The Blood Barn (Book #2 in trilogy)

Chapter 20: Grave Digger

I stood up in the bathroom and assisted Marta in getting to her feet as well. She followed me slowly as I made my way downstairs and grabbed the keys for the storage building.

"Is there anything I can do, baby?" She offered as I tied up my shoes.

"No, not really," I replied while bent down. "Just stay inside and lock the door in case they come back." I stood up and continued, "Stay out of sight and eat some food since you lost a bit of blood. Have some juice and maybe some cookies too." Placing my hand on the back of her head I kissed her on the forehead before she could respond. As I looked into her eyes I added, "I love you."

Marta smiled. "I love you too, baby. Just try not to shoot me again, okay?"

"I'll do my best," I promised as I walked out the front door and to the storage building.

I glanced down the driveway to see if the new boss and his thugs were returning, or even if Police were going to show up. I had completely forgotten about the gunshots drawing attention, but then I remembered they were a little too relaxed in the country.

Once I found the spade shovel I began digging a grave near the tree that stood by the fence close to the storage building. It provided a lot of shade when the sun was overhead, and although I might wish to set up a picnic table there one day, I knew the grave wasn't going to be a permanent addition.

As I dug Marta's pretend grave I began to wonder if my plan would even work if they showed up again. If they really wanted to they could force their way inside the house and find out where she was hiding. And if she were to hide in one of the buildings, there was no guarantee I could keep her hidden there either.

Sweat dripped down my face as I continued to dig the shallow grave that was just meant to be an illusion. I wasn't planning to bury a box, or mannequin, or even both for that matter. I just wanted to mark the grave and point at it if someone were to come along and ask about her. Acting wasn't my strong suit, but I would do my best to play the grieving widower.

After reaching a depth of about three feet, I decided to take a break. Sticking the shovel into the rectangular hole, I headed back inside for a drink.

Marta was lying on the couch while watching a movie as I opened the front door with my key. She got up and sauntered over to me and gave me a hug.

"I'm sorry, baby," she mumbled into my shoulder.

Squeezing her tight, I asked, "For what?"

"For getting mad," she replied. "I know you were not trying to kill me, but I was scared at first. I know you are good with a gun. I trust you." Pulling back, she looked up into my eyes and smiled.

"It's okay, baby," I assured her. "You don't have to apologize for anything. I did something risky and you were probably in shock after it all happened. So don't worry about it." I kissed her on the forehead, then walked into the kitchen for a glass of water.

Following me into the kitchen, Marta leaned against the kitchen sink and held her left arm up with her right. After taking a sip of water, I faced her and asked, "Is your shoulder bothering you?"

"A little bit," she confessed. "It is not that bad though, baby."

"Are you sure?" I questioned, then taking another mouthful of water.

She nodded slowly. "Mhm. I am tired though."

"Then go rest on the couch while you finish your movie. I'm done digging the hole, so now I just have to fill it."

"Digging the hole?" Marta clearly didn't know what I meant.

"Yes, baby," I chuckled. "I dug your pretend grave for when they come back. They will think you are dead, so you can hide in the barn or storage building, or even run out into the field to avoid being found. We have a few options to choose from, but I hope that we don't have to worry about them returning."