Chapter Text
“Are those stories true, Papa ?” Young Robert’s voice asked into the night.
He was sick, set up in front of the fire to warm his ill body. His father, Sherif Robertson, was coming home late that evening. Hanging his gun up, he looked curious as to what his little boy could be asking him about. The realization was slowly dawning on his face as he let out a fond chuckle.
“The ones your grandfather told you ?” Robbie asked his boy as he hunkered down on the leather couch, which he upholstered himself. Little Rob gave a soft nod, the boy shifting to face his dad, soft coughs leaving him. The stories were all Little Rob had left of his grandfather…
Robbie let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head as he beckoned the sick boy over, lifting him on his knee and having him cuddle into his chest, his rough hands carefully brushing the brunette hair of his boy's head as he cleared his throat.
“Yes, those stories your grandfather told you were correct. There's a legend about men and women who could turn into bats. Giant monstrous creatures who’d swoop down on naughty kids when they sneak out late !” He declared dramatically and started to tickle Little Rob, who couldn’t help but giggle at his father's onslaught.
“Papaaaa ! Be serioussss !” The boy whined as he huffed and swatted his hands away.
“Okay, okay, serious. Super serious, sheriff-level serious.” Robbie said as he grinned and continued with the story. “As I was saying, they'd transform in the night under the full moon. Bodies deforming and reforming, patches of fur replacing hair and skin. Giant heads with even bigger mouths full of teeth big enough to chomp you in half.” He went on and on, describing the nature of the beasts. “It’s said only a silver bullet from a sheriff’s gun can subdue the beasties.”
“Is that why grandpa always carried two guns ?” The boy asked as he looked at the gun case atop the fireplace.
“Mhm, one for regular folks and then one for the beasties.” He nodded, looking off, trying to think about what else he could fill his son’s head with. “Ah, I remember, the legend says you should never befriend the beast. Never feed it, don’t be kind, or it will come back.”
“What happens when it comes back, Papa ?”
“I don’t know, son.. I don’t know.”
That was one of the last memories Robert had of his father, Robert Robertson the second. As the third, he carried on the heavy burden of being sheriff. And he did so dutifully for years. Up until a shotgun shell to the shoulder put him out of commission indefinitely. Nerve damage, fractured shoulder, his muscle was shot literally, and his tendons have seen better days. This time, he truly wasn’t getting back in the saddle. Sitting up in his bed, it was late or early; he couldn’t quite decipher it in his groggy haze. Pulling himself out of bed and lumbering to the bathroom to get himself together, he expelled a breath he was holding and got ready for the day.
A simple day, a dull and dreary day. He’d head outside, feed his horse. Stop by the shops, get some more feed for said horse, food for himself, Robert’s have to eat too, you know, and he’d always grab some of the lower quality grain and crop to feed the animals in the woods. A small agreement he had with the elderly lady shopkeeper and her young and virile grandson.
Their little town wasn’t much, but it was home.
So, back at the small sheriff’s office he lived in, since he couldn’t keep up with the property taxes of his old family's farm, having sold it for his medical needs. It wasn’t a shock that a townsfolk came to the door now and again to ask for his assistance.
Struggling with the feed bag, he was trying to empty it into the little buckets he kept scattered around the woods when he was approached by Sister Melavola.
“Do you need help with that, Robert ?” She asked, noticing him struggling to carry it as the keys on his belt jingled furiously.
“If you’d be so kind, sister, I’ve been fighting with this thing for forty-five minutes.” He grumbled and sighed, handing her his knife. She took it, cut the bag open, and started to fill the various shallow buckets he had around.
“You know you don’t have to call me, sister, right ? I’ve never believed in that Christianity mumbo jumbo in the first place.” She said, snorting. “Speaking of, you gotta smoke on you ?”
"In fact, I do.” He said, fishing his pack out of his vest pocket, flicking it open with one hand, and subsequently spilling some of the cigarettes onto the mossy floor of the woods. “Fuck.” He hissed, crouching to pick them up.
Mel sighed and tapped him so he’d stand, and crouched down herself. Putting one in his mouth and one in hers, lighting theirs together, and sliding the pack and his lighter back into the pocket of his vest.
“Thank you.” He murmured.
