Punish (Feral Justice Book 1)

by Vella Munn

  No! Exhaustion had nothing to do with his reluctance.

  Bottom line, he didn’t understand himself. Was afraid of who he was becoming.

  “What is it?” Crosby asked before he could close the door.

  “Something I need to tell you.”

  “Yeah?” Crosby jerked his head at one of the two plastic chairs and leaned forward, making his ancient office chair creak. He appeared as tired as Nate felt. “The detectives who talked to the victim’s son told me you were in on the interview. That was last night. Why didn’t you tell me about it? I’ve left at least three messages on your cell.”

  “I got them.”

  “What is it? You’re trying to avoid me?”

  Feeling strangely relieved to be able to cut to the chase, Nate sat down. “Maybe.”

  “Maybe?”

  “I’m trying to be honest. Just give me a minute, all right?”

  The manager frowned. Nate could be wrong, but was that sympathy? “First, the interview with the kid didn’t end until around three. I went home and tried to get some sleep but—then this morning I decided to see someone before talking to you.”

  “Interesting priorities.”

  “Yeah, well. The thing is, the man I’d gone to see was having a stroke. Between calling nine-one-one, doing some job-related things, going to the hospital where I saw his daughter, learned how he’s doing—it’s been a hell of a lot of hours. What did the detectives tell you?”

  Crosby’s glare left no doubt he believed Nate had deliberately changed the subject. “That the kid was certain three massive gray dogs tore his father apart. And that they deliberately left him alive.”

  Nate studied hands that had recently stroked a naked woman’s skin, then did what he had to. “The man I went to see, the one having a stroke, he owns the grays. I, ah, I think I saw one of them after the killings at the puppy mill.”

  Nate could almost see the wheels turning in Crosby’s head. “So you’ve had suspicions all this time.”

  Continuing to avoid Crosby’s gaze would be easier, but even if he had no explanation for his recent behavior, Crosby deserved better. “I knew it was a possibility.”

  “A possibility? And you didn’t tell anyone?”

  Rachelle knows, Joe too. “I should have said something right away. It wasn’t something I was trying to keep from you but—”

  “Weren’t you?”

  From the outside Crosby looked like a man who spent his days doing nothing more strenuous than balancing a company’s budget, but like Nate, he’d seen the best and worst humans were capable of when it came to animals. His thick skin only went so far. Beneath that beat a compassionate and vulnerable heart. A good one.

  “I don’t know. Maybe.”

  “Damn it, I don’t have time to pull this out of you.”

  Although the words were softly spoken, Crosby had put steel behind them. Nate leaned forward and put his head in his hands. A thousand emotions swirled through him. “Joe, he owns the grays, is pretty much a hermit. They mean everything to him.”

  “They’re dangerous. Vicious.”

  Anger brought Nate upright. “Against three people who needed killing.”

  “That’s not for you and me to decide. Answer me something. Do you really believe that?”

  “Yeah,” he blurted. Then, fighting for control, he shrugged. “Right now I don’t know what I believe. How many times have you and I said some of the people we deal with need a taste of their own medicine?”

  “Don’t go there.”

  “I can’t help it.” The way the words came out, as if he was afraid of himself, alarmed him. “That’s practically all I’ve been thinking about since I was at the puppy mill. Those brothers got what they deserved.”

  Crosby stared at him.

  “You’re right. That isn’t the point.”

  “So after talking to the kid, you had no doubt that Joe owns the dogs that have the whole city up in arms. Half of the county now knows about us and what’s been happening. I’ll ask it one more time. Why did you keep this to yourself?”

  “I don’t know,” he whispered. The words were as close to the truth as he could get. “All I could think about was telling him and his daughter that—”

  “This daughter was with Joe?”

  “Yes, thank goodness. Otherwise he would have been alone with his stroke.”

  “So what were you planning to tell them? As dangerous as those mutts are, no way had you gone to pick them up on your own.”

