NightScream

by Morgan Hannah MacDonald

  She’d never seen a finer male specimen. He’d always been athletic. She wondered what he did now to keep up his physique? Then she remembered the twinkle in his eye when he told her she’d have to take him to dinner before he’d drop his shorts. The thought made her gulp.

  Yup, the guy was definitely dangerous.

  Jilly put on her thick robe and opened the bathroom door to let out the steam. She towel dried her hair before she used the towel to wipe the condensation from the mirror so she could see while she removed the tangles.

  After she blow-dried her hair and brushed her teeth, she was ready for bed. She made her way to the bedroom. The night was chilly, so she opened a drawer in her dresser and pulled out her long johns, the ones with the feet and back flap.

  They were forest green with little brown bears and deer all over them, a Christmas present from her parents last year.

  She tossed the robe on the bed and plopped down next it.

  She gathered one leg in her hands and slipped in her foot, then did the same with her other foot before she stood and pulled her jammies up. She was just buttoning the front when she heard a noise.

  Jilly turned and faced the bed. Her eyes scanned the room, nothing was amiss. Then something moved on the bed. It was her robe.

  “What the hell?” She lifted the robe carefully, but there was nothing there. Then she realized there was a bump under the covers that still moved. She backed up a step. What should she do?

  She couldn’t call the police, she was the police. She’d be a laughing stock if she called for back-up because a wild animal had gotten into her cabin. It was probably just a baby raccoon or a squirrel trying to keep warm.

  Maybe it was a cat?

  Cleo had been locked in the closet, she wouldn’t have been able to chase the animal away. Maybe she should call animal control, the thing could have rabies. All the hemming and hawing made her anxious.

  So she decided to just rip off the covers like a band-aid. She moved to the head of the bed, gripped the bedspread with her right hand and yanked it back fast.

  “Shit!”

  Right there on her warm flannel sheets a giant rattlesnake rounded. Its tail shivered back and forth. The muscles in its body tensed as it curled tighter and tighter into a ball. Its eyes trained on her. Jilly stood frozen in place, within striking distance.

  Her heart hammered in her chest. Her breathing came in shallow pants. Her gun was not an option, she’d have to pass the deadly viper in order to get it. Slowly she inched her way backward, greatly appreciating the slippery surface of the floor.

  Every since she’d moved in six months ago, she’d cursed the cold wood floors on her nightly visits to the bathroom. She’d finally bought a pair of slippers she could easily slip into when half asleep.

  She’d vowed that one of these day’s she’d cover the room with a nice warm carpet. But at that very moment, she thanked God she hadn’t been able to afford it. In fact, God, while we’re talking, I promise not to cover this beautiful floor if you just get me out of this alive.

  Jilly took another step toward the door. The snake watched her every move with rapt attention. Sweat trickled down her forehead and into her eyes, but she didn’t dare lift her hand to wipe it away.

  Instead, she blinked away the sting without breaking eye contact with the venomous serpent. Each second felt like hours as her feet skated toward the exit behind her. At last, she could see the doorknob in her peripheral vision. This last part would be tricky.

  She estimated the snake was around four feet in length. She couldn’t tell because the damn thing was coiled. She knew nothing about snakes, rattlers in particular. She had no way to know how far they could jump, but she figured it could reach at least a couple of feet.

  Common sense told her that if she got to the hospital immediately, she’d probably live. But what if it bit her in the jugular? Whatever she did, it would have to be quick. She reached her hand out slowly toward the knob and watched as the head of the snake followed the movement.

  It was all or nothing time.

  Jilly grabbed the handle and the snake lunged. It was as if everything were happening in slow motion. The jaws of the beast opened and dripping fangs flew through the air right toward her face.

  She screamed and yanked the door as hard as she could. Her feet slipped out from under her and she fell, then rolled across the hall until the wall stopped her progress. She glanced back in time to see the door click shut.

  A loud thump resonated against the wood and it shook once.

