A Gentle Kind of Strength by Kendall McKenna

Author:Kendall McKenna [McKenna, Kendall]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8: When Your Worst Nightmare Becomes Reality

Harley disappeared into the dark interior of the house. Ray held his Maglite in one hand, bracing his gun hand on top of that wrist. He bypassed the steps, climbing right up onto the porch. Stepping quickly through the door, he trained his light on the floor, while those behind him illuminated their surroundings.

The beam of Ray’s Maglite swept over pale walls, white trim nearly glowing. The rooms seemed filled with furniture, casting shadowy images on the light carpet. Every flat surface held sprawling houseplants or knickknacks. The house seemed clean and tidy, no easy hiding places, no clutter on the floor that might cause him to trip. The air was cooler in here, with the fresh smell of the outdoors that meant open windows and a cross breeze. Despite that, Ray was still sweating through his skivvy shirt.

Sounds came from the back of the house. Ray was confident it was Harley, methodically searching each room. Catching sight of a flashlight beam in the kitchen moving their way, Ray aimed his weapon in that direction.

“Sergeant Lerner?” a faceless deputy asked just above a whisper.

“Right here,” Ray replied, as the second team joined up with them as planned.

“Basement, kitchen, and dining room are all clear.” “Roger that.” Ray led the way down the narrow hallway, following the faint sounds coming from the darkened bedrooms. The darkness erupted with the startling sounds of Harley’s barking. Ramos shouted. His rage-filled curses quickly turned to screams. Ray nearly sprinted down the final length of hallway, following Harley’s vicious growls, mingling with Ramos’ painfilled screams of fear.

Stepping into the last bedroom, Ray pointed his Maglite in the direction of the ruckus. Harley had Ramos pinned to the floor, his jaws gripping relentlessly at soft flesh. Ramos gripped something in his hand, Ray assumed was his empty firearm. He struck Harley in the side several times with the empty handgun. The blows connected on the side of the ballistic vest, but a couple seemed to land low on Harley’s flank.

“Stop fighting him and empty your hands!” Ray shouted, aiming his weapon at Ramos. The other deputies arrayed themselves behind him, all Maglite beams focused on the battle. “Stop fighting him, empty your hands, and he’ll stop biting!” Now Ray could see that Harley had bitten Ramos’ arm at an angle with such force, he’d also managed to get his teeth into chest muscle. Each shake of Harley’s head had to be excruciating—no wonder Ramos was screaming.

Ramos finally stopped striking Harley, dropping what he held in his hand. Ray holstered his weapon, stepping forward to call Harley off of the bite. The deputies behind him shouted orders for Ramos to keep his hands where they could see them.

Just as Ray ordered Harley to release the bite, his light moved over the object Ramos had dropped. His stomach twisted sickeningly, his heart leaping into his throat. After eight years in the Marines, Ray knew the weapon on sight.

“Jesus Christ!” Ray blurted, reaching for Harley as he attached the foot-long loop leash.

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