  Nate wasn’t sure how he felt knowing Crosby was deliberately bringing him back to the core of what needed to be said.

  “I wanted Joe and Rachelle to know as much as I did.”

  “Warn them?”

  “No!” Maybe.

  Crosby slapped his hands on the table. “Nate, you’re my best officer, levelheaded, doing what needs doing, working well with people. This isn’t the you I know.”

  He sighed. “I don’t understand me either.”

  “Right now that’s not my problem. What’s this Joe’s last name?”

  “I can’t tell you, yet.”

  “When? I can’t believe I’m hearing this.”

  “I have my reasons.” At least I think I do.

  “At least tell me where the dogs are.”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Bull—”

  “They were there when I arrived this morning. The daughter locked them in the house right before she took off for the hospital. They’d broken out by the time she and I got back to the place. That was hours later.”

  Crosby started to nod, then frowned. “Let me get this straight. The mutts were locked up, but instead of telling anyone, you went to the hospital?”

  “Not right away.”

  “God damn it, Nate! What were you doing?”

  What was I doing? “The job I get paid for.”

  “And you thought that was more important? No way, no way!” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “What’d you do, Nate? Set them free?”

  “No!” He jumped to his feet, knocking over the chair as he did. “I’d never do that.”

  “I’m not sure I can believe you.” Crosby appeared to be at the end of his rope, which was how Nate felt.

  “I don’t blame you.”

  For close to a minute neither man spoke. “I could call the hospital,” Crosby said. “Get the names of men brought in with heart trouble.”

  “Not without a court order because of confidentiality laws.”

  “Which I’ll get if it comes to that.”

  “It won’t. Please, I just want to wait until I know Joe’s going to be all right.” And, maybe, somehow, I’ve found a way to save the grays’ lives.

  Crosby rubbed his eyes. “Wait? I should fire you.”

  “Yes, you should.”

  “Nate, if this gets out it’s going to blow the department apart. We’ll both be looking for new jobs.”

  “I don’t want—”

  “I don’t care what you want. Get out of here. Do what you think you need to do. First thing tomorrow, you will be in here or I’ll find a way to have you arrested, understand?”

  “Yes.”

  “One more thing, if there are any more maulings between now and when we get our hands on the grays—”

  “There won’t be.”

  “You don’t know that.”

  No, I don’t.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  “We have an update about the dogs responsible for three fatal maulings. A police sketch artist has come up with a drawing based on information gathered from the last witness. Channel Ten is the first to present this to the public.”

  Rachelle jerked upright and stared at the TV, which was high on the wall opposite Dad’s bed. If he’d heard what Lisa Arnold had just said, he gave no indication.

  An achingly familiar sketch of a big gray dog with long muscled legs filled the screen. The only difference between this one and the trio she’d fallen in love with was that this one
was snarling.

  “Unfortunately,” the always impeccably dressed anchorwoman continued, “the three are on the loose. If law enforcement has information about who they belong to—unless they’re strays—they aren’t releasing that. I just spoke to the latest victim’s son. He admitted that right after his father’s killing, he was in too much shock to be able to remember certain details. Also, the attack took place at night. However, he calmed down some while talking to detectives.”

  Despite her shock, Rachelle held on to the anchor’s every word. It was obvious that Lisa was trying to make up for a lack of information coming from authorities about the dogs’ whereabouts by focusing on the teenage witness. Maybe the boy hadn’t said anything about Nate being there when he was with the detectives, and Lisa hadn’t thought to ask about other participants.

  “After the break,” Lisa said, “I’ll be talking to Crosby Getford of the humane society about what people should do if they encounter the animals.”

  “What a mess.”

  Startled, Rachelle swiveled toward the door where a heavy-set nurse stood. “Sorry,” the nurse said. “I didn’t mean to startle you.” She nodded at the TV. “That’s a nightmare. It’s practically the only thing people are talking about.”

