First Short story- But The Dogs Barked

But the Dogs Barked
Terrence Boardman

It’s been a heck of a week. Looking forward to getting home! The last week would test anybody’s loyalty to the Company. The Company had me moving around the southeast so much that, for a while there, I was not sure what City I was waking up in. But that’s over now! I am on my way home and the sky is clear, little traffic and I am getting close to home. Look forward to seeing the dogs, wife too, and sleep in my bed. Gee man- get off your cell phone! You wouldn’t have nearly hit me. Just my luck, get close to home and get in an accident. Gee! I have only gone 840 miles this week, had 15 sales calls and 4 different motel rooms. Well, the Company has been good to me- with layoffs all over the place, I still have a job and a home. That means something!! The Company job has provided for my family, the kids are up and gone and retirement is around the corner. Two more blocks and rest time…. Yep, in the driveway I go and I can hear my dogs’ bark- great sound! Yep, great sound- nice to be home.

What do think, Joe?

Well Dan- looks like a heart attack to me. Sometime last night by the rigor that has set in. Must be a businessman, I would say middle 60’s. Probably just about ready to retire, I bet.

That’s too bad- I see his bags are packed- probably to go home this morning. A shame! His name is Randy Carton according to his driver’s license. North Carolina. About 4 hours up the road.

Damn, Dan, that cell phone scared the hell out of me. Answer it!

Hello

Hello, who is this?

Ms., this is Dan Smallwood with the Archdale, South Carolina police department, who are you?

I am Becky Carton. Why are you answering my husband phone? Is something wrong? Is he in an accident?

Mrs. Carton. I am sorry. I am in Mr. Carton’s hotel room with our county coroner. Mr. Carton was found deceased this morning in his bed. The coroner believes that it may have been a heart attack- I am sorry.

That’s impossible. Just a minute ago I thought I just heard him in the driveway, the dogs heard him too. We went down to meet him but there was no one there. I was calling to see how close he was to being home. I wanted to tell him the dogs were acting strange as if he was here, so he needs to hurry home.

I am sorry Mrs. Carton but we are pretty sure this is your husband - his driver’s license photo. We have found his car in the hotel parking lot according to hotel records.


Oh No! Oh No!

Mrs. Carton is there anybody I can call close to you to help you- A son, daughter, friend?

Oh No! Oh No!

Mrs. Carton I am so sorry- can I call somebody to be with you?

But the dogs barked as if he was home!
But the dogs barked!