A Scout Master's Folly

            Before Kyle could rush towards the crack in the barn door to see who had arrived, it slid open swiftly. The light engulfed the dim, damp, musty barn temporarily blinding the three men. Clint practically pounced into the barn with his gun drawn. Ferociously he whispered, “Keep your mouths shut.” The men looked at each other with trepidation – their minds sinking at the thought of whoever else was waiting for them outside.  A muffled discussion wafted in through the thick barn walls. 

                                                            --------

            “Garrett, Dad and the O’Brians have been gone a really long time.” Matthew Dooley stated sleepily as he stepped back inside the cabin wearing just his boxer briefs. The morning sun had felt incredible on his bare, smooth skin. 

            “Who are you trying to impress?” Garrett Dooley interjected off topic, his thin lips curling into a shy grin. 

            “Huh?” Matthew replied confusedly looking himself up and down – slightly worried that his sizable, thick morning-wood had magically sprung back into a full salute like earlier. 

             “I’m talking about that six pack poking its way out of your historically bulbous belly.” Garrett chimed back jokingly. “Not to be a dick but you went through a seriously long chubby phase.” 

             “Ohhh look at you getting jealous of your little brother’s chiseled physique,” Matt started teasingly, “well as you can see, the chub-asourous-rex is all gone.  Kendra and I have been working out together.” He finished while puffing his well-defined chest out and striking a mock body-builder pose, his sculpted body on full display. 

             “Ok there Arnold, simmer down….Kendra isn’t around so I don’t need the cock-trot muscle display. Sure, you’ve grown out of your chubby phase but I can still kick your ass even with a few extra pounds holding me down.” Garrett started rolling his eyes dramatically and grabbing his belly, his beefy body rocking back and forth, “It sounds like this is heating up for you and Kendra.” He finished, blowing some theatrical kisses towards Matt and making ridiculous kissing sounds. 

             “Give it a rest, dick-breath. How about you try acting like my OLDER brother,” Matt began, annoyance hanging over every word but unable to hide the embarrassing blush of his face, “I like her. She’s really into fitness – likes to break a sweat.” Matt replied flatly regretting his word choice as soon as the words exited his mouth. 

            “Break a sweat, eh?” Garrett started an absurdly wide, impish grin on his face, “You haven’t been helping her with that already, baby-brother?” He finished with sarcasm. 

Matt blushed again and stammered, “Don’t be a prick and make me regret telling you all of this. ” 

             “Alright, alright,” Garrett began as he put his hands up in a mock defensive position, “back to the main subject at hand.  You’re right. The guys have been gone awhile. They’re probably just having a really good time out there on the trails. Dad always talks so fondly of his memories out here with Mr. O’Brian. I’m sure they’re just getting caught up on old times.” Garrett Dooley stated suddenly looking sullen and deflated.

            “What’s eating at you?  You’ve been tense this whole trip and as usual you’re trying to cover it up with being a sassy, ass-hat. I see through that routine. The point in coming out here is to relax in case you forgot, Garrett.” Matt ventured in a genuinely concerned voice.

            “Look at you actually thinking about someone other than yourself for a change.” Garrett riposted. 

            “Seriously, Garrett, cut the shit. What’s going on?” Matt continued un-deterred. 

            “It’s way to early in the morning for a talk like this especially with you standing awkwardly half naked in front of me. I’m the big brother, you don’t need to worry about me. I’ve been the one worried about you all these years with all your reckless habits. Our little dynamic doesn’t need to change.” Garrett replied.  

            “Out with it already, we’ve got nothing but time out here. Tell me your secrets and I’ll tell you all of my new ones.” Matt stated, his infectious laugh filling the cabin. 

              “Before I dive into this long and sordid tale I’m about to tell, remind me to call over the ranger station if dad and the O’Brian’s aren’t back in an hour.” 

            Matt nodded his head in agreement as Garrett dove into telling his story. 

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            “You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” Garrett told his brother as he wrapped up his story.

