“I see Hugo.” Jeffreys was still looking through the rear-view mirror. “He’s walking over toward another building. Someone’s with him.”
I carefully peeped through the back window and saw him with another dog—a Rottweiler.
“Is that his commander?” I asked.
“Yep. That’s him, all right.”
I must confess, they both looked rather spiffy in those uniforms. I was still getting used to their human-like behavior.
“I wonder what they’re doing.”
He sighed. “We’ll find out soon enough.”
For the next few minutes, I studied the surroundings with an attempt to keep everything in my head for when it was time to come back again. I’d watched enough spy movies to know familiarizing yourself with enemy territory gave you the advantage. Sam would’ve totally agreed.
“Get down!” Jeffreys yelled.
Hugo was approaching the car along with his commander. “Get in the trunk now and close it. Hurry!”
He didn’t have to tell me twice. I was in there in a flash, tucked away nice and neat.
I barely heard the canine instructing Jeffreys on where to go and wasn’t sure what he was talking about. Jeffreys only said: “Yes, sir,” and I’m sure he was putting on the act that would protect his very life and freedom. A minute later, I heard the car door squeak open, then shut again. The engine switched on and we were in reverse mode.
Hugo and Jeffreys were silent as we drove. It seemed like we were heading in a different direction from where we came as the ride was a bit rougher and it felt like we were rolling over rocky surface. I figured it must’ve been the way to exit the compound although I’d clearly seen an exit lane at the security gate when I peeked back at it.
We were driving for approximately three minutes before the car slowed and then came to a halt. I wondered where we were and what the reason was for us stopping.
The car door opened and shut again. Then I heard Jeffreys calling me. “Come out,” he said, “and stay down. You need to see this.”
I gently pushed out the back and crawled out on top of the flattened seat. Jeffreys turned his head slightly to the right, his eyes darting around. “You’re not gonna believe this, Spader” he said.
“What?” I asked.
“Look over to your right, but for goodness sake, keep your head low!” He whispered loudly, barely moving his lips.
I eased up slightly and immediately, was horrified at what I saw. Scores of people were inside a large, fenced-in area with pickaxes or shovels in hand, digging a massive, oval pit. Uniformed canines were on guard duty there and instructing the workers. It was evident to me that the project was specifically laid out where workers were standing at the spot they were to start digging from, moving inward as they go, perhaps depending on if they’d dug deeply enough from the edges. That is how I was able to see the actual width of the pit that they were digging. At least two hundred people were out there in the hot sun—men, women and teenage children. What absolutely sickened me was the fact that my folks and Carl were among the workers and so were Uncle Charlie, Jase and his mom, Sam’s folks, the Washingtons, Mr. Cooper from Sam’s corner, and others who’d suddenly gone missing from their homes. I assumed Mrs. Cooper was indoors with their baby.
“Mom! Dad!” I quietly whispered. I was heartbroken and angry, fighting the urge to run over to them. “What’re they making them do?” I asked Jeffreys.
He pressed his lips. “I have an idea, but don’t want to jump to any conclusions. Hugo might have the answer to that question.”
Hugo was having a conversation with two big mastiffs who were wearing a slightly different uniform from the others. The others wore a teal-colored uniform when theirs was a light brown.
“Is this supposed to be prison?” I blurted, angrily. “What the hell do they think they’re doing?”
“I know it’s hard, but stay cool,” Jeffreys said. “At least we know where they are and can set some sort of plan in motion.”
Hearing him speak confidently about rescuing my folks made me feel a little better, in spite of the atrocity I was witnessing with my own eyes. Mom was in no condition to do any hard labor and neither was Carl. Dad was strong, but he wasn’t used to that kind of work. And the Washingtons and other elderly folks weren’t strong or healthy enough to endure such harsh treatment.
I sighed heavily. “Whatever we come up with, we have to do it right away. A lot of these people can’t survive this heat, let alone hard labor.”
Hugo headed back to the car and I returned to the hiding spot, pulling the seat up again. I was dying to know what Hugo found out and realized I’d have to wait until we were out of there.
As I lay crouched in darkness, different scenarios played in my head as to how we’d rescue my folks and Sam’s too, as well as Jase and his mom, and Uncle Charlie. Ultimately, I wondered if it would take a miracle to do what seemed like the impossible.
6
_________________
After we had left the compound, I pushed open the back seat again and listened as Hugo explained exactly what was going on. I would’ve never imagined any of it in a million years.
“I will be working at the compound starting tomorrow,” he told us. “The commander wanted to show me around and inform me of my duties ahead of time in person since he won’t be there in the morning when I arrive.” He glanced back at me. “I know that doesn’t interest you in the least bit, so let me get to the nitty-gritty.” He paused.
“The long and short of it is that they’re digging a mass grave and I’m not aware if those who are put to toil recognize that a special spot is reserved for them—eventually, anyway.
“You mean...the dogs plan to murder everyone?” I was stunned.
“Not everyone. Just the people who are dispensable. Basically, those people who were transported here and others who may end up here.”
“That’s terrible!” Jeffreys glanced at him.
“Why would they want to do that?” I asked.
