Chapter 5 - The Last Mile

The trip out to the swamp was about as frustrating and as slow as the last time. This time, Calvin didn't miss the turn at "the big live oak with the branches that nearly touch the ground." Eventually the pavement was replaced by gravel. Gravel was replaced by dirt. And dirt was replaced by mud. Then they were driving up the lane to the Warner house.



Near the end of the lane the ground began to rise a little and get a little more dry. At the top of that rise, under a copse of of pines, sat an old house with a massive stone chimney and a tin roof. This time there was a truck parked out front. But other than that there didn't appear to be anyone home.

Just like last time, as soon as her knuckles hit the door there was an explosion of barking. Four loud barks and then a few seconds of low but loud growling and then more barking. And then THUD something very large threw itself at the door. Then more barking.

With the sound of a shotgun shell being racked into a chamber, Bill Warner appeared around the corner of the house. He was coming up behind Natasha and had his gun pointed in their direction. He did not immediately see Tony and jumped a little when he finally saw her gun pointed at him.

"Who are you?" he yelled at Tony, then "Oh, it's you." he said glaring at the others.

Warner was dressed all in hunting gear, but he looked almost as haggard as the last time they say him. He relaxed a little when he saw the familiar faces . . . but only a little.

"What are you doing back here?"