Blood Bath

Chapter 21

After working an hour alone in the garage, Colton stepped outside and saw his brothers in the backyard practicing with their archery equipment. He stood for a few moments watching and then got his equipment to join them.

Jason was ready to shoot an arrow at the Styrofoam target when Colton asked, "Do you two want me to show you how it's done?"

Jason shot the arrow into the heart of the Styrofoam deer, turned, and said, "Only if you can beat that."

Terry ran up to Colton and gave him a big hug. "You can show me how to shoot like that," he said. "I always end up shooting the deer in the butt."

The brothers practiced for an hour. Both Jason and Colton helped Terry improve his skills. He had several good shots and was excited to have his brothers spend time with him. Colton invited them into the garage where they sat around the table drinking Coke and talking about December bow hunting plans.

"Why didn't you go with Dad up north to hunt on opening day?" Jason asked.

"Dad asked me, but I was busy getting my business started and besides, I prefer to hunt with a bow."

Terry sighed, "I wish I could go with Dad."

"It won't be long until you can. Time just seems to fly by these days."

"That's for sure," said Jason. "It's gonna be Thanksgiving soon and then it'll be Christmas in just a flash. It's crazy how time flies."

"I can't wait for Christmas to get here," Terry said.

"Looking forward to seeing Santa?" asked Colton.

"No. Just the gifts. I asked for a new bike. A big one like Jason's."

"I hope you get one," Jason smiled and patted his brother on the back. "Then we can go down to the river together. But, be sure to ask Santa for a wet-suit too."

"Why?"

"You never know when I'll push you into the river for fun," Jason said with a wicked laugh.

"Don't worry, Terry. I'll save you from your mean brother."

Colton looked at his phone and realized it was getting near dinner time. The brothers made a mad dash into the kitchen where Cyndi had the table ready. After another great meal the family watched television and visited. Colton excused himself and went to his bedroom.

He knew it would be difficult to fall asleep tonight. Every time he closed his eyes he saw Jenny's lifeless body lying near the bloody hot tub. When he wasn't thinking about her, he was asking himself what mistakes he made at the football game. Why didn't we win? Am I that bad of a player? Did Jenny kill herself or did Luke kill her?

Feeling rested after waking early Monday morning while still dressed and laying on top of the bed covers, Colton's mind raced back to Jenny. He jumped up to quickly check the Bad Axe radio station's website for an obituary, he found her picture plastered at the top of the page.

There was no mention of how she died. Jenny died unexpectedly Sunday morning. The obituary mentioned that her mother preceded her in death, along with an aunt, and grandparents. She is survived by her father Joseph Stillmore, a younger sister Caroline Stillmore, an aunt Amanda Stillmore-Groun, and an uncle Ronald Stillmore. The obituary continued; Viewing will begin Monday from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at the Pigeon Funeral Home. Funeral service will take place at the Pigeon Funeral Home, Wednesday at noon, with a lunch at the Caseville American Eagles, after a graveside service in Caseville.