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]

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."

[doctormagnus]

"In a small town like this, I'm sure they do. Local hunters probably make a business that way."

[dr_jd_watson]

"Yes, I suppose they do. You can get several hundred pounds of meat from a single animal if I recall correctly."

[doctormagnus]

She lets go of his hand and heads into the supermarket, looking around before heading in the direction of the meat.

[dr_jd_watson]

James follows, looking around and absorbing every detail.

[doctormagnus]

She wonders what on earth his mind could be processing in the supermarket of all places, but loves that he never misses a beat. She picks out several pounds of venison and purchases it at the checkout, asking some non-invasive questions about The Beast to the clerk.

[dr_jd_watson]

James always drinks in the details when he's on a mission, no matter the setting. Often, even minor details can be of great importance. He stops a moment to chat with the butcher, then joins her at the checkout.

[doctormagnus]

"Find out anything important, Holmes?"

[dr_jd_watson]

"Apparently the Beast is encroaching on town some nights recently, which hasn't happened before. Also, a phone-number," he adds, holding up a slip of paper.

[doctormagnus]

"I've got an address." She displays her own slip of paper. "An eye witness."

[dr_jd_watson]

"Ah. As usual, you win. Although, if tonight we were to call him, he says he could be right over..."

[doctormagnus]

"Then let's save the address for tomorrow and call your contact," she suggests.

She likes when he admits she's winning.

[dr_jd_watson]

He raises an eyebrow at that, chuckling. "Really?"

[doctormagnus]

"Really."

[dr_jd_watson]

"And this is why I love you..."

[doctormagnus]

She gives him a quick kiss and heads out of the market.

[dr_jd_watson]

James smiles and follows her, sighing happily. The only thing he missed more than going on missions was going on missions with her.