FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Dark Valley

Chapter Three

© Cederwyn Whitefurr

13th June, 2019

All Rights Reserved.

Geoff busied himself with the autopsy of the Grey Kangaroo; making notes of the injuries, their locations and the extent, his mind on his work. He felt sickened to his toes, by what cruelty and depravity whoever had inflicted this on the poor creature - his unease growing, before he stopped the tape recorder and blinked - then looked down at his gloved hands, something wet and sticky clinging to the fingertips.

“No...” He whispered, eyes widening in disbelief.

He felt under the bucks tail, reassuring himself what he felt was right, before he tore his mask off and vomited into a bucket beside the table. After several minutes, he managed to purge his stomach and he staggered over to the sink, where he tore the gloves off and washed his mouth out repeatedly, then took a few palm fulls of water.

"How could anyone - do that to a kangaroo..." He gagged and shuddered. "I can not even begin to imagine..."

Returning to his autopsy, with fresh gloves, Geoff clicked record on the tape, and resumed his investigation.

"Subject is an Eastern Grey Kangaroo, approximate three or four years of age. Deceased on being brought to the surgery. Extensive trauma from barbed wire tied around the buck's throat, paws and hind feet at the ankles. Injuries indicative of severe torture, including - sexual molestation - uncertain if this occurred pre-or-post death."

As he began to make a Y incision on the kangaroo's chest, he felt sickened to his very core, before he reached for a rib cutter, then there was the tinkle of the bell of his front door - a door - he was certain he'd shut and locked, it was, after all, past closing time...

"Hello?" Geoff called out, as he sighed, paused the recorder and peeled his gloves and gown off. "I'm sorry, we're closed, if its an emergency -"

Silence greeted him...

"Hello?" Geoff grunted, as he pushed open the door to the surgery, then walked down the hallway. "We're closed, as I said - "

Something knocked the receptionists vase off the counter and it shattered on the floor with a loud bang, making him jump.

"Whose out there, show yourself! How did you get in here..."

Geoff moved purposefully, pushing open the swinging door into the reception, his eyes sweeping the room and watching as the door on the other side swung closed - as if someone had just walked through.

"You've got about three seconds to show yourself - " Geoff snarled, his anger rising swiftly. "I'm not joking around and -"

Something strong slammed into his back, claws slicing through his clothes. He gasped in agony, before he was propelled against the counter. Some of his ribs snapping with a loud crack. Moaning in pain, Geoff was seized by the lab coat collar and violently thrown backwards. He crashed into the wall, air rushing from his lungs with the force of the impact before he crumpled to the floor, stunned and trying to breathe.

His eyes watered, as from the darkness, come a paw, the long claws locked and curled, as they dragged themselves across the receptionists desk with a squeal - wood shavings curling.

It was indistinct...shrouded by the shadows.

Bipedal...

Tall...

Way taller than a man...

It uttered a low, threatening growl. What little light illuminated the room, glinted back from its eyes, eyes that gleamed with a green reflection. Eyes that become half-slits as its eyelids closed. Eyes...

Eyes that had a cruel malevolence to them, cunning, calculating, predatory...

"No..." Geoff gasped, his eyes wide in terror, a puddle forming under him, as his bladder released.

Without warning, the shadow lunged, knocking the lamp as it leapt, the glass bulb exploding with a pop on the ground, plunging the room into abyssal darkness.

It's head snapping down and sideways, Geoff's attempted cry ended in a choking gurgle and a violent spray of arterial blood...

*

Lights and sirens lit up the early twilight, as both police cars were in attendance at the Veterinary Clinic, an Ambulance was also called, to take away the body. Constable Selene knelt on the grass to the side of the main entrance, an ambulance officer gently holding her as she gagged and retched helplessly.

"What...could have done that - " Swore the Sargent, as he marched out, his own face usually stern and unflappable. This time, it was white as a sheet and he was visibly shaking. "That blood, gods, its like a slaughter house in there - but where's the body?"

