Mara took a trail into the woods bordering the back of the off-leash area. She passed a middle-aged man strolling with his black Lab. He smiled and nodded, appeared unconcerned. The Lab, wagging his tail, sauntered over for a quick pet. Mara complied and then walked ahead. Though she was not familiar enough with the park to know for sure, it seemed quiet for a Saturday morning.
Her eyes scanned the brush and trees for anything unusual, whatever that might be. The density of the vegetation surprised her, especially given it stood in the middle of a dense urban area. It would be a perfect place to hunt, if someone were so inclined.
She came to a fork in the trail. Going right led back to where she had entered the woods. Left went deeper into the trees and brush. Not ready to go back, she t