“No problem, Sheriff. How’s the arm ?” She asked carefully, watching him tense.
“Still numb. Can’t move it well. I get searing hot pains in it from time to time that jolt me awake.” He grumbled out, huffing his cigarette furiously, holding it in his good hand. “Can you tighten the thing for me.. Forgot what this was called…” He said, motioning to his sling with his one ( only ) hand. The nun nodded and tightened the bandages for him, earning a satisfied grunt from the sheriff. “Thank you.” He said, letting out a groan.
“D’you need anything from me, Mel ?” He asked her to bring the cigarette to his lips and take a long, satisfying, smoke-filled drag, pushing the fumes from his nose.
“Yes, actually, my friend Victor hasn’t been around in a few days.” She said slowly, letting it hang in the air. “Found some of his clothes behind the church, all ripped up and bloody.”
Victor. He’d heard that name before. Some businessman who had an inkling for good ol’ mister medicine man.
“The uhm- the one with the little vice ?” He asked, tilting his head.
She nodded, “Yes, that one. The only one, Sheriff. I’m worried he got eaten by one of those big bat things your great grandpa used to rave about.” The nun joked, yet worry was present in her tone, a shaky sigh leaving her lips.
He let out a light chuckle, “You believe in an old kook’s tales ?” He asked, looking over at her. Noticing how she wouldn’t meet his eye, staring off into the woods, the dark, eerily silent woods.
"In fact, I do, Sheriff. And you should too.” She started before finishing her cigarette, quickly stomping it out in the moist ground before heading back into town. He eyed her curiously as she walked.
Don’t believe in god but believe in a dead man’s tall tales ? He let out another snort and continued to smoke in his solitude. He looked up at the sky; the day was finally breaking. Had he really gotten up that early ? It had to have been about an hour, maybe even a little bit past that. Hearing a rather furious rustling sound, he was jostled out of his thoughts and reached for his gun. Carrying it on him more often than not since that day. He held it tight in his good hand, whipping his head around. Whatever it was, it was big. He slowly backed out of the woods. Turning tail and heading back into the Sheriff’s office. Looking out the window, maybe he was a little bit paranoid because when he heard the voice of Mandy, his replacement, he almost jumped damn near out of his skin.
“Jesus Christ, Mandy ! Scared me out of my fucking skin..” He grumbled, frowning at her.
“Sorry ! Sorry, Robert !” She exclaimed, waving her hands at him as an apologetic look took over her features. “Did ya hear what I said ?”
“No, Mandy, I didn’t.” He said, a little passively aggressive, but that's besides the point. “What did you say ?” He asked, rubbing his face.
“I was askin’ why you were staring outside so hard. Did Beef run off again and you’re cursing him mentally ?” She asked, mentioning the horse line that's been in his family for generations.
“Beef ? No, no.. Something was rustling out there… Beef is in his stable..”
“Oh, well, the town is all good.. I just made rounds, though I'll probably go again. We’re in the middle of wolf season, you know ?”
Yeah, and I have to go look for a junked-out businessman. Mentally face-palming, he understood why Sister Melavola didn’t go to Mandy. She was too stuck up, too, by the book. She probably would’ve locked up poor old Victor instead of trying to help with his vices.
“Yeah, I know. Make sure Beef stays locked up. I don’t need him getting into a hoof and paw fight with the damn wolves.” He grumbled out once more. The rather huffy Robert earned a soft chuckle from the woman.
“Alright, Alright, I will. It cool if I take him out when I go around again ? Should be about midday, you got anythin’ planned ?” Mandy asked, sitting down at the desk and starting to write things down.
“No, just gonna go.. I dunno.” He said and shrugged. “See ya later, sweetheart.” He said and gave her head a small pat. A bit of fondness in his voice.
It had taken them a long time to get to the point they were at now. He could remember how icy he was towards her… Still reeling from his father's death.. still recovering from his injury, and now he was being replaced ?? His whole family's purpose, their entire legacy, died the day he took that duck shot to the shoulder. God, why did he have to take that goddamn shot to the shoulder ?? He was angry. Not really at Mandy, but himself. And it showed.
Who did this yuppie think she was ?? How dare she infringe on something so sacred. Steal it right from under his nose. Before he could even have a sip of medicine !
