Into The Woods

The county police arrived within ten minutes. I was glad I captured a photo of the untouched van before the woman from the woods got to it.  To my surprise, she was also in the picture as she walked out from the wooded area in the foggy mist early that morning. 

Before I sent the photos to the police, I was sure to send it my young friend and reporter, Hollywood.  He would keep it safe in case it miraculously disappeared.  Hollywood was born and raised in the southern Appalachians with a high profile position. He was admired and trusted by everyone.

As several police cars rushed to the area, I found a comfortable log upon which to sit.  I knew I would be there quite a while answering questions. 

The Detective Sargent in charge stepped out of his police cruiser and walked determinedly toward the van.  Another officer had left the side door open.  Slowly he pealed the plastic away from the woman laying in the van.  She was face down with only socks on.  I turned away as I wouldn't do well seeing a lifeless person.  Especially in this uncanny situation.  

I couldn't sleep that night.  It was nearly midnight and one scenario after another kept playing in my head.  I decided to get out of bed and reached for my cell phone.  Somehow I recorded the woman walking into the woods and the camera  continued recording her coming out of it a few seconds later.  She opened the van door.  I could see legs move under the heavy plastic.  A live woman's legs.  I do not believe either of them knew of the recording.

Immediately I texted Hollywood and sent him the video. He had the high tech equipment to zero in closely.

"Oh, no! he exclaimed.

"Hold on, I am coming over and I will bring my equipment," he said.

My heart was beating outside my chest at that point.  On went every light inside and outside of the house.  I wanted to know if anyone was around.

His white sports car pulled into the driveway and into the garage.  I closed it after the car was safely inside.

"Know what I saw?" he said.

I was in shock from the events of the day and didn't respond.  I think my face was as white as his car.

"She had a Glock in her right hand as she walked into the woods," he said.

"Which she?" I asked.

Before I knew it, I had rolled over to the other side of bed.  Even bolted straight up.  I had never had a dream like that before.