The Beast of Bracksley Woods

by Doreen Hayward

  Everyday business of caring for the animals that Kevin kept delivering went on. There seemed to be no end to the steady flow of cats and dogs being brought in. Kevin often got mad with people who abandoned their pets just because they had no more use for them. Sometimes he was called upon to rescue lurchers from the motorways just because they had begun to slow down and were not winning races for the owners. He would let forth a stream of colourful language giving vent to his anger and leaving anyone within earshot in no doubt as to what would happen to them if he ever caught up with them. It wasn’t entirely Kevin who was bringing strays in. A large dog was brought in by a harassed housewife because it had grown so big but had been so cute that the owner had not been able to resist the dear little ball of fluff when it was a puppy. Now she regretted allowing her heart to rule her head because he had grown too big for the flat and so strong that she couldn’t walk him properly without her arm being wrenched out of its socket. Unwanted kittens arrived because the owners hadn’t had the mother spade. People often brought animals in that they said were lost. Even birds arrived including a parrot with a very rude extensive vocabulary. Somehow, Debbie found room for all of them. The boarding section also was doing well. Debbie looked after the bookings but Greg looked after the boarders. Debbie trained up the volunteers for walking the dogs taking her instructions from Kevin on how to handle difficult dogs who didn’t seem to understand what was asked of them. Her first client to make inquiries about giving an animal a new home was a vicar. He would be quite happy to take a couple of kittens off her hands and maybe a little dog, he suggested. Debbie gave him an application form to fill in and took him to choose the kittens. This done she introduced him to Digby. The idea was to let him get used to the man first. Walk him round the place a bit and generally make friends. Debbie explained that she would have to come out and look at his accommodation and she made an appointment. She asked the vicar to visit Digby two or three times while he was still at the Kennels so that he could get quite used to him before he left. He left leaving a creditable donation which pleased Debbie.

  The next client to arrive was an elderly lady. Her little dog had just died and she was feeling lonely. She was looking for a little Yorkshire terrier just like her little Pippa. Debbie had to explain that they hadn’t got a Yorkshire terrier in at the moment but they had a little poodle she might like. “Perhaps you would like to visit her and see how you like her,” Debbie suggested “Her name is Peggy.” The lady seemed to like Peggy right enough and Debbie made arrangements to visit her home and help her fill in the necessary form. And so it went on. As fast as they came in, they went out.

  Polly Parrot was found a new home in a pub. Debbie was quite pleased to see the back of that particular bird because of the squawking she kept up which tended to upset the dogs and make them bark.

  Debbie set up a rota for the volunteers. The boys could walk dogs after school and do a bit of cleaning up and Tracy and Caroline could help with feeding. Emma was on work experience so was there to do most things and Jennie just came occasionally. Greg looked after the boarding kennels with Emma’s help when necessary. Everything seemed to be going along very well. Debbie thought that more help may be needed when it came to the opening day but she decided to wait and see how things went before enlisting too many helpers. Betty Browne had promised to give Debbie a hand with the catering. They would be using Greg’s kitchen to prepare everything so they didn’t have to cart stuff too far. Debbie was quite happy with the way the Kennels were working out what she wasn’t happy about was Paul.

  Paul often popped in but apart from saying the odd “Good morning” he barely looked in her direction. Kevin noticed the cool atmosphere between them. He remarked on it one morning when Paul happened to call in to see one of Kevin’s strays. “What have you done to me friend Paul. He is looking decidedly fed up, ’un all Sure, not so long ago yer two were practically kissing each other,” he said looking at Debbie seriously. “Kevin, I haven’t done anything to upset him. I think he has found someone else to lavish all his attention on. I have seen him with Angela a couple of times and she looks mighty pleased with herself,” Debbie said flatly.

  “Angela! Sure ’un all, you must be mistaken. They don’t get on well together I’m afraid. Paul was always complaining about her. Me darlin’ lady, you were the apple of his eye over Christmas,” he said. Whatever is the matter with the man to upset such a beautiful young lady as yerself. Debbie turned away not wanting to discuss the matter further.