"I don't know sir," Answered the other Ambulance officer, his own distress showing, as he picked up his bag. "You're right though - that blood - I'm no expert, but to me, that's a fatal wound...but as you said, where's the body? There's more blood in the operating room. You don't suppose...-"

“Son, I seen a lot of bad things in my time – trust me – this...this I can not begin to hope to describe.” Come the Sargent's reply, before he turned to glare at Selene.

“Constable, are you going to do your damn job? We have a crime scene here – get off your lazy ass and move!”

“Sir - “ Constable Selene answered automatically, her training kicking in and forcing her to stand, before she wobbled and placed a hand against the cold wall of the Veterinary Clinic. "I was here. Earlier today...”

“What were you doing here?” Snarled the Sargent, as he closed in on her. “Well?”

“"I dropped off a kangaroo, a victim of some cruel, violent torture - Geoff, he was going to write up a report and send it to me when he - " Selene shuddered, then turned away. "We – were supposed to meet for dinner and drinks at the pub tonight..."

"When was that Constable?" Demanded the Sargent, rounding on her. "We need to establish a crime scene, when was it, quickly now!"

"About - 3pm, I think - Sir..." Selene stammered, before she stood up and nodded.

“You were here about 3pm? Fine. What happened after that? Well?

"I don't know what happened, sir, I truly don't! I went back, after dropping the dead kangaroo off."

"Back where? I don't have time to deal with your hysterics! Are you absolutely certain it was dead? Are you sure!"

Selene's rage rose within her, as she stood up, then turned and glared at the Sargent who belittled her, forgetting her place and manners.

"Sir...if you'd seen what those - “ Her anger punctuated as she poked him in the chest, forcing him back with the intensity of her emotions. “Those bastards...what they did to that poor kangaroo? Do you even care? I don't think you do, but I do! Yes, sir, it was dead - I stake my job on it, there was no way that kangaroo could have attacked Geoff and done that...there's just no way!"

"Thank you Constable, you are relieved of duty, go home, that's an order!” Snapped the Sargent gruffly as he closed his notebook, turning away from her in disgust. “We will overlook your disrespect and insubordination. You were upset and angry, I understand, but hear me well – constable - it better not ever happen again, do you hear me?”

"Sir?" Selene asked, looking up at him, her anger vanishing and replaced with a look of confusion and disbelief.

"I said that will be all Constable! I'll get to the bottom of this, my own way! Now, go home. There's nothing else you can do here..."

"I - " Selene argued.

"Go home constable, that's an order! I won't repeat it a third time..."

"Yes sir."

*

Selene looked down at the scotch in her glass, as she twirled it absently, whilst sitting on the chair on the verandah, listening to the distant rumble of thunder off over the mountains.

Her mind was in turmoil...

*

Her previous posting, as a Sargent no less, was in the big smoke, in Melbourne. She knew she had a penchant for disobeying orders – how she'd passed her classes and even become a police officer, Selene often wondered.

Taking a sip, her mind began returning to her previous posting...how she had bucked against the system, priding herself on being kind, gentle, compassionate – and above reproach and guilt.

When she had been put into a situation with her previous partner, Selene's anger had boiled over and she had refused the bribe that was offered her. This caused friction within the ranks, and soon, she found herself delegated more to the clerical side of the force than to being out in the field.

This in turn, fed her frustration and anger. She had fought for her right to be a police woman, to be recognised and accepted by her male colleagues. Many of them looked down at her disdainfully, derided her, outright laughed at her behind closed doors and made her life miserable...all because she held herself to the highest of standards set by her instructors at the Academy.

When she had been brought back into the field – under protest from her ex-partner – Selene had been called to a hold up at a Service Station. They had chased the criminals across a dozen suburbs, until the vehicle had crashed. Leaping from the vehicle, Selene and her ex-partner drew their pistols and sheltered behind the police car doors.

“Call for backup!” Selene whispered urgently, keeping her eyes on the crashed car.

“We got this – we can take them down and - “

Gunshots split the night air, as the rear window of the stolen vehicle exploded, the crack of gunfire loud and deafening.

“Shots fired, shots fired, officers in need of assistance!” Selene shrieked into the radio she held in one hand, the other holding her glock 22.

