La Cazadora

Chapter 1: The Begining

Afghanistan 2020

Beast has his nose to the ground; he just picked up the scent of a roadside IED.

Beast: Barks loudly.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Torres: Good job buddy (scratches Beast on his neck and head as she gives him a treat.)

LT: Good Job Torres

Torres: Not me, sir; it was all Beast!

LT: (smirks) yeah, I guess; good job, mutt! Mark it and move out!

Beast:  low growls

Torres: Sorry, sir, he doesn't like to be called a mutt.

LT: get your mutt under control Torres before I have his ass put down!

Torres: Yes, sir.

Torres marks the IED for the bomb disposal unit to disarm and clear, so no one gets hurt or killed.

Aye, Beast, you need to check your attitude before you get us both thrown out of the Navy as she plays with him; besides, it's too freaking hot to be dealing with the LT bullshit.

Beast is back on the prowl with his nose to the ground looking for more IEDs on the road in front of the squad; Beast suddenly stops!

Torres: What is it, boy?

Then it hits me; It hits me like a hard kick to my ribs. Two 7.62 rounds struck me in the lower left side of my chest. (Thank God for Body armor) It's like someone just knocked all the air out of me and put me straight onto my back, then the sound of gunfire rang out as my squad returned fire. Just then, I felt the tug of something/someone pulling me by my pack, still trying to catch my breath; I started to kick at the ground to help push myself out of the way of gunfire. Then I felt a hard yank on my pack, and I slid across the dirt behind a wall; it was Rodriguez.

Rodriguez: Torres, where are you hit?

Torres: I don't know; I think my lower left side of my chest. I'm guessing my body armor stopped it; where is Beast?

Rodriguez: Right here, he was trying to pull you out of the road!

Gunfire is increasing and getting louder and louder.

Rodriguez: Stay still; check yourself for bleeding!

Beast: Starts to growl!

Then I'll never forget this moment for as long as I live; he appeared like a demon in the night we never saw coming. A Taliban fighter came from around the corner and opened fire on us, killing Rodriguez and hitting me in my hand and arm just as Beast attacked him, taking him down to the ground. I was screaming Rodriguez's name, but he was dead, and that's when I heard the sound of gunfire Beast yelp out in pain and fell to the floor; my life flashed before my eyes. I thought Beast was dead, and soon I would be too; I watched the fucking bastard trying to reload his weapon; I reached down and pulled my sidearm. I opened fire, unloading the whole magazine into him, and even after he fell to the ground, I sat there pulling the trigger on my empty gun with both Rodriguez and Beast lying in blood, dead, or so I thought. Then, everything starts to go black, and I blackout from the pain and blood loss. All of a sudden, I'm awakened by this gritty wet tongue licking my face, followed by these low whimpers.

Torres: Beast! Oh buddy, your a fucking mess, but you're alive!

Beast: Whimpers and yelps

I pull my pressure bandage out and apply it on Beast's wound as I just sit there holding him as he whimpers. All that went through my mind was if I was going to die, at least I was going to die with my best friend.

Two years later: VA counselor office Fresno California

Dr. Richards: Vanessa, it's been two years. You need to start learning to let go.

Vanessa: I see his face every night when I go to sleep; just this emotionless expression of hate and the flash from his AK-47 as he kills Rodriguez shoots me, then Beast. I see Rodriguez lying there in his blood, dead, and Beast lying in his blood, not moving; they saved me.

Dr. Richards: I know Vanessa, but

Someone slams a door in the VA, making a loud "BANG."

Vanessa jumps in her chair, and Beast springs to his feet!

Beast: Growls and starts barking

Vanessa: It's OK, boy, down. (as she rubs his neck)

Dr. Richards: How is Beast doing?

Vanessa: He messed up; just like I am, the Navy retired him due to his injury with a severe case of PTSD. But he still has my back, and I have his.

Dr. Richards: Are you still going to Mexico to see your grandmother?

Vanessa: Yes

Dr. Richards: Are we still planning to stop and see Rodriguez?

Vanessa: Yes

Dr. Richards: Vanessa, are you sure you're ready for this?

Vanessa: I was still in the VA hospital laid up, so I didn't get to attend his funeral and say goodbye and thank you (wipes a tear from her eye)

Dr. Richards: Vanessa, here's a number to a crisis counselor down in San Diego; if you need some help, please call. His name is Dr. Crain; He has been through what you have gone through firsthand.

Vanessa: Let me guess, a former combat medic turned VA counselor, never been in combat, only seen the horrors.