He gave her lip, swore at her, and cursed her. Threatened her with empty vulgarities. Yet she stuck around. She didn’t give up on him or their small town.
Their bond reflected that of a tired, grumpy uncle and his goody two shoes of a niece. And he was happy with that. Content with that. He could recall his thoughts from way back when.
“Bye, Robert ! Get some rest, yeah ?”
“Yeah, yeah ! Who’s older ?” He fired back with a hum. Smiling at her chuckles, okay. He felt a little better.
Still, he sighed while walking into his little side room, which was mostly a broom closet. Sleeping on the couch his father made, using it as a bed, a small trunk with the belongings he could salvage, his grandfather's gun on the windowsill, and some other various items, like a pouch with all his toiletries in it.
Where would he even start with trying to find Victor ? He could go look around in the woods.. Maybe he should go talk to Mel some more, ask her where exactly she’d seen his clothes and his blood. He could borrow one of Chase’s hunting dogs, find him that way ? Yeah, that’d work.
Rubbing his face some, making sure he had everything he needed. Handgun, keys, and beer for chase. Eyup, ready to go.
He walked over to Chase’s house. They weren’t that far apart in age, Chase turning 40 and Robert being 32. He knocked on the other’s door and opened it, being close enough to do so.
“Chase ? You alive ? Brought you a beer !” He called out into the house. Looking around the home, crossing off locations, Chase could be anywhere, really. He bet on him being in the bed, but even then, that was more or less likely for the man.
“What typa fuckin’ beer is it ?” He heard the gravelly voice call from theeeeeee sun room, okay, that was new.
“It's an uhh.. Lager ! Some sort of.. German mix ? I don’t really know.. Got it from the Marsh’s ! That Hermann kid’s grandma.” He said, walking into the room, he handed him the bottle, already opened.
“Thank ya kindly, son,” Chase said softly as two hounds curled up around each other on a pile of old blankets. “Whatcha come ‘ere for ?” Chase asked, taking a soft cough as he eyed the beer curiously.
“The dogs.” Robert said simply, “Someone went missing, and his clothes were covered in blood. Was hoping I could borrow the two to search for them.” He explained, nodding.
Chase eyed him, narrowing the aged orbs at the man. “You wanna borrow.. Beam and Maker.. To go look for some.. Guy.” Chase repeated, pressing his lips into a flat line. He sighed, rubbing his nose bridge, “A’ight fine.. Only cus I know you not gon’ let anything happen to them.” He grumbled and whistled, the two hounds perking up and looking curiously at Chase.
Robert chuckled at the dogs and shook his head. He called them over, Beam and Maker, named after whiskey. He shook his head and gave them pats, “Hey, pretty girls.” He greeted them, smiling as they yipped and sniffed at him, wagging their tails.
“A’ight, a’ight.. Get outta here, and bring my damn dogs back in one piece, Robert !” Chase fussed, scowling at him a bit as he narrowed his eyes again.
“I will, I will,” Robert promised as he finished his beer and walked out with them, heading towards the church.
The walk to the Church wasn’t that long or tedious; however, he felt overwhelmed by a presence on his way, or… or a sensation. He couldn’t quite feel it, but it was heavy like it was hanging over his head.
He knocked on one of the back doors. Mel came over after a few rasps of his fist against the door. Fixing her uniform. “Ahem, Sheriff.. Sorry about that.” She said, tucking some hair into the head covering.
He eyed her curiously, choosing ignorance over information. “You got his clothes ? I’m gonna start my search now.” He said the dogs sniffed about the ground curiously.
The nun nodded and disappeared before coming back with a heap of bloodied and torn clothing. Robert’s eyes widened as he stared, “Jesus, Mel ! What fucking happened to him ?? Are we sure he’s even fucking alive ??” Robert asked, and Mel shushed him, frowning as she narrowed her eyes at him.
“Yes, he’s fucking alive, Robert ! Look, look, just find him, okay ? I’ll pay you to not ask any questions ! Just bring him back here.” Mel insisted, raising her voice a little bit.
Robert sighed. He pressed his lips into a flat line and offered the clothes to the hounds. After the girls gave them a rather furious sniff over, they grew more interested in the ground around them now. Melovala looked anxious, Robert stared between her and the dogs, his concentration was broken when the dogs began to bark and run forward into the woods. He gave her one more look before following them, whistling and pointing in the direction.
