Beastly Winter — Chapter 5

Westhaven Sheriff William Harris stepped from his unmarked vehicle, rested an arm upon its open door. He scowled up at the moisture-laden clouds that had unleashed a cold drizzle. Sleet and snow were possible as the latest front moved in, if you believed the local weatherman.

He lowered his steady gaze to look across the car roof. Will’s frown deepened. He bent for his Stetson on the front seat, fitted it snugly upon his head, walked toward the rain-darkened house. The wood-frame structure hunkered in the gloom, as if weeping tears for the woman inside.

Sonny Catlin’s mother opened the front door. The sheriff stood uncertainly at the bottom of the porch steps, looking up into fevered eyes. Like those of caged animals that, should there be no other escape, would slash and claw in panicky determination to get past you to freedom.

Her shoulders slumped as she observed his empty hands. The mad light left her eyes, replaced by something worse: acceptance.

“Sheriff. You didn’t find him.”

Will realized she hadn’t asked a question, simply stated the obvious.

“No Ma’am, not yet. But there’s some good men out looking. Quincy Easton from over Somerville, Keith Yancey and Van Unsel from the fire station, and Manny Franklin from the Water Department. They know these woods as good as…