At the far end of the building Val and Yvonne disappeared around the corner. Then Cam and Sandi did too. When she and Sal caught up to everyone, Cam held his fingers interlaced into a cup and readied himself to give Val a boost.
Her eyes followed Val’s outstretched arm as he stepped into Cam’s waiting hands. Above a door sat a window missing its glass, and Val now reached for the sill. Sal let go of her hand and dashed over to the guys. He mimicked Cam’s hand position in perfect time to grip Val’s swinging foot as he launched off the ground.
Val, now three feet off the ground, slung his arms through the hole. In a fluid motion he pulled himself over the ledge and inside. A very athletic maneuver. A second later she could hear the scrape of a lock being disengaged and the door swung inwards.
From the darkness, the dimming sunset glinted off Val’s glasses.
“Who brought a flashlight?” the glasses moved from person to person.
Cam replied; “We both did. Sandi has some candles too.”
“Good. Don’t turn ‘em on ‘til we’re all in and the door’s closed.” Val said.
Cam stepped inside first, then Yvonne and Sal followed. For a neurotic second she thought it might all be a big joke and they might shut her outside. She quashed the stray thought as she stepped into the blackness.
She felt Val’s hand on the small of her back gently urging her forward. She guessed he needed to shut the door. Her animal night vision kicked in. Better than human eyes in broad daylight, courtesy of her wolfen side.
Judging by the solid wall of black, the others probably couldn’t see a thing. Once the door closed only a miniscule amount of light skimmed the darkness through various windows. Aside from the one above the door, the other windows had been set high near the ceiling.
Sandi’s face popped from the dark as she lit a flashlight with the beam aimed from her chest to her face.
Sal chuckled; “Ohhh… way spooky!”
A second beam illuminated a patch of dirty cement floor near Cam’s feet.
“I’ll lead the way. Sandi, you can bring up the rear.”
“No way. It’s too creepy in here. I’m not going last. Here, Sal. Take the light.”
“You want me to go last?” Sal feigned his best scared-little-kid voice.
He reached out and took the light when no one laughed. Cam started walking slowly and the others fell in behind him. Although Tamyra could see perfectly she stumbled and reached for Sal’s hand for show. She still wasn’t ready to let him in on her secret.
She casually checked out her surroundings, being careful to appear intent on following the light. She figured the few bulky objects piled along one wall were likely desks or tables. Some paper or cardboard littered the ground in places. Other than that, the large warehouse room appeared bare.
Tamyra became aware of a lumber-type smell, which made sense since the others had told her the building use to be some sort of paper mill. The rich woodsy scent contrasted against the dust and mold lingering in the air.
“I’m at the stairs.” Cam said.
She watched as he started to ascend and wondered if all the others could see only his silhouette in the bobbing light. The metal staircase went up a dozen or so stairs high and once Cam stood on the platform, he angled the beam down the steps for everyone else.
As she shuffled to the steps behind everyone, she let go of Sal’s hand. Aside from Sal, she reached the stairs last. Cam’s handheld sunshine didn’t help Tamyra as it helped the others. Instead, it messed with her night vision and caused her to see nothing but little white flecks rocketing around.
On autopilot she reached out and took hold of the handrail to her left. A thought flitted through her brain. She wondered if perhaps she would have the same type of eerie eye-shine a dog would. She didn’t think so. Closing her lids halfway, she rushed up the steps to get the light out of her eyes. She heard a couple giggles and questioned whether it must have looked as if she got scared and ran for safety. Her right foot found the top of the landing and the beam shifted behind her onto Sal.
“It’s cool man. I got it.” Sal flashed his own torch up at Cam.
Everyone, Sal included, now stood on a balcony overlooking the old shop floor. Tamyra scanned the area below and from her vantage point, she could tell no one else lurked inside the abandoned building.
Sal roped a hand around her forearm and guided her along behind the rest of the group. He smelled clean and compared to the underlying mold smell, refreshing. She leaned in and put her head onto his shoulder as they walked.
