The Beast of Bray Road, Part Two

[doctormagnus]

The evening is colder than she expected, and the sun seems to be setting unusually early. Helen looks up and is greeted by angry clouds, billowing on the horizon. The entire sky looks dull and overcast, and she wonders to herself how long this investigation is going to last tonight.

She shuts the car door, shoulders her pack, and turns on her flashlight, leaving the venison for James.

"Ready?"

Comments

[dr_jd_watson]

He beams in answer to that, tongue darting out to wet his lips in anticipation before he returns himself to mission-mode and reacquires their trail.

[doctormagnus]

She steps back and lets him take the lead, partly because she wants to admire his ass in Levis, and partly because it makes sense given he's more likely to see a clue before she does.

[dr_jd_watson]

James smiles at her and takes point, flashlight sweeping the ground as he slowly advances. "It seems to have been moving quickly..."

[doctormagnus]

"How quickly? Skittish animal quickly? On the hunt or possibly the prey?"

[dr_jd_watson]

"No, not hunting. Look at these broken branches. It's not remotely trying to hide its location from potential prey. It's just running..."

[doctormagnus]

"I wonder if it's being hunted," she comments, looking around with a frown. "Any sign of human tracks, James?"

[dr_jd_watson]

"None so far. I've been looking, but..." He shakes his head. "I suppose it's possible the light from our torches is frightening it."

[doctormagnus]

"It stands to reason it's a skittish creature. It's clearly afraid of humans or it would show itself more often. Now... why is it coming out at all?"

[dr_jd_watson]

"Well, the woods should provide adequate food, so we can provisionally rule that out. Unless it's somehow unable to hunt? I suppose it could crave society?"

[doctormagnus]

"So it could be lonely? Huh. Canines do tend to desire a pack."

[dr_jd_watson]

"They do. There was a lone wolf in Alaska that entered a community and started making friends with the local dogs. And, of course, there are cases like Henry, who was so lonely that he walked right up to the strange lady even though he was terrified of humans..."

[doctormagnus]

She melts a little. "Perhaps we're going about this all wrong, then. We're doing nothing to earn its trust tracking it through the forest like this."

[dr_jd_watson]

"May be time to go about this a little differently, then. What do you think?"

[doctormagnus]

"Well, it knows our scent now. Let's leave it some of the meat and save the rest for tomorrow? Then, when we return with more food, it'll begin to associate our scent with feeding."

[dr_jd_watson]

"Perfect," he agrees, unshouldering his pack and opening the compartment with the meat inside. "We brought plenty. It should be grateful to us. Or, at least, think a bit more kindly of us..."

[doctormagnus]

She smiles and watches him. "Besides, I could use a hot shower and a roaring fire."

[dr_jd_watson]

He smiles and lays the meat out, nodding. "Sounds delightful. We should make a good deal of noise as we leave," he adds. "It should hear us, and know without question that we're gone."

[doctormagnus]

"James Watson, I am not that kind of woman!" she teases loudly.

[dr_jd_watson]

"Helen Magnus, behave yourself!" he chuckles in answer, taking her hand and tucking it under his arm before starting back the way they came.

[doctormagnus]

She grins and gently swats him.

[dr_jd_watson]

He smiles warmly at that, leaning down to kiss her cheek. "If we bring it food for several nights, we should make more headway. The poor thing obviously wants company..."

[doctormagnus]

"We may end up with a new friend," she says with a fond smile.

[dr_jd_watson]

"Between my smarts and your charms, it seems highly likely..." he agrees complacently.

[doctormagnus]

She smiles and tosses him the keys.

[dr_jd_watson]

"Letting me drive?" he asks with a grin, opening the door for her. "That's unusual..."