Balto
A New Threat (Part 8)
''Phase two?'' Grant asked, still smouldering.
Carver nodded ''Yes. Balto is on his way now, that you cannot deny, so for now we can ignore him and move onto the next part of the plan''
Grant frowned ''You expect me to do that? After the way you showed me up back there?'' his voice dropped to an icy hiss.
Carver smiled in amusement ''Why Grant, don't tell me I...embarassed you!''
Grant snarled ''You embarassed me all right! And you know it! I could have taken that mutt, but you stopped me!''
Carver cocked his head quizzically ''You remember the plan Grant. We went for Jenna, not Balto''
''He showed up and he wrecked it! And if you think that I'm gonna let him get away with it, you must be out of your mind Carver!'' Grant growled, baring his teeth.
Carvers smile vanished ''You'll do as your told Grant. Remember your place'' his voice turned so cold that it sent a chill down Grants spine.
''He embarassed me! You embarassed me! And no one does that to Red Grant! Not even you'' Grant countered, taking a step forward.
Carvers hackles rose slightly ''You dare to threaten me? You have the audacity to question my authority?''
Grant matched his stance ''You may be our leader, but things can change Carver. Leaders come and go. And your no exception''
A low growl formed in Carvers throat ''You impudent, mangy mutt! Have you any idea who your speaking to? Do you have any idea what I could do to you should I choose? My word is law, and you will obey!''
Grant faltered. He was scared out of his wits at the expression on Carvers face, and Carver knew it.
''At a loss for words Grant?'' Carver smirked, the fire in his eyes still burning.
Grant gulped ''Just...don't embarass me next time. Okay?''
Carver smiled ''Good boy. I hate it when we fight''
Grant sighed inwardly and nodded.
Carvers features softened ''Go on then. I'll give you a couple of minutes''
Grant raised an eyebrow quizzically ''For what?''
Carver smirked ''Find our 'old friend' and...persuade him to our ends. Make Balto know who he's dealing with, and make sure you two make it look convincing''
Grant smiled viciously ''I can do that. Where do we meet?''
''We'll all meet at the post masters in ten minutes. Then, the fun will begin!'' Carver sniggered.
Grant licked his lips ''That I look forward to! I'll see you later''
He turned and hurried away up the street. Carver looked back to where Jenna's house stood, a twinkle in his eyes.
''My dear Balto, why do I feel that I'm making a mistake with you?''
He chuckled, and padded away.
At the factory, tensions were rising.
''Where is he? He's taking too long!'' Vladimir protested. Several heads nodded in agreement.
''This is a mistake. I knew there was too much risk involved'' Fitz frowned, furrowing his paws nervously.
''My Carvy knows what he's doing! How dare you all accuse that!'' Karla accused, glaring at each dog in turn.
''Mr Carvers getting soft on this matter. You especially should know that Karla!'' Jack interjected, a wry grin tugging at the corners of his mouth.
The malamute huffed ''My Carvy baby has eyes only for me! You'll see!''
There were stifled sniggers all round, to which Karla snarled at. Glowering, she padded away to another corner of the floor.
Glaring disdainfully after her, Theo turned to Jack ''She is really starting to tick me off''
The german shepherd nodded absently ''What I'm worried about is where that half breed has gone. He could make things...difficult for us''
Nick nodded in agreement ''This is taking too long. We need to be out there! Doing what we do best! And how can we do that when our leader is fawning over the cause of our problems?''
Krest and Renard padded over, to the obvious disdain of the others ''Oh, do we detect rebellion in our midsts hmm?'' Krest mocked.
The others stared venomously at him ''And if there is? Whats it to you?'' Theo growled.
''Well, and there was me thinking we were all one big happy family! Would be a shame if something happened to change that'' Krest replied coolly.
Jack and Theo traded uncertain glances. Nick finally spoke ''Nothing is wrong, we're just concerned with how the situation has become...fragile''
The Brothers Grim nodded in unison ''True'' both uttered at the same time.
Jack sighed in relievement ''Good. So we're all on the same side then?''
Renard cleared his throat ''For now, we'll all agree with Mr Carvers plan. But should anything go wrong...'' he left the sentence hanging dangerously.
''...Things will change'' Fitz finished coldly.
