Faster then either Sam or Kara would have thought possible, the place was flooding with rangers, deputies, and evidence technicians. Sam, Jacqueline, and Kara were each separated as deputies took their statements. As each gave their statement, one of the officers, a gentleman with rugged looks and graying hair stopped to listen to each interview, starting with Jacqueline and ending with Kara.
As Kara wrapped up giving her statement, and answered the deputy’s questions, the man looked over the statement and then dismissed the deputy. Squatting down next to Kara he smiled and offered his hand. “Sheriff Richardson,” he introduced himself, “Though most around here call me Joe.”
Kara tentatively took his hand and shook it, surprised a little at the strength of his squeeze. “Kara Stevens.”
“Well, Ms. Stevens, to me it seems pretty clear that this is a case of self defense on everyone’s part. Charley boy over there,” he pointed to the body, “was a known troublemaker and hothead, and so far everything seems to match your stories, though we won’t know for sure for a few more weeks.
“Here’s what I think will happen, if the evidence collaborates your stories; I think in a couple weeks you’ll be called before a jury, maybe even a grand jury, you’ll tell what happened same as you told us, and then answer a few questions and that will be the end of this.”
Kara nodded then asked, “No trials?”
Sheriff Richardson shook his head. “No, I don’t think there will be any trials unless we find something major to counter your story.”
The sheriff started to rise then seemed to change his mind. “There is one thing though.”
Kara froze then slowly turned to face the sheriff. “Oh?”
“Most of the others can’t read the signs, but I don’t think it was any dog that did in Charley’s wrist. I think it was a wolf; a very special kind of wolf, if you get my meaning.”
“I... I don’t think I do.” Kara tried to keep her voice even, but her heart started pounding.
The sheriff gave a grandfatherly smile and patted her back as he dropped his voice so only the two of them could hear. “I think it was a werewolf, in fact I think it was you that bit his wrist.” He smiled and winked. As soon as the wink ended his eyes flashed golden and his pupils momentarily turned catlike.
Kara stiffened and started to jump up but a hand grabbed her shoulder. “Relax, yes, I’m what you think I am, but I’m not going to hurt you.”
“I think I want to go home now, if I’m allowed that is.” Kara stated nervously.
Sheriff Richardson blinked. “Of course you’re allowed.
He stood up and called out, “Davis, Riley.” Almost immediately two deputies walked over. The first was a sandy haired female with a petite but powerful frame. Behind her followed a brunette male that looked like an ex-marine, stocky and confident. “Please escort Ms. Stevens home. I think I managed to scare her more then I ever intended.”
“Of course sir,” The blond stated. She smiled at Kara and Kara was a little relieved and confused when the deputies eyes turned golden and the pupils expanded into dark brown orbs that almost matched her own for that split second. Kara was equally confused when the other deputy’s eyes did the same and remained so when the blonde offered her hand to help Kara up. “Let’s get you home, dear. And don’t worry about the Sheriff. He’s a really a softy under all that gruffness.”
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