  “I’m sure.”

  The nurse came in holding a tray with pills in small plastic containers. “Maybe you haven’t heard anything about the latest killing. You’ve certainly had other things on your mind.” She nodded at Joe. “I can hold off giving him his meds for a half hour or so. Sleep’s important for him at this stage.”

  “I’m hoping to talk to the doctor. His color looks better to me.”

  The nurse smiled and patted Rachelle’s shoulder. “Hopefully you won’t have to wait too long. Then maybe you can get some rest. My husband says some of his coworkers are talking about arming themselves and going after the dogs. They think the county should put up a reward for their capture or carcasses.”

  Suddenly cold, Rachelle shook her head. “Arming themselves? Do you really think they would?”

  “Nah. That’s redneck talk. The last thing this county needs is a bunch of vigilantes running around shooting at anything that moves.” She leaned against the wall. “My cousin works for the coroner’s office. She told me that that guy, the deer poacher, well, he was really mangled.”

  Rachelle too easily imagined the attack. It hadn’t been a random and spontaneous reaction to the grays hearing gunfire and smelling fresh blood. They’d deliberately—

  “Sorry,” the nurse said. “I should have kept my mouth shut.”

  “That’s all right.” If you knew what I do you’d realize your words are nothing. “Like you said, it’s a prominent story.”

  “And more. The networks are featuring our problem. Everyone who works here has an opinion. The thing is, we’re in the jobs we’re in because we care about people. We shouldn’t want to see anyone come to a violent end but—” She stared at the TV. “More ads. I’m stalling going back to work so I can hear what the humane society guy says. Anyway, most of us are also animal lovers. To my way of thinking, most animals are more loveable than some humans. If there’s such a thing as a divine plan, I say those three got what they deserved.” She nodded. “I just wish there were more dogs like the ones who took those guys out. I’d feed them for the rest of their lives if they’d pay a visit to the idiot who ran into my husband’s car.”

  Rachelle studied Dad. His eyes were open a fraction. Had he heard?

  “Thank you for taking the time to talk to us,” Lisa said. At the anchor’s words, Rachelle and the nurse turned their attention to the TV. Lisa stood in front of the humane society building. An older man with glasses and little hair was studying her. “As the manager you’ve dealt with dangerous and vicious dogs. Have you ever encountered anything like what the county’s dealing with now?”

  “Of course not.”

  “Good start,” the nurse whispered. “How about trying for an intelligent question?”

  Lisa smiled. “A lot of people, in fact probably the majority of residents, are worried for their safety and the safety of their loved ones. They’re looking to your department for advice about how to conduct themselves should they encounter the dogs responsible for the fatal maulings.”

  “Lay it on,” the nurse grumbled. “That woman drives me crazy. She’s going to get people even more upset than they already are.”

  Rachelle wanted to hear what Nate’s superior had to say. At the same time she agreed with the nurse.

  “That’s interesting,” Lisa said once the manager had told viewers not to approach the dogs and to call nine-one-one. “I’m sure people are going to take your advice to heart. One more question. We aren’t getting much information from law enforcement. Has your department been working with them, perhaps going over cases you’ve dealt with for possible suspects?”

  “I’m not at liberty to say anything.”

  “Really? I’d think a priority would be easing residents’ fears. If your department is in the process of rounding—”

  “I’m sorry,” Crosby interrupted. “I’ve said all I can at this point.”

  The nurse laughed as the screen changed to an ad. “You just struck out, Lisa. It does make me want to know the whole story.” She sobered. “What if someone has known all along but instead of turning them in, he, or she, sat on what he knew? Now we have another murder. And, in my opinion, justified one. Makes me glad I do what I do. I’d make a lousy judge in a case like this.”

  * * * *

  The moon was almost bright enough that Nate could have driven without his headlights on, but he needed the connection with the real world. Needed to wrap his mind around reality. He could have been fired today.