The dogs continued, sniffing out the scent trail. It seemed to lead deeper and deeper into the woods. Mentally cursing himself for whatever the fuck he got himself into.
As they walked, he started to notice how the trees in the area had deep marks in them, like something big and sharp was raking through the wood, splintering it and digging it out all over the grass forest floor. He rolled his shoulders, wincing as his injury throbbed in response.
“Ow..” he murmured, reaching to rub and soothe the aching muscle as he stopped hearing a small snap. He raised his head and looked around. It seemed Beam and Maker had the same idea as they began to creep forward toward the sound. Robert waited, pulling his gun from his waistband. It was a good idea that he did that because now the dogs were barking.
As Robert started to sprint, he followed the sound, making sure his gun was loaded. He broke through some underbrush, pushing his way through as he looked at the scene in front of him. Victor’s long hair tangled and matted as he curled up in a ball laying in a puddle of wet mud, tinged with a metallic scent. He whistled, clapping his hands to get Beam and Maker’s attention. They stopped barking and sat down, letting Robert approach the man.
“Victor ! Victor !” Robert called, gently shaking him from the state. He sighed, noticing that his white skin was tinged with blood. Stained pink. He sighed heavily, seeing him basically naked and skin torn up. Wolves. He concluded. He peeled his own jacket off and wrapped it around him.
“Victor. I need you to open your eyes.. N’ get the hell up, man, cmon.” He ushered, tone hushed yet rushed. “Cmon bub, open your eyes.. Open ‘em for me..” Robert spoke softly, sweetly, a tone he usually reserved for small children and well.. Special cases.. He watched the man blink his eyes open, dark brown orbs seemingly swimming in a fog. He cocked an eyebrow. Was he high and wandered out here ?? He sighed and helped him up, realizing his nakedness was highly apparent. ”Jesus..” he muttered and pulled the jacket around him tighter and whistled to the dogs, pointing to lead them out of the woods. He followed the hounds back out. Deciding to bring him back to the church.
He wasn’t shocked to see Mel waiting patiently yet impatiently. He wasn’t sure how someone could capture that essence. Seeing them break the tree, she rushed over to help Robert bring him inside.
“Victor ! Where did you go ?? What happened ?!” She pestered the barely conscious man with questions.
Victor muttered out replies, which I'm sure he thought were coherent. Babbling as Mel takes him inside. Robert began to follow, wanting to question him as well, because what the hell, you can imagine his surprise as Mel puts a hand out and stops him.
“No questions. This didn’t happen. You didn’t see him.” She said sternly, handing him a pouch, dangling it at him as the coins inside jingled. He let out a soft huff and snatched it.
“You owe me, mel.” He said and pocketed it, “Wash my coat too.. It was my father's.” He said to her, she nodded, and shut the door in his face.
He shook his head and ushered the dogs along. He dropped them back off at Chase's and handed him some coins as a small thank you. He headed back to the sheriff’s office. Noticing that Beef wasn’t in his stable. Mandy had probably begun rounds. He nodded and walked inside, sitting down on his couch.. Bed and went over what just happened. Wolves were too small to do that to a tree. Bear maybe ? But this wasn’t really a bear country.. Maybe migrating bears ? He rubbed his forehead. Why had she given him hush money ?? What could he possibly need this for ? I mean, he needed money, sure, but.. Hush money ?
“What did I get myself into..” He muttered and sighed as he rubbed his face with his good hand. He had to do his physical therapy. That’d take his mind off of it.
Peeling off his vest and his shirt, he undid his sling. Letting the damaged limb fall free. He sighed and sat on the floor, hesitating before he started to move it. He was to rotate it five times in one direction, five times in the other, practice gripping things, and try writing.
…
He gave up halfway through. He usually did. And then complain that he wasn’t getting better, try again, then give up again. Robert didn’t know how to end the cycle, really. So he sat on his floor, counting the coins she’d given him, about a hundred of them ? And he gave Chase 15 ? So he had about eighty-five? Give or take… Not bad. He didn’t know nuns got paid for their work.