            Matt didn’t respond for a solid minute – silence gripped the cabin tighter than a mother holding a child’s hand crossing a busy street. “I just can’t process what you’re telling me. Does anyone else know about this? Do Mom and Dad?” Matt replied shakily with a crack in his voice. 

            “Nope. You’re the only person I’ve told and it needs to stay this way. Hey, it’s been an hour – you were supposed to remind me to call the ranger’s station.” Garrett said with an annoyed tone.  

            “And interrupt that story? Not on your life. Call the damn ranger station already.” Matt replied looking physically and emotionally exhausted. 

            Garrett grabbed the old, rotary landline and dialed. 

                                                            -------  

            Thirty minutes later, a loud knock on the cabin door stirred Matt and Garrett from their thoughts. 

            “Good morning, gentlemen. I’m Ranger DeSosa. What seems to be the problem? Dispatch didn’t tell me much over the radio.” 

            Ranger Desosa’s profile swallowed the doorway. His muscular, tan body seemed like it wanted to burst its way out of his crisp, well-fitted Ranger uniform. Ranger DeSosa’s smooth face bore a warm smile for the two Dooley sons. 

            Matt appeared flustered as he looked the Ranger up and down. He shifted uncomfortably and his words seemed to be glued to the top of his very dry mouth. 

            “Matt, are you going to invite the man in or what? Have you forgotten your manners?” Garrett called out as he stood and crossed the quaint room to shake the Ranger’s hand and usher him into the modest cabin’s living room. 

            Matt stammered a flustered apology and stepped back avoiding eye contact with both his brother and Ranger DeSosa. 

            Garrett earnestly explained the situation to Ranger DeSosa who listened patiently with a concerned look. 

            “Ordinarily, we’d wait a day or so before springing into action but I’m going to be frank with you gentlemen, we’ve had a few unsolved disappearances in these woods over the last few years. I’d like to be proactive on this one.” Ranger DeSosa stated in a reassuring, slightly accented voice. 

            “Unsolved disappearances?” Matt burst out, “What the hell does that mean?” 

            Garrett shot him a peevish look and even Ranger DeSosa looked surprised.  

            Ranger DeSosa locked his dark brown eyes onto Matt and replied with a firm, confident tone, “It means that we unfortunately have not been able to find a few missing people in these woods. Search parties were organized. Investigations were opened but sadly no concrete evidence as to their whereabouts ever materialized.” 

            Matt let Ranger DeSosa’s deep voice roll over him – there was something very soothing about it but then he remembered the gravity of the situation, “Well, fuck, you know how to lighten a room, dontcha Ranger DeSosa.” Matt remarked forcefully. 

            “Listen, Sir, I’m just trying to be honest with you. At this stage, there is no reason to panic or get angry.” Ranger DeSosa said without malice. Matt shifted uncomfortably under the Ranger’s gaze, a slight tingling in his stomach caught Matt’s attention. He didn’t know what to make of the feeling. 

            “I’m sorry for my brother’s behavior. I don’t know what’s gotten into him today.” Garrett offered while shooting a ‘what the hell?’ look at Matt. 

            “Let me radio this into HQ and we’ll head out in my SUV to start looking.” Ranger DeSosa commented looking unaffected by Matt’s behavior. 

                                                            ---------

            “We’ve been looking for hours, Ranger DeSosa. This feels like it’s getting worse by the minute.” Garrett ventured quietly from the back seat of Ranger DeSosa’s Tahoe. 

            “I have one more place I want to check before we head back for the night.” Ranger DeSosa stated, his thick, hairy hands resting calmly on the steering wheel. 

            “How big is this damn forest?” Matt coughed up in an exasperated tone from the passenger seat. 

            “I want you two to stay in the car for this. We’re going to be stopping by Billy and Clint Reed’s place on the backside of the mountain. They’re well-known around this area for being less than hospitable to people, especially law enforcement.” Ranger DeSosa said with an edge in his voice. 

