While Sandra sat quietly in the barn, she thought she heard a deep growl. As she carefully listened, she noticed that it was coming from outside the wall near her. Sandra held her breath and sat completely still. She hoped that whatever was out there wouldn’t find her. The growl also followed with some sniffs moved along the base of wall. What seemed like an eternity to Sandra, the growling thing finally left and Sandra exhaled with relief. Sandra looked at her cellphone and saw that it was only two in the morning. This is going to be a long night, she thought. She then leaned her head back against the barn wall and closed her eyes.
After searching for a while around the barn, Eileen got tired of hunting and turned back into her human form. She sat down on the steps of the front porch and waited for John. John, still in his wolf-like form, sniffed around the whole front yard and then moved on to the backyard. He nosed through all the bushes and looked up at all the trees but couldn’t find his prize. I must be losing my sense of smell, he thought. As John made his way into the garden, he sniffed the air. He smelled the faint scent of blood and decided to search for the cause of it.
While Duncan sat on the bench in the garden enjoying the moonlight, he noticed John nosing around. So, before John could find Charley, Duncan flew up and then landed about ten feet in front of him.
“Have you lost your way sir? Your hunting ground is back by the house,” Duncan pointed.
John growled at Duncan but then turned around and walked the other way. Even though he could rip Duncan to shreds, John respectfully knew that he should leave. So, he left the garden and searched a portion of the woods but lost all scents. John then decided to change back into human form and head back to the house.
In the meantime, Harold got back home after driving up and down the highway looking for Sandra. When Harold pulled up to the house, he saw Eileen sitting on the steps with partially torn clothes.
“Did you guys find your prize, because I searched for her on the highway and couldn’t find her,” Harold said.
“No, but Johns still looking for her.”
“Would you like to go back inside? We have roasted pig,” Harold looked at Eileen.
“No, I’ll just wait for John.”
“Okay, I’m sorry I lost her though,” Harold walked up onto the porch.
Eileen looked at her dirty hands and then brushed them off on her pants. John is not going to be happy if he doesn’t find his prize, she thought.
Harold walked into the house and called out for Virginia. He found her in the kitchen finishing the last of the champagne.
“Did you find her?” Virginia looked at Harold.
“No dear, I didn’t.”
“Well, you know what this means right?” Virginia staggered over to Harold.
“I know that we won’t get paid from John this time,” Harold took a step back.
“That’s right and my reputation for great hunting parties could be ruined.”
“Well, in my defense, I asked you about drugging that girl again,” Harold stepped back again.
Virginia glared at Harold and then turned away, “yes, yes you did.”
All of a sudden, Harold and Virginia heard John yell as he entered the parlor from the back patio.
“Where is my prize? I’m hungry and I’m tired.”
Virginia quickly put some roasted pork on a plate and carried it out of the kitchen. As she headed toward the parlor, she ran into John.
“Would you like some roasted pig John?” Virginia held the plate out to him.
John looked at the mounded pile of pork and then looked at Virginia. He then took a small piece and ate it.
“Well, I guess it’s better than nothing,” John took the plate from Virginia.
Virginia smiled and asked if he would like to dine in the dining room or parlor. John turned around and headed back to the parlor with his plate of pork.
Harold walked up behind Virginia and whispered, “that was a close call.”
“That’s why my dear, you always need a backup plan,” Virginia smirked.
Please join me again for Chapter 13 and the conclusion of: The Guests.