Whispers of the Falls: Book one (Twelve Oaks Farm Series 1)

by Teresa Greene

  Grant pressed his lips together in agitation. There was no time for her stubbornness. “Please, go to the house.” Each word was pronounced slowly. She opened her mouth to argue, but he put up his hand to silence her. “My instincts tell me something is not right. Go to the house!”

  “You’re scaring me.”

  He gripped both her arms with so much force she grimaced in pain. “I’m sorry, but I don’t want any harm to come to you.” He pointed toward the house. “Please!”

  He let out the breath he had been holding when she stomped to the house. He waited until the door shut behind her before he hurried to the front room of the barn. He opened the bag of rice in the cabinet and fished out his car keys. Just in case Clay searched his room again, he had hidden his keys. He raced right back out the door to his car. He opened the trunk and took out his pistol. No sooner had he slammed the trunk than he saw Josh trotting across the yard toward him.

  With a grim set to his mouth, he replied, “What’s going on? Nina said you think someone purposefully let the animals out.”

  “I do.”

  “I checked the pool house. The only people there are Mel and Callie and they are packing up to leave. Seem to be in a real hurry. I asked them where Clay, Mark, and Tim were and they seemed nervous. Said they went hiking up The Devil’s Hump.” Josh tucked his thumbs in his jean pockets.

  “Something tells me they let the animals loose to draw us out in the open. I don’t know if Nina or I am the target.”

  “Call Uncle Tate and let him take care of them.” A frown marred his brow. “All three could be waiting to ambush you if you go looking for ‘em.”

  Scrubbing his hands over his face, he took a moment to think. “I’m not taking any chances. If they see any sign of the FBI, they’ll be in the wind and we may never catch them. The best we can hope for is I take them alive and maybe they’ll turn on Collins. They have no idea we know Collins sent them. I could still have the element of surprise on my side.”

  “Let me get my gun and I’ll go with you.”

  “No, please stay with Nina, Juan and Maria. I’m going to look for them.” He jacked a bullet into the chamber before rummaging through his duffle bag for another magazine. He stuffed the magazine into the back pocket of his shorts.

  “You’ve always been pig headed. I hope you know what you’re doing.” He wrapped his arm around Grant’s neck and pressed his forehead against his. “Be careful.”

  Grant stuffed the pistol into the waistband of his shorts and raced across the yard. His eyes scanned the edge of the forest but he saw nothing. In the distance he heard Shadow’s loud bark. Not wanting the dog to get hurt, he decided to leave him to herd the animals. That should keep him busy until he apprehended the three men.

  Time seemed to stop as he halted at the edge of the forest and listened. He heard nothing but the pounding of his heart. Cold beads of sweat formed along his brow. Many times over the past nine years he had found himself in the same situation.

  Once when a mission took him and his men into the city of Falljuah, he had to face a hidden enemy. Worst part of the whole mission was they had orders to take down a terrorist cell hiding among the citizens. He shuddered as he remembered how close he came to death. He gave the order to spread out and search in two man teams to save time.

  A family of five, mother, father, and three small children seemed a little skittish as he and Sergeant Washington asked to search their home. He would never forget the look of fear in the mother’s eyes. She clutched her small child in her arms. The child couldn’t have been more than six months old, too young to understand the danger. She cooed and played with her mother’s face while the other two sat in their father’s lap terrified that he and his men would kill them.

  A soldier never knew who the enemy was. It wasn’t easy to determine who the enemy was when they blended in with innocent families. Plenty of times American soldiers lost their lives because the Iraqi citizens sympathized with the terrorists. It was easy to hide a weapon in the folds of a man’s dishdashah or a woman’s abayah.

  Sergeant Washington stayed with the family while he searched the rest of the house. He pushed the door open to the back room and all hell broke loose. Six men began firing their weapons. Grant returned fire and immediately shot two of the men. He dived as bullets peppered the wall behind him. Thankfully, Sergeant Washington came to his aid and together they were able to eliminate the terrorists.

  The skin prickled on the back of his neck. He pulled the pistol from his waistband, and edged his way forward into the forest beyond. Eyes squinted, he watched for any sign of the three men he knew were laying in wait to ambush him. A shadow stepped from his hiding place behind a tree. In that instant, he feared where Tim and Mark might be hiding.

