With the late afternoon sunlight dipping behind the trees, there was a sweep of golden glow coming in through the tall barn windows, the cathedral ceiling allowing for a luminous shimmer.
This was my favorite time of day inside the barn. Leaving food and water in their stalls, I closed Thor’s gate and took a couple of steps away.
The sound of the dogs barking up a storm again forced my spine to stiffen.
If I wasn’t mistaken, the sound was different, this time very much as if there was an unknown visitor. But I hadn’t heard another vehicle.
In the distance, I noticed something. Was that someone walking closer? No, my eyes had to be playing tricks on me, the waning light creating shadows. But I inched closer, checking just in case.
There was nothing there.
I remained for another couple of minutes, checking my watch and realizing more time had gone by than I’d thought. “Ugh.” I was going to be late.
When I spun around to leave, a figure stepped into the barn. A wave of fear tore through me. What the hell did I have for a weapon? Nothing that would cause much damage.
With my heart skipping beats, I put the pieces together. But I knew the best thing to do was to stay calm and try to get away.
You’re making something out of nothing.
Was I?
“Can I help you?” I shielded my eyes, barely able to see the person’s full form. Whoever it was didn’t seem threatening.
“I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to frighten you. Doctor Monroe. I need your help. My baby boy. I don’t know what happened. He had a seizure and I just…” He was freaking out, his face in his hands and his body shaking. “I can’t believe it. He was fine then… He collapsed.”
“Whoa. Calm down.” It was the man from the other day. I managed to take a deep breath. “What happened? Where is he?”
After he sighed, he chuckled, the sound dark and demonic.
As I walked closer, another wave of nerves kicked in.
Something was wrong.
“Where is your dog, Mr. Smith?” I froze at first, but as soon as I stepped to the side to try to run from the back, the visitor blocked my escape.
Very slowly, he lifted his head. “You don’t remember me, do you?”
“Should I?”
“How could you forget the man whose life you ruined? You were perfect and the only girl who got away. But guess what? Not this time.”
* * *
Viper
“Better hurry,” Steel said as he finished dressing. “Or the party will start without you.”
I grabbed my clean jeans, laughing as I did. Maybe it was time to branch out with some different clothes.
Only after I got paid.
“Does the missus in your house have you on a short leash?” I teased.
He acted offended for a few seconds before leaning against the locker. “I will never get hitched. Not going to happen to this guy. But if you’re offering that tasty morsel of a veterinarian, I might be game.”
I snapped the wet towel against his leg, growling when I did.
“Hey!” he shouted.
