Dead Bait 3

by Cody Goodfellow

  Then it felt the water change. Something was causing tiny ripples that were racing through its body like electricity. Something bigger was in the water. It locked on the direction of the ripples and sped forward. Its angry mouth was open in anticipation.

  ***

  Ateso was the last of the day to reach the river with his daily offering. He placed the hollow basket filled with cassava root in the river and watched it slowly pull away from him. To his surprise, a sudden change in the water caused his basket to float to the side, becoming ensnared on the roots of a tree. The poor farmer could not afford to see his offering go to waste. The demon had to be appeased, or certainly, his crops would suffer worse than they were already. Slowly, he entered the water and made his way toward the basket. Reaching the basket, he untangled it from the low hanging branches and pushed it toward the river. Just as he turned toward the shower, he felt a powerful force tug on his left leg. For a second, he paused, unsure of what had happened.

  A bubble of blood broke the surface and Ateso’s eyes grew wide with fright. Carefully, he traced his hands down his thigh and to his knee. When he reached past his knee, all he felt was the water. He turned his hand upward and felt a tattered shard of bone protruding from his stump. When his hand encountered the bone, a blinding white pain raced through his boy.

  In a complete panic, Ateso swam for the surface. He felt the water swirl around him, and to his horror, he became face to face with the demon.

  A mouth large enough to engulf Ateso’s head was darting toward him. In the mouth sat rows of teeth that reminded Ateso of a lion or a dragon. Ateso flailed to the left and the fish seized his right arm in its large mouth. With a mighty tug, Ateso felt muscles rip and tendons pop. The tearing of skin almost caused him to lose consciousness in the water. In less than a second, the fish was swimming away with Ateso’s arm. Somehow Ateso was able to struggle his way to shore. He collapsed on the muddy shore of the cruel river and quickly faded away, as the blood gushed from his body, and then ran back into the river.

  His last thought before he was swept into eternal blackness was ‘what had he done to make the demon so angry?’

  ***

  The demon chomped on the soft piece of flesh it held in its mouth; severing tendon, separating muscle, and crushing bone under its powerful jaws. The familiar taste flooded its mouth. It swallowed greedily and started patrolling the water again.

  It craved more.

  ***

  Robert placed his shaking foot on firm ground and was immediately relieved. The small, rickety tin can he had flown in to get to this remote part of the Congo had tested every nerve in his body and the contents of his stomach. He hated Africa. He hated the primative transportation, the clueless natives, and the sudden brutality that could arise without a moment’s notice. He walked away from the small plane and passed through a small makeshift market where vendors were hawking their goods. The iron smell of blood, rotten meat, and festering fish filled his nostrils. He had to concentrate to keep from gagging. He spotted a vendor selling bottles of water and he purchased one. To his dismay, he noticed the safety seal around the cap had been compromised.

  “I need another water,” he told the vendor, the annoyance in his voice showing through.

  The vendor looked at him with his hands out and an, “I don’t speak English” look. Robert looked down and noticed all the safety seals were broken. The vendor was merely refilling bottles and selling them. Robert pitched the bottle back with the others and walked away; he didn’t bother to get a refund.

  As he walked slowly through the small market, people begging for money assaulted him verbally. The smell of filth, desperation, and shit hung onto their frail bodies and the odor repulsed Robert, who brushed by them, doing his best to not make contact with their putrid skin and clothing.

  Vince was supposed to have met him the moment he exited the plane. However, Robert had not seen him. It wouldn’t be a difficult task to pick Vince out of the crowd of natives. He would be sticking out like a gigantic sore thumb.

  “Robert! Over here! Robert!” Vince’s obnoxious voice carried over the muddled sounds of the market.

  Robert turned and saw Vinnie-Baby stumbling forward. Vince was short with a stocky build that bordered on obese. His hair was jet black and cut short. Robert could already see the beads of sweat trickling down Vince’s face and his designer shades. The top portion of his blue button down shirt was already soaked through. Vince had someone with him that Robert didn’t recognize.