  One morning as Debbie sat busy on her computer Kevin walked into her small office. His face looked like thunder and Debbie wondered what could be making him so mad. “In all that’s holy,” he exploded, “The beast of Bracksley woods is back. I have just brought the latest victim in. The poor creature was nearly dead when I picked him up. Paul has saved his life but the poor dog will need careful looking after if he is to pull through.” He subsided into a chair Debbie kept for people being interviewed.

  “What! Debbie couldn’t believe what Kevin had just said. “Do you mean that awful animal that attacked Trigger and knocked Greg off his bike?”

  “Exactly,” Kevin said Emphatically. “I’ll get that bloody animal. Sure I will. It’s a rogue dog and should not be let loose round decent people. When I catch up with the owner I shall have plenty of words to say to him ’un all. Sure badly behaved animals is usually the fault of the owner and not the dog.”

  The section of the rescue kennels filled up all too soon. Livestock appeared and was simply left on Greg’s doorstep or sometimes by the gates, Debbie was never surprised at what she might find. It wasn’t only dogs and puppies. A box of kittens were left one day and some baby hedgehogs arrived at the office door on another occasion. Space had to be found for all the newcomers. Whenever new arrivals turned up Debbie had to call the Vet in case the animal was diseased or injured in any way. One morning Debbie shrieked as she gingerly lifted the lid of a large crate and peeked inside. Curled up inside was the biggest snake Debbie had ever seen. “What do they think this is,” Debbie complained as she rang Paul to ask him to call in and examine the latest inmate, “Do they think this is a zoo or a dumping off ground for unwanted pets?” she fumed.

  When Paul came later that day he declared the snake to be perfectly healthy and well. “If you see Kevin before I get round to ringing him, ask him to make arrangements for a zoo to take the snake.” He turned and looked at Debbie then for a moment and said “You’re not looking very well Debbie. Are you finding the job a bit too much? You look very peaky.”

  “Debbie bristled a bit as she answered “No Paul, as a matter of fact I am enjoying the job. Finding that snake was a bit of a shock so I expect that is why I look a bit pale.” She wanted to put her hand out and touch him. She wanted to tell him that he was the father of her child but she said nothing. She wanted him to kiss her and tell her it was all a mistake. She wanted to ask him how she had managed to upset him but her courage failed. When he spoke again she was glad she had not asked the question.

  “I am so glad you have found someone Debbie, I wish you all the luck in the world. Debbie went cold all over and stared at Paul in disbelief. “I am thinking about moving on. I am hoping to take up a post in Africa to do some research work so there will be a new Vet taking over my practise. Still, that won’t be until about the end of the year so I will still be around for a little while longer.”

  Debbie could not believe what she was hearing. Did he think she was getting married or something. Before she could gather herself together and reply Paul had turned and walked away. “Paul, “ she called after him. He kept walking looking straight ahead. When Kevin turned up later that day with yet another load of abandoned dogs and rescued cats from an old lady’s house who had died, Debbie determined to ask him if he could throw any light on Paul’s assumption that she was getting married. When Debbie told him what had been said Kevin was mystified. “Sure me dear girl, ’tis beyond me. I’ll see what I can find out. Just you stop worr
ying,” he soothed

  “You are not getting married, are you?”

  “Of course not. I haven’t even got a boyfriend. I can’t imagine where he has got such an idea from. Now he says he is giving up the practise and going to Africa to do some research work.”

  When Kevin lifted the lid of the box and saw the size of the snake curled up within he gave a hoot of laughter saying “Oh, Holy Mary!” you had better not let young Simon see it. He will be asking his mummy if he can have a snake instead of a dog. He’ll tell her it’s only a little one that he can keep in his bedroom.” He grinned. “I’ll find matey a nice zoo as quickly as possible.” Looking more serious he went on “Paul has said nothing to me about him going away. That’s news to me. I hope we are not going to lose Paul.”

  “Will Angela take over,” Debbie asked.

