Johnny Henderson

He wondered, as he started to work on his second task of the day, which was to prepare a breakfast that would stick to his ribs long into the day.

He wasn't entirely sure what he wanted this morning, but he finally settled on toast, country ham, and scrambled eggs that were just a little too runny.

He topped it all off with a large cup of coffee that had left a bitter aftertaste on his tongue.

In fact, he could still taste it.

After accomplishing tasks one and two, he packed himself a bologna and cheese sandwich for lunch, grabbed his Remington 30-06 hunting rifle, a thermos of coffee, and headed out the door.

He loaded his gear into his truck and pulled out of the driveway and turned right onto the one-lane blacktop road that led to the backside of his property.

After about two and a quarter miles, he turned right again, off the blacktop, and onto a dirt road that was gouged with deep, mud-filled ruts.

He had traveled about half a mile down that pitiful rut-filled excuse for a road when he came to his desired location.

He got out of his truck and loaded his gun and sauntered off into the woods.

Jacob had gone little more than 500 yards into the densely wooded tree line when he began to wish that he had put on an extra layer of clothing to shield him against the chilly morning air.

Ten minutes out of the truck, and he was already cold.

And it was made worse by the cloudy overcast day, and the wind that was blowing steadily through the trees, making the autumn leaves rattle like dry bones.

Oh well, he thought.

It's going to be a good day anyway, especially if I bring home a big one.

Jacob took about ten more steps when an uneasy feeling began to creep over him.

He felt as though someone had stepped over his grave.

He got the distinct feeling that he was being watched, but by whom?

Because this was his property and it was posted that no one had permission to be on his land.

He had to be alone.

But if he was alone, why couldn't he shake this eerie feeling that was scratching at the base of his skull?