  So far he hadn’t, but this was far from over. At least, for now, he no longer felt as if he was on the run. Still, the question of whether he’d done the right thing by buying the grays and Joe a little more time remained.

  He should be going home or already there. Much as he wanted to see how Joe was doing, he wasn’t in any shape to face Rachelle. She’d want and deserve an explanation of what he’d done since they’d had sex.

  Teeth clenched, he shook his head. If he got drunk would that shut up his brain? As appealing as the possibility was, he’d wind up regretting taking that temporary out.

  One thing about living and working in a spread-out county without a single town of any size, he spent a lot of time on quiet, poorly maintained roads. He’d been on Highway 237 enough times that he negotiated the turns, dips and rises on automatic pilot. Wayde wasn’t expecting him. Maybe the wolf-dogs’ owner wouldn’t be home, but Nate’s guess was that the young man was sticking close to his animals. He wasn’t sure what he expected to get from talking to Wayde again. All he knew was he couldn’t stop thinking about the ramifications of Lobo running with the grays.

  When he pulled into the drive, a wolf-dog howled. A floodlight went on, and Wayde stepped onto his porch, rifle clutched in both hands.

  “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised to see you armed,” Nate said as he got out.

  “Are you alone?” Wayde asked.

  “Yes.”

  “You didn’t bring the cops?”

  “No. Can we talk, just the two of us?”

  Wayde lowered his weapon. “I’ll tell you what I’m thinking. I wish to hell I hadn’t told you about Lobo taking off with the grays. Now everyone’s going to be looking for him too.”

  “No, they aren’t.”

  Comprehension spread over Wayde’s features, and he propped the rifle against the wall. “You didn’t tell anyone?”

  That isn’t the only thing I haven’t revealed. “No.”

  “Why not?”

  Silent, Nate headed for the large enclosure. The closer he came to where the wolf-dogs spent their lives, the more he relaxed. This was where he needed to be. Yellow eyes stared at him.

  “They miss Lobo,” Wayde said as he joined him. “The pack’s structure has been alter
ed.”

  “Did the others try to escape?”

  “No.” Wayde sucked in a deep breath. “So you, too, think the grays singled Lobo out?”

  “Yeah. I do.”

  “Because they’re going to try to turn him into a killer like them?”

  “I don’t know.” How many times would he have to say that before everything was over? “I don’t want to just label them killers. It’s more complicated than that.”

  “Tell me about it. I’m sick of the news. Maybe—maybe Lobo’s better off with them. At least he’s free. Until they find them.”

  “If they find them.”

  Wayde stared at him. “What are you saying?”

  “I’ve never dealt with any dogs remotely like the grays. They decided to take down two men they’d tried and found guilty of treating the innocent creatures under their control like disposable merchandise.”

  Wayde and he weren’t alone. Something was out there. He could sense it. A chill ran down his spine. Tense and excited, he stared into the night to the right of the kennel. Be patient. If it happens, be ready.

  “Most recently,” he continued, “they savaged a poacher. That isn’t random behavior.”

  Wayde gripped the fencing. “I’ve been thinking the same thing. The way the grays acted when they were here—they knew exactly what they were doing.”

  “All right, okay. What about Lobo? Was there anything unusual about his behavior before they showed up?”

  “I was in and out a lot so—come to think of it, he stayed back when I fed the pack. He’s alpha so he always gets first dibs, but this time he wasn’t interested.”

  “Maybe because he was waiting for the grays.”

  “Maybe.” Wayde’s knuckles turned white. “Are you saying they have an ability to reason and plan, what, revenge? Lobo isn’t like that.”

  “Not yet.”

  Wayde swung toward him. “You’re freaking me out, man.”

  I’m freaking myself. “I don’t mean to.”

  “Okay, whatever. You really haven’t told anyone about Lobo being with the grays? Is telling me the only reason you came out here, besides asking how Lobo was acting?”