  “That I don’t know,” Kevin said, “I’ll see what I can find out.” With that Kevin got back in his van saying “I’ll be back later to pick matey up and take him to a more suitable residence.

  “Well, please don’t leave it too long before you come back. If there is one thing I can’t handle, it’s a snake. Kevin laughed at her, waved and calling “See you soon, my sweet Debbie,” and drove off.

  For a long time Debbie stood rooted to the ground trying to make sense of what Paul had said. Where on earth had he got the idea that she was about to get married. For the life of her she couldn’t work that one out. Now he says he will be going away, what ought she to do. After dinner tonight she would mull it all over and try to come to a decision. The question was should she tell him she was pregnant with his baby, or let him think it was the invisible boyfriend’s offspring? She would have to come to a decision pretty soon because it wouldn’t be long before everybody could see for themselves. .

  CHAPTER TEN

  Kevin was about to get into his van when he saw Albert making his way towards him. “What do you want Albert,” he called. “I’m just about to go down to the kennels. You know we have got our open day on Monday and we are all working flat out.”

  “That poacher’s back. He’s got a big dog with him. I think it’s the one you’ve been looking for. You should come and help me catch the bugger. He’ll be putting down traps in Bracksley woods tonight. This time don’t get caught by surprise,” he grinned at Kevin.

  “Sure, I know that dog is around again because we have already had a few casualties. We will get me laddo eventually never fear. if you are sure of your facts this time, you cunning old bugger, I’ll be up there tonight and this time I’ll have my Danny with me ’un all. If I don’t catch him, Danny is bound too. You make sure you’re up there ’un all. No bloody skiving, I need a bit of backup with catching me laddo because he can get rough. If you are right about the rumours of running fighting dogs then it is doubly important that we get him so make sure you are around,” Kevin told him emphatically. Kevin got back in the van and drove off towards the kennels.

  The place was alive with activity. Two days to go before the grand opening. Debbie and Betty were hard at work in the kitchen baking buns and cakes. She had already baked a special cake to be used in guess the weight of this cake competition. She had iced it and imposed little tiny photographs of small animals round the edges of the cake in the icing like tiny dogs cats rabbits birds etc. and in the middle she had written Broadmead Animal Rescue Centre RSPCA. She had finished it off by tying a blue band round the cake with a big bow on the side to decorate it. She approached Salina Mason, a big film star at the time who lived locally in Bedford. Debbie asked sweetly if Salina would act as an attraction to the open day and open the fate for the RSPCA, also present prizes. Debbie wondered politely if Salina would agree to taking her special cake round for the guess the weight competition so that she could meet some of the locals.

  Amazingly, the great lady agreed to all of it and offered to sell her autograph for 50P as her contribution towards fundraising. Debbie had also been lucky enough to trace an old farmer in the area who still had a pony and trap. He had promised to come and give the kids rides. This news had delighted Tracy but she said excitedly that she would preferred to ride the pony and give the trap a miss. Debbie had also been round the town and several shopkeepers had donated packaged sweets for them to sell off for the children. They had also acquired a large bag of apples and decided to make them into toffee apples.

  Debbie’s powers of persuasion had even extended to the supermarkets where she begged for soft drinks and other small items due for the land fill sites. They had organised a tombolo and a skittle game. Apart from Debbie’s efforts her little band of volunteer workers had been round the town sticking up posters advertising the opening day, and handing out leaflets as well as placing an article in the local newspaper about the work of the RSPCA and at the same time taking the opportunity to advertise the fate to be held at Broadmead Farm in support of the animal rescue Centre. Debbie was delighted when a lady called at the farm to see her offering her services. Her name was Rosemarie Hardwick and she ran local obedience classes for all breeds of dogs. She was also somewhat of an expert on animal behaviour. Rosemarie also generously offered to run an obedience class free of charge and arrange several fun races and games that all pet dogs could join in. Things like throw a sausage and see which dog gets it first. How about a doggy dance she suggested.

  Debbie laughed with delight as she pitched other fun idea for the dogs. Debbie stopped at nothing to make the day a success. She thanked Rosemarie for her generosity and liked her even more for her kindness in helping.