Dr. Richards: No, try former Navy Seal and team leader of Seal Team 3, who did six tours and was awarded two purple hearts along with the Navy silver cross.

Vanessa: I guess those ribbons and medals look great on his uniform in front of the families of those who didn't make it home.

She walks out of Dr.Richard's office.

Vanessa: Beast, I'm fucking hungry!

Beast: barks

Vanessa: You're right; let's go to Casa de Tacos!

Vanessa opens the door to the mustang and lets Beast into the front seat, then walks around and gets in on the driver-side. She turns the key to the mustang, and the engine fires up with a loud rumble, AV7 Nightmare blasting on the radio as she puts on her sunglasses. She pulls up to the exit leading out to the road.

Vanessa: Hold on to your fur, Beast; mama is about to drop the hammer!

Beast: Barks

Vanessa floors it and gets the mustang sideways out the parking lot leaving a trail of smoke and burnt rubber as she flies down the road. Seven minutes later, she pulls into the Casa de Tacos parking lot to see half of the parking lot roped off. The owner of Casa De Tacos, Stephanie, Vanessa's best friend, is working on painting a new mural on the restaurant's wall.

Vanessa: Dammmm, Stephanie, that mural fire!

Stephanie: V, OMG, wasup!

Vanessa: Nothing much, just hungry, lol.

Stephanie: As always, where's that furry monster of yours?

Vanessa: He's in the car; I was just about to let him out.

Stephanie: Great, remember to ask my tia for the bag of bones I saved for him.

Vanessa: Will do; come on, Beast, let's go; mama is hungry.

Vanessa walks up to the order counter with Beast.

Vanessa: Beast, sit!

Tía: ¡Cómo está Mija!

Vanessa: I've been good, Tia; how are you doing?

Tia: I'm good, just hot; this dam Fresno heat is crazy.

Vanessa: Better than Afghanistan

Tia: I bet; what can I get you, Mija?

Vanessa: I'll have the three taco combo plate with Asada tacos, and bring on the fire salsa!

Tia: Whooo, girl, you'll be paying for it later!

Vanessa: lmao, I'm Mexican; remember my Toci salsa?

Tia: Yes, your Toci made the hottest salsa in all of Fresno. How is she doing, Mija?

Vanessa: She is not doing good; I'm leaving for Mexico tomorrow to see her.

Tia: I'm sorry to hear that, Mija; I'll pray for her.

Vanessa: Thank You.

15 mins later, Vanessa hears Tony call her name, her order is up, and Vanessa walks back to the counter to pick up her food.

Tony: V wasup killer? Long time no see!

Vanessa: Just banging and clanging and just trying to live my life.

Tony: Hang in there, V; you'll be fine; just give it time.

Vanessa: How's the leg?

Tony: Shit, good as new all-titanium won't rust and is lightweight!

Vanessa: Dam, I was hoping it was wood so I could use it to play fetch with Beast. Lmao.

Tony: Like that, V,  you're so wrong, lol. Oh, Tia said here's a bag of bone for that killer.

Vanessa: OMG, I forgot to ask her. Please tell her to thank you for me.

Vanessa: Beast, vamonos!

Vanessa starts to walk toward the car.

Stephanie: V, wait up.

Vanessa: Yeah

Stephanie: Are you going to Mexico?

Vanessa: Yes, I am.

Stephanie: Are you sure it's a good idea? I mean, with the nightmares and issues you have been having.

Vanessa: I need to, my Toci is very sick, and I need to see her. She needs me, she was always there for me, and I need to be there for her. She is all I have left in this world for family besides Beast and you.

Stephanie: I still think it's funny how you consider your dog Beast as family.

Vanessa: Hey! I have you know that I raised him from a pup in the Navy, and we've been through thick and thin; he saved my life.

Stephanie: I know; I was teasing you like you tease Tony about his leg. Remember, if you need me, I'll be on the first plane to Mexico if need be; just don't get captured by the cartel because I don't know how to fight, lol.

Vanessa: Don't worry, about where I'm going, the cartel doesn't bother people down there.

Stephanie: All right then, Beast, take care of this girl now! Don't let her get hurt or kidnapped or no more bones for you!

Beast: BARK!

Stephanie: Great, now you got me talking to your fucking dog like he understands me. Get out of here before you have me talking to these freaking alley cats, and be safe, V. I love you. (Hugs)

Vanessa: I love you too, and I expect to see that mural done when I get back. That Aztec queen better be the talk of this city; otherwise, I'll have Beast pee on it.

Stephaine: You better not, or I'll have Tony make your tacos with vegan meat!