The unmistakable sound of keys jangling made her jump. Next to her Sal huffed out a breath of laughter. He cut it as she pulled away from him.
“I’m not making fun of you.”
“Just laughing at me.” Tamyra forced a pout.
“Come on. It was Val’s keys and you jumped.”
“It’s creepy in here.”
“True. The copy room isn’t bad. You’ll see.”
“Why does Val have keys to an old copy room?”
“He put the lock on the door to keep people out.”
She watched as her friends vanished into the copy room. A match flared inside and then a second flame appeared as someone lit a candle.
Sal hesitated and she picked up his cue to linger a moment for a kiss. When she opened her eyes a couple minutes later his flashlight was off. He nodded his head toward the doorway and gave a look that said ‘we better get going’. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and they entered the copy room together.
Unlike the rest of the building, furniture occupied this room. A few shabby couches and even in the candle light she noticed fades and tears in some of the upholstery.
Despite the ragged appearance, her friends seemed content to sit on the couches. No one looked uncomfortable to be there. Yvonne leaned back with her feet kicked up onto a makeshift table. The couches formed a U-shape and in the center sat a desk minus its legs, resting on some milk crates.
After closing the door behind them, Sal ushered her to the closest couch and sat down with her.
Sandi busied herself setting fire to a third candle. Once the wick burned good she tipped the candle so hot wax fell onto the desktop and then she pressed the candle onto the wax. The three candles gave off enough light in the small room Tamyra imagined her friends could see as well as she could now.
“So? We’re here. What’s the big secret you have to fill us in on?”
Val grinned. “Why don’t ya jump right to it, Yvonne? Maybe everyone wants to hang out before we get to it.”
He knew everyone hinged on his every word, waiting for the tiniest clue as to why he dragged them all out to the mill. Cam gave Val a play-punch on the upper arm and said; “You know we’re all just waiting on you.”
“So much for our fun night out together. Once I tell you all what I have to say it’s not going to be much fun for anyone. You guys sure you want this now?” all the playfulness had gone out of Val’s voice.
Sandi pressed; “You can’t keep us in suspense after that. What’s so awful?”
Tamyra couldn’t help but notice everyone leaned forward, straining to hear the big secret. Even Yvonne placed her feet back on the floor so she could lean in.
“I didn’t say anything until now because I had to be certain. We all know, except maybe Tamyra, how strange things happen in Shiver Cove. I um… well… you guys might not even believe me. Now I’m saying this out-loud it sounds too strange for me.” He paused.
Sandi soothed; “Everyone here knows that my grandmother was a very powerful medium and necromancer. No one ever made me feel weird about my passion to become like her. Whatever you have to say we’re not going to think bad about you.”
All around the table heads nodded in affirmation.
“Ok well, for the past year I’ve been tracking something. There I said it.”
“Tracking, huh?” Yvonne asked. “What does that mean?”
“Well, you guys know about some
of the mysterious deaths over in Shiver Hills. Then the most recent one, over here, being Bianca Viker’s.”
“Papers said Bianca was killed by a bear or dog.” Yvonne said.
“Anyway, there’ve been a few mysterious deaths over the last year and through my dad I’ve been able to do some digging. At first I thought it was a werewolf, as crazy as that sounds, but now I’m not so sure. This thing is definitely not human though.”
“You’ve been tracking a monster?” the words rolled off Tamyra’s tongue.
“I guess that’s what I’m saying.” Val threw his hands up in an ‘I surrender’ gesture.
Collectively they lapsed into ponderous silence for a minute and then everyone exploded, talking at once. They all wanted details, and no one seemed sarcastic about asking. Tamyra and her new friends all believed what Val had told them and all wanted to know more.
Chapter 29
“Okay, start from the beginning. What made you think there was something strange about the first murder?” Yvonne asked.
“Actually, it was the second one that grabbed my attention. The victim, Shania Riley, was mutilated and left hanging in a tree.”
