The Beast of Bracksley Woods

by Doreen Hayward

  “Yu don’t fool me,” Greg answered, “It’s because of Danny you’re going looking for that maniac, Kevin O’Sullivan,” Greg said. “Just try not to get yourself into any trouble and land up in casualty again. You know what I think? You are just a typical pig-headed stubborn Irishman,” Greg said with feeling his voice rising in anticipation of trouble to come.

  Kevin was as good as his word. He spent an uncomfortable night in the woods until the early hours of the morning. By the time he gave up and decided to go home, he was very stiff, cold and tired. As he climbed into his van his thoughts turned to Danny. He was missing his old companion badly. Paul had phoned to say that Danny was doing alright which meant he didn’t need to worry too much. He trusted Paul completely. For a moment his thoughts focused on Paul briefly. He counted Paul as one of his best friends and the fact that he would soon be leaving the area was news he didn’t want to hear. They had become good friends ever since he took over the practise in Bedford from old Sid Price. He knew he was going to miss Paul when he left. He had always thought that Paul was content to work in a town like Bedford and it was beyond him to figure out the sudden decision to up sticks and not only leave the county but to leave the country. The prospect of Angela taking over did not please him. He did not like Angela. She treated him with the utmost disdain. Furthermore, he suspected that as soon as the coast was clear, she would withdraw the support for the RSPCA that Paul had always given him. Still, one door shuts and another door opens he thought philosophically as he started to drive the short distance to his cottage. It was then that he spotted the van tucked away in a clump of trees well hidden from the road.

  Aha, now why should someone be hiding in there? Could it be that he had found me laddo he had been hunting all night? he thought with a feeling of growing excitement. His training had taught him to always be observant taking in all things around him.

  No wonder he hadn’t found him during the night. The poacher hadn’t got his dog with him and Kevin knew where his dog was, didn’t he? Had he not been so alert he could easily have missed the van, it had been well hidden.

  As luck would have it, the van started to move out onto the road well in front of him. With a growing feeling of excitement, he started to follow staying back allowing it to get ahead but not out of sight. Kevin hoped that the poacher would lead him to where the gang were keeping their dogs. If so he could inform the police of their whereabouts. In spite of feeling cold, hungry and tired, he decided not to put the heater on. That would only make him feel more drowsy and he needed to stay alert. They headed towards the A6 Kevin keeping well behind. They turned off at Barton-in-the-clay and headed up to Hitchin.

  The van turned off the main road and disappeared up a farm track. When Kevin drew near enough to glance in the direction the van had taken, he spotted the small notice announcing Parkins Farm, with an arrow pointing in the direction of the farm track the van had taken. He noticed how narrow and how overgrown the hedges were on each side, not to mention the rutted state of the track itself. He therefore decided that any further investigating would have to be made on foot.

  Feeling utterly weary Kevin decided to go back home, have some breakfast and get some sleep. He would come back later to do his snooping. If his suspicions were correct and his quarry had led him to the place where they kept the fighting dogs, he would then decide whether it was worth reporting to the police. Having made up his mind he climbed back into his van and headed off home.

  By the time Kevin got back darkness had fallen but the moon was up and bright. The April evening had a chill in the air but the skies were clear and the stars were twinkling above which meant at least he wouldn’t get wet. He made his way up the uneven track the high hedges practically blocking out any light the moon gave.

  The track seemed never ending as he trudged along but finally he could see lights ahead of him and he could also hear the frantic barking of dogs. He crept forward more cautiously trying to remain in the shadows. Now he could see plenty of light ahead and figures moving about a farm yard. The men had sticks in their hands and there appeared to be two dogs tearing each other apart. The men were shouting and waving the sticks around. Every now and then he saw a stick raised and brought down on the two dogs fighting.

