A SINGLE SHOT by Matthew F. Jones / Z-View
A SINGLE SHOT by Matthew F. Jones
First sentence…
Before the sun is up, John Moon has showered, drunk two cups of coffee, and changed into his blue jeans, sweatshirt and Timberland hiking boots.
The Overview: Beware of Spoilers…
John Moon has lost a lot. First it was the family farm. Then his wife and child. His work at the factory doesn’t pay enough. Times are tough.
It’s not hunting season, but John decides to risk another poaching fine. John hikes deep into the woods. He spots a big stag and takes a shot. The wounded beast runs off. John doesn’t want the buck to suffer and tracks it. Deeper in the woods, John bends down to check the trail. He hears movement and looks up to see a flash of brown and white. John fires and hears the animal fall.
As John is walking to where the buck fell, he’s suddenly surprised by the wounded animal charging him. He’s gored in the shoulder as he strikes the stag with his rifle. The buck goes down and is soon out of its misery. John is confused. He thought he killed the buck with his second shot.
John pushed through the brush to where he heard the animal fall. It was a young woman. She’s dead. Killed by John. John’s sick. He broke the hunter’s code. Be sure of what you’re shooting before you pull the trigger. John considers his options. Turning himself in won’t change anything for the girl. It’ll destroy his family. And put him in prison. Why was she out here anyway?
John decides to bury her. He looks around. Nearby is a small cave opening. John decides that will be the girl’s final resting place. As he checks it out, John discovers a metal box full of money.
John makes another decision. It’s an easier one. He takes the money. Places the body in the cave. Says a prayer. Then does his best to remove any evidence he was there. Finished, John hikes out.
John is paranoid as the days pass. Bad men have a way of finding what’s theirs. And soon they will.
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