Falling for the Veterinary Pathologist

Chapter 9

After we packed into the car we drove off. Not long after driving on the dirt road we come across another car. Abraham and Jackson get out of the front seats. And the rest of us wait in the back.

Abraham says, "I'll find out what's happening."

I don't understand what he and the other men are talking about. But I'm sure it's no good. Ray, Jamie, Mitch and I climb out of the back to also see what's happening.

"These leopards were after—you think they started mutating before the other animals?" Ray asks Mitch.

"According to our research, yeah." Mitch replies. Right in what research? Why is this the first time we're hearing about the research.

"I buy that. Africa is the birthplace of civilization. Every great evolutionary leap started here." Ray says.

I mutter, " I don't" when Ray says I buy that but I don't think anyone heard because no one takes notice of it.

We all stand by the car listening to Abraham and the strangers conversation. The man goes on about something Chui.

"Let me guess, chui means leopards?" Mitch asks Abraham.

"He said we should turn back. He said that last night leopards came into their farm and dragged away 12 people." Abraham retold the strangers story.

Huh serves people right all we do is destroyed and kill. It's not like we humans don't deserve extinction.

Jackson asks, "where's their farm?"

Abraham says, "hand me that map." Then he goes on to show us where we need to go. Jackson takes the pen and explains where the farm is, where the attacks happened a few days ago, and where the airport is.

Well duh they aren't attacking in a clear pathway. They talk about the mutation of the animals. Obviously they aren't going to attack the same way. It's going to be more strategized.

Jamie says, "it's totally random."

Mitch adds, " yeah, you'd think they'd move in a clear direction."

"Yeah, unless... random is part of their plan." Jackson replies. I could see he was really thinking about how the leopards are strategizing. 

"When an army wants to take an area" Abraham starts but I cut him off.

"They attack in a haphazard fashion. It causes fear." I say. My years in the air force gave me many tactics on haphazard attacks.

Abraham says, " correct" he gives me a curious look and continues, "Rumors of their next attack frightens people enough for them to leave even before the army arrives."

Ray being a nitwit asks, " wait, what are you telling me, that leopards are using military strategy?"

"It's possible. They're working as a group. Means they're thinking as a group." Mitch explains simply to ray.

"Well, glad we don't have any real guns then." Ray says seething sarcasm.

"Uh, if the attacks are random, how are we gonna know where to look for them?" Jamie asks.

"I have a feeling the leopards are going to find us." Abraham says.

Everyone goes silent and you could feel the tension within our group. We load back into the car and continue on our way.

After a while of driving towards the farm Mitch leans forward and asks, " what is that? Hanging in that tree?"

It's a person obviously! Wow these leopards have evolved. I've never seen animal behavior like this except for one time and it was the strangest thing ever. Abraham and Jackson glance at each other then Abraham pulls over.