Chapter 20: Kent goes hunting in Waimalia Valley
And the dogs lead him deep
P.S. HOUSEKEEPING: don’t forget to ❤️ the post to tell me (and Substack) you’re reading, AND…ANOTHER CHAPTER IS COMING FRIDAY, BECAUSE THIS STORY IS ON FIRE! I’m so freakin’ excited. Okay. Ha. So. Carry on.
*shuffles off in robe and slippers to write more*
WILD GIRL
Chapter 20: Now, KENT
Early dawn had barely begun to rim the ridge of Waimalia Valley to the east with illumination as Kent drove toward the Abalo house.
The dogs seemed to sense his unease and shifted about in their cage behind the cab, whining. Kent glanced over to the open garage as he passed the house. Manny Abalo’s vehicle was parked in the same position as when he’d seen it last.
Could the man still be incapacitated?
No. Safer to prepare as if Abalo was active, mobile, and plotting his revenge.
Kent accelerated past the cottage and drove all the way to where the rough, unpaved road dead-ended in an open area that served as an informal dump for the Valley residents. Every so often, the county would bring down a tow truck and haul away the ditched refrigerators, broken washers, dead cars, and other large detritus left by residents.
He pulled in tight behind a large pile of metal junk and debris, parking his vehicle out of view. Hopefully, Abalo wouldn't see his truck and be tempted to slash the tires.
Kent quieted the dogs with a terse command; they sat down, their noses quivering with anticipation. Pig hunting was mostly up to Pipi and Inu. They would scent the animal and chase it. If it was small enough, they could bring it down and immobilize it with a hamstring or neck bite; if not, they’d keep it cornered for Kent until he arrived.
Kent took his backpack out of the rear cab area. He’d packed a lightweight tent, food, and gear for overnight camping; though it technically wasn’t permitted in the Valley, he wasn’t concerned about the regulations; no one enforced them against hunters.
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