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muck. He did not resist as he was hustled into the woodsand heard what sounded like a strangled cry coming from there. He could barely see through his pain, but from somewhere just ahead a black form splintered into the moonlight. The man who had shot Terry. He was moving in a stumpy shuffle. His right arm was raised halfway from his side, the gun with the silencer still in one hand. At first Calvin couldn't take in what was odd about his appearance. Until the man collapsed to his knees just feet away. |
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His left arm was missing. |
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"Jesus Christ!" Raiders rushed over to the guy. |
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Suddenly the grip on Calvin broke, and everything went surreal. As Calvin turned around, the gunman appeared to be driven headlong into the trunk of a huge oak. Calvin could hear the sickening crack of his skull. There was a vague movement in the black shadows where he fell. Then a low, grating, animal-like sound. Something dark receded into the trees. There were two muffled shots at the retreating figure, then Raiders took off after it into the trees. Calvin tried to get to his feet but was dazed from blood loss. He turned, just in time to see the monitor lower his gun to finish him off. Calvin rolled back his head to receive the bullet straight on. "Get it over with" |
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The moment was fractured by a shriek. Raider's. |
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From the other side of the pool, a shape rushed across the moonlit lawn. There were two bursts of gunfire from the monitor but the figure still came, and in a flash Calvin saw it swipe at the man's head, saw him fold backward on his legs, his head at a broken angle. |
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The figure staggered into the woods. |
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And a nightmare afterimage filled Calvin's mind. |
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As if through a mist of unreality, Calvin saw Terry step into the moonlight from the woods. |
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Her voice scated chillingly, "Matteeee . . ." |
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