The Wolf's Daughter (The Tala Chronicles 1)

by La Barbera, Patricia

  Tala climbed into bed. She should have taken Edgar up on his offer of the gun. But no, she’d be in even greater danger with it if someone used it against her.

  Her foot hurt more than usual. Would she be able to walk deep into the forest? Tala had to admit Edgar was right. It wasn’t a good idea, but at least she didn’t need the crutches anymore, and she could put partial weight on her foot. Besides, unique circumstances called for out-of-the-ordinary action.

  Her cell phone ringing jangled her nerves. She reached for it on the nightstand.

  “Tala?”

  “Vanessa?” She looked at the clock. “It’s a little late.”

  “Sorry, but I just had to tell you. Lock your doors and windows. Lucy just told me Vinnie was released today.”

  “Believe me, Vanessa, they’re locked. Oh, by the way, Maeve cornered a rat tonight in the kitchen, and Edgar came over and shot it.”

  “Gross! You’re lucky he was willing to do that.”

  “Yes, and I asked him why he was being so nice to me. He said I reminded him of his daughter. Did you know that Jenny Bolton, the murdered woman, was his daughter?”

  “Yes.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “Tala, I just didn’t think about it. Listen, I probably can’t talk you out of going on your little caper tomorrow, but—”

  “No, you can’t talk me out of it.”

  “Oh, I saved the best for last. Matt was brought in for questioning today.”

  “Poor Matt. I hope he’s not guilty. I just can’t get over him, Vanessa.”

  “I know, but it doesn’t help that everyone in the restaurant saw his odd behavior that night.”

  “I can’t argue with that. Vanessa, I have to go. I’m falling asleep.”

  “Okay. Please be careful tomorrow. Call me while you’re on the trail, and let me know you’re all right.”

  “Sure.”

  Tala drifted off into a sleep interrupted by her flopping from side to side, unable to get comfortable. Maeve purred loudly, pressed up against her back, whichever side she was on. The clock registered two fifteen. Tala almost took a pill, but the need for morning alertness won out.

  The next thing she knew, she was walking through the woods. She could barely see in front of her, the fog was so thick.

  “Stay close to me.” It was Edgar’s voice.

  Tala stumbled, and he reached back and helped her up. They walked a little more before twigs cracked near them.

  The sky grew darker. Then wolves surrounded them, about three times the usual size. Their bloodied fangs exposed, they stared with eyes from hell, glowing red. The largest approached. So close, the hot breath on her face. The wolf leaped, fangs sinking into her neck. “Edgar!”

  Tala woke to the sound of Maeve growling. The room had become a black cave.

  Then a slight sound like footsteps from the stairs. She grabbed her cell phone. Opening it resulted in feeble light. Someone stood in the doorway. The intruder wore a black ski mask...and had a knife in his hand.

  Tala dialed 911 and scrambled to get out of bed on the opposite side, dropping the phone in the process. Darkness overtook the room again, and hands grabbed her.

  She pulled away and found the phone. Tala screamed, “Help.”

  “What is the nature of your emer—”

  “Help!”

  “Get it off me,” the intruder yelled. “Get it off me.”

  Maeve yowled and spat with the sounds of a struggle unmistakable. Then a noise as though Maeve had fallen. Then footsteps pounded down the stairs.

  “Maeve.” A little mew answered her. “Oh no, you’re hurt.” She scrounged around for the phone.

  The dispatcher said a squad car was on its way. In what seemed like hours, the police car drove up. She used her phone again for light and went downstairs to let them in.

  “I won’t answer any questions until you make sure my cat gets medical assistance.”

  The officers called an emergency vet clinic that would pick Maeve up. The EMTs then arrived and tried to get Tala to the hospital.

  “No, I’m not going. I’m fine.”

  She cried when the vet’s emergency van took Maeve. The police then asked her what happened. She told them, having to stop intermittently, realizing then how upset she was.

  “He cut the wires to the house and then broke into the window in the kitchen,” the dark-haired officer said. “I know someone who would probably help you with fixing that window right now. Do you want me to call him?”

