftowner's who’d come to contribute to the chaos. In the mass of bodies and scurrying of feet Randall rose hurriedly to his feet. Pacing in front of his flat screen he bit his lip. The situation in town was becoming precarious as the locals fought back against the events, which they’d grown tired of. Exhausted from. But, something was different this time. Turning back to the television he watched vans and old school buses evacuate the town in a mass exodus. The residents were fighting back. Not something they’d ever done before. Worried for the first time in years, Randall picked up the phone and made a call. As he did, he watched the camera fall to the ground, showing only feet as the locals began scuffling with the press in a fight to take back their town.

  ~*~ Matilda sat up on the gurney she’d been wheeled in on. Blaze was seated next to her, holding her hand tightly. Smiling worriedly she scooted her chair closer to Matilda’s bed.

  “Are you alright?”

  Matilda turned her head slowly toward Blaze, looking as though she’d seen a ghost. She knew very well it wasn’t a ghost she’d seen. It was a monster. With black eyes.

  The black eyes were almost all Matilda could remember from her close encounter with the creature. She took a deep ragged breath and felt hot tears scour her cheeks.

  “Skid…?”

  Blaze shook her head somberly, confirming Matilda’s fear. She quietly passed Matilda a box of tissues. Blowing her nose, Matilda dabbed at her red eyes with a fresh Kleenex. “What’s going on here, Blaze? I’ve studied in the field f
or years now and I’ve never encountered this kind of aggression or chaos.” She grabbed Blaze’s hand, eyes spilling over. “Who else is missing from up there?”

  Blaze ran the back of her hand over her eyes and bit her lip. “Hoyd’s gone too.” She dropped her head, barely whispering as she recalled his effort to save her.

  “He saved my life.”

  Matilda nodded mutely, pressing the palm of her hand to her face, shoulders shaking with quiet sobs. Between breathes she tried to speak. “Those choppers had to belong to Randall Sterling. Who else would have moved in that close to us? He’s been irritated for months now with my discoveries. But why? Why would he do that? He caused the deaths of two good men…”

  Sobbing quietly again Matilda pulled Blaze close. “I thought I’d never see you again. I’m so grateful you’re okay. You will have to tell me everything about your escape later. Help me get dressed. I have to get back out there. I’m not hurt anyway. Whatever this thing is, it will not stop until it has killed everyone. I have to get back to the woods. Hurry.”

  Blaze stepped back, confused by Matilda’s sudden momentum. “Matilda you’ve just experienced a shock. Let your body adjust before you rush back out there, please.”

  Matilda pulled on her boots and pushed past Blaze at a run. Blaze ran behind her down the long hospital corridor, stopping only once, when two nurses trotted behind them, calling Matilda’s name. In the cold air Matilda stopped long enough to find Deputy Barnes parked not far off. She leaned in his window and asked him to drive them back up the mountain. Blaze jumped in the back, pleading with Matilda to re-think her actions. Matilda waved her hand at Blaze, focused only on the mountain above them.