Beast of Bray Road

[doctormagnus]

As promised, Helen arranges a mission for just her and James. This mission will send them to a quiet Midwest town in the state of Wisconsin, where a wolf-like creature (locally nicknamed The Beast of Bray Road--how original) has been making occasional appearances to residents since the 1990s. She's booked a bed and breakfast for the two of them, where they can pose as a couple on a weekend getaway and do a little investigating in their spare time.

She slides a case file over to James as she drives down a country road with hundreds of bowing pine trees and lush overgrowth.

Comments

[doctormagnus]

Groaning, she nods and offers him a taste of her double chocolate. It's not dark chocolate, but it doesn't have the sickly sweetness that some chocolate shakes do. She thinks he'll enjoy.

[dr_jd_watson]

He takes the mouthful and makes a surprised, sweet noise. "Oh, lovely. We must come here again some time..."

[doctormagnus]

"Just for the shakes?" she says with a grin.

[dr_jd_watson]

"Well, you can't have a shake without a burger first," he intones wisely.

[doctormagnus]

"Oh, perish the thought."

[dr_jd_watson]

"And you can't have a burger without fries. Then, next time we're in Wisconsin, we must come back here for burgers, fries, and shakes. It's settled..."

[doctormagnus]

"Indeed," she replies, finishing up. "Shall we take a walk around town to walk these calories off?"

[dr_jd_watson]

"Sounds like a lovely plan. I don't suppose this Beast of ours has garnered a tourist following? Those guided tours tend to be tripe, but I'm sure a professional would be happy to tell us all about recent sightings in the area..."

[doctormagnus]

"Oh, I hear there's all sorts of souvenirs. Perhaps we can get you a button."

[dr_jd_watson]

"What, not a t-shirt?" he scoffs.

[doctormagnus]

"Why not both?"

[dr_jd_watson]

"Woman, if you expect me to wear either..."

[doctormagnus]

"Oh, calm down, James. I'm only teasing." She wraps her arm around his and walks down the street.

[dr_jd_watson]

"Actually, I've worn worse for undercover work and you know it. If it's required, I'll just need to pick up a pair of jeans somewhere first..."

[doctormagnus]

She wets her lips absently at that. "I do like to see you in Levis."

[dr_jd_watson]

James chuckles at the look on her face. "Very well. You go find me a Beast of Bray t-shirt, and I'll go purchase a pair of jeans." He considers for a moment, then smirks. "Do get us baseball caps, too..."

[doctormagnus]

"You've always liked me in a cap, haven't you?"

[dr_jd_watson]

"You're so fetching in one. Besides, we're supposed to be tourists. Best dress the part..."

[doctormagnus]

"Alright, how about caps a couple of buttons. No sense in doing t-shirts too or we'll look absolutely crazed."

[dr_jd_watson]

"You wear buttons, I'll wear a shirt. We shouldn't match precisely. Besides, if you must know, I don't much like the feel of metal against my chest, even small pieces," he points out, shuddering almost imperceptibly for a moment.

[doctormagnus]

She bites her lip hard and covers his hand with hers. "I didn't even consider that. Of course. Now... go buy some Levis so I can appreciate your bum."

[dr_jd_watson]

"As milady commands." He steps back, bows low, then turns to find the nearest clothing shop.

[doctormagnus]

She heads into a local souvenir shop, which is riddled with gimmicky items to do with The Beast. She spends a few moments chatting with the clerk about how her and husband are Beast enthusiasts, then browses the items and picks out a t-shirt, two baseball caps, a pin for herself, and a bag of strawberry dark chocolates which she'll surprise him with later. Helen purchases her items and waits for him on the street.

[dr_jd_watson]

James purchases an exceedingly snug pair of jeans, and sneakers to complete the ensemble. His own shoes are fine for walking long distances, but they're fine enough to look profoundly out of place with jeans and a t-shirt. Paying for his purchases, he takes his bag and goes to rejoin her outside the souvenir shop.

[doctormagnus]

She grins at him and holds up a t-shirt. "Don't say I never buy you anything..."