Page 3 of Protecting my Human
“Not.Interested.”Firm and non-compromising.
“But I’ve come such a long way, and I promise I won’t get in your way.I just wanted to look around.”
“Do you think you’re the first to come traipsing demanding entrance?”
I bit my lower lip.“I tried contacting you ahead of time.”
“I know.I read your emails.”And obviously chose to not reply.
“Is there anything I can say that will make you change your mind?”I wasn’t too proud to beg.
“No.”
I sighed, and my shoulders sank.Another dead end.“I’m sorry to have bothered, then.Would it be okay if I visited the Bullough Mausoleum?”
“Suit yourself, but I wouldn’t linger too long, lest you miss the ferry.”
“It’s not supposed to leave for several hours.”
“A storm’s rolling in, meaning it will be leaving earlier.”
A glance at the sky showed a few scattered clouds.“The forecast didn’t mention inclement weather.”
“Since when are they ever right?”he drawled.
Good point.
“Again, sorry to have bothered.Have a good day.”I turned on my heel and began continuing on the path I’d just travelled.The mausoleum built by the family was less than five miles away.At a brisk pace, I could make it in under an hour and a half.The ferry wouldn’t leave for another four, giving me plenty of time, despite what Mr.Graham said.A storm, indeed.
I huffed slightly by the time the mausoleum came into sight.The open temple, with Grecian flair, overlooked the Atlantic Ocean.Rather than gape at the stone structure, I found myself drawn to the cliff’s edge, frowning at the rapid approach of dark clouds.A sharp wind swept off the water, whipping across my face, trying to drag loose strands of hair from my ponytail.The scent of it promised rain and made it unlikely I’d make it back to the dock before it fell.Guess I’d be travelling in wet clothes, as I’d only brought my satchel with my wallet, notebook, and a small recorder for dictating my observations.
As I turned from the cliff, I noticed a lanky figure approaching, their long loping gait somewhat disjointed.Another tourist?An isle worker sent to gather the visitors before the storm struck?Perhaps Mr.Graham, changing his mind and preparing to chase me off his property?
As the person neared, I frowned, for there seemed to be something odd about them.While not one to usually judge outward appearance, I couldn’t help but note their clothing appeared ragged, with holes and stains seen even at several paces.A dark-colored cap pulled low over the brow hid their features.It suddenly occurred to me that perhaps I’d not been too bright coming out here alone.
“Hello, can I help you?”I called out just as a horrid smell wrinkled my nose.
The reply?“Founds you.Mistress will be pleased.”
At the sibilant words, a frisson of fear went through me.Time to get back to the dock.Veering away from the stranger, I adopted a rapid pace, but not quick enough to evade the fingers that grasped my arm and wrenched.
I half whirled and yelled, “Let me go…” Words that faded in strength as I gaped at what accosted me.
A legendary Red Cap.
A creature that wasn’t supposed to exist outside of stories.
Yet here one stood, wearing a stiff hat stained dark red and brown—from blood!Its face wrinkled and gaunt, the creases of it grimed.And when it smiled, I shivered at the jagged black and yellow teeth.
Terror filled me as I pulled, trying to break the monster’s grip.It huffed, as if excited I fought.Its eyes gleamed with malice, the black orbs showing no whites.I kicked out, trying to dislodge its hold on my arm, and to my surprise, not only did I connect with its leg, I managed to buckle its knee.It released me, and I staggered back, arms waving as I sought to catch my balance.I didn’t watch where I stumbled, a bad idea when you stood on the edge of a cliff.
My foot slipped, and I fell.
Most people, when plummeting to their death, saw their life flash before their eyes.Me, I saw my gravestone epitaph.
Should have stayed home and watched Indiana Jones.
ChapterTwo
