Both Derrek and Jones had their flashlights focused on Warren, as he stumbled halfway through the muddy road, trying to get away. Jones was taken aback by the two of them suddenly bursting out the of the corn field, but he was quick to react. He pulled out his weapon. Derrek's heart jumped for a second, afraid he was going to gun him down. Jones didn't pull a gun though.
A laser pointed from his weapon onto Warren's back. A loud snap, almost like a mouse trap springing, came from the weapon as two metal probes with needles in the front launched. Warren had made it halfway when they pierced the clothes on his back. A quick ticking noise came from the weapon, which seemed to sync with Warren's spasming, before he went down in full. He let out a pained groan, but even that was hard with 1800 volts coursing through your system. Well great, you chase someone an entire evening and then Late Jones comes in and steals the catch. Note to self, bring your taser next time.
"Good shot." Derrek said, trying to keep the disdain from his voice.
"I got him?" Jones asked as the ticking stopped, Warren face down in the mud. This guy, seriously. Jones remained standing, gun held up, he'd surprised himself. Derrek moved for the boy, the mud was still wet enough. There wasn't a lot Warren could do if he fell with his face in a puddle. Can't have him suffocating here. With Derrek moving, Jones lowered his gun and started coming closer too.
Derrek slid through the mud, but got to Warren without a drop. He turned the boy, his face had remained clear of the mud, the rest didn't. Good thing it was muddy. I've read too many reports of people falling badly after getting tasered. Their bodies just become potato bags. Probably partly why they call it less-than-lethal instead of non-lethal. The boy wasn't unconscious, but you couldn't call him conscious either, his eyes half open mostly turned upward. Derrek pulled the boy out of the mud to the side of the road.
"Can I use your cuffs?" Derrek asked as Jones stepped closer beside him, staying clear of the mud. Jones handed them over without a word. "Thanks. Just a heads-up, Chip is here too." Jones made a sharp intake of breath, but Derrek continued. "He spotted my car in passing and drove up to see what was going on. He's up at the house holding the others waiting until you arrived. I'd appreciate it if you put in a good word for him too."
"Sure, as long as he didn't shoot anyone, again?"
"He didn't." I hope. Jones harrumphed with a nod.
"Maybe he'd better get out before anyone else arrives then? Gonna be a lot of craziness otherwise." Good man
"Yeah. You mind waiting here with the boy? I don't see him walking yet. I'll go get Chip and we'll pick you up." Derrek saw relief flood over Jones face. He'd been scared coming up here.
"Sure, I can do that. See ya in a bit." Derrek gave a nod.
"Stay put." Derrek said to Warren, as he gave him a tap on the shoulder. He got up and started walking back toward the farmhouse. He followed the side of the mud road, eying the corn beside him. Afraid to find a scarecrow waiting for him behind each new row. He walked slowly, feeling the strain from the evening on him. He eyed behind him a few times too, seeing Jones standing beside Warren, following him. Yeah, Jones, that's not helping, I already feel watched. Time to put this night behind me.
Derrek went through the bend in the road, seeing the farmhouse in front of him. The feeling of unease didn't go away, even when he knew Jones couldn't see him anymore. He still felt eyes on him. His hand came up to his neck, the spot still felt cold, but not icy like before. Better check that out once I get home. The black mark I saw there. And the mirror… Damn, I just need sleep.
The lights from Chip's truck were already on, turned toward him, engine running. Derrek froze for a second as the metals shears from the tractor went through his mind. It took him a second to push through the feeling. Man, calm down. He walked out from between the corn fields to see Chip walking out of the house. He was carrying the girl, Dina, almost like a fireman coming out of a fire. The shotgun on his belt broke the image somewhat, but still. Derrek spotted the other teens leaving the house too. Peter dragging his leg a bit, Yves being helped by Ashley who was loose from the cuffs. All of them were walking toward the truck, Derrek headed there too.
"Did he get away?" Chip said in his loud voice, startling the girl in his arms.
"No, Jones arrived." He saw Chip tense up a bit. "He tasered the boy, waiting halfway on the road for a pickup. Don't worry, he won't say anything bad about you." Chip gave a nod, but his face didn't fully agree. "Any of them act up?" Derrek asked.
Chip nodded his head backward. "Mouse girl called me a pervert, wouldn't believe I was a cop at first. Only believed me when I was able to open her cuffs."
"Stop calling me mouse girl!" Ashley said.
"Hey, just stating what my nose is telling me." Chip grinned, Derrek following. Ashley gave them both a hard bitchy stare before moving along toward the truck.
"I'll drop you off at your car, you and Jones can take them in together."
"Great, but uh— I'm going to go to the bathroom real quick and lock the doors. Yves, you still got those keys?" Derrek asked. Yves felt his pocket and got out the set.
"Round back, square front." Derrek blinked, but as he took the keys he felt the shapes. The others passed by him, getting in the truck's open trunk as Derrek went up the steps from the porch again.