Halle was stunned. Since she’d been raised on a chicken farm, how had she missed that? They were chicken-shaped robots—rather excellent imitations of the real thing.
The dozens of robotic chickens that were still in motion pecked at the arms and legs of the humans fighting them off. Their attack was all too real, leaving minor bruisesand cuts on their victims. Pastor Joe joined the battle with his Stetson in one hand and his Bible in the other.
Halle arrived at the front porch and shoved the boys through the door ahead of her. Spinning around, she remained outside the screen door, swinging her Stetson and kicking at the electronic chickens that had followed them onto the porch.
Owen and Rex pulled out pistols and started shooting at the creatures, quickly putting several more out of commission.
Because of her higher vantage point, Halle was able to determine that the robotic chickens were being herded by the trio of drones overhead.
Without warning, the drones started firing bullets that pelted the ground, kicking up dirt and grass. The volley of bullets peppered the ground ever closer to those fighting the chicken robots.
“Watch out,” Halle screamed, pointing frantically at the drones.
She couldn’t tell if Owen heard her, but he aimed his pistol higher for his next shot. It connected with the nearest drone and sent it spiraling toward the ground. It crashed and burst into flames.
Rex brought down the second drone, while Owen shot down the third one. The remaining robotic chickens instantly toppled over and grew motionless, but the danger was far from over. The flames spread along the dry grass, driven by the mountain breeze.
Halle numbly fished out her cell phone and dialed 9-1-1. The answering attendant promised to send a fire truck, but goodness only knew if it would arrive in time to save the farm. She stood riveted, watching helplessly as the raging flames inched ever closerto the porch.
The men unwound the hoses hooked to the water spigots on the side of the house.
Jen helped them. Three arcs of water were soon pouring into the flames, making them pop and sizzle.
Jen glanced up and caught Halle’s eye. “Take care of the boys! We’ve got this!”
The boys! Right!Halle spun around and pushed open the screen door, knowing it might not be safe inside the farmhouse for long. She needed to get the twins to safer ground. They’d be sitting ducks in the storm cellar beneath the back porch. The fishing pond beyond the chicken pens was probably their best bet.
“Ryder!” She shouted the boys’ names, spinning in a full circle in the living room. “Cooper! Where are you?”
There was no answer. She wasn’t surprised. They’d been scared out of their wits by what they’d seen outside. She continued dashing from room to room, calling their names.
As she sped from the kitchen into the hallway, she plowed into a tall, shadowy figure. The impact nearly sent both of them to the floor, but he danced backward and recovered his footing.
“I’ve got you, babe.” His steely arms came around her, but they weren’t Owen’s arms, and it wasn’t Owen’s voice. It was James House. What was he doing here?
“I was so afraid I wouldn’t make it to you in time.” He was dressed in black from head to toe, with a ski mask pulled over his head. All Halle could see were his eyes. They were dark orbs, pooling with regret.
Shock rendered her speechless. Was he talking about the fire? If so, it hadn’t reached the house yet.
“This is all my fault,” he crooned, “but I’m going to get you out of here. I promise.”
“No!” She tried to wriggle out of his grasp, but he hugged her tighter, pinning her arms against her sides. “I don’t want to leave,” she panted, hoping to appeal to whatever humanity he had left. “The fire is spreading. I need to get the boys to safety.”
“They’re gone. I’m sorry.” His voice was oddly sympathetic. “We’re the only ones in the house.”
“Where did they go?” She whipped her head frantically toward the back door.
“I don’t know. I just saw them running.” James lifted her and carried her out the back door. “Let’s hope they keep running.”
“They’re only children!” It was the most irresponsible thing she’d ever heard another adult utter. “Put me down, James!” She wrestled furiously with him. “I need to go after the boys.” What kind of monster would leave innocent five-year-olds to fend for themselves while a fire raged out of control?
“There’s nothing left for you here, Halle. Didn’t you hear the shooting?” He clamped a damp cloth over her nose. “It’s over. The only thing I can do for you now is get you out of here.”
Of course, she’d heard the shooting! She’d been on the front porch when it had started, but he didn’t seem to know that, or the fact that Owen and Rex had shot down the drones before the deadly volley of bullets had reached them. She kicked and struggled with all her might; but with each sobbing breath, something sickly sweet seeped into her lungs.
The backyard faded, taking the mountain breeze with it. In its place was the stillest, blackest silence she’d ever known.
Chapter 10: Fowl Play
