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]

"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..."

[doctormagnus]

"Sure you remember how to drive on the right side of the road?"

[dr_jd_watson]

"Well, you'll find out, won't you?"

[doctormagnus]

"You're not exactly inspiring confidence! Don't scratch my car."

[dr_jd_watson]

"What's wrong? Isn't it insured?"

[doctormagnus]

"Not a scratch!"

[dr_jd_watson]

"I make no promises. Next time, move to a country that uses the proper side of the road..."

[doctormagnus]

"You are so close to not getting lucky tonight..."

[dr_jd_watson]

"All right, all right. I promise to drive like an American. Only for you..."