  “Robert, so glad you made it!” Vince said, as he shook Robert’s hand in a jovial manner.

  “Yeah, you know how I love Africa,” Robert said sarcastically. “Who’s your friend?”

  “Robert, let me introduce you to Leo Commons, a very promising camera man. He will be documenting our journey.”

  Robert knew when Vinnie-Baby said, “promising,” he really meant “cheap.”

  “It’s an honor to meet you, sir. I am a huge fan,” Leo said as he stretched his hand out.

  Robert took it and was a little surprised at the strong grip he received. Leo was thin, but had an athletic frame. His brown hair was neatly parted to the side and his eyes were hidden behind aviator sunglasses. Robert thought the kid looked no more than twenty-five.

  “Leo! Start filming!” Vince ordered. “We should have been rolling the moment we got off the plane!”

  “Sorry, boss,” Leo said, as he turned on the camera and immediately aimed it at Robert’s face. Robert could feel his blood pressure rising.

  “A word of advice, kid. Keep a safe distance when you film. You don’t want to get caught off guard in case things start to happen,” Robert said.

  Leo nodded and slowly took a few steps back.

  The sound of tires skidding in rocks made the three men jump to attention as an old, beaten down Jeep came to a stop behind Robert.

  “Greetings friends! Welcome to Africa!” the man behind the wheel yelled.

  ***

  Robert was puzzled and Leo looked scared as the thin, wiry black man exited the vehicle and stepped forward. Vince stepped forward to meet him.

  “Hello, Charles, good to see you,” Vince said as he shook Charles’s hand. He turned back to his two friends. “Everyone, this is Charles. He will be taking us to the area where the attacks have occurred.”

  Robert introduced himself and Leo followed. An odd quirkiness to the man annoyed Robert incredibly. Charles had a toothy smile plastered across his face. Robert wore a scowl.

  “And I have some good news,” Charles interrupted. “There has been another attack last night and the victim’s body hasn’t been buried yet. I imagine this could be very helpful to you,” he said directing his attention toward Robert.

  “Yeah, that would be helpful,” Robert replied. “We better get on our way then.”

  “How far is the trip?” Vince asked.

  “Not far, maybe an hour and half. It’s a small village of Pygmies near the Lualaba River; just outside the city of Kisangani. We can get there most of the way with the Jeep and will probably have to walk a mile or two. The walk isn’t bad though. There is a trail and the area is free of fighting. Well, for now anyway.”

  “That sounds great. Let’s get going,” Robert said as he flung his backpack into the Jeep.

  He noticed his fishing poles and gear were already in the Jeep. Vince took care to ship them ahead. Robert climbed into the front seat, and Vince and Leo crammed in the back. Leo was still filming. Vince was trying to play director and was pointing at things for Leo to capture.

  “Here we go!” Charles said with a laugh as he jammed on the gas. The Jeep skidded briefly and then shot forward.

  ***

  The ride to the village was quick and unadventurous. Robert and Charles made small talk about fishing methods, while Leo and Vince were lost in the scenery. The Jeep came to a stop at a small clearing and Charles turned off the ignition.

  “All right guys, this is us,” Charles said as he ope
ned the door and climbed out.

  “I have a question, sir,” Leo said meekly to Charles. Vince shot Leo an ugly glare.

  “What is it, friend?”

  “These tribe people, are they friendly? Do we have anything to be worried about?”

  “These people are good people. They have been beaten and used for years and only recently have enjoyed freedom. I have met their chief a few times and so I will be able to translate. Trust me, my young friend, we have nothing to worry.”

  Leo looked relieved and Vince looked angry. Robert didn’t care either way.