In the old mill, Chester and his team were in heated discussion. The ten dogs, eight males and two females, were listening intently.
''So as of now, I want patrols round this town all through the night. Leave no area unchecked. Is that understood?'' Chester glanced at each dog in turn. Each one nodded in agreement.
''Remember also, that there is a blizzard expected tonight, so be on your guard. If necessary seek shelter, but don't take any unneccessary risks. Are we all clear?''
Again, each dog nodded.
''Good. Now, you know your areas of patrol. We meet back here at dawn. Dismissed''
All but one of the sled team left the mill at a brisk pace. The last one, a grey dog with white patches round his eyes, padded over to Chester who turned to look at him.
''What is it Gareth?'' he asked.
''You were talking about this Balto guy Chester. Do you think he could have...'' Gareth replied, nodding down at the poster attached to Chester's harness.
Chester nodded grimly ''It's a possibility. Unfortunate if true, I've met his mate and son''
Gareth shook his head ''We'll just have to keep a look out...just in case''
Chester regarded him coolly ''If my suspicions are true, we'll be forced to do more than that''
''I understand'' Gareth eyed Chester apologetically.
Chester smiled faintly ''Just be sure you do indeed...keep a look out. Now, to your post''
Gareth nodded and padded out of the mill. Chester remained where he was, frowning in deep thought.
A noise behind him caught his attention, and he span round so fast he took the intruder completely by surprise.
''Oh...sorry. Am...am I interupting anything?'' Dingo stuttered.
Chester sighed with relief, then glared at Dingo ''Never, under any circumstances, sneak up on me kid! I could have killed you!''
Dingo gulped ''S...s...sorry. I was just...wondering if you've...?''
Chesters features softened at Dingo's scared expression, and he forced a faint smile ''Hey, calm down. You took my by surprise, it wasn't your fault. Just watch it next time, okay?''
Dingo smiled in apology and relief ''Okay''
Chester returned the smile ''Now, what was it you wanted to ask me?''
''I...wanted to know if you've seen my Dad around at all?''
Chester regarded him silently, his pained eyes speaking a silent apology. He shook his head slowly.
''No, I'm afraid I haven't. But if you see me tomorrow I may have news from my team mates'' he replied, his eyes betraying his optomism.
Dingo sighed in frustration ''Right. Well...thanks for your help'' he turned to leave.
''Hey kid,'' Chester turned an incredulous stare at Dingo. ''There's a blizzard starting soon. I'm sure your Dad wouldn't want you freezing to death now would he?''
Dingo shook his head ''Thanks, but I've gotta find him''
''Don't be silly now. Didn't your Dad ever tell you the dangers of wandering about in a blizzard?'' Chester padded closer.
''Well, yeah. But thats not the point...'' Dingo started.
''And what did he tell you?''
Dingo frowned ''Not to do it, and stay in until it clears. But...''
''Then, if thats what your Dad told you, why disobey it? You'll be doing yourself no favours''
Dingo felt like a small pup under Chesters gaze, but he shrugged ''I haven't got a choice''
''Yes you have. You can stay here until tomorrow. You'll have a better chance of finding him in clearer conditions'' Chester said sternly.
Dingo hesitated, looking for the best way of answering ''Thanks, but...''
''But nothing. You'll stay here. I'll look after you'' Chester replied. Dingo rolled his eyes at the prospect.
''But what about my Mum? And my brother needs to know...'' Dingo exclaimed.
He was cut off as the doors to the mill opened, and Jenna padded in escorted by Doc. Dingo could tell that she had been crying.
''Mum? Mum, whats the matter?'' Dingo walked upto Jenna, who stifled fresh tears.
Doc lay a paw on Dingo's shoulder ''Dingo...it's about your father''
As Doc started to explain to Dingo what Jenna had told him, Chester listened on intently.
''Okay boy, lets see if you can stand''
The doctor looked on as Kodi took a tentative step forwards, then another. Despite the cast attached to his front leg, he had no problems standing and walking around.
''Good boy. Well, once this blizzard has stopped, you can go home'' The doctor smiled, petting Kodi on the head.
Kodi barked, then padded over to Dusty who smiled warmly at him.
''Well, how do you feel?'' she asked, nuzzling him playfully.