  “Holy Mary,” Kevin swore, “how the hell was he going to stop this barbarous practice!” He stood rooted to the ground watching in horror as the men shouted and the dogs yelped every time they brought their sticks down on them as they fought each other with angry snarls and vicious bites. He could just about see a large black and tan dog with a short tail which he thought was a Rottweiler obviously getting the better of a German Shepherd dog which it had pinned to the ground. It seemed to be the German shepherd that was being beaten to make it get up and fight. Kevin wanted to rush into the middle of the men and beat them with their own sticks, this sort of thing made him so angry. What made these people act so cruelly to dumb animals? He asked himself not for the first time.

  It would be stupid to rush in among those hot heads he would be outnumbered for a start and probably get hurt into the bargain he decided. The sensible thing to do would be to report it to the police as soon as possible and let them break it up. That way the RSPCA would be able to prosecute. He drew back into the shadows and retraced his steps further down the track. He pulled out his mobile phone but found he couldn’t get a signal. “To hell with this,” he spat angrily as he tried again. Too late he heard a step behind him. Something heavy hit him on the head and he fell into darkness.

  The man left Kevin on the track where he had found him and went back to speak to one of the other men. “I just caught someone being nosy boss,” he said. “I’ve slugged him so he won’t get up and walk for a little while. You’d better take a look.” He led the boss to where he had left Kevin. The boss peered down at him. “Fuck me, if it isn’t the RSPCA Inspector! He must have followed me here. Tie him up and put him in the house. We’ll dispose of him later. You had better search him in case he’s armed and you had better find his mobile,” he instructed. “Tell the boys to pack it in just in case he managed to get a message through on his mobile and there are any visitors on the way,” he said turning back.

  “Is he the one who’s got your dog?” the man asked. “No. That bugger picked him up and they took him to the Vets’ in Bedford. Don’t worry. I’ll get him out of there before we leave here. We’ll move off up north so tell the men to break camp and get loading.”

  “What do you want me to do about that bloke then?” the man asked again.

  “Stick him in the house but you better tie him up. Get one of the boys to help you move him. We’ll make a nice bonfire of the farmhouse before we leave, that ought to keep the buggers busy for a while. Anyhow, by the time the fire brigade get out here, it’ll be all over for that bloody snooper. Sweet dreams and fuckin’ good riddance that’s what I say,” the boss told his companion laughing heartily as he waved his hand towards the farmhouse. “Okay, I’ll tell the lads what’s ‘appened,” the man said cheerfully.

  When Kevin regained consciousness he found himself lying on the floor in what he presumed to be the kitchen of the farmhouse. The bright moon had disappeared and the place was now in darkness. As far as he could make out he had been dumped on an uncomfortably cold stone-flagged kitchen floor next to a wall was surrounded by rubbish. There was also a heavy smell of petrol in the air. Kevin could guess what that meant and gloomily took in his situation.

  “Oh! Holy Mary. My poor head,” he groaned.

  Somehow, he had to get away and contact the police, he thought desperately. He had to get his hands free before he could do anything else. He pushed himself into a sitting position by the wall but his head ached so much and he felt rather sick and dizzy that he almost fell back again. Gradually, the memory of how he had got where he was drifted back into his consciousness. His feet and hands were bound and the place was in darkness. Where were the dogs? He could hear no noise from them. They were quiet. There wasn’t a
bark to be heard. Somehow, he had to get out of there fast. Dear lord, please help me Kevin prayed silently. By the smell of things the gang were going to blow the place up with him in it. Gingerly, he shuffled his feet about and heard the rattle of an old tin. Holding it between his feet he pulled it towards him.

  Gradually, he managed to work it up near his back and lodge it against the wall. It took a tremendous effort to try and get his hands in a position over the jagged edge of the tin and slowly saw away the twine strand by strand until his hands were free. After that he freed his feet easily. Carefully, he stood up and got his balance. Groping his way round the walls at last he came to the back door. He tried to open it. The door was locked. My god they must have locked it and taken the key. Then his hand brushed the bolt just under the lock. He slid it back. Oh, sweet Jesus, he breathed a sigh of relief as he tried the door again. Praying silently and taking a deep breath he gently pulled the door open. There was dead silence. Keeping well in the shadows Kevin started to make his escape.

