The closer we got to Coach’s the more Hoover went berserk. He could smell the other dogs clear from the road. Either that or he knew where he was headed. His nose pointed straight into the wind, and searched for the smells that the wind held on to. He had already gone on several hunts with Chief, Joe, and Coach and was trained along with Coach’s last litter. My guess was that Hoove thought he was going hunting again.

When we pulled into Coach’s drive, Hoove jumped over the side of the truck and bee-lined to the other kennels. There was heaps of barking from both sides of the fence. Then Billy came out from one of the kennels. He looked at the truck and I could see his big grin even from where I sat.

Chief’s door opened with a scream of metal and he got out. Mike did the same from his side of the truck.

“Okay, pumpkin, end of the line." He held out his arms and I stood up from the floor and walked to him. He lifted me out of the truck and set me down careful like, as if my feet were made of glass. With his arm around me, he led me to Coach’s cabin.

Coach came out to his front steps when we got there. His dark brown hair was combed back, but a chunk of it broke loose from the rest and hung like a fishhook across his forehead. His brown eyes landed on me. He smiled, showing his front teeth. His jaw was narrow and hair peppered his chin where he missed with the razor. 

“Come on in,” he said in a deep and patient voice while he held open the door. “I put some coffee on about ten minutes ago.”

Chief carried my overstuffed pillow case in and set it by the couch. He turned to me and gave me the speech: “Now, Kelly, I want you to behave today. You’re to do what Coach says, when he says it. You are not to go into the woods or out of Coach’s sight. Do you understand?”

“Yessir,” I said as Coach handed Chief a mug of coffee.

Chief looked up at Coach; he took the coffee and said, “Thank you, Frank.”

Coach handed Mike his coffee, then sat down in a big leather chair in the corner.

“Billy is getting the hounds ready, Bob. They’ll be all set to go in a few minutes.”

“I really appreciate this, Frank. I mean everything.”

“Mind my askin’ what your plans are?” Coach asked after blowing the steam from his mug and sipping from the rim.

Chief sat down in the chair by the big window facing the kennels and leaned back. I watched him as he set the coffee down beside him on a metal coaster. He looked over at me before giving Coach his full attention.

“I’m going to play it by ear, Frank. We know Fred was at a certain accident sight just outside of Springdale either yesterday morning or early the night before. He could only have left that site on foot. I’m going to take the hounds there to get the scent. Mike and I picked up one of Fred’s shirts from Hank.”

“Hank?”

“He was paroled yesterday.”

“I see. Even so, Bob, the scent on that shirt is over six months old.”

“No faith in your dogs, Frank?”

Coach smiled. “Believe me, Bob, if there’s a scent to be had, they’ll find it. But it’s an awful lot of ground to cover. And Fred’s a woodsman. He knows many ways to confuse the hounds.”

“I know the chances are slim, but it’s the only plan I have. I’m all ears if you have a better one?”

Coach shook his head that he didn’t.

“Anyway, I’m not about to sit around and do nothing.”

“Wouldn’t expect that of you, Bob,” Coach said. He took another sip of his coffee, the steam forced his eyes to squint. 

I looked out the big window. Billy was next to the kennels readying the dogs for their job tracking with Chief.

“Chief?”

“Yes, honey?”

“Can I go help Billy?”

“Sure, go on. But stay with Billy, and stay in the open.”

I left Chief, Mike and Coach to talk about the business of trapping the tiger. I could tell it bothered Chief a might to talk in front of me. Besides, I hadn’t even said ‘howdy’ to Billy yet.

I ran over to the kennels at full speed, near tripping at my sudden need to stop, once there. Billy was busy harnessing up the dogs and didn’t notice me right off.

“Hiya Billy!” I screamed at him from behind making him jump. But when he turned around he wasn’t mad. He was still smiling. He shook his head the way that meant “Hiya” back.

“What ya doin’?”

He picked up one of the heavy leads that held the dogs back when they were used to track. Then he showed me the harnesses. Unlike collars that choked the dogs when they were crazy-nuts over a smell, the harnesses were hooked up in such a way that it didn’t even have anything to do with their necks.

Billy showed me how to hook up the dogs after he explained what everything did. He even let me hook up two of them by myself. Once the dogs were ready, we took them to Chief’s truck. They jumped right in the back. Hoove tried to follow them, but I held tight to his collar and he didn’t quite make the jump.

“Now what do ya want to do, Billy?” I asked him once the dogs were tied down to the bar in the back of the truck and the tailgate slammed shut to keep Hoover out.

He looked at me and scratched the top of his head. He did some heavy figuring before motioning me to follow him.

We crossed the yard to the barn. I was out of Chief’s sight, but I figured he wouldn’t mind on account I was safe with Billy. I followed Billy up the ladder to the loft. There was hay all over the floor like most barn lofts and it was soft to sit in. I sat next to the loft window and looked out over Coach's property. The view wasn’t as good as from a tall tree, but it beat the heck out of seeing things from the ground. When I turned to look at Billy, he was staring at me funny-like. Looking at me like I was a bug or something else real interesting. Kind of examining me from head to foot.

