Chapter 9
Raven sat on a bench in town watching the people walk past. She felt as if she was missing something. There had to be a way to know while he was in human form. He had to be close. He had to be someone they knew. She had to kill him once and for all before he moved on. She looked up as a man strode past. The smell of pungent body odor filled her nose. She stood to follow.
Carson walked along heading to Teaspoon's office. He went into the door just as Teaspoon was finishing a conversation with some man. He glanced at the man as he walked out.
"He seemed distracted." Carson said.
"You could say that."
"Something I should know?"
"No, he is just some drifter passing through. Said he found a man out in the hills. Said he found what was left anyway."
"Where? Should we go investigate?"
"No, no need. He buried the man. He just wanted to let me know. Said he was torn up, but the buzzards had gotten into him. Been there a while."
"Could be an old victim. We should still go look."
"No, I don't think so. I need to stay here in town."
Carson grunted in disappointment but didn't say anymore as he sat down in a chair.
Jimmy rolled over in his bunk realizing that he was alone. The sun was coming in bright through the windows. He sat up and rubbed his eyes. Why the hell did they let him sleep in? He had chores to do. He felt tired. Exhausted. He had not been resting well since his encounter but damn, Hickok, it was time to let it go. He pulled his pants on and reached for his shirt. His hand burned like hell and it was throbbing. It had hurt him all night. He unwrapped it before pulling his shirt on. He froze in shock. The gash was almost healed but dark purple streaks were running up his arm. He flexed his fingers and felt the burning sensation. It made him feel nauseous. He heard boots on the porch. He hurriedly put his shirt on and started hastily putting the wrappings back on his hand.
"Jimmy, you finally up?" Lou asked as she walked inside.
"Yeah, I don't know why y'all let me sleep so late. I got chores."
Lou watched as he finished wrapping his hand and proceeded to start buttoning his shirt.
"You needed the sleep. You ain't been really resting so Rachel had Cody and Noah cover your chores."
"Cody?" Jimmy asked laughing.
"Yep. He was none too happy, but he did it. He'd do anything not to have to take another run."
Lou stopped laughing when Jimmy bent over as if in pain. She ran over to him.
"Are you ok?"
"Yeah, I just feel tired still. Body aches. It's odd."
"Well, lay back down. No need for you to be up and about."
"I'm good. I am sick of sleeping. I think I am going out to the barn for a few. Walk around."
"I got a run over to Blue Creek, so I got to get my things ready."
"Please be careful, Lou. I can't even begin to think about something happening to you."
"I will be. Teaspoon changed the schedule so we don't stay out there overnight."
Jimmy nodded and made his way out to the barn. He walked into the very back where it was dark and cool. He sat down on the ground and leaned back against the wall. How did the gash heal so quick?
Henry laid on his stomach under his wagon. He stared at his rifle laying a few feet away. The fire was smoldering low. He could smell it. Smell the predator out there in the darkness. He couldn't catch his breath for the racing of his heart. He heard a growl. Deep and low. It almost sounded like laughter. Like it was mocking him. He heard a noise to his right and jumped to look in that direction. He saw nothing. He heard a noise to his left and jumped in that direction. Again, nothing but the black of night. He could hear it rustling. Waiting to strike. Maybe he could get away. Run from the back of the wagon. Maybe he could lose it in the darkness. He felt his hands shake as he laid there scanning the area. He jumped as he heard it. It was above him. It was on the wagon. My God, it knew that he was here. It knew he was here! He felt gnawing fear escalate into exploding chaos. He scrambled from under the wagon, snatching his gun from the ground. He stumbled back next to his pitiful fire. Suddenly wood was flung onto the fire and the flames leapt up, shining the beast across the fire from him. Henry screamed as the animal…..smiled. The last thing he saw was red eyes and shining black claws as they latched into his body.