“Cover me - “ Snarled her partner, before he ran to a nearby car, as Selene laid down a few suppressing shots, the glock feeling like a part of her very hand.

Her partner moved stealthily, keeping his eye on the vehicle, as he moved in closer.

Then it all went sideways...

As he stood up, confidant and filled with his attitude of invulnerability, he stepped into Selene's line of fire – intentionally and she swore as she was a split-second from firing another half dozen rounds.

“Get out of my way - “ Selene screamed at him, as she sheltered back behind the open door of the police car.

“Police – don't mo - “ He shouted, before shots rang out and he gasped – the bullets striking him and spinning him around so he collapsed onto the ground.

“Officer down!” Selene screamed into the radio. “Need backup, now – officer down - “

*

Selene sat, shaking and panting, as she recalled that terrible night.

*

What had compelled the headstrong young officer to take such stupid risks? They were trained better than that! To intentionally step into another officers line of fire and...

*

Selene shuddered and buried her head in her hands, her mind refusing to let go of this painful memory...

*

At the inquiry, Selene stood, resplendent in her dress uniform, before three members of the Ethical Standards Committee.

“Sir, that is as I have spoken.” Selene answered their question. “Officer Patterson and I - “

With a dismissive wave, the senior Inspector silenced her.

“Having heard the evidence brought before this panel of inquiry - “ He began.

“Sir, if I may - “

“You may not Sargent Selene, please, be seated.”

Sitting down, Selene frowned, then the cold dread come over her, as she swallowed nervously. Behind her, fellow officers muttered and whispered amongst themselves, the very feel of the inquiry turning dark and chilling.

“It is the finding of this panel, that whilst the actions of Senior Constable Patterson were commendable - “

Selene's mouth fell open as she stared incredulously.

“It is the finding of the panel, having weighed the evidence accordingly, we find him guilty of gross negligence on his behalf, post posthumously.”

Selene sank in her chair, wishing to be anywhere but here, knowing her fate was probably sealed.

“Furthermore, it is the findings of this panel, that Sargent Selene, acted without due care and diligence. Her actions were indirectly responsible for the death of Senior Constable Patterson. Failure to act and exercise her seniority over him – led to him taking unnecessary risks. We find you, Selene, responsible for your own actions and failure to assess the situation and act accordingly. Hereby, you are to be reduced in rank to that of Constable, and your new post will be to the township of Curlew Creek.”

“I – this is unacceptable!” Selene wailed, as she slammed her palms on the table and stood up. “Sir, with all due respect – you weren't there! You did not face down two armed suspects and - “

“That will be all Constable!” Spoke the Inspector. “One more outburst, and I'll have you removed from the Police Service for life, do you understand me?”

“Yes...sir - “ Selene whispered, as she sat down, then held her head in her hands.

“This board is adjourned.”

*

Selene had been made a scapegoat. She knew that. There were powers at work behind the scenes, who seen this headstrong, often doggedly determined up and coming female officer as a threat to their authority and power. So those powers, whoever they were, removed a very nasty thorn from their side. Exiling her to some country backwater, where she'd have no chance of promotion...

*

Selene slammed the door of her locker, her few possessions in a cardboard box. Her anger threatened to spill over, but she fought the urge – knowing it'd give them the satisfaction of seeing her crack under the strain and then they'd be justified in their actions. Holding her head up high, she left the headquarters and never looked back – refusing to let them get to her, even though it was a close call.

Who knew, maybe her new posting wouldn't be so bad after all...

*

Selene had come to Curlew Creek, about three years ago. Immediately, her superior officer despised and hated her, as he wanted out of this one horse town. He felt himself destined for greater things in life, and being stuck here – nursemaid – he said to her once, of a dishonoured Constable, that was icing on a very bitter cake.

Selene prided herself on her sworn oath, to uphold the law, to do what was right and fair, to punish the guilty if or when necessary. Over the next three years, Selene earned herself a reputation amongst the townsfolk as being fair, but stern when she had to be. She made friends, acquaintances and ingrained herself into her new community, who slowly warmed to her.