  Quietly he crept across an open yard where the dog fight had been taking place. He found the opening to the farm track and started down it. If he heard a vehicle coming towards him he would take a dive into the hedge before the lights reach him he thought. At last he could see the opening onto the main road and he began to hope that he had made it. Then he was out and running to where he had hidden the van. Kevin looked through his pockets. They seemed to have relieved him of everything including his car keys. Never mind, there was a spare in the glove compartment, Kevin remembered thanking god for giving him the presence of mind to keep a spare key. The only trouble was of course, he couldn’t open the door to get it. As far as he could see the only alternative was to smash a window and risk the alarm going off. Well, he was out in the countryside so no-one was going to hear it. He took his shoe off and hammered it into the window on the driver’s side. It shattered and he was able to put his hand through the hole and open the door. Kevin dealt with the alarm quickly and looked for his spare key. His head still hurt badly but the night air had cleared the head ache and the awful smell of petrol which he now discovered had been thrown onto the jacket he was wearing. He took it off and threw it at the back of the front seats. He had barely started the van when he noticed a vehicle coming up behind him at an alarming rate. The full headlights dazzled him. He just about registered that the vehicle was a van before it shunted into the back of him with such force that caused him to spin out of control. There was no way he could have avoided ploughing into the tree which stood on the edge of the road. Kevin had the sensation of flying through the air before darkness engulfed him once again.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  It was some time before anyone came along such an isolated road and reported the crashed vehicle and who also found Kevin lying unconscious. The man called the ambulance and the police. As soon as the ambulance left the police went to work on Kevin’s van. Fortunately, the van had not caught fire and the police were able to identify Kevin quite quickly. They found his notebook in which he had written down the fact that he had followed a van he believed to be that of the poacher. He noted full details of where the van had led him. Fortunately, he had also noted the number plate and the police put out a search to stop the van and question the driver.

  An officer was despatched immediately to investigate Parkin Farm where they found unmistakable evidence of previous occupation. They found dog kennels and bones lying about and a pit dug around the back of the farmhouse. Kevin had left the back door open on escaping but there was still a strong smell of petrol in the air which did not go unnoticed by the police.

  They visited Broadmead Farm where everything was getting underway for the opening day. Debbie and Greg were shocked to hear the news that Kevin had been involved in an accident and was now in Bedford hospital still unconscious as far as they knew. When Greg told them that Kevin had been hell bent on looking for the mysterious poacher whom he believed to be the owner of the large dog which had been terrorising smaller dogs in the neighbourhood, they decided to look into the matter further. Greg wondered if they should cancel the fete and open day but Debbie wouldn’t hear of it. “We have all worked so hard to get everything ready. We have to go ahead with it.” With a little bit of reorganisation the fete opened on time. Greg rang Paul to tell him what had happened to Kevin. “Where did it happen?” Paul asked

  “The police say over near Hitchin,” Greg answered.

  “What on earth was he doing over there?” Paul said mystified.

  “Well, the police are waiting for him to wake up so perhaps we will know more when he does. “It leaves us short of help,” Greg continued, “Will you be able to give us a hand later?”

  “I’ll have to see to the animals that I have here and then I will be straight over. Angela is away for Easter so that means I am on call. I’ll do my best so let’s hope I don’t get called out. I’ll bring Danny over with me and put him in one of the kennels out of the way. He’ll be all right there. The other dog will be all right here. See you soon,” he replaced the receiver and immediately picked it up again to ring the hospital. No joy there however. The hospital would tell him nothing of any use. In answer to his enquiry as to when he might visit he was told to ring later to find out. When he finally put the phone down again Paul stepped back and sighed deeply. “Poor chap,” He said aloud, “He doesn’t deserve this mishap. I bet there’s more than meets the eye to this if truth be told,” he muttered to himself, “However, I shall just have to be patient until I can speak to my friend and find out. Until then, I had better do what I can over at the farm.” Paul said.

