Black Fox: An Indigenous Horror Novel by Jack Moffet

Author:Jack Moffet [Moffet, Jack]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2024-09-27T23:00:00+00:00

12

After the initial interview, Dave and Robin checked Frank for any evidence on his person—blood, fibers, wounds from a struggle, grit under fingernails—and after collecting and bagging his shoes, concluded he was clear to leave. Frank, however, was insistent on being part of the grid search.

After some hesitation and lengthy discussion between the agents, Dave and Robin decided to let Frank join the scene investigation, emphasizing that he must report any findings and wear disposable shoe covers and latex gloves.

“I’ve got some extra boots in the truck. Hang tight,” Dave said, patting him on the shoulder.

Frank was introduced to the GBI crime scene unit, shaking hands as he went. “I’ll get all the names down eventually,” he said with a chuckle.

After Dave ordered Michael and Josh to process Stewart’s car for any evidence, the rest of the team stood in a line facing north in preparation for the walk to the crime scene. Dave stuck his flashlight under the crook of his arm while he pulled a pair of blue latex gloves out of his pocket and slipped them on. He gave a glance to the grid search line, turning his head as he spoke.

“Everyone ready?” he asked loudly. To his right, Daniel and Robin nodded silently. To his left, Trent nodded with a “Yessir” in his thick Southern drawl. Frank looked pale but nodded anyway.

Dave held his gaze on him for a moment, then approached. “Are you sure you want to do this, Frank?” he whispered.

Frank’s iron gaze held Dave’s. “Absolutely,” he said, though he felt slightly nauseous.

With a nod, Dave returned to his place in the center of the line. “Let’s start,” he said.

The team walked forward with their flashlights pointed at the pine straw-covered forest floor. Frank kept his eyes to the ground, bracing himself for the sight he wanted never to lay eyes on again, secretly wondering if he’d have a breakdown right then and there once he saw Stewart’s eviscerated body. I don’t think they’ve ever seen something like that, he thought.

The grid search continued for the next thirty minutes, all five of them keeping quiet while pinecones crunched under their boots and belted equipment jostled against their clothing. To Frank, the walk seemed to last for hours—an endless pilgrimage to holy ground where he would meet his untimely end.

Don’t be so dramatic, he admonished himself as the cone of his flashlight slowly scanned the ground. Whatever killed Stewart must be long gone by now.

On and on they went, silence enveloping the mountainside in a steely embrace while the team wordlessly moved through the trees, knowing the inevitable hell that waited for them. This was a night that invited cool, unforgiving darkness that never compromised with its subjects. The team’s only visible relief was the occasional wave of flashlight beams that searched frantically for relief and purchase.

Finally, Frank noticed the treeline that led toward the tunnel entrance.

“Dave,” Frank called to him, “we’re close.”

Dave nodded without looking up. The pine trees began to abate, and now the team entered the clearing that led to the rock face.

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