The Hypnotized Alpha

tion in four months, but the poor cow couldn't help it. It was on the road to Darkwater Lake, a picturesque body of water sur

mes I swore the snails in the wet ditch passed me. It was late afternoon when I reached the crest of the hill and the road straightened and flattened. I first noticed the cattle truck in a pocket

ot only stone dead, but something had gone to the trouble of making it into patty slices. The poor thing was shred

red to myself. "A wonder

ed the lake's edge. Darkwater Lake was a popular retreat for the wealthy, but I was in the minority. My claim to fame was that my boss really liked me and rewarded me with an annual bonus. Last year he gave m

Methuselah. He was short, and wore a white shirt and suspenders that kept up his dark gray pants. Every time he smacked his lips his long, white mustache twitched and danced. He had the brig

over to the driver's side. "Good afternoon,

ng Mr. Russell's cabin," I tol

name's Steuben. I manage the front gate here and some of the grounds, those wantin

n if you give me a map and about

gate. "You go through here unti

ed. "Ta

ver mind. You take the right path until you reach the cabin with the brown sidin

ll gave me one

problem, miss, not a prob

te. The closed gate. "Um, does t

ugh." He shuffled over to the gates, unlocked the large, built-in lock between the two wings, and flung them toward me. I hurriedly backed up my car to avoid a collisi

e beach that sloped into the crystal-clear waters. A narrow, gravel road led down to the water where boats could be launched from their trailers, and a sign that read only small engines were allowed on t

ds connected to the lake that you could hide a hippo beneath the surface. Some cabins were covert enough to have only two stories, but a few went all-out with three. The only rea

as one problem; most of the cabins had brown roofs and siding. They wanted to blend the mansions in with the environment, but it was like slapping paint on a squirrel

the grounds were green with grass and the driveway was well-maintained. I parked my car and stepped out. The scent of pine

a middle-aged woman in a dress so white it would have blended in with a snowstorm. Her fingers were covered in jewels and her wrist with golden brac

think I know your face

jewelery and blinked. "And I don't

she asked me as s

ased. I held out my hand. "My name is Ra

to expect you. I hope Steuben wasn't too much of a bother. His he

fine," I

ven't introduced myself. My name is Mrs. Ava Lee Santos, wife to Lucas Lee Sant

her husband or she was, but through her clothing and

just at the right time. We're having our annual fireworks and

ow. I just got

e will be there, and I'm sure they

know anyone,"

e and I won't take no for an answer. Now say you'll come and I'll go away." That was

a few minutes just to meet e

Until then I'll see you around. Ta-ta!" She waved he

"Well, this is an interesting start. I