Who's Afraid of the Darkness 4
1st Rule: Know your enemy!
We Need Reinforcements …
About an hour later, Jacolby has made his appearance. The Chief and Cody fill him in on what has transpired. The three men decide to go across the street and search the alley where Jo had seen the animal. There were remains of at least three people. The remains of skulls, rib cages and articles of clothing denoted that these people may have been killed some time ago.
“No telling how long that thing has been around here marking its territory. One of these folks might have been Charlie Crenshaw—his wife had reported him missing and everyone had assumed that he’d ran off with his Bonnie Coltrane. But, I think that might be her over there.” Hal reports pointing to what looks like parts of two people in the corner besides the trash cans.
“And I asked you two to come up here to do a little snooping around. If anything had happened to you guys—” Jacolby is feeling really bad about how the outcome could have turned out.
“We’re fine for now, dad. But I think we need some reinforcements. Have you talked to Henry Hamilton?” Cody inquires.
“We don’t need no outsiders butting in on our business.” Hal admonishes. “Headquarters is about to handle this. It’s just an animal.”
“I’m afraid you’re going to find out that we are not dealing with your run-of-the-mill animal, Hal.” Jacolby corrects. “You do remember The Christmas Cottage Inn Murder Case?”
“Do you mean to tell me that you think there is a possible link? You think that the lunatic is back?” Hal gives Jacolby a curious state. He was never able to get all the details regarding that crime.
“What I am saying is that Sheriff Henry Hamilton has the special skills we need to handle this particular situation. Hal—I know that I never gave you all the information about Davis County, but I believe it’s time you know the entire story.” Jacolby puts his hand on Hal’s shoulder and leads him back into the building. There is a small vacant office on the 1st floor. The Chief follows Jacolby inside but not before posting two officers outside with orders to come in with guns blazing should he need them to. After they are both settled at a small table; Hal looks at Jacolby.
“Okay, Mr. District Attorney—tell me what you know?”
The Chief Inspector is willing to listen to Jacolby, although he is not too pleased to be getting this information three years later! He doesn't mind letting him know, either!
While his dad is explaining to the Chief about Ailuranthropy—Cody is quizzing both Jo and Officer Conway.
“How huge is this creature?” Cody asks Officer Conway.
“It was the biggest black tiger I’ve ever seen. I don’t mind telling you two, but I was terrified.” Officer Conway informs Jo and she looks at him in total agreement.
“Did he say anything to you?” Cody looks at Jo and then Officer Conway.
“Say anything? Don’t tell me they can talk?” Jo looks at Cody in total disbelief. “We need some help with this one.”
“What are you two talking about?” Officer Conway gets the feeling that there’s something he’s not being told. He looks both ways—not seeing anyone around he whispers, “Is this like what happened in Davis County?”
“What do you know about Davis County?” Both Jo and Cody questions.
“I got a friend that lives there. He told me some pretty fantastic things. Things that if I should discuss it—he’d be thrown off the force and me with him.” Officer Conway is still whispering.
“What did you hear, Officer Conway—Jeff. You can trust us.” The three of them move closer to the Shumaker’s Building but far enough not to be heard.
“Clinton Johnson is a good friend of mine. He is one of the deputies in Davis County.” Officer Conway accepts a bottled water from Jo and also finishes it in one setting. Wiping his mouth, he then continues.
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“Clint told me all about the shenanigans the emerged there. Finding the handyman Hugo—all that blood like back in that elevator! Then there was no heart!” Officer Conway replies.
“Why did you say you didn’t see anything when I told you?” Jo is curious to know.
“Because I didn’t. I only went outside after you got up tearing into the street. Then, we saw that thing and it was like I remembered everything I heard.” Officer Conway conveys.
To say that Cody is interested in what Officer Conway has to say would be an understatement.
“What did Clinton Johnson tell you.” Cody probes, giving his sister a look for interrupting.
“Oh yeah—well there was talk about the supernatural. His boss, Sheriff Hamilton is knee-deep in the occult. Got himself transformed. They have a term for it—” Jo calls out softly. “Therianthropy!”
“That’s it, a shape shifter! At first, I thought it was a lot of nonsense. But I know that Clinton isn’t the type of person to make things up. He takes his job real serious. Hell, he’s the reason I joined the force. Then there was the problem in Portville.” Officer Conway says.
“What happened in Portville—I never heard about that.” Cody says.
“Two guys, Eddie and Kevin supposedly encountered the creature. They had set a trap to capture it, but it backfired, and the beast escaped. Look, if that’s what’s happening here—we are not going to be able to handle it. Clinton says these creatures are as smart as humans.” Officer Conway adds.
“Keep all this under your hat. We don’t want to incite a panic in Madisonville. As far as the rest of the force at Headquarters know—this is some lunatic killer.” Cody cautions Officer Conway.
“Fine—but sooner or later the truth is going to come out. What I want to know is why this far south?” Officer Conway retorts.
“We are waiting for someone that we hope will shed some light on that very question.” Cody says.
Officer Conway goes back into the Shumaker Building and Jo looks at Cody. He shakes his head in bewilderment and together they also return to the building. Coming out of the vacant office is their father and the Chief Inspector.
“That’s quite a story!” The Chief says as he looks in the direction of the twins.
“I know—this is why I am stressing the need for someone with the required expertise to help us.” Jacolby responds.
“Well—let’s wrap this up for tonight. I’ll see you people in the morning. I don’t have to tell you the need for secrecy.” The Chief admonishes.
“Office Conway is aware of this as well. It will be an excellent idea to keep him in the loop and closely informed on this case.” Cody suggests.
“Now, we wait for Sheriff Henry Hamilton!” All are in agreement.
To Be Continued …
Who's Afraid of the Darkness 5
- Who's Afraid of the Darkness 5
Discovering your roots can be a fascinating thing. It can also awake you to responsibilities that you didn't know you had procured. When Jo and Cody unearth the mystery of their genealogy … along with that revelation comes enormous culpabilities and
© 2019 Jacqueline Williamson BBA MPA MS
