The Beasts of Upton Puddle by Simon West-Bulford Page B

dartboard, Joe stepped out from behind the bins to accept his fate.
    To his great relief, there were no fists waiting for him. Break had come and gone, and the rest of his class had probably left for their next lesson, Duggan with them, he hoped. It was too late to sneak into class now, and turning up in this state wasn’t a good idea. No, he’d at least do some of what he planned. Even if he didn’t use the dartboard, he could go to Merrynether Mansion and find out how Cornelius was doing.
    Ringwood Forest bordered the edge of the playing fields. If Joe was lucky, he could run in there without being spotted.
    He waited, mustering up courage, and took off past the music block, across the field, over the fence, and into the woods. Once he was far enough inside, he slumped against an oak tree and checked his watch. Ten forty-seven. He’d have enough time to get to Merrynether Mansion, check on Cornelius, rush home to change, and get back in time for the day’s final lesson. The only problem would be Duggan. His stomach lurched, and he caught his breath at the sound of crunching footsteps nearby.
    â€œPerhaps he’s turned commando and camouflaged himself under one of those blanket things they cover with dirt and leaves.” One laughed.
    â€œYeah, or maybe he’s got all the brainy boys trained and they’re gonna throw sharp pencils at us from the trees,” said another.
    â€œJust shut it.” That was Duggan. “The little turd’s caused us a lot of . . .”
    The bully’s voice trailed off as the crackling of foliage became softer and slower.
    Joe stiffened.
    From behind the tree on both sides came four boys, three with openmouthed grins and Duggan with his bottom lip twitching.
    For an endless silence, Joe stared into his enemy’seyes, waiting for the thrashing of his life.
    When Duggan eventually spoke, it was loud enough to make one of his friends jump, though Joe managed to keep his cool. “D’you know how long it took me to get that chemistry room, Copper?”
    Joe shrugged.
    His nemesis crossed his arms, maximizing his bulging biceps. “I’ve got connections, see? My dad knows people in the school. And that means I get special privileges, but it won’t stay that way if little prats like you keep interfering.”
    â€œSo?” It slipped out.
    One of the boys grinned even bigger and was swiftly jabbed.
    Another inhaled through his teeth, as though he’d just witnessed a hideous accident, which wasn’t far from reality.
    Duggan snarled, and a guttural rumble sharpened into an ominous growl. “You think that’ll scare me off, brainiac?”
    â€œWhat?” Joe said.
    â€œGrowling like a dog. What, you gonna give me rabies or something?”
    â€œI thought that was
you
.”
    The throaty warning came closer, and Joe was suddenly aware Duggan was not the only predator at large in the woods. One of the boys tugged at their leader’s arm, muttering and staring at something Joe could not see.
    There was a mad flurry as the other two almost fell over themselves to sprint away. Duggan’s expression changed from irritation to horror as a hulking black shape came out of the dark depths of the trees.
    Stalking forward on piston-like legs, the Beast of Upton Puddle fixed its gleaming green eyes on the fleeing boys. Fangs bared, it launched after the floundering runners. Joe could almost feel the thud of its paws matching the hammering of his heart.
    All was screaming confusion as Joe took off into the woods, fearing for not only his own life but also Duggan’s and the others’. Branches, sky, and dirt became a blur of motion as he raced through the forest, crashing through leaf and twig, slamming into trees, screaming and tripping. Joe risked a backward glance, expecting to see bloody yellow fangs close on him, but there was no sign that the Beast was on his trail.
    Fifteen minutes of running took Joe to