Kodi smiled ''Not too bad. This thing will take a while getting used to though'' he gestured at the cast.
Dusty smiled ''Well, you'll just have to take it easy for a while. Still, at least it means me and you can spend more time together''
Kodi nodded ''Your wish is my command my lady'' he nuzzled her as they padded out of the room and down a flight of stairs, Kodi taking each step slowly and carefully.
They walked into a large room, where other dogs were sat around, either patients or visitors.
''So, will you be glad getting out of here?'' Dusty asked.
Kodi nodded ''Definitely. I can't stand it just sitting around unable to do anything when my Mum needs my help''
''But she's got Dingo for that. She understands'' Dusty replied.
''I know, but right now she needs all the help she can get. And a fat lot of good I am while I'm stuck in here''
Dusty nuzzled him, forcing him to smile ''You always know how to make me smile''
''I know'' she licked his nose.
Unbeknowst to either of them, they were being watched.
An open window on the far side of the room was an easy viewpoint into the vets. As Kodi and Dusty continued talking, a shadowy figure watched them in amusement.
''Well...well...well. Looks like your back on your feet Kodi. Shame the same can't be said for Sanchez''
As the first snowflakes began to fall outside, the assailant climbed down from his vantage point. Glancing round, he spotted several more windows leading into different areas of the building.
''Oh yeah, I'm gonna enjoy this'' he smirked.
Glancing down the street, he smiled in amusement as he spotted something through the falling snow.
''Ah! About time you showed up!''
Taking a final glance up at the access window, he disappeared into the swirling white.
''And thats how it is Dingo. I'm so sorry''
Dingo let Doc's words sink in, not saying a word. Not moving an inch. His mind was just a blur, unable to let what Doc had just told him sink in completely.
His Dad was rabid.
Doc lay a paw on his shoulder ''Dingo, I mean this from the bottom of my heart. I am so sorry''
Dingo shrugged the paw off his shoulder, and stepped back. Suddenly, his legs gave way underneath him, and he collapsed to the floor. Doc rushed upto him.
''Dingo? Dingo, are you all right?''
Dingo's head snapped up, his eyes ablaze.
''Am I all right? Am I all right? Of course I'm not all right! How could I?'' he yelled.
Doc froze at Dingo's sudden outburst, and was unable to hold his gaze.
Dingo lay his head on his paws, a single tear cornering his eye ''How? How could...'' he stared blankly at the floor.
Doc sighed ''I don't know Dingo. I wish I could...''
''What? What could I possibly do to help him?'' he thought. No answers came to him.
Dingo stood up and stared at Doc ''There's nothing you can do Doc. There's nothing anyone can do''
He padded upto Jenna ''Mum, did he look...okay?''
Jenna nodded ''He was fine. At least, he looked fine'' she let the tears run down her muzzle. At that moment, she just wanted to die.
Dingo turned and looked at Chester, his eyes blazing ''You knew didn't you? You knew, and you didn't tell me! Why?''
Chester looked squarely into Dingo's eyes ''It wasn't my place to tell you kid. I don't know you do I?''
Dingo snarled. He didn't know what to do, but at that moment he just wanted to yell and tear something apart.
''I'll KILL him! I'll rip his throat out! I'll...I'll...'' he couldn't continue.
Doc stepped back in fear at the look in Dingo's eyes. Such an anger he had never seen beforein his life.
Chester walked in front of Dingo, and lay a paw firmly on his shoulder.
''Kid, listen and listen good. The dogs we are dealing with are the most vicious, bloodthirsty animals you could imagine. You go looking for them, you wouldn't last two seconds. I've seen it before. I've felt exactly the same way. And you wouldn't be helping your Dad by getting yourself killed''
Dingo glared at him ''How could you possibly know? You can't possibly imagine how I feel''
Chester's grip on Dingo's shoulder tightened ''How could I know? I'll tell you how I could know! One of those animals murdered my daughter!''
Dingo was taken completely aback at this sudden burst of emotion from Chester. The black husky released his grip and padded away to the podium, leaving Dingo at a loss for words.
''Your...daughter?'' he stuttered, his eyes unwavering from Chester.
The husky nodded ''See kid, it's personal for me as well''
''How?''
Chester sighed ''This has been going on longer than you all think. Before Anchorage. Months before''
Doc frowned ''This has been going on for months? How do you know that?''