*

Taking a sip of the scotch, Selene swallowed and let her mind wander again, as she swirled the glass, listening to the ice tinkle.

*

She had seen these strange, robed and hooded figures about the town. Her curiosity aroused, she had begun digging up information, finding them to be a reclusive, well, mostly, religious group, who owned a few hundred acres out of Curlew Creek. Intrigued, Selene wondered about them, but information was sketchy and third or fourth hand.

They kept to themselves, mostly, only travelling into Curlew Creek to get what was absolutely necessary, then they returned to their high walled compound. They were an odd lot, Selene admitted to herself. All in all, she had limited interactions with them. They would be polite, almost impeccably so, and never, ever, caused a single problem for anyone, at least she didn't think so.

*

Selene's hand trembled, as her mind began to wander, then sought out other memories – these – much more raw and painful.

*

Selene had a temper. She didn't deny that. Maybe it was her ancestors Irish blood in her veins, she wasn't sure. For years she had fought herself, trying to keep her tight control over the beast that lived within her. Or so she viewed her anger and often rage, that certain things triggered within her.

She had, from her earliest memories, faced her challenges head on, learning through psychology and therapy, how to channel these dark, murderous (or so she thought of them at times) impulses.

Control it. Do not let it grow and fester within you -

Wise words from her Psychiatrist.

She had been evaluated, tested and driven to the point in her early training at the Academy, but she had kept her dark passenger locked away in a mental cage. It couldn't get out, couldn't express itself, and couldn't give rise to the violence that sometimes threatened to overwhelm her.

It was hard, gods know, it was hard – some days -

*

Her mind, seemingly bored with this, turned to more fresh memories...

*

She thought about that kangaroo. That innocent life. Tortured like that, strung up like some grisly trophy! His pain and terror pain it must have experienced!

*

Selene sobbed, her fingers involuntarily clenching on the glass, before it cracked then shattered. Glass exploded in her hand, shards cutting her to the bone as blood and alcohol spilled to the decking.

Selene was oblivious – lost in the darkest places of her mind – she sat there, staring and empty – blood dripping from her fingers as she continued to stare at nothing...

*

With a startled snort, she seemed to wake up from the trance that had snared her, and she gasped, feeling the strong alcohol burning her fingers. With a sob, she rose and dashed inside, quickly washing the wound under the sink and wrapping some paper towel around it to try and stop the bleeding.

“Idiot, foolish, naive child!” She chastised herself, clutching the hand to her chest, as she dug through cupboards, looking for the first aid kit.

*

Thoughts turned to her psychiatrist again, those intense sessions, that often left her crying like a baby, trying to deal with issues from her troubled and tormented past – had any of it worked? Sure, she suppressed her emotions fairly well now, especially her anger – but when pushed and stressed, that control seemed to be as thin as spider silk.

Patching herself up, Selene took some pain medication, before she retired to bed. Listening to the far off rumbles of thunder, her eyes slowly closed and she fell headfirst into a landscape of nightmares and hellish dreams.

*

Selene tossed and turned, her dreams haunted by what she had seen with the kangaroo, then at the veterinary surgery. Her subconscious couldn't help itself, it seized on the violent scenes like a dog with a bone.

As she moaned and tossed in her sleep, crying like a child who lost her puppy, Selene was helpless, unable to force herself to wake up. Unable to control the nightmare and deny it its power over her. She could only endure and suffer – despite what she had been taught on how to turn it back on itself, take away what it craves like a starving, mindless beast, to deny it its hold over her mind...

It's grip on her intensified, the kangaroo sitting up and looking at her, before a choking, gasping cry come from it, its paws held out and pleading for mercy, eyes wide and feral with unimaginable pain and fear.

“Why...”

Selene screamed, then sat upright in bed, her heart thundering in her chest and tears streaking down her cheeks, the nightmare trying to drag her back into the darkness, the screaming kangaroo's last, faint words echoing in her mind...

Selene buried her head in her hands, crying helplessly, as her body shuddered with the raw, primal emotions she couldn't find words for...

To Be Continued.