Chapter 3: The Night Shift and the Danger

Robert arrived later that evening, carrying the scent of woodsmoke and a bucket of fried chicken for dinner. The mood in the house felt momentarily lighter, the warmth of the food masking the cold shadows of the canyon, until the conversation inevitably drifted back to the day’s grim discoveries.

"So, Uncle," Tyler asked, leaning forward over the table. "Did you find any clues today?"

Robert sighed, the lines on his face deepening under the kitchen light. "How did you know about that?" he asked, his voice weary and thick with exhaustion. When Tyler mentioned the radio, Robert shook his head. "Well, no. We're nowhere close. It’s like we’re chasing ghosts in the brush."

"We heard about Mr. Becker," Dylan said, reaching for a chicken wing but keeping his eyes on his father.

"The scene was a nightmare," Robert muttered, staring blankly at the wall. "He was a big-game hunter—a man who knew these woods better than anyone. His son is a wreck. He keeps shouting that no animal could have done it. He says it was something... something else."

"The poor boy," Melissa said softly, her appetite vanishing as she pushed her plate away.

Robert looked at his son, his expression turning stern. "The tracks we found... they weren't human, Dylan. But they weren't entirely canine, either. They were massive, deep-set in the mud. Whatever this is, it’s incredibly strong and fast."

He turned his gaze toward Melissa, his voice dropping an octave. "You need to keep the blinds closed at night. Don’t go into the garden after dark for any reason, and keep the deadbolts locked."

Melissa nodded, her face turning a sickly shade of pale in the dim light.

"I have to head out for the night shift," Robert said, pushing his chair back. The floorboards creaked under his weight. "Melissa, can you watch Dylan? Scarlett is still at her father's place for the week."

"Don't worry, Robert. I'll look after him," Melissa promised, her voice trembling slightly. "Just... call me when your shift ends. I need to know you're safe."

"I promise," Robert said, offering a small, reassuring smile as he reached the door. He paused and looked back at the boys. "And you two—don't disturb my 'new sister' Melissa, or you'll have to answer to me when I get back. Understood?"

"Understood," they chimed in unison.

As soon as the Jeep’s taillights vanished down the drive, Melissa moved with a sudden, frantic energy. She pulled the thick curtains shut, overlapping them to ensure not even a sliver of the night could peek through. She killed the TV, plunged the downstairs into a protective gloom, and ushered the boys upstairs.

They lay in the dark of Tyler’s new room, the silence of the canyon pressing against the walls like a physical weight. Outside, the wind hissed through the trees, sounding uncomfortably like a long, low growl.

"Good night, Tyler," Dylan whispered into the darkness.

"Good night, Dylan," Tyler replied, his eyes fixed on the window behind the curtain, waiting for a sound he hoped he wouldn't hear.

...*****...

Has Robert

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***