  The marquee had to be put up and Kevin had been elected to supervise this task with the boys. There were a hundred and one things to be done and everybody was working flat out.

  All the time the extra work was going on the ordinary everyday tasks still had to be fitted in. Dogs had to be walked, animals had to be fed and cleaned out. People arrived to choose a pet or pay a bill or simply have a look round. At the end of the day everything got done somehow but the team were well and truly exhausted.

  Debbie and Kevin stayed on with Greg after the rest of the team left. The two friends sat enjoying a well-earned whisky together while Kevin told Greg that he was spending the night under the stars watching out for the Bracksley beast. Debbie sat quietly listening to their conversation sipping a cup of tea and resting her feet as the two men discussed the matter. Outside the night was chilly and it was pitch dark. No moon or stars to brighten up the skies and Debbie felt reluctant to leave.

  She had not bothered bringing the car that morning thinking the weather would hold out and she could easily walk back if necessary. Now she asked “I hate to break the party up but could you give me a lift home Kevin? I didn’t bring my car this morning and I certainly didn’t expect to feel so tired. I thought I had more energy than I actually have. My feet really ache,” she looked appealingly a Kevin hoping she could twist him round her little finger.

  “Of course I will. I can always come back and stay with Greg until later. I’ve got a date in Bracksley woods, don’t forget,” He grinned.

  When Debbie finally persuaded Kevin to move asking “where is the van?”

  “I left it up by the marquee sure, if you just wait by the gate I will fetch it down and meet you there,” he answered fishing out his keys.

  Debbie went outside to wait and as she stood by the gate a sudden loneliness swept over her. She gazed into the darkness seeing nothing but feeling total isolation – so alone. Mike had gone from her. Sheila had also gone now Paul had gone just when she thought maybe things were going to change for her. She could not explain the sheer emptiness and hopelessness she felt. At that precise moment she would have welcomed Mike’s or Paul’s arms round her or anybody else for that matter. What she wanted right now was someone to love her. Someone to laugh and cry with. Someone to share her life with. Where had Mike gone? One night with Paul – What kind of a fool was she? Just as the tears started to sting behind her eyes she heard the distant hum of Kevin’s van approaching. It seemed
to take hours before she heard the van stop alongside her. She took in a gulp of air and blinking back the tears, she shrugged her shoulders as she reached out for the door handle as she registered that Danny was sitting on the front seat and Kevin was getting out of his driving seat on the opposite side of the car. It was then that it happened.

  Danny pushed the door wider as he leapt out growling ferociously and dashing off into the darkness. Debbie staggered backwards in shock. “Holy Mary! Kevin shouted. “Danny leave!” Debbie heard a piercing whistle and then a gun shot. There was a loud yelp from a dog and then running feet as Kevin took off down the lane. Then she heard a vehicle start up and Kevin came running back breathless shouting at her to get back in the house and tell Greg to call the police. Momentary paralysed with shock it took Debbie a few seconds to make her legs work. Then the front door open and Greg was on the scene.

  “What the hell is going on! Where did that Gunshot come from?” Greg asked anxiously.

  “Kevin. Are you all right? Was it “Animals Rights” or something, after you?” Greg asked not understanding the situation.

  “I’d like to know that,” Debbie said breathlessly, “It all happened so fast.”

  “‘it’s me laddo,” Kevin answered. Give me a hand. We’ve got two injured dogs here Greg. I don’t know how bad it is. I’m not quite sure which dog got hit either, come to that ’un all. Get me a mussel out of the van mate please. Let’s get the pair of them inside and ring for Paul and the police at the same time.”

  Greg found what was needed and each of them carried a large dog into the kitchen. Kevin made sure that the strange dog was immobilised by tying his back and front legs loosely. It was the stranger’s dog that had the gunshot wound and was still unconscious. Danny had been viciously bitten and was bleeding quite badly. As soon as Kevin had examined the dogs he rang Paul. “Paul is coming. He won’t be long,” he announced.