Chester looked at him, an immense sadness in his eyes ''Because I saw it. I was there when it happened. On both occasions''
Jenna padded up to Dingo, who nuzzled her comfortingly ''Both occasions? How do you mean?'' she asked.
Chester regarded her, then smiled faintly ''I know how you must feel. For what it's worth, I have great sympathy for what has happened to you''
Jenna nodded, a few tears running down her face ''Thank you''
Chester nodded, then turned to Doc ''You want to know the whole story? Your sure?''
Doc hesitated, then nodded ''Yes. Please tell us''
''Very well then. I'll tell you''
Chester's voice lowered, and his features set to a grim and weary expression.
''I've been involved in tracking 'The Pack' for five months now. The first time I came across them was in Applegate. I was stationed there for a few weeks, my family back in Anchorage. I'm not usually the emotional type, but I missed them''
He paused for a second, as if trying to force himself from breaking down, then continued.
''Applegate is a large town, but news travels fast. And one day, I became aware of certain things going on. Murders to be precise''
''Several bodies had been found in and around town. We suspected bear attacks, the bodies were so viciously mutilated. But the teeth marks, they were far too small for bears. So we suspected wolves. This wasn't right of course, but at the time we didn't have any evidence to suggest otherwise. No one ever imagined that these murders could be perpetrated by dogs''
He looked at Doc ''Did you think it was wolves who attacked Anchorage?''
Doc nodded slowly ''Yes we did. I mean...''
''How could you not? I understand, wolves are still stereotyped in this way. I myself believed it too''
Doc nodded solemly.
Chester continued ''Anyway, it wasn't until twelve bodies had been found that we caught one of the dogs responsible. An eye-witness came forward who had seen one of the murders taking place, and had followed the perpetrator. We sent a team in to capture him for trial. You can imagine how stunned we we're when we realised it wasn't wolves commiting the crimes''
''Well we caught this guy, and we brought him forward to be tried. Thats your job isn't it?''he asked Doc, who nodded.
''The thing is, the judge in Applegate was...Carver''
There was a stunned silence, and Jenna gasped softly. Chester nodded grimly.
''At this point though he was known as Drake, and I can honestly sayy I have never met such a trustworthy dog in my life. I felt like I could trust him even though I had never met him before''
''I felt exactly the same way'' Jenna said, as she remembered how she had liked Carver as soon as she had met him.
''That was how he fooled you. How he fooled everyone, including me. When I met Carver, he seemed like such a nice guy. Someone I could tell anything to. And that was my mistake''
Chester paused, and Dingo noticed a single tear briefly roll down the huskies face.
''During the trial, and I still don't know why, I got talking to him. He asked me about my family back in Anchorage, and I told him. Told him about my daughter, my home, everything. I just felt so comfortable talking to him. If I'd have known what I was letting myself in for...''
Jenna nodded absently. What Chester was saying about Carver was exactly how she had felt when she had talked to him. How easy it was to talk to him about personnal matters she would normally never tell anyone. It made her sick to her stomach as how easily he had manipulated her.
Chester continued ''On the day of the verdict, we were all waiting for Carver to reach a decision. But he never showed up at the court house. He had vanished completely. As for the accused, he died the very same day. We didn't realise at the time that they were rabid, and since the murders stopped then it just...blew out of memory''
''I left Applegate a few days after that. You can imagine how relieved I was. My daughter had only been a week old when I had left, so it a chance to settle down and do what a father was meant to do''
Chester's voice faltered then, and something similar to a sob escaped his mouth. Doc looked uneasily at Jenna, who was nuzzled in Dingo's fur.
''Sorry. As I was saying, four months past without incident. I saw my daughter grow up, and I saw her start to have relationships. None of them lasted, she was set on the mate she wanted, and none of them were good enough for her'' he smiled faintly.
''Then one day, she came home with a friend she had met in town. His name was Grant''
Doc stared down at the poster of 'The Pack', and at Grants grinning face staring up at him. He remembered how Chester had continuously gllanced at the picture as he had pointed out Karla at the house. And now he knew why.