  She lay on the floor, eyes glued to the door as if the snake could magically escape. The heavy staccato of her heartbeat echoing in her ears was deafening. Her breath came and went in labored pants. She stayed there trembling for what seemed like an eternity.

  FOURTEEN

  “Whoa, little brother, what’s going on?”

  Cody found himself aiming a gun at Jesse, who held his hands up in surrender.

  “Shit. What are you doing sneaking up on me? That’s a good way to get yourself shot.” Cody put his piece away.

  “I wasn’t sneaking. I think you were a little too engrossed in whatever you were looking at out the window.”

  “Not a chance, my instincts were on high alert.

  “To be fair, Meagan says I creep up on her all the time. I’m really not doing it on purpose. Just part of the job, I guess. Mind filling me in on what’s going on?”

  Cody peaked out the side of the curtain again. “Someone’s out there.”

  Jesse looked out himself. “Who?”

  “I don’t know. Just a feeling. Twice tonight I had the sense that someone was watching me.”

  “That’s not good. Do you think it has anything to do with the case you’re working on?”

  “I’m not sure. Maybe.” Cody turned away from the window and looked at his brother. “What are you doing up?”

  “I couldn’t sleep and Meagan’s out cold. I was reading when I heard you come in. Thought I’d come down and say hello.”

  The men shared a bear hug.

  Jesse was the first to release. “It’s been too long, little brother.”

  “Yes it has. I met Meagan last night. She’s a keeper.”

  “Thanks.” Jesse smiled proudly. “I think so.”

  “I’ve got to admit I was a bit surprised, she’s a one-eighty from Victoria.”

  “She sure is. This one keeps me on my toes.”

  “Good.” Cody slapped his brother on the shoulder. “You need that.”

  Jesse chuckled. “Don’t we all?”

  “If you can find it. Yeah.”

  “Want to tell me about this case you’re working on? You didn’t say much on the phone yesterday. All I know is what I read in the local paper this morning.”

  They retired to the living room where embers still smoldered in the fireplace. Cody threw on another log.

  “Want a beer?” Jesse asked.

  “Sounds good.”

  Jesse went to the kitchen while Cody stoked the fire with the poker. When his brother returned, he handed him a bottle.

  “Thanks.” Cody took a swig. The log burned bright and he plopped down on the sofa while Jesse sat in a chair nearby.

  Cody filled his brother in on the case. After which Jesse told him about some drama going on with Meagan’s sister.

  “Whoa, that’s rough. If there’s any way I can help, just let me know,” Cody said.

  “I wish I knew. That’s why I was having problems sleeping. Legally my hands are tied. The guy hasn’t done anything to Bridget. At least nothing she’s confessing to. At this point, all we can do is hope Meagan can convince her sister to come back.”

  “Good luck with that.”

  “Yeah. There’s no one more bullheaded than someone in love.”

  Cody’s cell phone rang. He pulled it out of his pocket and noticed it was Jilly calling. “Sorry, gotta take this.”

  “Hey, Jilly, what’s up?”

  “Cody, you need to ge
t over here right now.”

  “Okay. Want to give me a hint of what’s going on?”

  “Just hurry.”

  “All right, be there in ten minutes.” Cody hung up and stared at his brother.

  “Has there been another murder?” Jesse asked.

  “I don’t think so. She didn’t say. She just told me to come over right now.”

  “Booty call?”

  Cody laughed. “I wish. No, I don’t think she needs my stud service. She sounded stressed. Better go see what it’s about.” He stood and walked toward the door.

  Jesse followed. “Well, hopefully I’ll be asleep when you get back. See you in the morning.” He slapped Cody’s back.

  “Yeah, see ya.”

  Cody zipped up his jacket as he walked toward the SUV in the driveway. “Holy hell.” He circled the vehicle, and ran back into the house.

  “Jesse?”

  “Yeah.” Jesse came out of the kitchen.

  “Can I borrow your car? Someone has slashed all the tires on the FJ cruiser.”

