The Sisters: A Mystery of Good and Evil, Horror and Suspense (Book One of the Dark Forces Series)
Page 24
Authorities were puzzled. Bob had struck the locals as one tough hombre. Whatever —or whoever—had done this was bigger and meaner than Bob had been, that was for sure.
Deputy Eugene Baker scratched his head. "Worst thing I've ever seen," he said, bending over the stump for a better look. "Whatever did this took its time. Even his hat is crammed in there."
His partner John Simmons nodded. "Aliens. That's what I think."
Baker snorted. "That's what you always think. One day you might be right. Hey, look at this." Nearby, a small wooden carved figure lay on the ground. Baker picked it up, then turned around and shivered. "What do we know about this guy. Was he into voodoo, or something?"
Suddenly a low, eerie voice came to them from behind some nearby boulders. Both deputies pulled their weapons at once, adrenaline rushing into their veins. Slowly, they crept to the edge of one of the larger rocks and peered over.
What they saw was beyond description, large and unquestionably predatory. The.creature sprang at them without another sound and bowled them both over. Baker's gun went flying.
"Shoot it, for Christ's sake," he yelled to his partner. Then the beast was on him, slashing and chewing with loud, wet sounds.
Simmons scrambled to his feet and shakily aimed his weapon at the monstrosity that was attacking the other lawman. Terror seized him. Dear God, what was that thing? Then the paralysis broke and he fired four shots. It had no effect.
The beast sat up on its haunches and screamed. Then it jumped on Simmons and ripped his head off.
Baker, now freed but bleeding profusely, searched frantically for his gun. He found it in a nearby dry creekbed and carefully took aim. The huge creature, much larger than a mountain lion, and man-like, standing about six-five, was slavering over the other deputy's headless torso when Baker emptied his magazine into the beast's flank and midsection. It simply looked at Baker and went back to eating.
This was too much for Baker. He turned and fled, hoping his disappearance would go unnoticed. He scrambled over the rough terrain, always with an ear cocked behind in case of pursuit. He made it to the four-wheeler that had brought them to the scene and collapsed behind the wheel. He was in deep shock and was shaking all over. He had to get out of there, he thought groggily. But he couldn't get the vehicle started. Suddenly a shadow loomed over him. He looked behind him and saw the headless deputy, standing there.
"You weren't going to leave without me, were you, pard?"
How strange, Baker thought, as a mangled hand fell on his shoulder. He blacked out and knew no more.