Shadow Claw by E. J. Foster

Author:E. J. Foster [Foster, E. J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: EJFosterBooks.com
Published: 2020-06-22T05:00:00+00:00

42

Finn and Jessa used a large tree to separate themselves from the clawed monster. They moved in circles around the tree, careful to always keep the trunk in between them and danger. The crab stayed intently focused on the kids once they stopped circling, giving me the advantage of a surprise attack.

I chose my moment carefully. When the attack from behind became possible, I plunged the heavy iron head of Thor through the hard shell of the giant male and into the gooey center.

Wrong move.

The crab’s anger only seemed to intensify. He turned his full attention toward me, attacking with a giant claw. Katie had anticipated the crab’s reaction and was ready for it. As the thing turned, her chainsaw buzzed right through the meaty claw and severed it with ease. I stared at her, impressed, before realizing I was too busy for adulation at the moment.

Chum ran from side to side, drawing the crab’s attention. The crustacean was surrounded and seemed paralyzed by his choices.

I wasted no time, and heaved another blow through the top shell of the crab, this time taking the eyes and the entire front of the crab with it. The one remaining claw began snapping blindly, seeking targets of opportunity while the crab’s legs danced, clicking and tapping the ground. It sounded like a room full of keyboards typing up death warrants.

Katie dodged in-and-out of the animal’s space, sawing off legs one by one while she tried to avoid the powerful claw that seemed to be snapping aimlessly for her head.

Chum wandered back into the scene, now carrying the huge severed claw in his mouth. The unwieldy limb tipped side to side as Chum tried to steady it in his jaws.

“No, Chum!” Finn shouted the command in desperation.

Chum inched closer to the snapping claw. It clicked louder with each snap, enough to throw an echo across the water.

Katie worked at another leg on the crab’s clawless side. The angry beast turned away from Chum toward Katie. Still carrying the massive dead claw in his mouth, the dog circled the crab once again.

The crab lunged directly for Katie’s head. Chum jumped into the fray. The beast’s claw snapped hard and clamped down on its target. Chum and Katie backed away to see the dead limb wedged in the death grip of the razor-sharp pincers of the good claw.

Noticing that the dangerous thing was neutralized, Katie stepped in with her chainsaw and sheared off the remaining claw. The blind crab flitted on its last legs when Thor came down, splitting the shell wide open and splattering crab guts and mustard in all directions.

“You did it, Grandpa,” Finn cheered after the debris settled.

My skin tingled and the warmth ran through me, not sure if it was the emotion from resolving such a stressful situation, or the fact that Finn called me Grandpa for the first time ever.

I don’t cry. When I became a man, I put that away for good. But now my eyes were glossy, and my words were gone.

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