  “So there was someone out there after all.”

  “Would seem so.”

  Jesse went back into the kitchen, and returned with the keys in his hand. “Here, my Beemer’s in the garage.”

  “Thanks. Good thing, otherwise your tires would be slashed too.”

  Cody went out the side door that led to the garage and hit the button on the automatic opener. The light came on and the door rattled up. He backed the car out and closed the door before he took off.

  When he pulled into her driveway, Jilly opened the front door, holding a cat close to her chest. She was obviously agitated by the way she tapped her foot, and speaking of feet, what the hell was she wearing? He slammed the car door.

  “What is it?” he asked as he headed toward her.

  “I think the killer’s been in my house.”

  “How do you know?” He followed her into the living room and watched her kick the door shut. He noticed her gun lying on the table nearby.

  “Because I don’t think a rattlesnake snuck in here and climbed into my bed by himself.”

  “Holy shit, a rattlesnake! Where is it now?”

  “I’ve got it trapped in my bedroom.”

  “Why didn’t you just call animal control?”

  “Because I don’t want this to get out. You know what it’s like living in a small town. By this time tomorrow everyone will be talking about it.”

  “Okay,” he said slowly. “What’s your plan?”

  “We’re going to dispose of it before we call forensics to dust the place.”

  “Have you figured out how the UNSUB got in?”

  “Yes, the window in my office was unlatched. There are no other signs of a break-in.”

  “Was anything taken?”

  “Not that I can tell, but I can’t search my bedroom right now.”

  “Because you have a rattlesnake in there.”

  “A very pissed off one.”

  “You didn’t get bit, did you?” He searched her body, which was covered from head to toe in long-sleeved footy pajamas. It was a good look for her.

  Her hair hung loose, cascading past her shoulders. Her big blue eyes were rounder than usual. She’d been through quite an ordeal.

  “How did you get away without being struck?”

  “By the skin of my teeth.”

  As she relayed the story, he felt the need to sit. He located a nearby chair and sank into it.

  “Good god, woman, you have balls of steel.”

  “Not exactly, I was scared shitless.”

  “Who wouldn’t be? I think the UNSUB has been following me as well. Twice today, it felt like someone was watching. When I tried to come over here, I found my tires slashed. I had to borrow my brother’s car.”

  “I guess it’s safe to say the killer knows we’re the ones investigating the case,” Jilly said.

  “And he lives in Big Bear or nearby,” Cody added. There were several other towns in the San Bernardino Mountains. Arrowhead, Arrowbear, Cedar Glen, Blue Jay, Crestline, just to name a few.

  Then straight down the mountain from Big Bear, only thirty minutes away, was Apple Valley, Victorville, and Hesperia. All three were right off the I-15 freeway and a quick getaway. The UNSUB didn’t necessarily have to live in the town itself, but he obviously knew it well.

  “What would he gain by harming us? I mean, someone else would just investigate the case,” Jilly said.

  “I think he’s toying with us. Letting us know he could take either one of us out whenever he chooses and the most obvious is that he knows where we live.”

  “Or he knows us.”

  “You mean a person from town who doesn’t like us? Impossible.” He grinned at her trying to lighten the mood and was rewarded by a fleeting smile. Cody jumped out of the chair.

  “You ready to do this?” he asked.

  She frowned. “No.”

  “I don’t blame you. You’ve had enough excitement for one night. My turn. Do you have a shovel?”

  Jilly stood. “In the shed.” She slipped on some boots by the front door, but didn’t tie the laces. She snatched her gun, and clomped outside. When she returned, she handed him the shovel.

  “What are you going to do?” she asked.

  “Slay the dragon for you.”

  “Very funny. Just be careful, okay?”

  Cody looked down into her concerned face. “Not to worry. I have no intention of being bitten by a rattler tonight. Besides, even if he does get the better of me, I’m more dressed for it. I’m wearing jeans, boots and a jacket. I’m a lot more protected than you in that flimsy getup.”