  The doorbell rang fifteen minutes later, and Edgar walked in.

  “Edgar, you came to my rescue again.”

  The cop said, “Hey Edgar, still saving the world, huh?”

  “All in a day’s work, Harry.”

  Edgar took tools out of his bag and while measuring the window said to Tala, “You’d better try to get some sleep. I’ll let the police out and make sure the door’s locked.”

  Tala rubbed her face. “No, I’ll be okay. I don’t think I can sleep tonight, anyway.”

  Edgar looked at her as though he wanted to say something. Finally, he said, “Tala, I think we should forget about the trip tomorrow. Not just because of tonight. I saw the owls on my way over here. I think they’re trying to warn me.”

  Tala shook her head. “I just have trouble believing in that, but if you don’t want to go, I certainly understand. I’m worried about Maeve, too. The intruder injured her, although probably not as much as she injured him.”

  Edgar smiled. “I’ll think about it tonight and pray for a dream that will tell me what we should do.” He went back to fixing the window.

  “Okay, we’re done here,” one of the officers said.

  Tala thanked them and walked them to the door.

  She went back into the kitchen and searched the pantry. “Oh no!”

  Edgar turned around. “What is it?”

  “The diary is missing.” She sank down in the chair. “Why would he take the diary?”

  “I guess you’re not the only one who has questions about Gregory.”

  “But how would anyone know about the diary? Well, I’m answering my own question. My mother. She must have told someone. And I bet that someone is Willis Sharp.”

  “We have no proof of that.”

  Tala shrugged her shoulders. “Who else could it be?”

  Edgar shook his head. “This trek is getting more and more interesting.”

  “Well, are you on?”

  “I’ll let you know after the dream.”

  ***

  Edgar picked up the dream catcher his father had given him. It had been in the family for longer than anyone could remember. He ran his hand lightly over the willow hoop, and touched the moonstone in the center of it. Three owl feathers hung from the frame.

  He sat at the side of his single bed. He’d made his peace with the loss of his daughter a long time ago. Tala reminded him so much of her that he wanted to help her. And protect her.

  What if Gregory had killed his daughter? He’d never believed it, and if he had, he would have gone into the woods a long time ago. Yet what if it were true? In his long life, he had seen many things that surprised him.

  He and Tala weren’t the first people to search out the cabin. The police had investigated after the murder. No sign of Gregory. If he were still alive, he was most likely living in the woods, only using the cottage intermittently. Evidently, he had learned well the art of survival without detection—animal skills.

  Edgar lay down and put the dream catcher on his chest. He closed his eyes. Then night birds called under the full moon.

  He walked through the woods, the trees, black signs telling him to go back, their snakelike branches held out in warning. He kept walking. Did he just imagine footsteps behind him? He stopped and looked around. The noise disappeared, and he continued. Then the snap of twigs made him stop again. “Who’s there?” Nothing. “Who’s there?”

  Only the silence answered him.

 
; Then from behind, something clawed his back and fangs plunged deeply into his neck.

  Edgar woke with sweat running down his face. A crushing weight on his chest. He dialed 911.

  Chapter Nine

  Tala paced in the kitchen that smelled like burned coffee. She glanced every few seconds at the clock with the yellowed plastic frame. It was six already. Where was he? She’d called him five times. The leprous green walls closed in on her. If he didn’t show up in ten minutes, she’d leave without him.

  Tala punched in Vanessa’s numbers. “Hey, I need a big favor. Will you look after Maeve? She was injured last night by an intruder.”

  “What? Wait a minute. Back up. What intruder?” Vanessa’s sleepy voice became clearer with each word.

  Tala told her about the night’s happenings and gave her the phone number of the vet’s office. “Hold on, I’m getting another call.”

  “Is this Tala Martin?”

  “Yes.”

  “This is Edgar Owl’s nurse at St. Francis Hospital. He wanted you to know he’s in ICU and had a heart attack.”

  “Oh my gosh, what room is he in?”