“What you don’t understand, young man, is that their actions are not without reason. They’re here in a domineering position in the first place because humans have proven that they don’t usually handle power all that well. Remember, I said this was payback?”
“Yeah.” I nodded.
“Well, it’s more than just that. Many humans have not only been unfair and unkind to animals; they’ve also been unfair and unkind to each other. Canines now have a mission in Eppington to restore order and to—pardon my expression—clean up shop.” He shifted slightly toward me in his chair. “It’s almost like when you’ve been given something of value and you either don’t use it or you misuse it, then it’s taken away from you and given to someone else—in this case, us. Humans were given a huge, yet straightforward responsibility to put the intelligence they have been given to good use. Instead, many have acted like beasts who weren’t given the ability to reason, make sensible decisions and respect one another and their property. For a long time, we, the canines, have been seemingly at odds with felines, for instance. That’s because we weren’t afforded the same skills you were given to comprehend the concept of harmonious living, conflict resolution, etcetera, etcetera… However, now the intelligence has been transferred to us, leaving humans in a daze-like, subservient position and I must confess, we’re doing a better job already. You don’t see us gossiping and back-biting, stealing, killing each other like one of you went and did to that poor lady who lived just down the street from you.”
“You know about Mrs. Christie?” I asked.
“We all do.” He arched an eyebrow. “But you should ask… Are we investigating her murder? And the answer is currently no. She is one of you. It should’ve never happened. Our focus is on transforming this town into the kind of place it should be and to do the same in every town around the globe that must be revamped. Have I explained myself clearly, thus far?”
As I listened to Hugo, I found myself becoming extremely annoyed,
even though I couldn’t deny that many of his points were valid.
“I hear you, Hugo, but the fact that canines are willing to slaughter human beings like other human beings have done to each other ages ago makes them no better than we are.”
“I second that!” Jeffreys exclaimed, keeping his eyes on the road.
“But indeed this is different, if I do say so myself!” Hugo asserted. “Motivation for such atrocities in human history was fueled by hatred, racism and a twisted sense of superiority. Canines are not getting rid of people for any of those horrid reasons. It is simply to create a new beginning, a new town, a new atmosphere—one filled with love and respect for one another. It is to create a place where children and pups can grow up and safely walk the streets; where canines and humans can sleep with their houses unlocked and assist each other in this here community. Nothing done is accredited with any type of cruel or evil intent and although I don’t fully subscribe to this new norm, I certainly understand it. Don’t get me wrong…” he raised a paw, “I am not in support of anyone being killed. Not at all. I personally don’t think any reason is good enough for snuffing out anyone’s life, unless it’s in self-defense, of course. I am only explaining the reasoning behind what is happening here.”
“So, how can we stop them?” I asked. “We can’t sit by and let them do this! It’s not just about my folks or Sam’s—it’s about the lives of so many other innocent people too. But if all we can do is rescue our folks and figure out what to do afterwards, then I understand.”
“You’re thinking wisely,” Hugo said.
“So, can you get your hands on guns or some other weapons we can use to go in there with?” I asked.
Hugo cleared his throat. “If my gut feeling is right, we wouldn’t need guns, just a couple of strong dog chains and some supplies from a vet clinic.”
“What?” Jeffreys and I said, simultaneously.
“Hugo, what on earth are you talking about?” Jeffreys grimaced.
“My dear, master. We shall have a good, long conversation later, but for now, let’s head to any vet clinic and then to the hardware store before dropping the young man back off to his hiding place.”
The entire time while they ran their errands, I was worried out of my mind and perplexed by Hugo’s assertion that no weapons would be needed. How were we supposed to go against an army of dogs and subservient humans who’d likely shoot and kill if they were told to? I felt more confused than before, maybe because I saw what we were facing and couldn’t come up with any safe way to deal with any of it. As absurd as what Hugo said sounded about vet supplies and chains, I didn’t have much of a choice. I either had to trust him or don’t.
Before dropping me off behind the distillery, they both agreed that the guys and I should lay low until we heard from them again. Hugo was adamant that it wouldn’t take more than two days before they were in touch again.
Sam opened the door for me and I couldn’t wait to get upstairs and tell them exactly what it was we were facing.
7
_________________
“I can’t believe they picked up my peeps and have them over in some yard doing hard labor! And even worse, digging a grave for everybody!” Sam snarled. “They’ve gotta be out of their damn minds. I’m ready to go in there now and show them who’s boss!”
“That’s a messed up deal.” Rob shook his head slowly. “This whole thing has gone from bad to worse.”
“Well, they started it and I’m gonna finish it!” she returned.
It was the next morning and Sam, Rob and I had stayed up most of the night talking about the compound and what was going on there. After we woke up, it was no different. I’m quite sure I even dreamed of that huge pit the night before.
“Jeffreys and Hugo had better get back to us soon because this crap has got to stop!” Sam exclaimed. “Chains and vet supplies? Are you kidding? How the hell are those things supposed to help in rescuing our peeps?”
“I have no idea.” I shook my head. “I hope Hugo knows what he’s doing.”
“Anybody have a better plan?” Rob asked.
