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There was something there, all right. I didn't so much see it as feel it. It was too brief, like a sudden cold chill, there and yet not there. |
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"That you, Harlan?" Jake barked. |
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There was no answer, only the sound of a small branch snapping. |
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I suppose it was the culmination of everything, of rubbing the already frayed fibers of the fearful mind, of the subtle sound in the trees overhead, of the otherwise eerie silence, of the perceptions of fearbut suddenly it was reality. The night was shattered by an almost cannonlike roar. Bolts of orange flashed out like a snake's tongue, piercing the gray blanket and slamming into their target. There were shouts, frenzied footsteps, confusion. The young man beside Madden had fired four times; now he was transfixed. |
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"There it is again," the boy shrieked. |
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"I didn't see nothin'," another protested. |
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Madden took a step forward. "Damn it, Harlan, if you're in there, you better say somethin'." |
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The silence was only punctuated by labored breathing. |
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"Tommy," Jake snarled, "get your butt over here." |
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Both of the boys sidled up to Madden. |
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"Show me where," he challenged. |
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There was something there, all rightan |
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