(Author’s note: as I’m going out of town and am unsure of what my internet status will be this will be the only page until next tuesday. )

“Excuse me?”

“Sorry, just working on a crossword. What is it I can do for you gentlemen?”

Tomassey and Roberts looked at each other each daring the other one to step forward and challenge this man who was obviously not normal because he lived in a giant cave. Roberts finally spoke up.

“You uh- You live here in this- uh cave?”

“Ugh. You must think me a troglodyte. I assure you that’s not the case. It affords me the solace and quietude I desire … though the New York times doesn’t deliver out here,” The robed man laughed at his own ‘joke’ and abruptly stopped when he realized no one was laughing with him. “You still haven’t told me what you gentleman are doing here.”

“Sheriff told us to bring you down to the station.”

“Mmm,” the robed man nodded. “No.”

A small pebble rolled down the stairs behind them.

“Excuse me.”

“You heard me I said no. As in no, I’m not going to the station. I was discharged and no longer work for the department. ”

“We’re authorized to use force if need be.”

“Really? To bring in an ex-deputy? I find that very hard to believe. You’re just two small gentlemen way out of your league and in over your head, who have no clue who you’re dealing with.”

“Bitch, you a small gentleman!”

“Tomassey, shut up.”

“I suggest you gentlemen leave.”

“Bitch! I suggest you leave… with us…right now. I came in to the woods to get you and we ain’t leaving without you. ”

The robed man stood and drew himself up to his full height. The skin on his face tightened and pulled back. “Quiet!”

“Hey you can’t talk to my partner like that.”

“Roberts shut up.” Tomassey reached back and put his hand on the tube behind his back.

A few more pebbles rolled down the stairs and then a growl echoed through the air.

“You imbeciles. Of course you would lead them here.”