  Clay pointed the pistol at Grant.

  “Give it up, Clay. We know about the marijuana being grown on Nina’s land and that Collins is responsible. The FBI is on the way.” Grant saw the alarm in his eyes. Maybe he could talk him into giving up his weapon.

  “Collins did a thorough background check on you.” Teeth clenched together, he continued, “He said you were not FBI. Said you were injured in a mission in Iran and came here to recuperate.”

  Grant took a step forward. “I’m not an FBI agent. My uncle works for the FBI. He asked for a little favor. I came here to find out who was growing marijuana on Nina’s land.”

  Pistol still pointed at his chest, Clay sneered, “It’s nothing personal, Grant. Collins told me to kill you and I’m more afraid of him than I am the FBI. I was told to make it look like an accident, but that’s not happening now. Sometimes you have to improvise.”

  “You’re going to go to prison for a man that doesn’t care if you live or die. Collins only cares about himself.”

  Seconds ticked by as he pondered Grant’s words. He was weighing his options. “Time’s wasting.” Clay’s grip tightened on the pistol.

  Grant raised his hands in the air, his pistol now pointed toward the tops of the trees. “The only thing we have on you is the growing and selling of marijuana. You cut a deal and you won’t serve much time, a couple of years at the max. Add murder to the charge and you’ll go away for life.”

  “I’m not going back to jail. I’m headed to a warm beach in Mexico where no one will find me.” His eyes were cold and violent. “Collins promised if I kill you, he would set me up on easy street. Promised I could have whatever I want.”

  Clay pulled the trigger sending a bullet whizzing toward Grant. As he did when faced with terrorists in Fallujah, he dropped to the ground and rolled. He came up and shot Clay in the arm holding the pistol. Instead of going down, Clay turned and ran deeper into the forest. Limbs slapped Grant in the face when he gave pursuit. Up ahead he could see Clay darting from tree to tree as he attempted to escape.

  Tim stepped out from behind a tree and raised his pistol, but never got a chance to shoot. He screamed in pain when a bullet tore into his shoulder. Grant swung around and watched as his brother sprinted to where Tim lay in a puddle of blood holding his shoulder. He picked up his weapon and stuffed it into the back of his waistband.

  “I thought I told you to stay with Nina.”

  “Don’t you think a thank you is more appropriate?”

  Grant glared at his brother. “Mark is still missing. What if he doubles back and uses Nina, Juan, and Maria as hostages?”

  “Your woman has a shotgun and something tells me she knows how to use it. I don’t think they are in any danger. Besides, I think you were the target.”

  “I think you’re right. I’m going after Clay. Mark is still out here somewhere. Don’t let him slip up on you.” Dropping to one knee, Grant saw a few drops of blood on the forest floor. “Clay is not bleeding much so he could still be dangerous. At least he doesn’t have a weapon.”

  Voice thick with worry, Josh offered, “Watch your back. It is possible he has a second weapon.”

  Not wanting Clay to escape and alert Collins, Grant race
d ahead. He never broke stride as he darted and skirted around the maze of trees. He slowed and searched the ground for drops of blood but didn’t see any.

  He backtracked and saw a few drops of red stains on the four-wheeler trail that cut through the forest. Clay had changed direction. A frown marred his brow when he realized he was headed for the house. More than likely he was planning to get to his car. If he escaped and told Collins the FBI was closing in, he could go underground and they would never find Collins.

  A twig snapped behind him. Grant whirled around to face Mark. Grant ducked behind a tree and yelled, “It’s over, Mark. The FBI knows about the marijuana crop and that Collins is involved. Drop your weapon and give up. You don’t have a chance.” A bullet hit the tree sending bark raining down on his head.

  “I don’t know anything about drugs.”

  Worried that Clay would make it to his car if he delayed much longer, Grant tried to formulate a plan to draw Mark out in the open. In the end Shadow did it for him. The dog must have heard the shots and came to investigate. Out of the corner of his eye he saw a blur charging toward Mark. Shadow bit down on Mark’s arm causing him to yell in pain. He placed his pistol to the dog’s head. Grant stepped from his hiding place and shot Mark right between the eyes before he could shoot Shadow. Pity, he had hoped to take him alive.