Vanessa: You keep that tofu shit out of my tacos, lmao!

Vanessa: Beast up, baby boy!

Beast jumps up into the car, and Vanessa gets in and puts her bag of food down on the passenger seat floorboard. Then, she starts the car and backs out of the parking lot; Tony yells.

Tony: SMASH IT!

Stephanie: NO!

Vanessa smiles as she drops the hammer and smashes the gas pedal sending her car sideways in a cloud of white smoke and burning rubber! The only thing Tony and Stephanie hear is the engine scream, and the exhaust howl as Vanessa leaves the parking lot in a cloud of smoke.

15mins later, Vanessa pulls up to her grandma's house she now lives in by herself with Beast. Vanessa exits the car with Beast behind her; she shuts the door, then arms her alarm, and starts walking toward the front door. Vanessa sticks her key in and opens the front door, and as always, Beast is the first one in and starts sniffing around the house. Vanessa follows him in; she shuts the door and goes to the kitchen to grab herself a cold beer from the Refrigerator before sitting on the couch to eat her three-taco combo.

Vanessa: Beast, here you go! (Tosses a bone)

Beast: Snap/Crunch (As he catches the bone)

Vanessa: Eat up, buddy,  we have an early start tomorrow, and I need to finish packing.

Vanessa sits quietly eating her tacos while flipping through the TV channels; Vanessa thinks about what she will say tomorrow in front of Rodrigues's grave. After finishing the last taco, she walks to the bedroom to finish packing and then takes a shower before sleeping.

4 am the next day

Vanessa: Beast, let's go!

Beast finishes his business in the bushes on the side of the house, then runs over to Vanessa and hops into the car.

Vanessa: We got a long drive, buddy!

Vanessa double-checks that she didn't forget to do anything; the house locked up, the alarm set, food, water, bags, cash, and Beast. Everything is good; Vanessa then drives to the freeway and catches the 99 south towards southern California, making a quick stop outside Bakersfield for coffee and a pee break for Beast. The drive was smooth till she hit LA morning Traffic, but 10 hours later, she finally made it to San Diego.

San Diego, California

A little after 4:45 pm, Vanessa and Beast arrived at the San Diego Veteran Cemetary; as she pulled up to the office, she felt an anxiety attack.

Vannesa: OMG, NOT NOW!

Her hands are starting to shake, the heavy numbness of fear creeping over her; she buries her head into her hands and screams in her head for it to stop. Less than 15 minutes before the cemetery office closes, she needs to find Rodriguez's grave; come on, Vanessa, snap out of it! Then, just as she was about to explode, the warm gritty tongue of Beast licked the side of her face, and she snapped out of it, looked at the concerned face of her best friend, and realized he had just saved her again.

Vanessa: Beast, I'll hug you later; we need to go!

Vanessa and Beast exit the car and run towards the office doors before they lock them for the night; she pushes the door open and swings open with a loud bang!

Teenager: HEY, WTH!

Vanessa: I'm so sorry.

Teenager: Next time, open the door like an average human.

Vanessa: I'm sorry, sir.

Teenager: You can't bring that dog in here; you must get out!

Vanessa: I just need to find a grave, his name.

Teenager: I SAID GET THAT NASTY DOG OUT OF MY OFFICE!

Vanessa: He's my service dog, sir!

Teenager:  Yeah Yeah, GET THAT DOG OU…..

Dave: JAMES!

Teenager: Yes, Grandpa.

Dave: Why are you yelling at this girl, you're so loud you could wake the dead!

Teenager: Grandpa, she is trying to bring that mutt into the office, claiming it is some kind of service dog.

Dave: Sorry, Mrs.?

Vanessa: Torres, but you can call me Vanessa, and this is Beast.

Dave: My name is Dave, and this rude teenager is my grandson James.

Dave: James, go and help your mom in the back.

Teenager: Yes, grandpa.

Dave: How can I help you, Vanessa?

Vanessa: I need to find a grave of a friend, I have never been here before, and I'm not from the area.

Dave: Do you have a name and date of death?

Vanessa: Petty Officer 3rd Class Rodriguez

Dave: Do you have his first name?

Vanessa: Frank R Rodriguez, DOB 1/23/91 DOD 4/13/2020

Dave: Yes, here he is, Frank R Rodrigues, US Navy Veteran. He is in the heavenly heart section, row 12, grave 1145; I can take you there if you like.

Vanessa: Thank You, I like that.

Dave: I'll grab the cart, and you can follow me.

Vanessa: Thank You.