  “I’m sorry, but the doctor doesn’t want him to have any visitors yet…or phone calls. I’ll let you know when it’s okay, though.”

  “Please tell Edgar I’m so sorry, and I hope he’s feeling well soon.”

  Back with Vanessa, Tala told her of the new development.

  “This is getting more and more complicated. I hope you’re not even thinking about going into the woods by yourself.” Vanessa used her serious adult voice.

  “Don’t lecture me, Vanessa. And yes, that’s exactly what I’m thinking of.”

  “But you were never even a Girl Scout. And your foot isn’t completely healed. So, you’ll be limping around. The whole idea is crazy.”

  “It’s the only way. I just have this strange feeling that I’m running out of time.”

  “But how are you going to find the cottage?”

  “I have the rough map Edgar drew after we talked to Gunther. Besides, Gregory is probably not in the cottage. It’s more a case of his finding me.”

  “Oh, that makes me feel so much better. Tala, I think you’re really losing it.”

  “Thanks for your concern, but it’s the only way. I’m tired of secrets, and I want to help Matt. I’m willing to risk the consequences.”

  “Just make sure you keep in touch with me.”

  Tala assured Vanessa she would and then put on her backpack. She took a deep breath and walked outside. Each time she breathed in the cold air, ghosts escaped from her mouth. The knots of the blackthorn tree stared at her. She hurried past it. When she went by Debbie’s house, pang of sorrow coursed through her…along with a stab of fear.

  The woods started three blocks from the house. As soon as Tala entered them, the atmosphere changed. It wasn’t just the temperature. An aura surrounded her. It heightened her senses. Fear and energy surged through her at the same time. She hobbled over to a boulder. Was it the one from the map? Tala explored its rough surface with her fingertips, outlining a faded etching. If she squinted, she could almost see the amulet’s design—a fierce animal with threatening fangs.

  Each snapping twig made her jump. After walking for about three hours, she reached a brook whose black water bubbled like liquid in a witch’s cauldron. The narrow brook, however, proved easy to cross on the large flat stones.

  She reached the other side and a different sound than the gurgling water thundered through her ears—a growl. She sniffed. A different odor, maybe from an animal. Or animals. The bushes about twenty yards ahead of her shook. Her heart invaded her throat, and she tried to stay perfectly still. Then she reached into her pocket for her cell phone, realizing what a waste of time calling anyone would be. Whatever lurked would get her before help arrived.

  The bushes quieted, and the growling stopped. Then stronger rustling made her strain to see its source. Had she glimpsed dark fur? The rustling sounds became softer. Convinced of the retreat, Tala stayed quiet for a long time anyway. But would it return?

  Pine trees stood like bars blocking her path. A carving on one caught her eye—the same beast on the amulet. And then a narrow trail overgrown with thorny bushes stretched ahead of her. The wolf trail Gunther mentioned? She hoped so.

  Through the tree canopy meager sunlight prevailed. What time was it? She checked her cell phone. Past nine. How long would it take to reach the cottage? A desperate hope—that it would be before darkness moved in. But she also feared staying there at night, whether or not she found Gregory. And her black-booted foot made her move half as quickly as anyone else could.

  ***

  Willis Sharp smiled as he opened the diary, but he said to Tony, “You idiot. I shouldn’t even pay you. You didn’t get the amulet, and you didn’t finish her off. Then again, I suppose it’s my fault for sending in a boy to do a man’s job.”

  “Hey, I didn’t know there was a cat in the house, or I wouldn’t have taken the job. Look at my face. It scratched me right through the ski mask.” Angry red lines and scabs covered his face.” I have a thing about cats. I can’t help it. One attacked me when I was a kid. It was so bad, I wound up in the hospital, and it had rabies. I had to get those shots. The really painful ones.”

  Sharp handed him an envelope. “Quit sniveling and get the hell out of here.” He shook his head. “Idiot.”

  After Tony left, Sharp turned his attention back to the diary, half of what he wanted. He’d given Tala’s mother all that money just for that and the amulet, which he swore he’d get one day, too.