  Debbie sighed with relief as Paul drew up at the gates. She had arranged with Greg to wait until he got there before opening the gates. Originally, Kevin was going to make a short speech before declaring the fate officially opened. That was until Debbie had met up with Salina Mason who she had asked to open the fete for them. Then Kevin was going to say a few words and introduce himself. Instead of Kevin giving his little speech, Paul had been asked to step into his place and tell the public of Kevin’s accident. As Debbie opened the gates Paul made his way to the Marquee where there was a P.A. system in place. Everyone was directed there and given a programme. As soon as the marquee was full, the fete could get underway. Paul made the first announcement about Kevin’s accident then it was Salina’s turn. He then wished everyone a happy day and left the platform so that events could begin.

  Things got off to a good start. Debbie was gratified to see people actually spending money on various fun things. After all, that was what it was all about. Raising funds to run the rescue Centre. She took a walk round making sure everything was going to plan. She stopped off at the obedience classes. Debbie couldn’t help smiling at the antics of some of the dogs as the owners endeavoured to teach them to sit, stay and walk to heel. The poor owners were hard put to it when their charges did anything but comply with their commands. The biggest laugh was the races. A catch the ball competition went quite well although a fight had to be broken up in the middle of the event. Chase the sausage went well and Debbie howled with laughter as she watched. Still helpless with laughter Debbie made her way to the tea ten to put her feet up for a minute. To her surprise the first person she met was Mrs Harrison from the shop. “You’ve done a good job here my duck,” she said as Debbie sat down on a vacant chair next to her. “I hope you raise lots of money for them poor little unwanted animals that get thrown out onto the street. And what about all the cruelty that goes on?. Some of the things you see on the TV make you shudder. How can people be so cruel to dumb animals that can’t tell anyone what’s happened to them? Tell me that my duck,” she finished.

  “We do our best to save them from some of the bad treatment that it handed out to them,” Debbie explained.

  “Paul is a marvellous vet and half the time never charges us for the treatment he gives to some of the animals that Kevin brings in. You’d be surprised what goes on.”

  “What about the chap who’s
had the accident. Isn’t he the RSPCA man around here? I wish him a speedy recovery whatever has happened to him my duck,” she said sounding sincere. “Ah! Here comes your cup of tea. You enjoy it my duck. I am going to take another little wander round and I will see you again very soon I expect. Bye bye, take it easy after this my duck, you have been looking peaky lately.” She said looking at Debbie in a motherly way. So saying she took herself off. Paul came strolling by and stopped. “May I sit down?” he asked politely.

  “If you wish. I don’t own the chair. I was just going anyway,” she said tersely.

  “Please don’t go Debbie. Wait just a minute please my dear, there is something I want to say- it’s important,” He said with a note of urgency creeping into his voice.

  Debbie didn’t look at him. She stared straight ahead. The sound of his voice was making her feel a warmth within herself that she didn’t want to feel and a familiar tingle had started to creep up her spine which she tried in vain to ignore. He started to speak again. “Debbie – I just wanted to – I am trying to – Please! Oh please forgive me for what I said the other night. Debbie – god knows you have every right to be mad with me. I do love you. I love you so much please say I am forgiven. I was so mixed up the other night when I operated on the Rottweiler, you see, I know the dog and he was never aggressive. He used to belong to my sister but Katie died two years ago through breast cancer. Just before she died she asked me to take care of Scott but my house got broken into one night while I was out on a case and Scott went missing. I think I know who did it. The poacher’s name is Clive Jackson,” He stopped. “I can only guess at what that man has done to poor Scott. He has turned him into the beast of Bracksley Woods. You should see the bite scars on him. That proves he has been made to fight. Such people should never be allowed near any animal. They are worse than any animal I can assure you. He’s not a bit vicious but I was so angry when I found the tattoo in his ear that we had put there when he was a puppy. I was so upset that night I hardly knew what I was saying.