  Shadow sniffed the body. “Come here, Shadow.” Grant tapped the side of his leg. Seconds passed before Shadow left Mark’s body and moved to his side. “Good boy.” He rubbed his head and scratched behind his ears. “You’re a good boy, Shadow.”

  Without wasting any more time he hurried back toward the house, Shadow at his heels. He had to catch up to Clay before he got to his car and escaped. The whole operation to take down Collins was at stake.

  In the distance he could hear sirens. Nina probably called the police when she heard the gunfire. Grant picked up his speed.

  He broke out into the open and saw Clay crossing the pasture at a slow jog. At least his wound was slowing him down. “Go get him, Shadow!” He was almost in view of the house. He couldn’t let Nina see him. More than likely she was at the window trying to see what was happening.

  Shadow’s ears perked up when he heard his name. Eyes on Clay, he watched him. “Go get him, boy!” The dog darted across the pasture at a full gallop. He was no more than a black blur as he tore across the landscape.

  Clay looked over his shoulder and Grant saw the panic in his face when he saw the dog gaining on him. Turning to face Shadow, Clay raised the pistol and pointed it at the dog.

  Grant felt sick to his stomach. Just as Josh suspected, Clay did have another weapon. If Shadow were killed, he would never forgive himself. With only an instant to spare, Grant aimed his pistol and pulled the trigger.

  He sprinted to the body and dropped to his knees. Crimson stained the front of Clay’s shirt. A pool of blood was already forming on the ground. Clay’s chest rose and fell as he gasped for breath. One last gasp and there was nothing but silence. Pressing his hand to Clay’s neck, he didn’t feel a pulse. Damn it. He had wanted to take him alive. Vacant, lifeless eyes stared at the sky. Grant sat on the ground and wondered what he would tell Nina. He would have to tell her something, but he didn’t know what. If he told her the truth, she would insist he leave. What lie to tell whirled in his brain.

  Shadow sat in his lap and licked his face. Wrapping his arm around the squirming dog he ordered, “Be still.”

  The sound of sirens was coming closer. Grant stood, lifted Clay’s dead body, and threw it over his shoulder. He kicked dirt over the blood stain on the ground. Making sure to stay out of sight of the house, he carried Clay’s body into the barn from the back alley, opened the horse’s feed barrel, and dumped his body inside. By the time he placed the lid back on top, his hands trembled.

  He hurried to his room and removed his bloody shirt before he raced to the sink and scrubbed the blood from his hands and arms. He grabbed a clean shirt and tugged it over his head. From the window he watched as three police cars wheeled into the driveway sirens still blasting. Sheriff Matthew Collins stepped out from behind the wheel of one of the cars and moved toward the house. Tall and thin he trotted across the yard toward the house, his deputies following close behind.

  Nina appeared on the front porch, shot gun still in her hands, and waited for the high Sheriff. She pointed toward the forest.

  Grant snuck out the back door of the barn and raced across the pasture.

  He didn’t get far when he heard, “Drop your weapon and get on your knees.”

  Instantly, he dropped to his knees, placed his pistol on the ground, raised his hands over his head, and shouted, “Don’t shoot. I’m a guest here.”

  From behind him he heard Nina’s voice. “No, don’t shoot him. His name is Grant Wilson. He is my guest.”

  In slow motion, Grant stood and placed his hands on top of his head. When he turned around, Nina stood in front of him, her hands in the air. Three officers had their guns pointed at him, one of them Sheriff Matthew Collins.

  “Explain what is going on.”

  Grant looked at the sheriff and wondered how much he should tell him. Perhaps he shouldn’t tell him anything.

  Even Nina turned and peered at him waiting for an explanation. “I heard shots. Who were you shooting at?”

  In the distance Grant saw Josh step out of the woods leading Midnight by the halter, Thunder following behind. At least they were on the same page and he left Tim hidden somewhere in the forest. Now he could tell Matthew Collins any story he thought he would believe.

  The Sheriff asked, “Who is that?”