  ***

  Tala’s cell phone rang. “Hello.”

  “Oh, thank God, you’re all right.”

  She recognized Vanessa’s nervous voice. “Yes, I’m okay, but my foot is really starting to bother me.”

  “Why would that be a surprise? Maybe you should just turn back.”

  “I can’t, Vanessa.”

  “It’s just too dangerous.” Her voice leaped in decibels. “What if Gregory is a nut job? No, I take that back. Gregory is a nut job. And wolves are probably in the woods, too.” She let out a loud sigh. “You know what wolves are, right? They’re not cuddly dogs. They travel in packs. Wild animals that would be delighted to eat you for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Or a snack.”

  “I can’t go on living my life without answers, especially since I know now that Matt will always be the one I love. And if I can find a solution to what happens when we’re together, maybe then he’ll feel the same way about me.”

  When she stumbled upon a cabin, grayed from the elements, Tala ended the call in the middle of Vanessa’s pleading. She inched toward it. Did anyone live there? No similarity to the one in the picture. Tala walked up the sagging stairs anyway, wincing as each ancient board creaked. The dusty windows blocked the interior view. She eyed the weathered door and knocked. When she received no response, she banged on it. Tala sighed and tried shoving the door, opening it a crack. “Anyone here?”

  Silence answered her call, so she pushed the door open all the way. It took a moment for her eyes to adjust to the darkness. Then Tala put her hand over her mouth to stifle a scream.

  ***

  Although he’d never admit it to Tony, the money he’d paid him had been worth it to get the diary and find out who knew the cottage’s location. Sharp crossed the brook and walked purposefully in the direction he had gleaned from his own little talk with Gunther. He shook his head. Even though Tony had botched the job, you’d think she’d be scared away. He had to find Gregory before she did—and he knew she’d try, was probably in the woods already. He reached inside his jacket. The gun in its holster gave him confidence. He could finish what Tony started.

  Chapter Ten

  The skeleton lay in pieces. A broken window loomed over it. What had caused the person’s death? Should she call the police? But that would delay everything, and anyway, the skeleton must have been there for a very long time. Tala hoped the skeleto
n wasn’t what was left of Gregory.

  She backed away and left the cabin. The fog had lifted, and the sun was a welcome companion. She scanned the map again. Edgar had drawn what looked like a stream. She headed in its direction.

  The noise of the stream reached her before she got to it. The current surprised her. Rocks she possibly could cross dotted the surface. But if she slipped—she wouldn’t think about the consequences.

  She stood on the bank, planning her course. The rocks seemed large enough, but water slicked them. And then…noises behind her. Twigs cracked. Footsteps?

  Tala had to make a move. She gingerly stepped on the first rock, almost losing her balance. She stretched her leg onto the next one. The following rock was farther away than the others. The water swirled around her.

  “Tala.”

  She looked back. Willis Sharp.

  Tala took out her cell phone, but when she jumped to the next rock, she dropped the phone in the water. She was in the middle of the stream now. She desperately scrambled onto the next two rocks. There was only one left. She had to jump again. When she did, she slipped off the rock and was up to her hips in water.

  A loud bang ripped through the air. Tala turned. Sharp pointed a gun. She tried to climb onto the bank, but it was too steep. She slid back down. Another shot rang out. She struggled to walk in the water, the mud pulling her down with each step. She reached a lower bank. Tala grabbed on to an old tree root.

  Exhausted, she tried to catch her breath. Then she thought about Matt, and adrenaline surged through her. She pulled with all her strength, finally reaching the top of the bank. A splash made Tala look back. Sharp sprawled on a rock, his lower body in the water and blood on his face.

  She didn’t wait around to investigate but hurried away from the stream. Tala changed out of her wet clothes. The cold had forced its way into her bones, but she sat for a while on a large rock bathed in sunlight. What now? The stream had been the last of Gunther’s clues, and she hadn’t seen anything again resembling a trail, overgrown or not. Maybe if she just kept walking, Gregory would find her.