Sandi put up her hand. “Didn’t she go to Shiver Hills Catholic?”
“Up until Bianca, they all did.”
Sal scratched his head. “How could an animal attack leave someone hanging in a tree?”
“That’s what my dad wanted to know. Someone suggested bear and everyone ran with it, too scared of some unknown boogey-man out there.”
Unable to keep the burning question to herself, Tamyra uttered; “How many of these strange deaths have there been?” Immediately she felt heat in her cheeks.
“Bianca makes five now. At least, there were no more I could conclusively link to this… beast.”
Cam cleared his throat. “So the first four were on Shiver Hills’ side of the highway and now what? The thing’s moved over to our side?”
“Something like. I mean, there’s only been one so-called animal attack recently in Shiver Cove, but it looks like the same thing that’s done it.”
“Hey, I remember reading about an animal attack, a Shiver Hills student. Doug Trainer. They said he was running or something.” Yvonne said.
“Victim number three.”
“Such a shame. I can still see his picture in my head. Real hottie.”
“Doubt you’d think so if you saw the photos of him I did.”
Yvonne’s smile died and she rolled her eyes at Val.
“Way to wreck it, Val.”
Sal jumped back with a look of alarm on his face. “So, wait a minute here. You’re saying there’ve been five victims and all of them have been high school students? And now this thing is hunting in Shiver Cove?”
“Pretty much.”
Everyone went quiet and then burst out talking at once. The one sentiment resounded clearly; they all wanted to catch this thing.
Chapter 30
Tamyra lifted the lapels of her sweater up around her neck. The fall weather hinted at winter and she wanted to stay in denial, without a coat, for a little longer. Seated on the top step of her front porch, she waited for Sal.
His mom loaned him the car for their movie date. Thinking about Sal warmed her up a bit. They grew so close, so quickly, she found it hard to believe she only lived in Shiver Cove for a mere two months.
Two months and so much had happened. Boyfriend, new friends, murder of the school bully, the discoveries within her werewolf self and of course who could forget ‘The Beast’. ‘The Beast’ being the name her group of friends had given Val’s creature, back in the mill.
After learning about all of ‘The Beast’s’ victims, she knew she should be terrified it walked amongst them. Only the mystery and adventure of it all had an allure she couldn’t resist. She genuinely looked forward to helping her new friends catch ‘The Beast’.
She stood and gave a half-wave as Sal’s car pulled into the driveway. As she bounded down the steps she didn’t have one single doubt moving to Shiver Cove was the best decision she’d ever made.
*-*-*
The End
*-*-*
Author’s Note:
Thank you for taking the time to read Shiver Cove, Part 1: Tamyra. If you enjoyed it, please consider telling your friends or posting a short review. Word of mouth is an author's best friend and much appreciated.
Thank-you,
TJ Shortt
www.shivercove.com
Be sure to check out a free preview of Shiver Cove, Part 2: Val after the acknowledgements.
Acknowledgement
So many wonderful people have helped in my writing journey and every ounce of support is immensely appreciated.
Thank-you to my beta-readers: Mom, Val, Dad, Bernie, Tom, Chris, Amanda, Sonya, Erika, Angele and Aunt Michelle, with a very special thanks to my teenage beta-readers Faith and Mariah. All of your edits and suggestions have been invaluable.
Also, thanks to the instructors and my fellow grunts at the Borderlands Press Writer’s Bootcamp and my U.S. stamp girls Connie and Aunt Marie.
Not to forget all of my family and friends cheering me on along the way.
All of you have my deepest gratitude.
Sneak peek at Shiver Cove, Part 2: Val…
Chapter 1 (VAL)
STOP LOOKING
OR ELSE!
The menacing letters still dripped red paint as the message glared at him. Ivan Valentine, or Val to his friends, stood staring at his locker totally confused. Sensing his mouth getting dry, he lifted his hanging jaw. With an almost sub-conscious motion, he pushed up his glasses.