  Jilly looked down and grimaced. “Oh, crap. I forgot what I had on.”

  Cody smiled. “I think it’s cute.” He turned and walked down the hall to the only closed door. It had to be the bedroom. Jilly followed close behind, clutching the cat.

  “Maybe you should give me a little room,” he said looking at her over his shoulder.

  She stepped back a few feet.

  He put the spade side of the shovel down to the floor in case the snake was right there ready to make its escape. He cracked the door as wide as the shovel and stuck his head in the room. It wasn’t lurking in plain sight, so he entered and shut the door gently before he leaned against it.

  Jilly stared at the closed door while she stroked the cat. She couldn’t help but think Cody was awfully brave. After all, she’d had no choice facing the beast. He could have easily said no and called animal control. She prayed she wasn’t about to get him killed.

  There was a loud crash.

  “Cody?” Then something else fell. “Are you all right in there?” Muffled curses came from the room. At least that proved he was okay. For now.

  Suddenly she remembered what she was wearing and ran to the hall closet. She set Cleo on the floor, then snagged a fleece jacket and slipped it on. While she buttoned it, she mentally kicked herself for not covering up before he’d arrived.

  As if her credibility hadn’t already taken a giant hit yesterday when she’d barfed at the crime scene. She had to let him see her in footy pajamas with a trap door on her butt. He’ll never take her seriously now. She’d been so traumatized that all her thoughts had been on staying as far away from that venomous serpent as possible.

  First, she’d made certain that Cleopatra was safe in her arms. Next, she retrieved her gun from the safe while she waited by the front window for Cody to drive up. Lastly, she kept her eyes glued to the floor at the end of the hall.

  As if the evil creature could slither out under the door and come after her. Her body did a little dance just imagining it. God she hated snakes, all snakes, but venomous snakes the most.

  There was another crash, and a thunk, then something glass shattered. She grab Cleo and ran back to stand outside the door.

  Silence.

  “Cody!” Jilly screamed. She couldn’t help herself.

  The door opened slowly. Cody stood t
here holding the body of the serpent with one hand and her trashcan with the other.

  “Yes?” His eyes twinkled. “Your dragon’s been slain, my lady.” He bowed.

  Jilly glanced in the basket where she saw the head. Then she looked behind him into her bedroom. She glared up at him.

  “What?” he asked.

  “You couldn’t have killed him without destroying my room?”

  He glanced back, and then at her. “Evidently not. Hey, he was wily and I was fighting for my life.”

  “So it would seem.” She backed way up to let him pass with the carcass before she entered. The framed picture from above her dresser was one of the crashes, the glass scattered across the floor and mixed with shards of ceramic from her bedside lamp. The chair was overturned.

  The bed covers were on the floor. Her closet was open and the dowel holding her wardrobe had fallen down on one end. Her clean, ironed clothes lay in a heap atop her shoes. Her alarm clock lay on its back; it was three-thirty in the morning.

  It didn’t look like she would get any sleep tonight, that is, if she chose to clean up this mess.

  “I’m sorry about the damage,” Cody said, behind her.

  “That’s okay,” she said, resigned. “The important thing is you killed it without being hurt yourself.”

  She plastered a smile on her face before she turned around.

  Cody beamed at the attaboy she’d tossed his way.

  “Look, it’s late. Why don’t you spend the night at our cabin? We have several guest rooms available and we can come back here tomorrow and deal with this mess as well as calling the CSU to dust for prints.”

  Jilly glanced back at the room and blew up her bangs.

  “Deal.”

  “I’ll send the snake to our lab,” Cody informed her.

  “Thanks,” she said quietly before she tromped over the carnage to the closet and pulled out one of her nicely pressed uniforms. Then set about packing a bag for the night.

  FIFTEEN

  Meagan had left several messages for her sister yesterday, but still hadn’t heard back. The anxiety had gotten so bad that she had to take a sleeping pill last night. At least she felt rested.