Finding Her Inner Wolf

What the Hell?

     As I exit the elevator in the lobby it's just before 9 A.M. I walk towards the lobby the sound of my boots echoing with every step.  I can see the sun shining brightly through the glass panels ahead.

     I get almost to the door before the front desk concierge speaks.

     "Miss Paige?" He sheepishly speaks.

     "Yes?" Annoyed.

     "This was dropped off for you this morning" sliding a manilla envelope across the counter.

     I step closer to handle the envelope. I'm confused, "Who dropped it off?"

     "I'm sorry they didn't leave a message with it. Just instructions on who the recipient was. They gave a description and left.  I'm new around here so I didn't recognize them." He explains.

     I shrug my shoulders grab the envelope and walk out the doors blinded by the sun. I squinted against the sun and shielded myself with a forearm.  Slowly I walked across the small parking lot towards Luna.  Still puzzled on who dropped off the envelope.

     I reached Luna and swung my leg over and sat debating whether to open the envelope now or later.  It was heavy and felt like books?  I'll wait until I'm back in my solitude.  I sit there just staring at the envelope feeling the weight.

     The only writing on it is my name chicken scratched.  Sitting there for what seemed hours thinking, debating, lost in my own thoughts.  Hadn't felt the vibrations or heard my phone ringing.  Probably wouldn't have for however long my mind would've kept me lost if someone hadn't have shook me out of my trance.

     "Ma'am, are you okay?" A voice broke my trance.

     I look up to see an officer looking quite concerned.   He is about 5 foot 10 and a bit husky.  His hair is medium brown parted on the side and combed flat.  Green deep set eyes.  He's a newer cop to the department and the youngest.  Matt is his name with a touch of irish accent.  When he's off duty he's a regular at the bar.

     "Yeah officer I'm all good." I glance toward the empty lot in front of the hotel and see his "undercover" patrol car parked. "All good in the Westside?" Pointing to his cruiser.  The lot the high school kids have nicknamed the Westside, fir whatever reason.  There aren't any actual gangs here.

     "Yes all seems to be in order there.  Happened to see you looking a bit lost and being a dutiful officer I had to check it out." He joked, raising his pointer and middle fingers to his forehead in a salute.

     "Lost in thought is all." I say glancing down at the envelope in my lap.  I suddenly gasp as a light bulb flashes.  "Hey quick question.  How long have you been on duty and watching from there?" Questioning pointing again to his car.

     "Well I didn't work last night, and I've been parked there off and on since my shift started." He answered puzzled.  "Why? Someone mess with your ride?"

     "No, I uh had this package dropped off at the front desk anonymously. I don't live here, and I hadn't told anyone I was going to be here last night." I confess shaking my head and staring again at the envelope.

     "Oh? Did the concierge mention a time? It was pretty quiet this morning." Matt questions concerned.

"I guess with the confusion of it all I didn't ask." replying as if a child in being caught with my hand in the cookie jar. Bringing the envelope close to my chest gripping it tightly.

"Hmm, I'll ask a few questions myself and get back to you." Matt says putting a hand on my shoulder.

"No Matt, it's just crazy. I'm sure it's nothing to worry about. I'm not going to be around here much longer anyway. Came here for answers and found a few, time to move on." I rush out quickly.

He looks at me with some concern, but must've rolled it around his head. He shakes his head and lets out a short chuckle. He waved his hand at me and walked away. I chuckle myself and wave back. I decide I really want to get back to my site and open up the envelope. I open up a side satchel and slide it in and close it. I put my helmet on and start Luna up with a roar. I back out of the parking spot and make my way to the exit and enter Main Street. I decide to make a pit stop at the donut shop for my favorite meal. Breakfast burrito and coffee, I get it to go. I just want to get "home" as soon as possible.

I was relieved to see the turn towards home. I pulled up next to my tent and killed the engine to Luna. I removed my helmet and got off the bike. I opened the side satchel and retrieved my wallet, phone, and of course the envelope. I walked over to the cooler and sat down to remove my boots. The sun was bright, it was a nice day. Slight breeze that kept the temperature even. After prying off my boots and socks I rested my bare feet in the cool grass.  I grabbed the envelope and while it's placed in my lap I continue to rub my hands over it.  Wanting to rip it open and spill its contents but holding back because you don't always like what you find.  I have been searching for so long, what if I learn information that I'm unhappy with?

     Sighing, I finally fumbled my shaking hands to open the manilla envelope.  I slowly tear open the top and dump out its contents.  Four leather bound journals tumble to the ground as a sealed letter almost floats and lightly lands on top.  Feeling a confused at the moment, I now truly feel this mystery starting to feel as a hefty load.  I sit there atop my cooler perched for the moment again stalling on the situation at my feet.  A slight breeze accompanied by scents of wildflowers and sweet grass deepen my trance.  My thoughts start drifting to so many things.  To my mom, my father, my brothers.  I need to find at least one of them.  If I find one then that in theory would lead to the others.

     I lean and snatch up the letter.  I slowly rip the the flap to expose the letter inside.  I drop the envelope and unfold the letter.  I take a deep breath before reading its contents:

     Shaytanna,

     I apologize to the method of delivery this package has come to you.  I knew your mother and have come into possession a few of her belongings.  I hope these are helpful to your search.  Good luck, and we'll be watching you.

     What in the literal hell was that all about?  We'll be watching you?  Who the hell is watching me and why don't they just come out of hiding?  I fumble the questions out of mind like a waterfall at no one.  I toss the letter to the side and grab the journals.  The journals are all leather but different colors.  The smooth sweet aroma of leather fills my nostrils.  They each look handmade.  A leather strap wraps around each one to tie it shut.  There are wolves and forest embedded on each of the front covers and my mothers name on the back.  Each journal has different dates.  I'm guessing to show the order in which they were written.  I gather all four journals and crawl inside my tent.