''They got on exceptionally well'', Chester continued. ''So well in fact, that she started talking to me about puppies. None of her relationships had gone that far, and I could tell that she loved Grant. Even I liked him, and I hadn't liked any of her previous suitors. And then one day, I was in town, and I saw...him''
''Carver?'' Dingo spoke up. Chester nodded.
''I couldn't believe it. I walked upto him, right in the middle of the street, and he didn't recognise me. I explained who I was, about the trial and everything that had happened, and I asked him why he had vanished. He said that I had the wrong dog, and that his name wasn't Drake but Carver. I didn't believe him''
Dingo listened intently, as outside the wind began blowing harder.
''That was when the murders started happening again. By the third day seven bodies had been found. The humans got involved at that point, as they felt like us that it was the work of wolves. They ran tests on the bodies, and discovered that they all had traces of rabies''
Doc gulped. He remembered the rumours. They had sent a chill down his spine.
''Things got hectic at that point. Patrols, dogs like myself includedand humans, were set up patrolling the town. There was a curfew set up, and all dogs found out alone at night were shot as a precaution''
''Thats horrible!'' Dingo exclaimed. Chester glared at him.
''It was the only way! We didn't want to do it, to kill fellow dogs, but we had no choice!''
Dingo sighed. He knew that Chester was right, but it didn't make him feel any better.
''Despite all this, the murders kept happening. Some victims were killed in the day, and everyone was in a blind panic. Rumours were spreading like wild fire, all of them pinning the blame on wolves. But this time I wasn't so sure. And I knew, point blindly, that it all had something to do with Carver. And I was right''
''Things came to a head when the first human life was claimed. I've never seen such terror on their faces before. Now it wasn't just dogs that were being killed, humans were too. The culprits had to be found quickly. And it was me who found them''
Doc stared at Chester wide-eyed ''You found them?''
Chester nodded grimly ''I saw Carver again during one of my patrols, but instead of pulling him there and then I followed him. I tracked him to a building on the outskirts of town, and I found him there with fifteen other dogs. I was stunned because I knew some of these dogs. One of them was a very good friend of my youngest son''
''Fitz?'' Doc asked, peering down at the grinning face of the pup on the poster.
''Yes. I mean, he was little more than a pup, and yet he had murdered so many. I realised then how much danger my own family had been in. Then there was Karla, who's parents I was very good friends with. I couldn't believe she was involved either, a female committing murder on such a scale!'' he shook his head.
''I ran back to town, and I informed the rest of the team of 'The Packs' location. But I made a mistake. He heard me''
Dingo looked up fearfully ''Grant''
''Yes. He had asked me on previous occassions if he could become part of the team, and he was int he room when I told of their whereabouts. I was so stupid''
''You couldn't have known. You can't blame yourself'' Doc said.
''But I do. Because while we were assembling the team, it was Grant who informed Carver about what I had seen. So when we arrived there, they were gone. Luckily, they left a scent, and we used this to track some of them down. The humans shot them dead''
Jenna felt sick as she imagined the scene in her ehad. Dingo nuzzled her reassuringly.
''We managed to find five of them, but the others got away. And when I came home that night, I found my daughter...'' he faltered.
Doc padded upto him ''She was...dead''
Chester nodded, another tear trickling down his face ''I knew then who it was who had let slip the information. It could only have been Grant. And he had taken my daughter from me''
Chester wiped the tears from his muzzle with his paw, and glared at the poster in Docs grasp ''It was then that I took it upon myself to avenge her. And I won't rest until Grant is dead, and at my hands''
He took a deep breath, and then looked at Dingo.
''And thats why I know exactly how you feel. They took my daughter, and they've taken your father. But you must understand how dangerous these dogs are, and why you musn't do anything rash. Leave it to us okay?''
Dingo nodded slowly, a tear coming to his eye ''I'm...I'm sorry. About your daughter''
Chester nodded grimly ''So am I''
Doc padded upto the husky ''What about Balto? If you find him, what will you do with him?''
Chester paused, glancing at Dingo and Jenna in turn.
''Well?'' Doc demanded.
Gareth couldn't shake off the feeling that he was being watched. As he tried to look through the swirling white around him, he shook his head trying to shake off the sensation.
The harsh wind biting at his face, he padded into a near by alley that was protected from most of the blizzard. He glanced up at the sky, at the low dark clouds promising more snow to come during the night.
