FANGS:A QUEST FOR PASSION

‘You didn’t get the promotion’ was the only phrase she could grasp from what D.P Chandler was saying. Nicole Hopps had put her blood, sweat and tears into this story and she was sure to get promoted. Chandler just ran a knife through her heart with this phrase. She took an unconscious look at him, and was almost amused at his gigantic head, typical figure of a boss who just barked out orders without even lifting a finger. She rose up to leave once he was done with his pep talk, “asshole” she murmured to herself as she made her way down the stairs to her car. The drive home was quiet and her thoughts drifted to when she first got assigned as senior staff member at the Daily Clock media house. It was a big achievement for someone her age, and the Daily Clock is a reputable news outlet. Nicole had taken her badge to the cemetery where her parents were laid to rest. They had both moved from Roseville County  to the city when she was 12 years old. She lost them to a ghastly motor accident months after she graduated college. It was a big blow to her, but it also served as motivation to attain higher heights. This is why she took the failure to get promoted as a huge loss. Nicole was greeted with a loud “WHOOF” from her dog Dexter. The fluffy American Eskimo had been a gift from her aunt, Mrs. Dalton, who lived in Roseville with her husband. She was worried about Nicole being too alone and absorbed in work. Nicole was not exactly keen on the idea of a dog, but Dexter’s presence made life a whole lot better. She had barely settled in when a call came in. It was her department’s supervisor, Mrs. Hans, now what does she want? She muttered under her breath before answering the phone. Hello ma’am, hello Nicole, said a female voice. Sorry to bother you after work hours, but we have a situation we think only you can handle, full details will be given tomorrow. Have a goodnight, miss Hopps. The call was disconnected immediately. Nicole could not hide her irritation.  The same board that denied her promotion suddenly needs her help. How ironic, she thought to herself.  Daybreak came slower than usual; she hadn’t slept a wink, the thought of what lay ahead of her at the office. What could it be? She asked herself. Once her alarm went off, she jumped out of bed, made a quick breakfast, fed Dexter and went inside her car. “You got this”, she sighed. She checked the time; she was fifteen minutes early, more time to brood on her own thoughts. As she made her way through the parking lot, she took note of the number of cars parked. Seemed like a full house today, this made her a bit agitated about what Mrs. Hans wanted to tell her. Good morning Miss Hopps greeted Emily, the ever cheerful receptionist. Nicole answered with a smile and signed in. She entered her office and started to go through some files. Just then Emily walked in and said her presence was needed in the boardroom, okay thanks Em, she said, trying to hide her anxiety. Members of the board were already seated when she walked in; please take a seat, Miss Hopps, said Chandler. When she was seated, it was Mrs. Hans, who spoke first, the Roseville P.D, has our proposal to investigate the disappearance of two barn workers. Just yesterday, two high school seniors went missing after prom. The same way the barn workers vanished without a trace, all that could be found were the deserted vehicles in the middle of nowhere. We know you are good at finding answers, so we have decided to put you on this assignment. Nicole was relieved but this was the last thing she expected. Roseville? After all these years? You are charged with investigating and also covering the story from start to finish, said Chandler. This would make a big story and give the company the publicity it needs. Understood sir, replied Nicole, what duration am I looking at here? She added.  Mrs. Hans looked at Chandler and said, as long as it took to find answers. You have to report daily events and keep us updated on everything that happens. Safety measures would also be put in place. We chose you to be way ahead of the local reporters there. Coming from the city gives you an edge over them. You will be provided with everything you need. This should not be hard, though Nicole to herself. Besides, assignments like this make her more eligible for awards and promotions. When do I leave for Roseville? In two days, answered Chandler, a full debrief would be given to you concerning more details of the assignment. That’s all for now, Miss Hopps, you should leave. Nicole got up and went back into her office. She began to reminisce about childhood memories; her parents had owned a barn before they moved to the city. Her mom never fancied living in Roseville, but her dad adored it. Her aunt would be more than glad to accommodate her for a few weeks. What mystery could Roseville County possibly hold? The place was rustic and peaceful, or so she thought. Roseville County, a close-knit community nestled in the heart of the countryside. The county is characterized by its quaint cottages, a charming town square, and a river that winds through the outskirts. The locals lead simple lives, mostly centered on farming and agriculture. Jay Byers, stood at the back of his ranch observing his father and the Roseville P.D sheriff speak in serious tones. Jay and his father had started the ranch once he was done with college, and it grew due to their hard work. Jay had lost his mom to cancer when he was barely six. Having a not so normal childhood, his father and the range were the only constant things in his life. Sheriff Halle made a gesture towards Jay signaling his leaving. Jay smiled in response. Halle’s car zoomed off and soon disappeared amidst the dust whirled by the screeching tires. What did he want? Asked Jay, with a look of concern. Two missing kids from Roseville high, seniors in their finals, were last spotted across the river two days ago, answered Mr. Byers. They must have wandered off or run away, said Jay. Children do that all the time after prom, and he let out a chuckle.  Mr. Byers didn’t seem to agree with this. A week ago, two workers from Danny’s Barn went missing and nothing has been heard of them till now, said his father. They had set out to get plywood; their truck was found in the middle of the woods, no sign of struggle or attack, to indicate if they were attacked. Jay looked worried, that’s strange, he said. They may be fed up with the barn’s policies and quit the job. That’s understandable, the workers are always in a pitiable state, he added. I hope you’re right, said Mr. Byers with a little relief, I hope it’s all a mere coincidence.  Nothing to worry about dad, said Jay reassuringly. His father was an important figure in Roseville due to the vast ranches he owned and also his philanthropic nature. Mr. Byers did not consider a remarriage; he was more engrossed in taking care of young Jay and the ranch. He established another ranch years later, just beside the famous Roseville River. It was a wholesome sight to behold. The last thing Jay wanted since he was a teenager was to see his father disturbed. He dreaded the day he would lose him. That was something he wasn’t ready for. It’s getting late dad, you should head home while I join the workers to tidy up, Jay said, putting a hand on his father’s shoulder. Yes, yes, I’ll get going. Be careful, my boy, and don’t be late for dinner. Mrs. Marie already made your favorite, said Mr. Byers with a wink. Father and I chatted a while about work, and also the hockey game which would be played on the weekend. Soon Mr. Byers was on his way home. Most workers had retired from home too, all the work had been done and the day was over. Jay was making his way towards his truck when he heard a sound come from the cattle shed. He walked towards where the sound came from and a rat quickly scurried into a nearby hole. It was a high time for fumigation; he thought to himself and headed back to his truck. The road home was unusually dark tonight, and then he noticed all the street lights were out. The road snaked between bushes, shrubs and big boulders. Suddenly, a black figure from one side of the bushes crashed on his windshield, causing a c***k. Alarmed, Jay struggled to maintain control. He stopped his engine and got out to find a strangely huge wolf. He had expected it to be a young bear. The wolf lay on the floor, seemingly lifeless. Jay rushed back to his truck to get a flashlight. Coming back to where the wolf lay, he was surprised to see it standing on all four legs, directly staring at him. Jay gasped. Within a second the wolf pounced on Jay, before he could defend himself, the wolf retreated, almost as if it vanished into the bushes. He managed to get back into his truck, and it returned. It all didn’t make sense . Wolf had not been seen in Roseville in years. Why did it crash deliberately into his car, why did it attack and suddenly retreat? He noticed the three deep scratches on his left arm, he had developed a fever already. Driving home was painful, but he managed.