He smirked knowing most people would have been frightened by such a threat, but to him it bordered on compliment. Until now, he had no idea ‘The Beast’ had taken notice of his investigative efforts.
“Ohhhhhh… scary stuff. Think it’s from you-know-who?”
It annoyed him that he jumped when his friend Yvonne bumped against him. Fortunately, she hadn’t seemed to notice.
He smiled. “I don’t know what to think, but I kind of like it.”
Yvonne arched a blonde eyebrow and winked at him. “Yeah, you would. You’re sick like that.”
He liked the way she never seemed intimidated by him and said what she thought.
She leaned into him and lowered her voice. “Seriously, you think the message is from ‘The Beast’? Like a warning?”
With her being about a foot shorter, he dipped his head low and whispered; “How would ‘The Beast’ even know I’m looking? There’s only six of us who know. And I guess my dad sorta knows too.”
“Come on, Val. None of us would tell anyone. Maybe a conversation was overheard?”
He frowned. That hadn’t occurred to him. “Who would’ve been discussing things in the open? We all know this is serious. People have been killed.”
He caught the scent of her hair, peach-coconut, and realized just how close they were standing. He took an awkward step back. He didn’t need rumors starting up again. Especially not since Jen had come along. Besides, he suspected Jen was jealous of Yvonne already.
“Really? You’re really worried to be seen whispering with me? We’ve whispered for forever.”
Val flipped between hating when she read him and taking comfort in it. This time he squirmed. Yvonne couldn’t be fooled easily and he knew she didn’t care for Jen. He still didn’t know if he cared for Jen and wasn’t in the mood to discuss it.
“It’s… well. Well… don’t take it personal.” He looked to the ground, hoping she’d drop the Jen thing before she started.
“I think we need to show everyone this before someone washes it off.” She said and she reached in her purse for her phone.
He held back the smile, glad she switched gears.
“Can you text pics to me too?” he asked as she clicked a second photo.
“Yeah, you’re on the list. Hey, will Cam get this on his old dinosaur phone?”
“Even
if he doesn’t, Sandi’ll show him.”
“And once everyone’s seen it, we’re going to have to get the group together and chat this over.”
“Over what? Think Sandi’s old man’ll get us beer again?”
“Probably. It’s not like it’s out of his way or anything. I’m pretty sure he’s buying his own daily. Oh, that wasn’t cool. Sometimes these things just fall right out of my mouth.”
He watched her shift her weight nervously from one foot to the other.
“You’re lucky, it’s only me and I’m not about to repeat it.”
“Thanks.” Her gaze shifted down the hall and she blurted; “I’ll catch you later.”
His brain barely registered Jen walking towards him, but Yvonne had already turned to go.
“Yvonne, don’t be like that.”
She flashed him a look and walked back to him. He wondered when she figured out Jen seemed threatened by her. The girls arrived at his sides simultaneously. Both seemed to be trying their best not to look irritated by the other’s presence.
The two girls were almost opposites. He studied the contrast for a moment. Tiny, pale Yvonne, with her shoulder length blonde hair and then Jen with her short dirty blonde hair, tanned skin and standing almost as tall as him. He also couldn’t help but notice Jen’s curves compared to Yvonne’s lack them.
“O-M-G! Ivan, who the hell would do something like this!” Jen squealed, pointing to his locker.
Yvonne smirked, probably because she knew he wouldn’t tell Jen what he really thought, and his friends knew he hated being called Ivan. Jen caught the grin and screamed in Yvonne’s face; “How could you think this is funny? What’s wrong with you?!”
Val took a step between the two girls. “Hey relax. It’s not like that. Yvonne’s not like that.”
“Whatever, Val. I’ll see you later.”
This time Yvonne didn’t look back, she just took off down the hall. He felt relieved Yvonne hadn’t lit into Jen. Sometimes she could reign herself in.
“Seriously, why do you spend so much time with that girl? She’s such a bitch. Midget cheerleading bitch who thinks it’s funny someone trashed your locker and threatened you.”