  They walked mostly in silence down the worn path. Robert could hear the sound of rushing water coming from the distance and he had to admit, the sound excited him. By the time they reached the small village, he was really itching to put his line in the water. Charles greeted the rush of children who immediately met them. Mongrel pups danced around their legs, as the men walked through the small village of huts made of sticks and grass. A communal fire was burning in the center of the village. The village chief appeared and Robert was able to pick him out from the throng that had come to meet the new white strangers immediately. The tribe was dressed in ragged jeans and t-shirts. However, the chief wore a modest hat of feathers atop his head. Charles immediately began speaking with him and made several gestures toward Robert and his crew. After a few minutes, Charles turned away from the chief.

  “The chief welcomes you to the village and hopes you will be able to rid them of the devil that is patrolling their waters. He also said the body of a farmer is in the hut just ahead of us and we are free to look at it. Just be mindful to show respect.”

  “Of course,” Robert said. “And tell him thank you for allowing us to be here.”

  Charles turned back to the chief and spoke for a few more minutes. The chief waved his hand and motioned for Robert and the others to follow. The chief walked toward the grass hut furthest away from all the other huts. He paused at the door and motioned for the others to enter.

  “Film everything, Leo. Don’t ever stop fil…” Vince said as the smell of rotting flesh slammed his mouth shut. He quickly turned and exited the hut. Robert could hear the loud bellows of Vince losing his lunch. Robert stared forward at the small man that was lying on the floor in front of them. Robert bent down and began to inspect the damaged corpse. Leo was next to him, filming the footage that he knew they could never use on television.

  “The chief thinks it’s a crocodile,” Charles said.

  “Normally, I’d agree, but there is no way this was a crocodile.”

  Robert looked at the unfortunate body with its glassy, lifeless eyes opened and staring at the ceiling. The man’s arm was a stump, but Robert noticed the bone, connective tissue, and flesh had been severed, as if done by a large knife. The man’s leg was also in the same condition. Large, concise punctures also dotted the man’s torso.

  “I know what it is, but I don’t think I believe it.”

  “What is it, Robert?” Charles asked.

  “Hydrocynus goliath. The goliath tiger fish.”

  “No shit?” Charles asked, a bit stunned.

  “The hell’s a tiger fish?” Leo asked.

  “Imagine if a shark, a crocodile, and a set of knives mated. The results would be this evil bastard. This fish fears nothing and hunts everything. “

  “Well, why do you look so surprised?” Leo asked.

  “Because the largest tiger fish caught was a little over five feet. I know. I’m the one that caught it. For one to do that type of damage, it would have to be double that. They don’t get that big.”

  Robert stood and shook his head. He exited the hut, and Leo and Charles followed. Charles began talking with the chief and Robert could see a wave of fear wash across the man’s dark face. Vince walked over to Robert and asked him what happened. He looked ghastly white. Robert ignored him, but Leo filled Vince in with the details.

  “Robert, the woman who lost the little girl is here. The chief said you can speak to her if you like.”

  “Sure, I guess, I might as well,” Robert replied as they were led to another small hut.

  ***

  Charles and the chief entered the hut and returned quickly, giving the motion that it was okay to enter. Robert and Leo stepped forward as Vince lagged behind.

  Robert took in the small living area where there was nothing, but a small pit for a fire, a large iron pot, and a cot for sleeping. He could see several small toys belonging to a child piled in the corner.

  “This is Eshe,” Charles said to Robert. He introduced Eshe to Robert in her native language. Eshe didn’t move.

  Robert noticed that Eshe’s appearance was dirty and unkempt. Her hair was wild and stringy, and her eyes were bloodshot pools. She had the appearance of a person who hadn’t slept in days. Robert began to ask her questions. Simple questions that pertained to her daughter and what happened that day on the river. Eshe stared forward and didn’t respond.

  Just as Robert was about to leave, she began to speak. She spoke quickly and softly, and as each word pushed itself past her dry lips, tears began to pool and fall from her eyes. She went on for another minute and stopped. Charles and the chief looked shocked.

  “Well, what did she say?” Robert asked.

