Beastly Winter — Chapter 7

In the storm front’s failing light, an uneasy wind searched the bushes and licked the underbrush, turning dead leaves to gnaw at hidden secrets.

Will stepped into a clearing, pausing to drink coffee from the thermos slung around his neck. A brown rabbit hopped from a side path. As surprised as Will, it turned, kicked its hind legs into the air, and disappeared. It was the first sign of life in the last hour.

This morning’s drizzle ended shortly after beginning. However, the temperature continued to drop. Now down into the teens, it made the child’s survival unlikely.

Will looked curiously at the trash on the ground. His breath caught as he noticed the scattered bones. He squatted to examine them and was relieved to discover they weren’t human remains. Carnivores had consumed dozens of smaller prey, turning this spot into its personal killing ground. A feral odor permeated and endured.

He stood, patting his gloves together. The radio on his belt crackled to life. He lifted it and keyed the mike.

“Yeah, Lily.”

“Hi, Sheriff. Couple of things. Nola Thompson pressed charges, so Deputy Zellner is gone to pick up Lance. Why I called, though, Mr. Humphrey over at Knight’s Inn phoned.” Astonishment seasoned her usually laconic manner. “Will, Charlie says he found a dead man in…