Ghost Canyon (The John Decker Supernatural Thriller Series Book 7) by Anthony Strong (ebooks that read to you .TXT) 📕

movement, bringing the creature into his sights. He was careful not to look at those eyes again, though. If he did that, it would all be over.

Tieg was tensed to pounce. The dog’s hackles were up, fur bristling. The canine was about to attack. An effort that could only end one way.

Decker wasted no time.

Careful to fire above the defensive canine, he squeezed off three shots in rapid succession, each of which slammed into the creature’s chest, driving it backwards. He stood no chance of killing it. He knew this already because a gun hadn’t saved the two campers, whose remains he’d witnessed earlier that day. But it bought him time, and that was good enough.

Decker jumped to his feet and called to the dog, praying it would listen. For a moment Tieg ignored him, tensed to attack, then it turned and lopped over to Decker, casting a wary glance backwards toward the creature. He nudged the dog back toward the hotel and ran alongside it, taking the steps up to the veranda two at a time. He practically fell through the open doorway then turned and slammed it shut.

He leaned against the door, breathing heavily.

Robyn was standing in the lobby, eyes wide with fright. Moments later, the two FBI agents raced down the stairs, guns drawn.

“what’s going on?” Barnes asked, going to the window, and peeking out. “I heard shots.”

“The creature. It’s outside,” Decker said. He rubbed his forehead where the start of a headache pulsed. He almost felt hungover, even though he hadn’t been drinking. Was it a side effect of the creature’s mesmerism? “Everyone be careful. Don’t look it in the eye. It has a hypnotic gaze. That’s how it immobilizes victims.”

“There’s nothing there.” Barnes shook his head, bewildered. “The street is empty.”

“Are you sure?” Decker went to the other window. He pushed the curtain back with the barrel of his gun, keeping his eyes low to avoid being ensnared by the creature’s gaze yet again.

Special Agent Fowler came up behind him and peered over Decker’s shoulder. “I don’t see anything either.”

“I’m telling you. It was there. Damned thing almost got me.” Decker stepped from the window, lowering his gun. He glanced toward Tieg, who was now pressed against Robyn’s leg, the dog’s aggression having given way to fear. “The dog saved my life. If he hadn’t pushed me out of the way, I’d be a goner.”

“Good boy,” Robyn said, kneeling next to the dog and patting his head. She looked up at Decker. “How could that creature be here? I thought it was in the mine?”

“Me too.” Decker was baffled. “It escaped last night and killed those poor campers, but we locked the gates and secured the mine entrance this morning. It should have been trapped.”

“Well, it wasn’t,” Fowler grumbled. “Everyone should stay inside until dawn. If Decker’s theory is correct, it’s sensitive to daylight and we’ll be safe then.”

“What about Carlton?” Robyn looked worried. “He’s all alone in the shack at the other end of town. I might not like him much, but I’d feel guilty if something happened.”

“I hadn’t thought of that,” Fowler replied. “Someone will have to go check on him.”

“Right,” Barnes said. “And bring him back here for the night, if he’ll come.”

“Good luck with that.” Robyn stood up and pushed her hands into her pockets. “I’ve already had that conversation and he refused.”

“The situation has changed. He’d be a fool to stay on his own tonight.”

“He is a fool,” Robyn replied. “And a stubborn one, at that.”

“We have to try,” Decker said. “Warn him of the danger, at least.”

“I’ll go,” Barnes said, although he looked none too pleased.

“I’ll accompany you,” said Decker. “It will be easier with two of us. We can watch each other’s backs.”

Barnes nodded. “That makes me feel better. You ready to do this?”

“No time like the present.” Decker checked his gun. He still had eighteen rounds. That should be enough for whatever trouble they encountered. “If we come under attack, whatever happens, do not look into the creature’s eyes. Understood?”

“Gotcha.”

Decker glanced back at Agent Fowler. “Lock the door behind us and don’t go outside for any reason.”

Fowler nodded.

“And look after Robyn. Make sure she stays safe,” Decker added.

“You two keep your eyes peeled out there,” Fowler said. “Take nothing for granted.”

“Always.” Decker exchanged a look with Barnes, then he pulled the door open and stepped back out into the night with the FBI agent right behind.

Chapter Forty-Seven

Decker and Barnes made their way down the street toward the ramshackle cabin inhabited by Carlton Miller. They moved carefully, senses on high alert. Decker scanned the landscape ahead of them while Barnes brought up the rear and covered his six.

Decker felt uneasy. Wherever the creature had gone, it couldn’t be far. He wondered if it was watching them right now, biding its time, waiting for the pair to be far enough from the hotel to render them vulnerable. It was intelligent. Of that, he was sure. The voice that whispered in his head, lulling him into a deadly trance, was all the proof he needed. But he couldn’t dwell on the ramifications of that right now. There was a job to do, and he needed to stay sharp.

Carlton’s shack was even more shabby up close than he expected. The entire building was leaning. A pane was missing from the only frontward facing window, and two more were cracked. There was barely any paint left on the battered and warped siding. The steps up to the front door sagged, and Decker wondered if his foot would go right through them. Next to them was a sign screwed onto the railing. It read, YOU KNOCK, I SHOOT.

“Charming,” Barnes whispered as they reached the building, turning his attention from the open road behind them to the old man’s shack. “Shall we flip a coin to see who’s going to knock?”

“I’ll do it,” Decker said. “I’ve already escaped death once tonight, I’m on a winning streak.”

“Or your luck’s about to run out,” Barnes