AJ

I get out again. For like the fiftieth time hoping I’ll smell her. Hear her. At this rate i’m just wasting time. If she’s surrounded by people I won’t be able to smell her anyway. She probably is. That’s probably why the fair was chosen in the first place. I growl in frustration, and get back in. I go to turn the keys. Summer holds up a hand. I stay completely silent.

“Turn around. Drive down until you come across a willow tree. Turn left. Then stop at the sliver sign. Turn right. When we reach the river there a large fair ground. Look for the lights in the field surround by trees.” She says. I turn the keys.

“Yes! Here we go.” It’s half an hour later I say. “Do you wanna talk about it?” She shakes her head. I nod. People who are bigger will always prey on those who are smaller. Those they deem ‘weaker’. Summer is anything, but weak. She’s the strongest girl I know. She closes her eyes again. The sighs with frustration.

“It might be easier to get more details when we’re there.” She says. “There’s a lot of paths, but I am getting glimpses of ones where we find her… in time.”

“You’re sure we give them the money, and they kill her anyway?” I ask again.

“I’m certain that’s the most likely future. You know it’s not set in stone, nothing is. But I’m telling you it would be a stupid move. He just wants the money. I doubt his mind will change.” She reiterates. “Besides you said that pack member said the same thing.” I nod. She’s right. I know she is. I take a turn.

“There.” She says. “I can see the lights.” I look with my heightened vision. I can make out a ferris wheel.

“You found it!” I say. I turned into the parking lot, which is basically just a grass field with cars. “Let’s move.” I jump out. She hops out after me.

“Let’s be smart about this. You sent for her. I’ll send off my animal self to look around.” She links arms with me so I can help her not accidentally walk into any walls. She doesn’t normally do that of course but considering the circumstances, she’ll need to be really focused. She sends her bunny self forward.

“The room was empty except for her. It looked like the first floor, and walls were concrete. So a permanent building. Not a tent, or camper.” I say.

“Ooo. I smell popcorn. Can we get popcorn?” She says.

“We can get popcorn after we save my sister.” I tell her.

“Of course I meant after.” She says defensively.

“We’ll stay focused.” I shoot back. Looking around. She rolls her eyes.

“I got this.” A few minutes later after going around game booths and rides she stops in the middle of the crowd. People part around us like schools of fish. A few people glare at us, but quickly return to minding their own business when I growl their way. “There.” She points. From that direction she comes hopping forward dodging peoples feet with seeming ease. She becomes one again. “Come on.” She says leading the way. I put on my mask. I look up. There’s no moon tonight.