He sighed, rubbing his neck as he heard the door. He looked up at Mandy as she walked past. Then made eye contact with her as she walked back, staring at him curiously.
“Why are you sitting on the floor counting money ?” She asked him, tilting her head curiously at him.
“Uhh.. failed physical therapy ?” He replied, giving her an unsure grin.
“Riigghhtt… Anyways, that Victor guy is in the infirmary. He got attacked by wolves, apparently. You know anything about that ?”
“No, I’ve been here all day. Actually, no, I saw Chase. Nanna Gertrude gave me some beer as a thank you for the help, and I brought him one and some coins for a bet.” He constructed, nodding as he looked off, like he was recounting the events, trying to get them in the right order.
“Really ? You ? Lost a bet ?” She asked, shocked. “Wow, Robert, I thought you were better than that.” She joked, coming in and starting to massage his shoulder.
He groaned in pain, but it soon felt better as the springs of pain uncoiled. He let out sounds of satisfaction as she started to move it for him. She earned a sharp ‘hey’ from him, but he didn’t stop her. She helped him through the routine, rotating the arm in one direction, then in the other. “Pick up your coins.” She ordered, he snorted, but started to pick them up one by one and put them into his good hand. Mandy took them and put them back on the floor. He made a face at her, but picked them up. It was a back-and-forth between them before he clenched his fists around the coins and put them in the bag.
“Hand me the damn paper !” He shouted through chuckles as he snatched it and started to write some numbers down and other words. He kept going until he got tired of it and sighed at her. She had that stupid grin on her face. He rolled his eyes, and his face softened. “Thanks, sweetheart..” He muttered out, and she smiled, helping him up.
“No problem, Rob.”
…
Robert was standing out on the deck. Drinking and smoking out into the night. He had filled the buckets again a few hours ago. He had no fucking idea what was eating all the grain that damn fast. It’d not even been twelve hours.. He sighed, putting his cigarette out and finishing off his beer, and heading over to Beef’s stable, and reached over to pat the horse on the hind.
“Hey, beefy.. How are you, buddy ?” He asked, the black and white stallion lifting its head and giving Robert a soft boop with its snout. He chuckled at the animal's kind eyes and silly demeanor. Robert could’ve followed the family tradition. His grandfather's horse was named Prime.. His dad's horse was named Astral. He thought of the name Blue for a while, but.. It didn’t feel like him, plus.. He didn’t want his horse to have that legacy.. So, Beef it was. Robert felt as if he’d done enough legacy killing for one lifetime anyway.
Robert headed back inside, wishing Mandy a good night and settling down to sleep. That same aura from before came back. Something dark, imposing. Like it was grabbing onto him. Holding onto him with all its might as if it couldn’t let go.
…
Robert didn’t sleep well that night. He didn’t pay too much to it, he never slept well at night, or at all for that matter. Sitting up in bed, he rubbed his face. He became aware of the many voices in the house and tried to tune into it even in his groggy, half asleep state.
“I’m sure, Robert… Love too. He appreciates… Yeah ! He’s always been… Let me go see if he’s…”
Sounded like Mandy, he wondered what she was going to go see.. His eyes widened with alarmed hearing the doorknob. Snatching his blanket and pulling it up his figure as the door opened.
“Hey, Robert, you awa- AH ! I’m sorry ! I’m Sorry !” She said and covered her eyes as she backed out.
“Mandy ! Clothes !” He snapped at her.
“I know ! I forgot ! I’m sorry !” She said and shut the door. He groaned and laid back down, maybe he should also start sleeping with clothes on.
He got himself ready, scratching at his growing stubble as he put clothes on, brushed his teeth, not in that order but still. Walking out of the room he was surprised to see Victor, it was a.. Night and day difference really. He looked nice, sharp. He was a short man, long hair, beard and mustache, pale skin, brown eyes. Three piece navy blue suit, red tie.. Red tie ? Eye catching.. He looked fine. He looked.. Healthy. Normal.
“Uhm.. Robert. This is Victor…?”
“White. Victor White, it’s nice to meet you, Sheriff Robertson." Reaching his hand for a shake.