            “Are they dangerous?” Matt asked sensing the stupidity in his question before he could end the sentence. 

             “All we have is allegations and rumors but if there’s any truth to them, then yes they’re very dangerous.” Ranger DeSosa replied, turning his husky frame so he could talk to Matt face to face. Sweat beaded on Ranger DeSosa’s forehead. 

             “And they’ve never been charged with anything?” Garrett asked warily. 

            “No one will testify against them and so far there’s been no evidence to use,” Ranger DeSosa said shaking his head in frustration. “Those boys are smarter than they let on too. People tend to only see them at face value – the redneck country type – and assume there’s not some wit and conniving below the surface.  

                                                             ----------------- 

             The Tahoe turned right onto a narrow dirt road with numerous signs on the trees saying ‘DO NOT ENTER’, ‘PRIVATE PROPERTY’, ‘TRESPASS AT YOUR OWN RISK’, ‘GUN OWNER’S PROPERTY’. 

            “Let me guess, this is the Reed residence,” Matt stated wryly as the vehicle pulled into an open field with a cabin and a barn. Ranger DeSosa stepped out of the vehicle and headed towards a cold-looking man slowly walking toward them.  

            “Evening, Mr. Reed.” Ranger DeSosa volleyed with a smile 

            “Whatever you want, Ranger, it’s unlikely I’d give it to you so save us both the time and turn around,” Billy responded with disdain in his voice.

            “C’mon now, Billy. Have I ever given you any trouble like the other Rangers? Hear me out.” Ranger DeSosa punted back, not missing a beat or dropping his chipper demeanor.

            Billy looked at Ranger DeSosa and then beyond him to his Tahoe. “You’ve got five minutes. Who did you bring with you to my property, Ranger? You know I don’t like visitors.”

            “They’re the reason I’m here, Mr. Reed. Their father and his friends have gone missing in the woods. We’ve been all over the mountains trying to pick up their trail. So far everyone we’ve talked to hasn’t seen anything.” Ranger DeSosa uttered with an even, confident tone. 

            Billy raised his left eyebrow in bemusement. “And what makes you think I’d have any idea where these folks are, Ranger?” Billy replied with sarcasm.

            “Well, I know you don’t like trespassers, Mr. Reed. I also know you’re unlikely to call the authorities if you did encounter any trespassers. I’m here to see if you’ve seen anything so I can take them off your hands before they cause any problems on your property.” Ranger DeSosa said with a wide, white teeth smile.

            “You’re here to “help”, me – eh? Well I appreciate the gesture Ranger – really I do. We’re reclusive people and enjoy our quiet. I haven’t seen anyone but my brother Clint around here but I’ll be sure to give you a holler if I see anything abnormal.” Billy stated with an almost warm tone. Is there something else I can help you with because if not I’d like you to get back to my chores.” Mr. Reed stated. 

            “Just let us know if you see anything.” Ranger DeSosa replied, unable to conceal the surprise on his face.  

                                                            --------

            Kyle, Chuck and John sat motionless, straining to hear the muffled conversation happening outside the barn. Clint’s eyes kept darting back and forth from his captives to the barn door. He fidgeted nervously. 

            The three men shot anxious glances at each other – their minds racing. 

            Kyle judged by Clint’s nervousness that whoever was out there wasn’t the men he’d called for. His mind whirled as he considered screaming but what if it was just some random people from town or some lost hikers? If he screamed and it wasn’t someone who could help, he’d get all of them killed. 

            Kyle’s eyes desperately scanned the barn again. Suddenly, his eyes landed on something but how could he use it without getting a bullet through his head? He’d need a distraction. 

            Kyle looked at Chuck and John. When Clint’s eyes darted back to the door, he mouthed and signaled as subtly as he could. 

            John stood up and Clint spun around his gun drawn. He slowly walked towards Clint while whispering, “I really need to use the bathroom!” Subtly he moved at a 45-degree angle to draw Clint’s eyes away from Kyle. 