  “She said her husband has come back for revenge. She killed him to protect herself and her baby. He took her baby and soon he will come for her. Her husband is the demon in the water,” Charles said.

  “Jesus Christ,” Leo whispered.

  Robert thanked Eshe and walked out of the hut and back into the village clearing. He informed Vince of what had transpired before he had a chance to ask.

  “Jesus! A murderer! Shouldn’t she be punished?” Vince asked to anybody who was listening.

  Charles stepped forward: “This tribe has its own laws and codes. I think the woman has thoroughly paid for her crimes.”

  “Well, what now?” Vince asked, his hands pressed firmly against his hips.

  “Take me to where it happened,” Robert said to Charles.

  Charles nodded.

  ***

  Robert stood at the shore of the calm, murky river and stared at it intensely. He studied the plant life, the natural curves and dips, and any characteristic that could give him an advantage. He could see the current slowly moving and small swirls appearing and disappearing across the water surface. Hard to believe that under this calm water lurks a monster, he thought, as he swatted a pesky mosquito from his cheek.

  “Are you going to need a boat?” Charles asked. “I can ask the chief to lend you one.”

  Robert looked at a few of the small, wooden boats that sat near the shore. The boats, if one could call them that, were badly weathered and cracked by the intense sun. Robert would have been surprised to see if one could float and considering he out-weighed the Pygmies considerably, he doubted one would.

  “No. I’m going to fish from the shore. I don’t want to hook into something big in one of those boats. I’ll set up three rigs from the shore and monitor them. I should be able to get the bait where I need it.”

  Then Robert noticed the small wooden rafts. One had become tied up in a mass of tree branches. Another had made its way to the opposite shore and had come to a silent rest on the bank. Robert turned to his right and walked a few feet until he encountered one of the rafts. He nudged it with his foot and overturned it. Chicken feathers presented themselves, stuck in between the pieces of wood that had been roped together.

  “An offering to appease the demon,” Charles said quietly as he stood next to Robert.

  “You ever wonder why the thing never left?” Robert asked. “No animal is going to leave if a food source is readily available. All they have been doing is ensuring that fish will be staying put.”

  Charles rapidly translated all this for the chief to hear. The chief spat out a reply.

  “This is the way his people deal with their gods. The demon is angry, so they figured they would appease it with offering
s. When it didn’t leave, they thought more offerings were needed.”

  “You gettin’ this, right?” Vince said as he nudged Leo. Leo nodded.

  “Ali right, it’s been a long day and we have a long day of fishing tomorrow. Let’s call it a night and get some sleep,” Robert said as he walked away from the river. The others followed.

  ***

  Eshe stood at the shore of the cruel river that had taken her daughter from her and cursed it. She cursed the water, the gods, and the monster that was swimming in the river.

  “I curse you, Kosey! Do you hear me?! Kosey?!”

  Suddenly a loud splash answered her cries. The sudden sound startled her and she fled back to the village. Tears fell from her face with each step.

  ***

  The sun had just appeared in the sky when Robert placed his first line in the water. Walking down the shore, he cast each line as far as he could throw. On the end of the hook was a gutted catfish. Robert stuck the rod into a holder and sat back on a lawn chair.

  “Robert, maybe you should do some talking,” Vince said as he pointed toward the camera.

  What the hell, Robert thought as he put on a smile, and explained to the camera the history of the tiger fish, the equipment that he was using, and why he was fishing on the shore.

  Hours passed by under the hot African sun and the rods hardly moved. Twice, something had taken the bait and each time the result was a larger catfish than the one that was impaled on the hook. Only once was Robert’s interest peaked. Just as he was about to call it quits for the day, one of the lines took off. Grabbing the rod, he tightened the line and gave a mighty jerk as he set the hook. Within seconds, he felt the line go limp. He reeled in and his fear was confirmed, the line had been snapped.

  “Damnit,” Robert muttered as he grabbed the tattered line.