“Not Sheriff anymore, that honor goes to Mandy. But it’s.. Nice to meet you too, Mr. White.” Robert said and shook his hand, feeling how warm he was. He wondered if he was feverish from yesterday. He was staring, squeezing his hand a bit too long. He didn’t really want to let go.
“Victor is just fine,” he said while pulling away his hand, clearing his throat. “Well, I just wanted to come by.. Thank him for yesterday.. He and the dogs helped me out.”
Mandy looked surprised, “Really ? Robert, you didn’t tell me that.” She said tentatively.
“Must’ve slipped my mind.” Robert answered, maybe a bit too quickly. Mandy nodded and looked between the two men.
“I have to go do rounds. See you later, Robert.” She said, watching how the men engaged in serious eye contact.
“See you, Mandy.”
“Have a good day, Sheriff.” Victor spoke, adding a hum to his voice. When the door shut, leaving them in silence, Victor let out a breath. “You tell her anything ?”
“No, no one's been told anything.” I haven’t been told anything, but he didn’t say that part out loud. “Why ? Everyone already knows about your vices. I’m not shaming you, Victor. I just want to know why you haven’t thought about getting he-”
“Don’t you fucking tell me to get help. You don’t know what you’re even talking about ! I don’t even know why Melevola even went and got YOUR help.” He snapped, waving his hands around as he dropped his briefcase. “You don’t know. Don’t act like you understand.”
“Then help me understand ! You come to my house, half ass interrogate me about what I do and don’t know when I don't know shit from ass !” He snapped back, pointing at him with his good hand, his bad one twitching at his side.
“You just need to mind your business, okay ? Stay out of my business. Stay out of my affairs.” He made it pungently clear that Robert was not welcome. Victor sighed and ran a hand through his hair as he pushed it out of his face, adjusting his suit. “Now that that’s settled… Thanks. No one has really talked to me like that. Or have called me ‘Bub’ since I was a kid.” He said, looking soft. He reached, picking up the briefcase and opening it, he pulled out the brown worn and torn old jacket.
“I washed it for you. I got some blood on it.” He muttered and held it out to him.
Robert tentatively reached and took it. Expecting Victor to attack him or something. He studied the jacket, he could remember the red that coated certain parts of it as Victor disappeared into the church. He flicked his eyes from the fabric back up to the man and back down again.
“Thanks.” He said and nodded slowly at him. “Why are you still here ? Want some satisfaction or something ?”
Victor looked jostled out of his thoughts, he cleared his throat and nodded simply before turning tail and walking out of the office. Robert sighed as he shook his head and went back into the room, sitting down on the couch and turning the jacket over in his hands. He hadn’t seen the light, coffee and milk brown fabric since his father died. He hadn’t washed it since then.. It was the last thing he had of him. He felt conflicted. Was he really okay having his fathers jacket coated in a stranger's blood ? All because of grief…? Yeah, yeah he was.
…
Victor found his pace was swift, furious even. He tore down the dirt roads and headed straight for the church. He rounded the back, knocking on the door four times quickly, twice in slow succession, then once after a few seconds. He waited patiently, Mel opening the door. Victor frowned at her.
“Mel ! I thought we agreed on no outsiders !” Was the first thing out of his mouth as he walked inside.
“Well I couldn’t fucking find you, Vickie ! Did you want me to just let you disappear ? Your mom was asking me questions ! Your clients were asking me questions !” Mel snapped back at him, throwing her hands up in exasperation, “Get over yourself ! I can’t fucking do this on my own, Victor. I can’t keep stealing the drugs for you… I can’t keep covering for YOU ! It’s not MY fucking fault YOUR fucking family got themselves into this mess !” She shouted, not realizing she was crossing a line. “Every night ! EVERY FUCKING NIGHT !” She screamed at him as he flinched at the volume.
Victor stared at her, he was quiet, not moving much other than his chest rising and falling with his deep, shuddering breaths. He slowly nodded, “Okay, Melevola. You’re right. It’s not your fault. It’s not your fault for once a month I turn into a snarling beast. It’s not your fault I lock myself up in the middle of the woods to protect you and other people.” He was practically forcing the words out, breathing furiously through his nose. “It’s not your fault I can’t ever get married, Or- Or have kids. Or let anyone get close to me. It’s not your fault. And if you're not responsible then stop trying to help me.” He told her, shaking his head as she reached out to him.
