Excerpt: Deserted

"Just a short walk to the dock and back," Barry said.
The lead guard looked uncomfortable. "Through the woods?"
"Yes."
"Whatever you say, stay close, boss." He took the lead.
Barry and Marta walked behind him with another guard bringing up the rear. They gave as much privacy as they could, but both of them watched the couple and the jungle warily.
"Sorry we can't have more privacy," Barry apologized for the third time.
"It's all right," Marta assured him. "We'll have more later when we get back."
Her words sent a thrill down his spine, leaving him very hopeful that this time they wouldn't be disturbed. The light of the full moon filtered through the trees, dappling her with silver. Gazing up at him, the moon caught in her eyes, turning them silver for a moment. Barry shivered, stopping on the path.
"You're so beautiful," he whispered, his voice full of longing.
They stood on the path. Both guards looked around nervously. The lead guard cleared his throat.
"We need to keep moving, Mr. Barry," he cautioned. "It's not safe here."
"Oh, sure. Sorry, Pablo."
They started walking again. The rear guard looked increasingly ill at ease. "Mr. Barry, we need to go back now."
"We're not even to the beach, Rico."
"I know, Mr. Barry," the huge man fidgeted. "It's not safe."
"We go back now," Pablo decided, walking toward them.
A shadow moved to their right, coming toward them at a terrific speed. Both men fired as it leapt toward them. Instead
of bullets, their guns emitted a blinding bolt of electricity. It splattered against something unseen, ricocheting wildly. A yowling howl filled the night as the shadow retreated.
Slinging his weapon strap over his shoulder, Pablo grabbed Marta's arm, pulling her to him. Shielding her body with his, he ran back to the house. Rico scanned the woods, pushing Barry after Pablo and Marta. Speaking rapidly into his radio, he followed them, keeping a wary eye on the jungle.
Marta tripped on the path, falling forward. Pablo picked her up, carrying her to the house far faster than she could have run herself. A shadow blocked the end of the path. Instead of running through it, he stopped still. Marta wiggled to be set down. Pablo held her more tightly, refusing to release her.
"Put me down!"
The shadow advanced a few feet, formless, menacing.
"Hold very still and be quiet," he cautioned in a whisper.
Marta froze as the shadow inched forward. Barry and Rico came up slowly and quietly behind them. Rico walked around in front of Pablo. The shadow loomed ahead, rising taller. Barry stepped past him, standing bravely in front of the others. Rico
tried to push him back, but Barry refused.
"Mr. Barry, no."
"Shh, let me talk to it."
"It's angry already. No."
"I have to try. We can't get around it. When it moves, take Marta inside."
"Barry, no!" Marta gasped.
"Don't argue," his tone of command was unmistakable.
Marta bridled, but stayed still. Barry took another step forward. The shadow grew, shuddered and diminished.
"You know me," Barry said quietly. "Remember." It was a command. "Remember," he repeated.
The shadow retreated somewhat, diminishing even more as Barry stepped forward.
"I won't hurt you." Let them past. We won't hurt you."
The shadow shook itself, moving forward as if in reprimand.
"You startled them. You ran at us. Don't you expect us to
defend ourselves? If you're curious, watch from a distance. Move slowly and you won't be hurt. Let us pass."
He beckoned with his fingers behind him to Pablo. The huge guard carried Marta slowly to the porch. Rico followed just as slowly. Neither man held his weapon, keeping his hands well away from his body.
As Barry walked past the shadow, it turned and followed him a few feet. Moving from side to side, it bobbled around toward Marta inquisitively.
"That's Marta," Barry said softly from the pool deck. "She's mine. Mine," he emphasized sternly. "Go back to the jungle," he commanded, pointing. "Now."