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

[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..."

[dr_jd_watson]

"Perfect. Now I just need a phone booth so I can assume my secret identity..."

[doctormagnus]

She rolls her eyes, shoves his new belongings at his chest, and nods towards the diner. "Go use the loo."

[dr_jd_watson]

Laughing and winking at her, he heads back into the diner with his bag.

[doctormagnus]

She shakes her head and smiles, drawing her hair back into a ponytail and putting on her cap and button.

[dr_jd_watson]

James changes quickly, folding his suit and placing it and his loafers into the empty bag. He turns a head or two as he walks out of the cafe: a tall, lanky man in snug-fitting jeans and a t-shirt that's tight enough to show how much time he spends in the gym.

[doctormagnus]

She sends Will a text to let him know they're doing alright. When she looks up, her breath is taken away a bit. She collects herself and does not shy away from raking in his figure with her eyes.

[dr_jd_watson]

James smiles at her response, 'accidentally' dropping his wallet and turning around before he bends to retrieve it.

[doctormagnus]

She chuckles and thinks he's terrible but enjoys the view nonetheless.

[dr_jd_watson]

Once he's tucked the wallet back into his pocket, he joins her with a smile. "That cap looks good on you, darling. So, what do you think?" he adds, indicating his outfit.

[doctormagnus]

"I think you look like a sexy tourist." She grins and offers her hand. "Shall we?"

[dr_jd_watson]

He smiles and slides his fingers through hers. "Any word on the Beast?"

[doctormagnus]

"Yes, the friendly lady in the shop told me we'll have the most luck spotting our friend towards the evening just outside of town on Bray Road, as legends indicate. She also suggested leaving out some raw meat. Venison is his favorite."

[dr_jd_watson]

"To the supermarket, then," he answers with a smile. "What do you think? Canine cryptid or HAP?"

[doctormagnus]

"I doubt a HAP. There's no shortage of food in these woods, so a HAP wouldn't be venturing this close to civilization without good reason."

[dr_jd_watson]

"Yes, but why would a wolf-like cryptid. Something is drawing it here..."

[doctormagnus]

"I'm not sure, James. We'll have to observe the area and see. Shall we?"

[dr_jd_watson]

"Yes. There's a supermarket that way," he adds, pointing. "Hopefully they have venison."