The three of us got into the truck and headed for the house. Beta yawned the entire way. At the house, I helped Beth out of the truck as we watched Beta, tail dragging, head for his door and his room.
Beth brought our beer into the living room. It was almost dusk. We looked at each other and headed for the porch. The night sky was beautiful. So many colors as the blanket of the night covered the sun until tomorrow.
“This is a beautiful place, Collin. Do you know what your Grand Dad picked this place?”
“He was born here. My great-grandparents were given this parcel when the county was being settled. He is the one who drove the pins for reference. He was an accountant. His records were meticulously kept. My Grand Dad and my Dad were the same way. I guess it’s in my DNA.”
“You love this land, I always could tell. The way you take your coffee out on the back porch some mornings and just look. Your heart has walked every inch of the two hundred acres, hasn’t it?”
“Yes, Beth. I have never loved anything more than this place until you. You have shown me a different love, one that will last as long as the woods. Beta came from these woods and I guess Little Beta did too.”
“Yes, he wandered in one morning and stayed. I gave him your shirt for his bed, so he knew his dad had a good friend. You’re a good kind man, Collin Knite.”
We sat on the porch finishing our beer and another one. Night had claimed it time of the day. The night chorus was in full swing. Beth sat next to me and cuddled under my arm as she always does at times like this.
“I love you, Beth. I just can never find the right words to tell you. The words get stuck somewhere.” I felt stupid.
Beth’s hand touched my chin and had me turn to face her. “Collin, there is not a second that goes by when you are telling me you love me. Your tenderness, your help, your honesty, your strength.
That’s just starters. Your love for animals, not just Beta and his Daddy. I’ve never known a man like you, and there isn’t another man on this earth that I could love like I love you.”
“Beth, you make me a better man.” I leaned over and kissed her. Her face glistened in the moonlight. She tried to hide a yawn.
“Yes, it’s been an interesting day. I’m ready to get tucked in with you, Miss Beth.” She slapped my leg.
The activities of the day sent us to the land of dreams quickly. I stirred to check on Beth, her little butt was right against me. She was in blissful sleep. I put my head back on the pillow. Sleep followed right behind me.
Beta woke us up. He howls now and then, but not like tonight. It was a long howl, almost a demanding howl. Beth turned to me, she looked scared.
“Collin, what is it? Why is Beta howling like that? I never hear him or his Daddy howl like that. Colling, I’m scared.” Beth was clinging to me, she was shaking.
“Beth, this is it. This is the night I have planned and waited for. Stay inside.”
I jumped into my jeans and tee shirt. I went outside, I listened for Beta. His howl brought others into the woods. Their howl could be heard throughout the woods. I watched and I could see Beta and others crisscrossing in the deep woods and circling closer. Beta howls again.
I walked to the edge of the woods. I stood there watching the wolves' circle getting tighter. The howling was becoming a continual sound. I could hear Beta’s voice in the thick of it. The wolves began crossing back and forth again. They were hunting something. Then I heard Beta’s voice. One long howl and then he barked. He rarely barks four or five times in a row. He was telling me NOW, DAMNIT THROW THE SWITCH NOW!!!
I hit the fob and the woods lit up like a parking lot. The cameras were recording every movement and every sound. Beta and the wolves kept them at bay. In the background, I could see the three cars heading to the edge of the forest at full speed.
When Sheriff Jennings and Deputies Ed and Stan got out of their cars, the wolves left. Their job was done. Beta came to me and sat by my side panting for all he was worth. He lay on the ground whimpering and tired. Beth came out of the house.
“Oh my God, Collin what’s going on? What happened to Beta, is he alright?” Beth was shaking and scared. “Oh, shit, the Sheriff! Collin?”
“Beth, this is the night I planned for when I was in jail. All of the renovation was part of it. Sheriff Jennings is arresting Winger, Perkins, and Morton. Not to mention the mayor. They have been moving the property line pins so they could have the easement for the strip mall.
My, our property was standing in the way. That was the papers I had given Ralph to show to Judge Billings. This is more proof of the fraud and property theft. If Ralph thinks I should sue the bastards, I will. But there is something more important than Winger and these assholes.
Tomorrow, we will try to meet with the Reverand for our wedding. Every bad thing is behind me now. Now, we start our future together without anything hiding in a closet. Let’s go home.”
Beth and I walked back to the house, Beta was close behind. It was close to the witching hour, Beth looked at me with an apprehensive look. I gave her a reassuring smile.
“Beer or coffee, Collin?” Beth’s hand brushed my face.
“I think a beer is in order. I should be ashamed of myself, but I want to celebrate and gloat. Daddy forgive me.”
Beth went into the house. I heard her give Beta his treats, I’m sure he got an extra two or three. Or four. Beth came back to the porch with our beers and a saucer of salt. She put the beers and saucer on the little table and sat on my lap.
“I brought the salt for, let’s just say mean spirits. But I don’t know how to tell you how proud I am of you, Collin. All of this time you have been patiently preparing to bring them to justice. Your tenacity and planning are unlike anything I have ever seen.