  “My brother, Josh Wilson. A pack of coyotes got after the animals and we tracked them into the forest. They had one of the goats cornered and I shot at them to scare them away.”

  The Sheriff holstered his pistol and so did his deputies. The man looked down his nose at Nina. He removed his hat and wiped the sweat off his bald head with his sleeve. “You called us because coyotes got after the animals.”

  Face red with embarrassment, Nina stuttered, “I’m sorry. When I heard the shots, I thought maybe Grant was shooting at someone or worse someone was shooting at him.”

  Brows drew together in confusion, Matthew Collins asked Grant, “Coyotes don’t usually hunt in the day. They hunt at night.”

  Grant squared his shoulders. He had to be convincing so the sheriff would not become suspicious and search the area. “I’m telling you what I saw. Coyotes were just about to pounce on the goats so I took a couple of shots to scare them.”

  In a calm voice, Nina offered, “It is not uncommon to see coyotes this late in the day, Matthew. Plenty of times I have seen them stalking the perimeter of the fence. That is why I keep heat on it at all times.”

  Palm up, the Sheriff asked, “May I please see some ID?”

  Grant pulled his billfold from his back pocket and handed it to the sheriff. He flipped open the billfold and studied the information before he handed it back. “So you are a Marine. What are you doing at Twelve Oaks Farm?”

  “I’m on medical leave.” One of the deputies bent and picked up Grant’s pistol and handed it to the sheriff. Before he got a chance to ask, he explained, “I have a permit.”

  The Sheriff ejected the magazine, then the bullets and counted each one. “How many shots did you hear, Nina?”

  Grant caught the glint of suspicion in her eyes. “I’m not sure.” Bottom lip caught between her teeth, she kept her eyes on him. “Maybe three or four.”

  “I only see two rounds missing.”

  Sharp, accusing eyes pinned on Grant. “Perhaps I only heard two shots. I was so scared and nervous I’m confused.”

  “Sheriff, the dog has blood on his fur.” The deputy moved toward Shadow only to have him bare his teeth and growl.

  Nina placed her hand on Shadow’s head. “Shhh, Shadow.” She crouched low and looked at his face where Mark’s blood remained on his fur.

  “One of the coyotes jumped him.
It’s in his nature to protect the goats.” The hair stood up on the back of Grant’s neck when Matthew Collins looked him right in the eye. Suspicion was written all over his face. Did he know his son had put a hit out on him? Either he knew nothing about the hit or he was an excellent actor. Maybe he didn’t know Clay had even been staying in the pool house.

  “Let’s get back to Taylorsville.” In a sarcastic voice, he added, “Maybe someone needs us for something other than coyotes.” He handed Grant his pistol, magazine and bullets.

  Relieved, Grant watched them return to their cars and drive out of sight. But then he had Nina to deal with.

  “You scared the hell out of me.” She poked her finger against his chest. “You told me you thought someone intentionally left the pasture gate open.” Anger shone from her eyes. “What really happened? I counted six shots.”

  “I reloaded. There were so many coyotes.”

  Her entire body went rigid. She turned and walked toward the house. Over her shoulder she shouted, “I feel like such a fool.” Her tone was so clear and cold it could have frozen the waterfall.

  Instead of going after her, Grant thought she needed time to cool down. However mad she may be, he was just relieved he didn’t have to tell her there was a dead body in the forest and another in the feed barrel.

  He fished his phone out of his shorts pocket and called his uncle. “We have a couple of bodies for you to pick up.”

  On the other end of the line his uncle asked, “What happened?”

  “Randal Collins put a hit out on me. Clay is in the feed barrel in the barn. Mark is in the forest across from the pasture. Hold on just a minute.”

  Grant waited until Josh walked Midnight and Thunder into the pasture and shut the gate behind him. In a soft voice he asked, “Where’s Tim?”

  “He is in the forest where I shot him. I tied him with my shoestrings.”

  Grant glanced at Josh’s shoes and the strings were missing. “Aren’t you a quick thinker?” He put the phone to his ear. “We left one alive. He is in the woods tied up with Josh’s shoestrings.” He explained in detail what happened and closed his phone.