What Happened to Normal?

Chapter 8

I explained what I thought might have happened to Josh and B.J, “I think that the cubs were carried away by members of the pack searching for territory in wolf form with humans trailing behind them to cover their tracks, the wolves were most likely females because they’d have some idea of how to carry their young, motherly instincts. With the teens they couldn’t act like mothers carrying them, they’re all too old to be carried. So they pick them up and carry the under fourteens, maybe acting as if they’re been taken away to where their families sleep. Nobody really minds where the over fourteens sleep, they’re old enough by that point to choose where they want to sleep. They dragged the teens in wolf form on their sides, if anyone woke up Jason must’ve been one of them, he struggled and turned onto his stomach, scratching the ground, hence the claw marks. The humans were dragged as well, you can gag a human, and if you do it tight enough they can barely make a noise, let alone one loud enough to alert anyone who would be ten, maybe twenty metres away where all of the adults sleep.”

Josh spoke up, “What about the scream? There was a scream heard by a teenager.”

I thought for a bit, “After they were dragged for a while, all in different directions, they were picked up and carried through the forest. Jason must’ve struggled enough to break free, the person carrying him might’ve grabbed him so he bit him and tore a chunk out of his leg, therefore whoever’s leg had a chunk taken out of it would no doubt scream, they might’ve been a teen. With most of the adults covering the tracks where the cubs were and the female adults carrying the cubs they would’ve had to use teens. Jason’s kidnapper let go of him and Jason ran off, hopefully losing them.” I said.

Wait a minute,” B.J said, deep in thought, “If Jason got away then that means he might still be out there…”

“Exactly, and if we can find him, we can find everyone else. Or at least where they were heading, the kidnappers might’ve said something but if they didn’t they wouldn’t just walk in a random direction, they would go straight towards their camp. Meaning if Jason knows what direction they were going, we can follow it right to where they’re hiding,”

“Then I guess we’re looking for Jason.” Said Josh, his face lighting up.

I looked down at the ground, “I could be wrong you know.” I told him, doubting what I had said. I knew I was right. What I didn’t tell them is that I saw what had happened. I wasn’t there but I saw it happen as I spoke. It was like I was there witnessing everything. The only thing I couldn’t see was who did the kidnapping.

“With a mother and father like the ones you have, you can’t be wrong. They were never wrong when it came to tracking. And you have a… gift.”

“A gift?” B.J asked curiously.

“Yeah. A helpful one.” Said Josh mysteriously.

I’m guessing that gift was being able to see what had happened, but how did he know?

“Alright then, hey, I know this is kinda gross considering we just found a torn of piece of human leg but, do you have any food lying around Josh?”

He looked at me incredulously, “What about Jason?”

“If Jason is as good of a survival expert as he says he is, he’ll be able to live another few hours. We’ll begin a search in the morning, tenish sound okay?”

“Sure. I don’t think he’s good at hunting though, why do you think you two are the ones that hunt for the children’s food?”

“Good point, I’m not trying to offend him in any way but if he has any hunting skills, now would be the time to use them. It’s not a good idea to be looking for him at twelve at night… or technically twelve in the morning.”

“Also a good point,” B.J agreed, “honestly I’m hungry too, we both haven’t eaten in twenty four hours, we’re starving.”

Josh sighed, “Alright, I’ll give you some of my leftovers but I’m putting you in charge of the hunt and this whole case now Brook.” He said.

I froze for a second, “I’m in charge? Why?”

“You’re in charge of this case because of your skills, I know what you’re thinking; there’s plenty of older people in our pack that can do this. You’re wrong, you’re the only one who can do tis quick and easy. Your mind was trained well, and I don’t mean because I was the one who taught you. You’re leading this investigation, you’re in charge, everyone follows your orders. If you don’t, nobody is leading this case and we’re on a wild goose chase.”

“When did we turn into the FBI?” J.B asked, “We’re doing ‘cases’ and ‘investigations’. Cool, do I get to join this, case?”

I turned to him and smiled, “Well if I’m in charge, you’ll be my partner in this ‘case’.” I told him, “Now let’s go eat, we’ll start at ten tomorrow morning.”