“No, Mel ! I’m tired of you trying to blame me for this !” He hissed at her, barring his teeth. “I never asked you for any of this !”
She flinched, closing her eyes and braced as if he was going to strike. When she opened her eyes she was met with Victor staring at her, his expression convoluted, not giving her anything to work off of but she knew she fucked up.
“Vickie..” She started and he shook his head, pulling his lip under his teeth as he continued to shake his head even as he walked out of the church’s back room.
“You should know better than to talk to me like that.” He said on his way out, the door slamming and rattling the all as he exited.
…
Robert was conflicted. A day had passed since yesterdays… excitement so to speak.Victor returning his jacket, he heard from around time, Mel and Victor had fought. Mandy had been down his throat on what he’d been doing and where’d he’d been going and he doubted it was natural curiosity or concern. To hell with her, His thoughts echoed as he peeled himself out of bed and got ready for the day, he decided to take Beef out for a ride.
Once he was dressed and ready to go, he went outside to the stable and smiled at the stallion. Offering him some sugar cubes and getting his saddle and tack. Suiting Beef up, he was careful with it, knowing the gear was heavy and Mandy used a different saddle for him. Beef also knew Robert wasn’t at his best right now, he was a smart horse.
Rob pulled the stool over and climbed up, using his good arm to haul himself on setting his boots in the stirrups to stabalize. He pat Beef’s neck and wound the reigns around his good hand and flicked them, gently tapping his foot against his side as Beef entered a slow walk, exiting the stable and cruising down the dirt street. Some of the school kids were having recess and came up to pet Beef and sneak him apples and other horse safe snacks.
He chuckled and carried on, ushering Beef along, he needed to go by the church, ask Melevola what the hell was going on.. Or.. he could investigate himself ? How could he go about it ? Demand it out of them.. Detain them.. He was jostled from his thoughts when Beef stopped moving and refused to. He looked around, wondering if something had fallen in front of them or he piloted them right into a wall.
He realized that Beef had his snout buried into a pot of flowers. He hissed, realizing he was chewing on some of the stems bulbs. He struggled getting off, Beef getting away with a few more of the bulbs before Robert could shove his head away and scold him. Luckily they were just dandelion.. None toxic.. He sighed and led him away from the flowers and poked his snout as he scolded him, giving him some scratches.
“You can’t go around and eating peoples flowers, Beef.. People work hard to grow those..” He said softly and sighed at him. He heard a scoff from behind and looked over, watching the long haired man from yesterday grumble at the flower bed.
“Hey.. I’m sorry about him, he’s an issue with eating things he’s not supposed to eat.” Rob explained, fishing around in his pocket and offering five coins to replenish the lost seeds.
Victor stared at him, “No I don’t want your damn money.”
“So, what do you want ? My soul ?” He fired back.
“Gimme a hand, I have some already growin’ inside.. They just need to be replanted.” Victor said and frowned. “Wait why the fuck would I want your soul ?”
“Your a lawyer, right ?”
“No… I’m a fucking consultant.” He said, scoffing once more, “And tie him up.. Away from my flowers..” He grumbled and led him inside.
The house was one of the larger ones in their small settlement, white and a bit grand, an office where Victor presumably worked and Robert could trace the scent of chemicals.. He couldn’t ponder on it for two long because pots were being thrusted toward him. He grabbed one with the good hand and pressed his lips into a line. Victor realized and didn’t comment, just cradled the one in his arm and grabbed two more. He ushered them right back out.
“You tryna make this easy or somethin’ ?” Robert asked, noticing the care.
“No, I just dont want you to hurt yourself… or drop one of my pots.” He grumbled, keeping up the spiky exterior.
“Riiigghhtt..” He chuckled and helped as best as he could to take the flowers out the pots and distribute them into the flower bed. “It looks so weird.. Like they’re out of place..”
“Leave it to land.. It’s what they know. They’ll fix themselves and get comfortable.” Victor explained, nodding at him.
“That’s.. Yeah.. I guess that makes sense.” Robert conceded. “Sorry about the flowers.. Again.” He said, Beef was tied to a lamp post a few steps away, poking around at the dirt and such. Robert walked over and untied him, struggling but he got himself back on Beef’s saddle.