Had he glanced behind him, he would have noticed the swift, shadowy movements of his pursuer.
Gareth scanned round him. After several minutes, he began to get an uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach.
''I'm not alone''.
He stopped, listening carefully.
''Well...well...well! Look who showed up to crash our party!''
Gareth span round to face the source of the voice, but he couldn't make it out in the shadows.
''Who's there? Identify yourself!'' he ordered, scanning round frantically from left to right.
''Oh you know me Gareth my man! After all, who knew you better than me?''
A chill went down Gareths spine ''No! Not you'' he whispered.
A sharp movement at the corner of his eye caught his attention, and he span round coming face to face with his purseur.
''Oh my God'' Gareth stuttered.
Grant smirked ''Well hi there Gareth! It's been a while!''
Gareth took a step back ''Grant! How did...'' he stammered.
''How did I find you? Trust me it wasn't difficult. Looking for Carver were we?'' Grant asked, a vicious smirk plastered on his face.
Gareth gulped ''Please...don't hurt me''
Grant raised an eyebrow ''Hurt you? Gareth how dare you accuse me of such a thing! No, I want you to do me a favour''
''A favour?'' Gareth exclaimed.
Grant nodded ''Yep. We need something doing, and your the only guy who can do it''
Gareth suppressed a laugh ''Oh really? Forgive me if I sound rude, but I would hardly jump at the chance of doing a favour for a scum bag like you Grant!''
Grant's smirk faded ''What did you say?''
Gareth took a step forward ''You heard me! Your a scum bag Grant! A flea bitten mangy mutt! What makes you think I'd do something for you?''
Grant growled ''You've got some nerve talking to me like that pally! Considering I'm the reason your still alive today!''
Gareth faltered ''W..w...what?''
Grant smiled venomously ''Don't you remember Gareth? What happened in Anchorage? What happened to Trix?''
Gareth gulped and stepped back flinchingly ''You...you killed her''
Grant laughed ''HA! Is that what you believe? Dear me Gareth your memories not too good these days is it? Or are you so used to playing the devestated uncle that you've forgotten who the real murderer is?''
Gareth flinched ''She was my...neice. And I...''
Grant stepped forward, causing Gareth to flinch back defensively.
''Oh but she was more than just a neice wasn't she Gareth? She was a pretty little thing, all the guys said so. Even you''
Gareth felt sweat trickle down his muzzle ''She was...beautiful''
Grant nodded ''Yes she was. But not anymoreis she? And who's fault is that Gareth?''
Gareth felt his legs buckle underneath him, as Grant towered over him ''Who's fault is it Gareth? Who's the real murderer?''
''I AM!'' Gareth yelled. Grant smiled in amusement.
''Thats right Gareth. You. Not me, though thats what everyone believes, but you. You, the devoted uncle, and the brother of her father. You killed her''
Gareth nodded ''Yes. But...but we made a deal. You...you and I made a deal. Right?''
Grant smiled ''Yes we did. Your absolutely right, we made a deal. I'd take the rap, and you'd be seen as the devestated uncle. Worked out really well didn't it?''
Gareth didn't speak. Before he could react, Grant raised his paw and smacked him in the face. Gareth tasted blood as it flowed into his mouth.
Grant snarled ''So if you ever talk like that to me again, I'll blurt out your nasty little secret to the rest of your team! And how do you think Chester will react when he realises his own brother murdered his daughter hmm? Answer me!''
Grant slashed at Gareths muzzle, drawing blood. Gareth gasped for breath.
''Please...stop! Don't!'' Gareth pleaded, blood trickling from his mouthh.
Grant sniggered '''Tell me Gareth, why'd you do it hmm?''
Gareth coughed up blood ''You already know!''
Grant grabbed him by the scruff of his neck ''Tell me again! I was her boyfriend, not you! You, the dirty mutt who fawned over his own neice, expected her to agree to sleeping with you?''
Gareth struggled for breath ''Y...yes!''
Grant laughed ''Then your dumber than I thought you were! You expected her to sleep with you. And when she refused...you killed her. Isn't that right?''
Gareth whimpered. Grant tightened his grip on his throat.
''Isn't that right?'' he repeated.
''Y...y...yes. I did. Now...let me go. Please?''
