The Write Place

Part 1
Part 2

“Tracks, tracks and more tracks huh?” said Umberger. The small group, donned in black tactical gear surveyed the muddied road cutting through the thick hilled forests. They were in a relative clearing along the road, defensible if need be. That did little to relieve a sense of foreboding. They still had a forest that went on for hundreds of miles through the mountains. Three dogs sat by the black SUVs, handled by two more men in identical gear. Their panting tongues indicated exhaustion. They were calm, now.
“Only if you know where to look for them,” replied McCready. “Out here there is plenty of room to hide.”
“Three, four days old? Running back into the mountains from where they came,” added Leflore looking up from where they knelt. In front of them were dog tracks, somewhere between the size of a grapefruit and a cantaloupe. The ice capped mountain overlooking them seemed to be beckoning them to give chase. Experience taught them better.

“Looks like they were just taking a family vacation,” mused Jaeger. “Going back up for the winter though is unusual. If you don’t know you’re being tracked anyway.”

“Seems they learned from Daddy, “Chapman said. “They” he pointed to the tracks “go on for miles and miles. The dogs will still follow. So, you know three or four days is a good estimate.” The Dogs felt safe in the group, but no amount of training would remove their instincts. They can smell the size of what waits for them. Some dogs were known to become less co-operative when they smelled the black wolf.

“Well good sign for now,” Umberger said. “Great place for an ambush.”
“Wouldn’t have called you if they were still in town. Does look like we know where they’re headed. Tough spot for airpower but I can probably rig up some smaller drones,” Chapman offered.
“Here’s hoping he isn’t used to them or just scoots.”

“I think I got just the thing,” replied Chapman confidently. “They’re hearing is great but at the height betty-sue flies, she’s just something in the distance. I can get you some good vision and eyes on target.”
“Good Chaps. We don’t want to take any chances with this one,” McCready said as he stood up. He surveilled their surroundings. In woods this deep, some other curious creature was likely to be watching. Which of course, brought a battle plan to the seasoned officer’s mind. “Well we don’t want to fight him in the woods. Especially not a pack.”

“That’s for sure. Thinking of getting him into a clearing?” asked Umberger.

“You know it kiddo. This time of year, with a young pack and two females, who would he come out to talk with?” said MacCready aloud. More in acknowledgment than in inquiry.
“Out here? Robin Williams?” Jaeger said, knowing full well who MacCready meant.
“No less hair,” MacCready said with a smile.
“Ah, I know who you mean,” Jager said.
“Give me a few and something to work with, I’m sure I can hook something up,” added Chapman.