The Extinct

CHAPTER
36

Eric sat in one of the jeeps, William sitting next to him. Douglas, Jalani and Thomas were out scowering the neighboring areas with some of the men from the village. Sandra was sitting with the children playing games and calming their nerves. It was still hot and the breeze had died down. The sun was relentless and William had to pour sunscreen over himself and applied a few dabs to Eric’s nose and neck. “I’ve never seen anything move so fast,” Eric finally said. “What’d you see?” “I felt blood hit my face and then a streak of fur. Some yellow teeth.” “Nothing else?” “No.” “Well, I think we should be heading back. This is too dangerous for us.”

Thomas eventually appeared out of the brush and approached the jeep. The skin on his hands and knees were cut from the dense branches he’d made his way through and sweat glistened as it dripped down his forehead. “Anything?” William said. “Afraid not. It made off with the body as well, damn thing. Must be strong as an ox. I think it might’ve been a lion.” William said, “If you have anything personal of the tracker, I’d like to perform a service before we left.” “Left?” Thomas said in amazement. “Why would we do that?” “Are you kidding me? This thing is dangerous. This isn’t some safari anymore.”

“It never was. You were told it was a hunting trip, were you not?” Thomas’s face softened as he saw he was only escalating things. “Look, you’re a religious man, William. You value life as much or more than anyone here. These people are dying every night. Children, women, doesn’t matter to the beast. He drinks their blood before he eats them, alive. Without bribes the government authorities don’t give a damn. How can we just leave these people as they are without helping?” William took a deep breath. “Fine, I’ll stay. But Sandra and Eric have to go back.” “No,” Eric said. “What?” William said incredulously. “Eric, that thing could’ve killed you.” “That thing killed my father. I’m not leaving.” “I’m not leaving either,” Sandra said, walking up and standing next to Thomas. “Sands-” “No, Will. There’s children dying here. Thomas says he can kill it and I believe him.”

“You can stay here if you like,” Thomas said. “We’ll have to go farther out in the plains to hunt him. Some of us will have to stay here, with the women and children.”

William grew angry as he realized Thomas was mocking him. “No,” he said, “I’ll come.”

“Good. I think it only fair that Eric come as well. I’ll have Jalani and Douglas stay here with Sandra. They’ll be safe enough if they stay in good numbers in the village.” “Fine,” William said. “Why can’t we just stay here and wait for it?” Eric said. “We’ll need to be out in the open so we can draw him away from the village.” “Draw him away with what?” William said. “With us,” Thomas said with a grin.

The first jeep was packed with gasoline and food and water, enough for three people to last five days. William said good-bye to Sandra and they hugged. Douglas handed Thomas a couple bottles of whiskey and they took a drink together before Thomas climbed into the jeep.

“I have something for you,” Jalani said before Eric got into the backseat of the jeep. She pulled a chrome handgun from a holster around her waist and handed it to him. “Keep this with you. The rifles are only good at long range, not close.”

“Thanks,” Eric said as he took it with both hands. He tucked it into his waistband, enjoying the weight of it against him. Jalani stood watching him but not saying anything.

Namdi and some of the villagers had gathered around and they waved good-bye as the jeep started along its path. Sandra stood watching awhile, and then turned away into the crowd. Only Jalani watched the entire time until they were out of sight.