The Chronicles of Beast and Man by J. Charles Ralston Read Free Book Online Page A

then simply gave their house in town to Brandon.
                  As he wandered up the stairs to the porch, he couldn’t help but notice a mountain of beer cans tucked in the corner. Dolgen knew very well that none of these young men were old enough to buy alcohol. It might not be enough to hold any of them for very long, but it might be enough to apprehend Owen Kelly if needed. Thomas would have to make that decision on his own, but first he needed to talk to Kelly.
                  Deputy Dolgen then loudly knocked on the door.
                  A particularly angry looking Daniel Montvale answered the door. Thomas was not sure how to respond, he knew very well of Daniel’s troublesome behavior.
                  “Daniel, I’m looking for Owen Kelly.”
                  “So?”
                  “So, have you seen him?” Thomas brusquely asked.
                  “What is it to ya?”
                  “Listen, I have a few questions for him. Do you know where he is?”
                  “Actually yeah, I think he’s cooking breakfast, I think he’s making a big batch of bacon. You like bacon?” Daniel Montvale asked as his jaw tightened up aggressively.
                  This was obviously some sort of attempt at baiting, in order to get a rise out of him. Daniel apparently wanted to get Dolgen riled up by associating him with a pig.
                  “If Owen is here I need to talk to him.” Thomas said while still remaining calm.
                  “Sheriff Truex send you over here?” Daniel asked.
                  “No, and I don’t see what the Sheriff has to do with any of this.”
                  Daniel then walked away as mad as ever. After a moment, a very pitiful looking Owen Kelly arrived at the door. Large bags had formed under his eyes, and his skin was pale. He appeared to be completely exhausted.
                  “Owen I have got a few questions for you.”
                  “What is this about, Officer?”
                  “Gabrielle Parker.”
                  “What about her?” Owen asked.
                  Thomas was not sure if this was the set up for an alibi or if Owen genuinely did not know.
    “She was killed last night.” Thomas said firm and direct.
                  The pitiful hung-over look on Owen’s face then turned to one of shock and disbelief.
                  “She was killed?” Owen asked.
                  “Yeah, she was found early this morning.”
                  “Who the hell did it?”
                  “We don’t know son. That is what I am trying to figure out.” Thomas said calmly, but still with plenty of authority.
                  “You don’t think I did it?”
                  “I am only trying to figure out what happened.” Thomas answered without giving out his own opinion. “Where were you last night?”
                  “I was here all night long.”
                  “Can anyone verify that?”
                  “Yeah, Brandon and Daniel both can.”
                  As Thomas took notes he jotted down the names, even though he knew they weren’t good witnesses.
                  “So, did you see Gabrielle Parker at all last night?”
                  “Yeah, she was here for about five minutes. Then she left when we got into a fight.” Owen realized what he had said too late.
                  Thomas was not sure what to make of Owen’s statement.
                  “I mean…we got into a yelling match. Not like a real fight. We just yelled at each other.” He then said as sweat began to form on his temples.
                  “What was the