Read Online The Beast of Bracksley Woods by Doreen Hayward - Free Book Online

bugger, I’ve got you!” Kevin whispered under his breath. The man picked the rifle up and turned to go but Kevin leapt to his feet and dived towards the man. With a fierce oath the man turned on Kevin and caught him a heavy blow on the shoulder with the rifle. Kevin reeled from the blow and staggered against the nearest tree while the man crashed away through the undergrowth and trees. It was a minute or two before Kevin could get himself together and start moving around to get his circulation going readying himself for a chase. Although he stamped his feet and rubbed his hands vigorously to warm them he was too late. He heard the man blundering his way through the woods.
    Remembering his flask he hunted round in the dark forgetting his flashlight in his pocket. during the mad dash to apprehend the poacher he hadn’t been able to use it of course, but now he Finally remembered it and pulled it out. He soon retrieved his flask and warmed himself as he tried to recover from the blow he had received on his shoulder. “Bloody poacher!” Kevin exclaimed angrily. As he got to his feet there was a sudden fierce growling coming from where the man had disappeared. Before Kevin had a chance to register where the noise was coming from he was lifted off his feet by a rugby tackle and severely bitten on his rear and the right leg. The dog had him pinned down and only let go on hearing a loud whistle. Struggling to his feet once again Kevin stumbled towards his van. He heard the sound of a vehicle start up somewhere nearby. Eventually, he managed to reach the safety of his van where he collapsed gratefully in the driving seat.
    Kevin pulled out a packet of cigarettes and lit one to calm his nerves. His shoulder hurt like hell and his leg was bleeding,” and where the hell was Albert!” It was then that it occurred to him that Albert had set him up to catch the poacher – the cunning old devil – Kevin thought. He muttered furiously. Feeling bitterly disappointed with the night’s failure he pulled out his mobile phone and rang Albert. “Well! Did you hear that? Your bloody poacher caught up with me and so did his dog. So where have you been mate … asleep? Sure ’un all,” Kevin said angrily, “We’ve learnt one thing.” Kevin told Albert, “It’s this bugger whose got the dog doing all the damage round here. If I catch it I’ll shoot it,” Kevin said angrily. Do you know you old devil, the bloody thing’s bitten me. I’ll have to go to A. and E. now to get the bite stitched because my leg Is a real mess.”
    “I’ve been out patrolling all night and I’ve not seen anything,” Albert answered. Sorry to hear you got attacked. This animal has got to be caught and that bloody poacher put under lock and key.”
    “I wish you luck with that one mate. Just don’ ask me again to help you.” Kevin answered as he started up his engine, “See you around, I’m off to casualty to get me leg fixed.”

C HAPTER S IX
    The next morning was bright and sunny but with a bite in the air. The address was in Bedford and with a mounting feeling of excitement, Debbie made her way to meet Mrs Lomax with all the details of her dinner party service neatly tucked away in her briefcase. Feeling very business-like and not to say a little nervous after all her brainstorming hard work getting it altogether, she rang the doorbell. The door was promptly opened by a lady Debbie judged to be in her sixties. She greeted her Warmly
    Saying “Good morning, you must be Mrs Richards Debbie smiled in acknowledgement and followed her into a brightly decorated and comfortably furnished sitting room. The sun was streaming in through the window making the room feel cosy and warm.
    “Please sit down and make yourself comfortable, Mrs Lomax invited with a friendly gesture towards an armchair placed conveniently near a small table. “Thank you for sparing the time to come and discuss my requirements. I have invited a few very special guests for a