Nation of Darkness by Michael Saint Anthony

Author:Michael Saint Anthony [Anthony, Michael Saint]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-11-16T00:00:00+00:00

An hour later, Chad and Jim had trekked through the forest about a quarter mile from Harry’s cabin.

The smell of pine trees and stale wood gave a welcoming scent. Fallen branches and leaves littered every area of the forest. Birds chirped their familiar birdsong from the treetops.

Chad and Jim were lying prone behind a fallen log, scanning the forest for live game to shoot.

“I really want to thank you for allowing me to come with you and Julie to your brother’s cabin. Even though we just met each other a few days ago, you and your brother opened your arms and treated me like a lifelong friend.”

Chad scanned the forest with the butt of his rifle pressed firmly against his shoulder.

“It’s not a problem at all. I’m glad we ran into each other back in Virginia. You helped Julie and I escape that hellhole. If it wasn’t for you, I don’t think we would’ve made it this far. Plus, I can tell my brother enjoys having you around. Probably more than me at this point. You two seem to have a lot of the same interests.”

Jim lowered his rifle and raised his eyebrows. He turned his head toward Chad.

“I noticed some tension between you two. Is everything okay?”

Chad told Jim everything that had happened between them up to him apologizing. He was glad he’d apologized to his brother and gotten that weight off his chest. Chad was also happy that Jim was open to listening to his problems.

“Well, we don’t always get along with our family members,” Jim said. “But at some point, you have to be civil with each other because that’s all you have. I’m glad to hear you apologized to him.” Jim picked up his rifle and began to survey the area for wild game. “I know it was tough. But you made a big step in repairing your relationship with him. Time heals all wounds and I know he’s happy that you came forward and apologized. He may not say it, but I know he’s grateful you did it.”

“Thanks, Jim. That means a lot.”

“No prob—” Jim pressed his rifle against his shoulder and peered down his rifle sight. “Look over there,” he said quietly, pointing.

Chad turned his attention in the direction Jim was pointing and spotted a white-tailed buck. It was munching on the leaves of a bush, oblivious that it was being hunted.

“Go ahead and take the shot,” Jim whispered.

Chad aimed at the deer with one eye closed. He took a deep breath and squeezed the trigger.

POW!

The bullet ripped through its chest, and it slumped to the ground.

“Good shot!” Jim exclaimed, pumping his right fist in the air.

“Thanks.” Chad rose to his feet and used his other hand to help Jim up. They advanced on the incapacitated buck while leaves crunched beneath their feet.

Chad bent down and examined the wound. The buck’s lifeless eyes stared into the abyss.

“We’re going to have a lot of meat for weeks. This is a hefty and healthy buck. Let’s drag it back to the cabin so Harry can cut it up and begin drying out the meat to store.

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