“Well, we don’t know what Hugo’s plans are, but my plan would be to gather as much ammo as possible, march in there and take over the place,” Sam said.
“Easier said than done, although that would’ve been my number one move,” I replied. “Who knows if we’d accomplish anything or even come out alive? But anything’s worth a shot.”
“Yep.” Rob reached for the loaf of bread and the peanut butter. We’d cleared and dusted off a shelf near the doorway and placed the food on top, hoping no roaches would get any of it.
“They’re not investigating Mrs. Christie’s murder, so it looks like the killer is bound to get away with it,” I told them.
“Maybe one of them did it,” Sam suggested.
“I doubt that.” I got up from my mat and headed toward the bathroom. “That doesn’t seem to be their style.”
“But wiping out dozens of people at once is more like it, huh?”
“Don’t know. Gotta take a leak.”
* * * *
Rob handed me my cell that had gone off after I stepped out of the bathroom.
“It’s Jeffreys,” he said.
“Hey, Jeffreys…” I answered, eagerly.
“We’re coming by soon, so make sure the door downstairs is unlocked. No need to come down; I’ll lock it behind us.”
“Okay,” I said.
“I knew from the sound of his voice that they had a plan in mind for us to rescue my folks and I was anxious to hear how they thought we ought to go about it.
“They’re on their way here!” I told the guys, excitedly.
Sam was still lying on her mat and looked like she’d had a rough night. Rob was sitting in a chair fiddling with his cell.
“I’d better get myself together.” Sam got up and placed her mat against the side of the wall, then grabbed a pair of shorts and a cotton shirt from her bag and headed into the bathroom. She then looked back at me. “Before I go in there, did you put down the lid, Hewey?”
“Don’t I always?” I frowned.
“Not last night, you didn’t.”
“How do you know it was me?”
“Who else would it be?” Rob interjected.
I shook my head and Sam went into the bathroom.
“I’ll go unlock the door,” I told Rob. “They’ll be here soon. He’s gonna lock the door behind them after they get in.”
“Cool,” Rob replied.
I went downstairs, removed the two-by-four from across the door and unlocked the latch. Then I jogged back upstairs.
“I could sure use some hot chocolate,” Rob said.
“I could use a strong cup of coffee or even better, some of that wine my dad sipped on most evenings.”
As I combed my fingers through my hair, I felt a deep sigh escape. For me, all of this was just the beginning and what we were about to discuss there in that room, once implemented, would affect each of us in a major way—hopefully, positively.
I sauntered over to the bench and sat down, then looked aimlessly out of window at our neighborhood. I’d seen Julio Perez on the government compound working his butt off in the scorching heat. I guess he deserved it for the way he treated his next-door neighbors, the Riveras. In fact, he deserved worse than that, but the old goat didn’t deserve to die; certainly not in the way the canines had in mind for his demise. As much of a turn off as Julio was, I knew if I had the opportunity to help him, I would. My folks taught me to not allow my feelings about people to prevent me from doing the right thing whenever the opportunity presented itself. I wasn’t totally ignoring them when they spoke. I think they would’ve been pleased to know I’d listened to at least something they’d tried to drill into my head. Would Julio have done the same for me? I doubt it. I truly didn’t believe the old timer had a decent bone in his body, but who was I to judge?
“It’s do or die now, huh?” Rob looked at me as I sat alone,
in deep contemplation.
I nodded. “Yep. Do or die.”
We sat in silence for about a good minute, then I said, “You know, bud, I wanna say that I really appreciate you supporting Sam and me in getting our folks back. I mean…you could say even right now that you don’t want any part of possibly risking your life when your folks are safe at home.”
“Are you crazy, Hewey?” He grimaced.
“Uh?” I was confused for a second there.
“My folks could be next! It would be silly of me to think they’re in the clear just because they’re still at the house. Besides… no matter what, I couldn’t abandon my friends. Jase is out there too. All for one and one for all, right?”
“Right.” I smiled.
I heard the back door slam and at that moment, Sam exited the bathroom, then came over and stood next to me. None of us moved a muscle or said a word as we heard the footsteps heading up the staircase towards us. Jeffreys and Hugo were finally here to reveal what they thought would work to accomplish our mission.
I knew I had the best friends a kid could ever ask for. Sam and Rob were fearless, in my opinion (even though I’d just in the past week started witnessing Rob’s courage). Our guests were almost at the top landing and Sam and I glanced at each other in anticipation. That girl was ready as ready could be—all of us were. This was a war and with the ramifications of such clear in our heads, there was no way we’d be backing down. Too much was at stake.
The footsteps sounded odd—in that one might’ve thought if he didn’t know better that there were more than just a man and his dog coming to meet us and one, like me, would’ve been shocked to find two very large canines at the top landing walking through our door on all fours, then swiftly standing on their hind legs. The canines were dressed in those light brown military uniforms like what I’d seen those guards in at the government compound. In fact, I realized that those dogs were the same two Hugo had been speaking with at what would be the mass gravesite while Jeffreys and I waited in the car. This couldn’t be happening… What on earth were they doing in our spot?
The Hewey Spader Mystery Series (The Complete Trilogy * Books 1 -3 ) Page 10