“It’s fine I suppose.. He looks like he enjoyed them.” Victor relaxed, gently petting at the top of his snout.
Beef nuzzled into his palm, moving his head to get more scratches and pats. Victor chuckled, smiling softly, Robert noticed the odd shape of his teeth but didn’t comment.. His nails also looked.. Strange. As if they were cut short, too short. Victor picked up Robert’s expression and pulled back. He stopped smiling and cleared his throat.
“Thanks. You should get going, Sheriff.”
“I told you, just Robert, Mandy is Sheriff.” He said and tilted his head at him. “So, what happened between you and Mel ? Heard you two had a fight ? Trouble in paradise ?”
“She’s a nun.” He deflected.
“Who smokes, drinks, and fucks the other nuns. Answer the question.” Robert snapped back at him.
“Get Sheriff Mandy to ask me and maybe I’ll answer, Robert.”
Robert gave a slow nod and let out a hiss as he snapped the reigns, Beef breying before taking off in a somewhat trot, not really a full but almost there. This seemed like it was going to be much harder than it was supposed to be.
…
It’d been hours since his galavant around town, he ended up right back by those buckets, filling them up with grains, he sprinkled some around the floor as well, hopefully slow down whatever the fuck was eating it all. He dragged the bag back to the stable and put it inside with Beef. He gave the horse some extra pats and lovings before he went back inside.
He peeled off his clothes and sat on the couch, had he eaten ? Damn. He sighed and cursed himself before he struggled getting his boots back on, deciding to head out in some pants he’d cut short and a long sleeved shirt. He looked absolutely ridiculous but he gave not a single damn.
Would the shops even be open this late ? He rubbed his face and grabbed the little pouch of gold coins he had, thanks to Victor he didn’t lose anymore of ‘em. Walking out of the office, he walked around, checking the saloons as they were closing, asking if they had anything to spare and he could pay. He got turned down from most of them, even the one that usually caters to out laws… He sighed and was walking back, taking the darker, yet shorter back way. He walked passed the church, noting the dark windows. Had they really all gone to sleep ? It only had to be maybe.. Eleven o clock.. Closer to midnight ? He sighed, rubbing his face with his good hand.
As he walked, he felt that feeling again, the uneasy, dark and imposing sensation. His skin pricked, the hair on his neck stood on end. He felt cold and hot at the same time. Looking around, not noticing any immediate danger he kept walking. Moving with urgency just a bit. The darkness didn’t aide his growing suspicion.
As he stepped, his boot meeting the soft grass he heard something snap, feeling nothing give way under his own weight, his head followed the sound. His eyes meeting the back of something large and the glint of eyes in the dark. He let out an uneven breath, sound trapped in his throat as his feet felt cemented in the grass. He felt like his breathing was growing heavier as a lightheadedness over took him. Legs feeling like lead as he dragged himself on, don’t run but don’t take your eyes off of it. Walking backwards, he felt around for his gun, finding nothing but the belt loops of his trousers. Fear seized his limbs, ice cold fury dug its claws deep into Robert’s legs as the creature emerged from the tree line. Sharp dagger like teeth, huge head, ears angled towards the sky, and eyes like the devil.
Robert stumbled, and it felt like the beast took that as a sign to advance further, claws taking tentative steps out into the midnight air when…
BANG ! CLANG ! BANG ! BANG !
Melevola was banging metal pots and pans against one another, rushing towards them in her night clothes, shouting just to an add an extra layer of sound. The beastie let out a screech before rushing back into the brush and after a few beats a dark large figure sprang up into the night sky and flew off.
“Go home !” She yelled at Robert who was scrambling to his feet.
“What- Melevola !” He yelled, shock and awe in his voice as the cold grip of fear loosened by the warmth of adrenaline.
“Go home, Robert ! No questions !” She repeated and threw something at him. He let it hit his chest before catching it in his arm, his shoulder screaming at him with how fast he jerked it AND when he fucking fell !
“Melevola ! Ugh- MELEVOLA !” He shouted, watching her trek into the woods, groaning as he watched her red hair disappear into the blackness of night. He became hyper aware of the sound of his heart, the expand of his lungs, the shake in his legs.
He should go the fuck home before another one of those things popped up.