Lucy

Lucy left Doramis' room and closed the door behind her. She went to Sheriff Lawrence, who stood at the nurse's station with Jordana. "Larry," said Lucy, causing him and Jordana to turn around. "Can we talk?"

"Sure," he said. "Just give me a second." He turned to a nurse. "Can you get her a room? I want you to make sure she is okay. She was also attacked by an animal last night."

"You were too?" Lucy said to Jordana.

"What do you mean by too?" asked Jordana.

"My daughter and I were also attacked by something last night." Lucy pointed back at her daughter's room with her thumb. "Where were you when you were attacked?"

"Isabella's house." Jordana held her head down. "We were both attacked last night. She got into a car accident while running away. She didn't make it."

"A lot happened last night. Isabella wasn't the only one who didn't make it."

"Who else?"

"Jack. He was also attacked by an animal."

"That's enough," said Sheriff Lawrence. "I want you to rest," he said to Jordana. "This nurse will take you to a room."

"Wait," said Lucy. "Did you see what animal attacked you last night?"

"I'm not sure," said Jordana. "It was big. Bigger than a bear, but it didn't look like a bear. It looked more like a wolf than anything."

"Miss," said Sheriff Lawrence. "Please follow the nurse. I'll catch up with you later."

Jordana gave him a nod as she followed the nurse.

"We have a serious problem," Lucy said to Sheriff Lawrence.

"I know," he said. "Follow me. We can talk on the roof. I need a cigarette." They went up to the roof and Sheriff Lawrence pulled out a carton of cigarettes and offered one to Lucy. She took it and he lit it up for her, then lit up his. "I can't believe this shit," he said. "I thought what happened to Ivy was a freak accident."

"I did too, but that isn't the case," said Lucy between puffs. "And whatever killed Jack, didn't attack my daughter."

"Excuse me?"

"I saw what killed Jack. It was much smaller than what Dori and Jordana are describing."

"Are you sure? You could be remembering wrong."

"I'm sure. I know what I saw and Anita saw it too. But I have no idea what attacked the others."

"I think you were all attacked by the same thing. You're just remembering wrong."

"Larry, it's me," said Lucy as she looked into his eyes. "I know what I saw and I believe the others. They all agree that what they saw was huge. The size of a bear." Lucy looked out into the evening sky. "What I saw looked like a wolf. Are there wolves in this forest?"

"Not that I know about," said Sheriff Lawrence. "There are no wolves in Mass."

The back door opened and caused them to turn around. It was Molly. She was hugging herself.

"Are you alright?" asked Lucy as she approached her. She was about to hug her but Molly waved her off.

"No," answered Molly. "I'm not okay." She had her sights towards Sheriff Lawrence. "I can't examine those bodies. It's too much for me. I...."

"It's okay," said Sheriff Lawrence. "You don't have to explain yourself. How is Mr. Souza?"

"He's in bad shape. Broken ribs and a concussion. I'm not sure he's going to wake up."

"I'm sorry."

"I want to know what are you going to do about the animal attacks?" said Molly with more force in her voice.

"I haven't had time yet to discuss it."

"You're going to hunt them down. Hunt down every bear near this area. We can't let this ever happen again."

Sheriff Lawrence didn't say anything. He just gave her a nod.

"I want to hear you say it," said Molly. "We're going to hunt down all of the bears in our forest."

"It's not that simple," said Sheriff Lawrence.

"How isn't it? Just go out with a hunting party like you did before and wipe them out."

"There's state laws against that. Hunting one bear is one thing, but all of them. We can get in a lot of trouble if we do that."

"Who's going to tell?"

"Any animal lover. All it takes is for one person to report it and then my whole department is screwed."

Molly stood quiet for a second and Lucy tried putting a hand on her shoulder, but she swatted her away.

"Then I'll get a party together to do it myself," said Molly. "The police department doesn't have anything to do with it. Your job will be protected."

"Let's not think about that now," said Sheriff Lawrence. "Just be at Mr. Souza's side. Let me figure out our animal problem. I also have to send the bodies to another examiner out of town."

"I think Larry is right," said Lucy. "Just be at Mr. Souza's side. Sheriff Lawrence won't be handling this alone. I'll be helping him personally."

"You will?" asked Molly.

"Of course. What attacked Mr. Souza went after my daughter as well. I'll make sure that never happens again. To anyone."

"Thank you, Lucy," said Molly as she went back inside.

"You don't have to do that," said Sheriff Lawrence. "I can handle animal attacks."

"That's fine, but the town lost its mayor and someone needs to step up in that leadership role," said Lucy.

"You want to be the mayor?"

"Not really, but Isabella wanted me to. The least I can do is step up until we find someone more appropriate for the role."

"Alright," said Sheriff Lawrence. "Any suggestions on what I should do right now?"

"Give the town a curfew. Last thing we need is people outside at night when the animals are attacking."

"Now that's a great idea. I think I'll get right on it."