can a frustrated single mom and failed big city journalist save her family and salvage her career by returning to a town run by a gang of bungling thugs?


“The Resurrection of Puerto Cielo” is a novella published in serial form, 43 posts.




31


The sun had risen an hour before, but it still felt like night. The cloud shrouded sky was ominously dark. Blasts of wind across the white capped lake hurled sheets of spray over the rain drenched dam.

Peeking from its hole, the squirrels face was dashed with raindrops. Annoyed, the squirrel shook its head and quickly retreated.

In the valley below, scarcely visible through the morning downpour, a lone truck headed down the road to Puerto Cielo.

***

It was cold and wet on Main Street. The extreme weather caused the Bernies to change their morning drink from beer to hot coffee. They’d even put on warm jackets. No one was out and about as their cups steamed and rain lashed down the vacant thoroughfare.

Three caps swiveled uphill towards the low, rumble bouncing off the sides of buildings.

Huge off road tires shooting water in all directions, windshield wipers swiping furiously, a black, monster truck rolled into view.

Coming closer, the truck slowed, then stopped, engine growling. The brothers noticed a gleaming ornament on the hood.

A frightening, life size full-fanged chrome rattlesnake head.

Through the open driver’s window, a giant scowling face glared at the trio. Two menacing eyes studied them, the meaty arm on the sill, unbothered by rain pounding its threatening tattoos.

With a twitch of his horseshoe mustache, the immense bald head turned and the truck slowly splashed on.

Standing outside the Star entry, Espy and Manny gaped at the behemoth vehicle which halted in front of them. The sinister face in the open truck window sneered.

Suddenly, frenzied barking exploded from the truck. Foaming at the mouth, the doberman in the back seat, suddenly seeing Arnold, had its face plastered against the window. The junkyard dog wanted chihuahua for lunch.

Panic stricken, Arnold sprang, cast and all, into Manny’s arms.

There was a sharp whistle. The barking stopped.

“Who’s that guy?” asked Manny, as a quivering Arnold watched the truck inch past the parked bodies of Barbara and Ynes.

Espy had no answer.

Standing beside his patrol car Outside Mama G’s, Sheriff Eddie was saying goodbye to Gina. They turned to see a big truck approaching and two evil eyes staring at them.

A cold, wet gust splattered their faces. Gina crossed herself. Eddie felt a sudden flush of anxiety as the black rig turned onto Beach drive, heading through the sullen downpour towards the red rooster.

Bad news had just come calling to Puerto Cielo.

***