Flutter

Flutter: Deux

Nora didn't know what lay ahead, but she knew that no matter what path she chose, her life would never be simple again. 

o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o

At her slow pace it had taken Nora nearly an hour to get back to Wicks. Nora had stopped to observe every animal or insect on her way, stalling for time. As much as she didn't want to get home she ended up there anyway. It was evening now and it had gotten much cooler, the wind blowing her hair about. It was as if Mother Nature felt Nora's despondency. Home for Nora was the town of Wicks. It was nothing much. There was a market area with a general store, a post office, flower shop, and a small library. Also, they had a church, farms, and sheriff's department. Scattered around were a couple of houses, but most of the families lived in the neighboring woods.

The town was quiet and cozy and Nora had never really gone very far. She'd been to Havenville, Fairly, Motts  (all surrounding towns) and to the city a handful of times. And that was pretty much it. She didn't need all the glitz and glam. Home was enough although most outsiders would call Wicks "old-fashioned." Some are born with a desire to travel, while others bloom where they are planted. And Nora, she bloomed.  

There were a few individuals walking down the street, out running errands or going on a stoll. Nora waved and greeted them as she meandered down the road.  In this provincial town everybody knew everybody and being the sheriff's daughter, Nora was known more than most. Besides that, Nora was well known for her kind nature and calm demeanor. She was well loved in Wicks as she could be called to help rake leaves, deliver a litter, shovel snow - and she'd do it all with a smile. 

Nora eventually got to the sheriff's department and she saw the black car parked out front. Whoever this Quinton was, he meant business. Nora pushed open the heavy glass door and the bell jingled, signaling her entrance. The County Sheriff's office was really just for show and there wasn't much to it. A few desks, a bench, and one old rusty cell. That cell couldn't hold a full grown wolf but it at least gave the appearance of law and order and that's what they needed. The community of Wicks had their system of government here. Her father was the justice bringer and most disputes were settled through him. 

As Nora entered, James, Nora's brother and the deputy, burst from their father's office.

"Damn Nora, where've you been! You've kept our guests waiting!" He exclaimed.

"Well I'm sorry J. I lost track of time." Nora answered.

"Never mind that, just get in here."

Nora followed James to the back office. Nora took in a deep breath before entering the cramped quarters. It was a cool evening but with all these overheated wolves, the office was stuffy. Eddie, Nora's father sat in his regular chair behind his desk while James stood to his right. Seated across from them two was Quinton and his driver. They all turned when she came into the room. Nora was speechless or a moment before uttering a breathless greeting.

"Hello D.D." Nora said warmly to her father, using the pet name she's had for him since she was a child.

"Nora, my girl, we have much to discuss." Her father said gravely.

"Yes...I'm not sure what's going on..."

"What's going on is that your father here has neglected to inform you fully of our kind." Quinton interrupted, in a cold tone that was masking fury.

"Sir, please-" Nora's father tried to interject.

"Every wolf born child, pure or mixed, must be taught the lupine customs. That is the law. Explain to me again why you failed to execute that decree?" He said, not talking to her father.