Jumby Bay
Chapter 4
Wadadli Island, 1789
Double-crested Cormorant. Phalacrocorax auritus. This dark, long-necked waterbird
is often seen perched on a log or rock with its wings outspread. Their plumage lacks
adequate waterproofing oils, so the cormorant must dry its wings in the sun. They
are heavy-bodied diving birds that must paddle across the water's surface to gain momentum
when taking flight.
Warning this chapter contains a graphic description of a violent act.
Blood is already spurting from a wound on his arm where he tried to fend off the first blow. He screams out something garbled. He slips, tries to get up and Kumbila strikes out at him with the razor-sharp blade, slashing his shoulder just below his neck, severing arteries and veins. He strikes out a second time as Big Sam tries to escape. His size was no advantage against the steel machete. Blood shoots across the oak floor, splattering on the mahogany walls. Sam leans forward but his jugular has been cut and it’s spraying everywhere, blinding his attackers momentarily as they leap on him to try and finish him off. He turns to face them, his features twisted in anguish and his legs give out as they hack on his knees, severing his left leg and carving the bone on his right. He’s stabbed repeatedly, the flesh tears from his bones, the blood spurting in jets, his muscles stiffen, become rigid and he goes into his death throes. His throat becomes flooded with torrents of blood and he thrashes around in agony. The blood cascades over his cheeks, over his chin. His body shakes spasmodically, the blood floods the floor of the closet. Then his eyes roll back in some kind of horrible dream state until at last it is motionless.
Then it rained, big rains followed by clouds of mosquitoes.
© Copyright 1999 by Patrick M. Finelli. All rights reserved. These pages are protected by United States and international copyright laws. Copying or distribution by any means is strictly prohibited.