Grant let go, and Gareth collapsed to the floor gasping for breath.
''You make me sick Gareth. I mean, I've killed my share of dogs. And the odd human. But I would never do what you did. Kill my own blood. Between us Gareth, who's the real monster?' Grant looked down at the struggling dog with disgust.
Gareth staggered to his feetand looked at Grant pleadingly ''You...you won't tell will you? We had a deal''
Grant smirked ''Nah, I won't tell. Besides, I was gonna kill her myself eventually. But if you ever speak to me like that again pally, I'll tell. Got it?''
Gareth nodded. Grant smirked and patted him on the head.
''Good boy. You scratch my back, and I'll scratch yours''
Gareth started shaking, sweat trickling down his muzzle.
''You know, I was really delighted when Carver told me Chester had shown up. You realise that I'm the only one who knows your secret right?''
Gareth nodded.
Grant smirked ''Oh Carver knows about you. But he doesn't know all the facts. Thats why I'm talking to you now. We need your help''
Gareth gulped ''For what? Do you...want me to kill someone?''
Grant sniggered ''Nah! You and I both know you aint up to that! No, we want you to help us break someone in''
Gareth raised his eyebrows ''You mean...Balto?''
Grant smiled ''Very good! Yes, Balto. He's making life really difficult for us at the moment. He's fighting the infection, so we need to...push him into accepting it more quickly. You understand?''
Gareth nodded ''So...where do I come into all this?''
Grant smirked, causing Gareth to flinch ''We need a...willing participant. And you fit the bill perfectly''
Gareth whimpered, and tried to back away. But his still shaking legs gave way underneath him, and he fell to the floor. Grant look down at him.
''Here's a tip Gareth. Scream. Scream as hard as you can''
Gareth yelled out as Grant bore down on him.
Balto's first clue that something was wrong was the screaming.
He had fallen asleep under a porch, hoping that the blizzard would kill him before the infection took a hold, when the screaming began. Jumping to his feet, he ran to the source of the screaming, knowing only to well what he would find.
Sure enough, when he turned into an alley, he came face to face with a body. From a distance, Balto could tell that the dog was bleeding heavily, it's brown coat turning crimson. Cautiously, he approached.
When he came as close as he was willing to go, he examined the dog more closely. He was male, brown except for the white patches around his eyes, and wearing a harness. On closer examination, Balto could just make out the name on the harness. Gareth.
With a start, Balto realised that Gareth was still breathing. Padding upto him, Balto lay an ear on the dogs chest. His heart was racing, and his fur was damp with sweat. When Balto lifted his head back up, his fur was stained with Gareths blood.
''Help! Murder! Murder!''
Balto span round to the source of the voice, but in the darkness could make out nothing. In the distance, he could make out approaching barking.
''Oh God! They'll think I did this!''
Reacting in a heart beat, Balto balted out of the alley as the barking grew louder. Seconds later, three dogs each wearing identical harnesses sped into the alley.
''Gareth!'' one cried out, racing up to Gareth and eyeing his wounds.
''Oh thank God, he's still alive!'' the dog sighed with relief. The other two dogs padded up to Gareth.
''Gareth? Gareth it's Max. I'm with Lance and Stacy. Who did this to you?''
With a ragged cough, Gareth looked up ''It was...Balto''
A few minutes later Max, Stacy and Lance, stopped in front of the mill. Attached to them was a sled, to which Gareth was strapped to. Max ran into the mill.
A few seconds later, Chester balted out of the mill accompanied by Dingo, Jenna and Doc.
''Gareth! Gareth it's Chester. Are you all right? Speak to me''
Gareth whimpered. Chester turned to Max ''Who did this to him? Tell me!''
Max looked at Dingo and Jenna nervously before answering ''He said he was attacked by...Balto''
Chester froze ''Balto? Are you sure?''
Max nodded '''Positive Chester. Thats what he said''
Chester growled, and paded upto Dingo with fire in his eyes ''And there was me feeling sorry for you!'' he snarled.
Dingo flinched back in fear ''What? What happened?'' he stammered.
''My brother has just been attacked by your father!'' Chester yelled.
Dingo's blood went cold ''W...what?''
Chester growled ''Thats right! And when I find him...I'll kill him personally!''