“What’s the matter, Billy?”

He held out a hand, what meant for me to stay put, while he went and rummaged around in the back of the loft. When he got back he had a bunch of stuff in his hands. He held out his hand again. I stayed in place, as he set up all his painting stuff.

Then he looked at me and smiled. He shook his head, nodding it in the direction of all his stuff, holding each item up for me to gander at. He had an easel, brushes, paint, and watery junk that smelled sort of like gasoline. He nodded at me, then at the window. Again he held out a hand.

“I don’t know, Billy. I don’t think I could possibly sit still that long.”

He lost his smile. Then started to frown.

“Aw, come on Billy. Its not that I don’t think you’d do a good job. But doesn’t that stuff take a long time?”

He shook his head “no,” then pointed to the back of the loft. I stood up and went were he pointed. There was a stack of paintings he had stashed against the wall. Most of them were of Mary Lou. Her blue eyes flashed from the canvas and Billy’d painted her with a slight smile on her lips. I sifted through the lot. Billy was really a good painter. I think it was because he could concentrate better than most people. He didn’t have the problem other people had with everyone trying to talk to you and expecting an answer. Billy had time to study the way things were.

It wasn’t until I got to the bottom of the pile that I saw it. It was a picture of Hank. Not just any picture, it was the one I saw in my dream. I dropped it flat and backed up fast. I wasn’t watching where I was going and if it hadn’t have been for Billy, I would have flipped over the guardrail of the loft and plummeted to a gruesome death below. But Billy’s big arm shot out just before I could fall and instead of looking up from the wrong side of the floor, I was staring into Billy’s watery blue eyes and his concerned scowl.

“It’s all right Billy,” I told him. “You can let me go now.”

He did, just as Chief started hollering fit to beat Holy Jesus from Coach’s back porch.

*  *  *  *  *

Chief watched his daughter leave the window and retreat to the door. Through the window he could see her run across the yard to where Billy readied the hounds. Chief took the time to make sure she was safe with Billy before he removed his attention from her and returned to Frank Dobbs.

“How’s she holding up?” Dobbs asked, motioning to the window.

“Frank, she’s scared to death,” answered Chief. “But you won’t hear that from her. She’s putting up a brave front for the rest of us.”

“When I read that article,” Dobbs started, his voice low, and Chief detected a note of remorse. Dobbs rarely hid his emotions. “At first I was a little confused. I mean, ‘unfinished business in Middleton.’ It couldn’t have been Hank. He has no way of knowing the boy was paroled. And the way he came after her at the police station– it could only have meant Kelly that doctor was referring to. But I don’t understand why. She didn’t testify at the trial. What could he possibly have against her?”

Chief regarded Frank Dobbs. For a while he didn’t answer. Then he rubbed his chin, still covered with two days of stubble. It was starting to itch. 

After a heavy sigh, Chief answered, “What Fred has against Kelly, goes back to before she was ever born. I know it sounds crazy, and I’d like to explain it all to you... I just don’t think I can go back through it all again, not right now.” Chief regarded Dobbs closely. “But you were there–back then, when all this...this...shit really began.  When I am ready, Frank, I would like to discuss it with you- maybe over a couple of beers at Elly’s. I’d value your opinion.”

Dobbs sensed the depth of what Chief was trying to say, as well as Chief’s disconsolation. A vibe of wretchedness and misery Chief had been unable to shake since his education by Fred’s prison psychologist. It was the wrong time to pry. 

“Then the danger is real, like we thought?”

“The danger is incredible. He wants her. He intends to kill her, and nothing is going to stand in his way. If you want to back out of this, I’ll certainly understand. You’re putting yourself and Billy in danger just by watching my daughter.”

Dobbs stood up from his chair and wandered to the plate-glass window. From where he stood he could see his son communicating with little Kelly Broden. She was Billy’s only friend. She had spoken on his behalf in court, to a room full of people who didn’t want to hear what she had to say. She had courage that went beyond her years. And above all else she understood his son.

Dobbs turned from the window and fixed his eyes on Chief. “She’s a special one, that,” he said nodding out his window. “They’re good together, her and Billy. I mean they actually talk...Billy never has to work so hard.” Dobbs leaned all his weight against the wall to the right of the window. “She didn’t turn her back on him when the whole town did, Bob. You let her on the stand knowing there could be a risk to her, maybe send her back inside herself. She did it, as you did, because you knew it was my boy’s only hope. Now, how could I possibly turn my back on her...or you?”

Dobbs walked back to his chair and sat down. His eyes were riveted on Chief Broden. “I suspected, as did the others, there was danger. We saw what he done to the Crawford girl. Tom Crawford especially understands. We’re with you Chief. If that bastard makes a move against her, I swear it will be the last attempted move he ever makes. I got two loaded barrels ready and waiting on him.”

“I really do appreciate that Frank. Just so you know the risk. I’m going to turn down the offers from the men with children who live outside the town limits. I know Fred would stay clear of town. He’s too much like an animal now. He’s playing this as a predator. I’d hate to see someone’s child hurt through all of this.”

Dobbs nodded. “I think you’re right,” he agreed. “Though I do know a certain red-headed boy that’s going to be mighty upset.”