            Clint whispered furiously, “Sit down or I’m going to shoot you!” John kept walking slowly and said in a hushed tone,” If you shoot me, whoever is out there is going to hear and then what?” 

            Clint seemed to ponder over the situation for a few seconds. As the two men talked back and forth in furious whispers, Kyle slowly scooted towards the item he needed. Finally, he reached it and prayed Clint didn’t notice what happened next. 

                                                            --------

            Ranger DeSosa turned from Mr. Reed and slowly walked back to the Tahoe. His mind raced to identify what didn’t feel right about his interaction with Mr. Reed. He’d talk to the man at least a half dozen times since he moved to the area but he couldn’t put his finger on what was different this time. 

            Ranger DeSosa finally reached his Tahoe and hopped in. 

            “Well, what’d he say?” Garrett asked anxiously. 

            “He said he hasn’t seen anything though I don’t know if he’d tell me the truth if he had seen them.” Ranger DeSosa responded in a reassuring tone. “We’d better call it a night and start fresh in the morning.” 

            Ranger DeSosa turned the ignition key.

            “Ummmmm, Ranger…….is there supposed to be smoke coming from that barn?”

            “Huh?” Ranger DeSosa began as he shifted his body towards the barn. Sure enough, smoke was billowing out. 

            “Definitely not!” Ranger DeSosa yelled as he flung open the door and hopped out of his truck. Just as he opened door he heard the crack of a gunshot. Momentarily confused, Ranger DeSosa continued out of the truck.

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            Kyle grabbed the gas can and pulled out his lighter. Without thinking twice, he poured the gas all over the barn hay and pulled out his lighter. His parents were always nagging him to quit his smoking habit and for once, he was glad he hadn’t listened to them. He reached down and flicked the lighter’s flame. The fire crackled. 

            “Hey what the hell is going on?” Clint moved towards Kyle before he noticed the flame. He shoved John out of the way and dashed towards the flame to stomp it out. The men, seeing Clint distracted, descended on him. With a kick and a shove, the weapon flew from Clint’s hand and Clint cascaded into a pile of farm tools. 

            “Let’s get out of here!” Chuck screamed as the fire picked up.

------------

             “What are you doing!? Garrett screamed at the Ranger, “He has a gun, get the hell down!” 

            Finally realizing what was happening, Ranger DeSosa sprinted behind the vehicle and flung the door open on his side and pulled the guys out. “Head to the damn tree line!” He yelled at Garrett and Matt. 

             Garrett and Matt ran towards the tree line as Ranger DeSosa flung open the passenger side door and reached for his radio. More bullets came careening into the vehicle. Just as Ranger DeSosa reached the radio it sparked. It took a second for him to realize one of the bullets hit the radio rendering it useless. 

            “FUCK!” Ranger DeSosa screamed in frustration. 

            “Look! There are the guys!” Matt screamed from the tree line. Ranger DeSosa popped his head up quickly and saw 3 men pouring out of the barn and running towards the wood line. A fourth man sprinted from the barn a few paces behind them. The sound of a second weapon firing burst through the air. 

            “Guys! Over here! Over here!” Garrett yelled at the three men. Garrett couldn’t tell if they’d heard or seen him. More bullets rained down on Garrett, Matt and Ranger DeSosa’s position bringing Garrett’s focus back to the danger at hand. 

            Ranger DeSosa sprinted towards them as the last rays of sunlight struck the forest top. 

            Panting, he spoke hurriedly, “Follow me, I don’t have a gun. The radio is dead. We have to out pace them and figure something out as we go!” 

            Looks of horror spread across the Dooley men’s faces. “But what about our family and friends?” Garrett asked. 

            “We have to focus on surviving ourselves. With Billy and Clint divided, we may stand a chance.” Ranger DeSosa said in broken clips as the men sprinted deeper into the wood line. 

-----To Be Continued ----