“There’s also the problem with schooling I’ll need to work out.”

Dobbs looked up. “We’ve worked out a guard to be placed on the school, Bob. Porter will have the details to you by tonight.”

“You’ve covered the bases, Frank.”

“We’ve been working on it since yesterday. However, I just want you to know that if you are ever strapped for someone to look after her, you can bring her here. Even without notice.”

Chief smiled at his friend. “Thank you, Frank, but I honestly don’t think you know what you are letting yourself in for.”

The phone rang from the kitchen and Dobbs excused himself only to reemerge moments later. “Bob, it’s for you,” he said. He looked reflective. “Says he’s Sergeant Moss.”

“Meriwether Moss,” Chief said into the receiver, amusement in his voice. “So how’d an old buzzard like you track me down?”

“Let’s see, Rob,” answered a gruff voice, also laced with humor. “First called your office, no answer ... then I asked the operator to transfer me to your home number ... talked to your daughter– she sounds pretty by the way–she gave me this number. I’m just glad you’re still there.”

The humor left Moss’s tone completely with his next statement. “Bob,” he said softly. “There’s something here you need to see.”

“What is it?”

“I’d rather not discuss it on the phone...” Moss broke off. Chief could still hear him breathing so he knew the connection was not broken.

“Mort, what is it?” Chief’s voice gained alarm. Mike heard it from his chair in the other room. Footsteps on the wooden floor brought the deputy behind him.

Chief looked at him as he entered the kitchen. There was concern in the young man’s face. “What is it?” he whispered.

Chief shook his head to indicate he didn’t know yet; his ear remained plastered to the telephone receiver.

“Mort?”

“There’s been another killing ... Bob. You better get down here.”

“Where?”

“There’s a dirt road that cuts off from highway 30. It’s just past where Duncanville crosses the highway. Keep a steady watch for it or you’ll miss it. The road’s called Gables.”

“I know it,” Chief answered. “Is it another depot man?”

“Bob.... Just get your ass down here ... and bring that deputy of yours. I like the way he operates.”

There was a click and the line went dead. Chief stared at the receiver before hanging it on its hook. He turned to Mike.

“What is it?” asked the deputy.

“Another body.”

Chief walked steadily through the cabin to the back door. He looked out from the porch expecting to see his daughter and Billy at the kennels. Both were nowhere to be seen. Nothing in Chief’s experience as a parent prepared him for the emotions and thoughts that raced through his mind. Images of the worst kind: Blackney carting her away, mutilating her. Chief’s pulse quickened and his heart beat furiously.

“Kelly!” he hollered into the empty yard. He could feel Mike and Coach standing behind him. He turned and looked at the others. Their faces matched his own. “Shit!” he said to himself. “Kelly!” he yelled again.

“I’m up here, Chief,” answered his daughter in a small voice. He turned in her direction and saw her outlined in the window of the Dobbs’ hayloft. “I’m okay, Chief.”

“Get down here!” he shouted, not hiding an ounce of his anger.

She backed away from the window. Minutes later she was walking through the barn door, Billy at her side. There was genuine fear in her eyes. Good!

Chief held his tongue behind a clenched jaw until she was with him on the steps. 

Then he let it go, “I thought I told you to remain in plain sight! In the open!”

“I know, Chief. But–”

“No buts, Kelly. You know better. When I tell you to do something I expect you to do it. Do I make myself clear?”

Tears welled into the child’s eyes as she nodded. “But Chief–”

“Mike and I have to leave now,” Chief glanced at Dobbs before returning to his daughter. “You’d better not worry Coach the way you worried me,” he went on. Anger remained an integral part of his voice and bearing. “If I hear of it, you’ll get a spanking. Do you understand?”

“Yessir–but I was with Billy,” she said as fast as possible in order to be heard.

Chief glared. He again glanced at Dobbs before turning back to Kelly. His voice lost some of its edge. “I realize that, Kelly. But I don’t think Billy understands the danger you are in the way Coach does. I don’t think he’ll be able to help you if it comes down to...” Chief took a deep breath. “To killing.”

“I’m sorry,” she whispered, her eyes still filled with tears. “I’m sorry I made you worry, Daddy.”

“You think I’m being too hard on you?” he added. It was cruel, but she had to be made to understand. “Let me tell you something, that tiger would be far worse.”

Kelly’s eyes widened. Chief knew now she understood.

He held out his arms for her. When she approached the hug, he held her securely. She was shaking slightly, her own arms holding him tightly.

“I’m sorry to scare you, pumpkin,” he whispered in her ear, “but you have to understand why you need to be so careful. You know what it’s all about. You know you won’t survive any mistakes. Don’t make any, baby. I can’t afford to lose you.”

“I love you too, Daddy,” she whispered back in his ear.

Chief left his daughter in the capable hands of Coach Dobbs.  He and Mike strode to the truck parked squarely in the drive and after checking on the dogs, making sure they were tied down securely, both men climbed into the cab.

Kelly watched her father drive away. Only when the truck was completely out of sight did she, Billy and Coach return to the back yard with Hoover following.

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