Lucy

Lucy gathered with the hunting party at the meeting place. It was the same spot everyone met up at the first hunt. Ashner was leading the party again. The big difference from the first hunt was the amount of people gathered. There were more than double.

Lucy stood in the back with Jordana as Ashner took count of all the hunters.

"A lot more people here than the first time," said Jordana.

"Were you at the first hunt?" asked Lucy. "I don't remember seeing you."

"I was here at first, but I didn't have a place to stay and Noah provided me with one. He didn't want to go on the hunt so we left early. Nice guy."

"Seems he'll be participating this time." Lucy pointed at Noah who stood with Liam. "I shouldn't be surprised. Three people have died because of these animals. It needs to be dealt with or who knows who'll be next."

"Yeah, understandable."

Lucy caught Jordana glaring in Noah and Liam's direction. "Did you and Noah have a falling out?"

"No," said Jordana as she looked away. "Why do you ask?"

"Just looked like you were mad at him or something."

"Not with Noah. It's Liam I don't trust. What do you think that fight at Allenby's was about?"

"Seemed like they were fighting about her, but I'm going to mind my own business about that. It's not relevant to whoever shot at me."

"Speaking of that, do you actually think there will be a repeat of that?"

"I think it's possible. Especially if I make myself known that I'm here." Lucy took a step towards the crowd. "Come on, let's let everyone know I'm here."

"Who should we start with?" asked Jordana.

"Let's start with your boyfriend and Liam."

"Noah is and was never my boyfriend."

"Is that so? You were very friendly with him considering he wasn't your boyfriend."

"I'm friendly with everyone," said Jordana. "I've been extra friendly with you lately. Are we dating?"

"We're not that friendly."

"We've been hanging out all day. Realize I haven't spoken to anyone else here."

"Because we're working together," said Lucy.

"And when I was talking to Noah, he was providing me with a place to stay and taking me around town, hence we were working together as well."

"Fine, you two were working together, not dating," said Lucy. "Can we please go and talk to them now?"

"After you," said Jordana.

Lucy walked over to Noah and Liam. "Hi guys. I'm not surprised that you are here," she said to Liam. "But I am surprised that you are," she said to Noah.

Noah looked at Jordana before turning his attention to Lucy. "The bears are a problem that need to be dealt with. I live outside of town. I'm probably in more danger than anyone else."

"And Jack was our friend," said Liam. "Of course we're going to avenge him."

"You two are friends now," said Noah as he pointed at both of the women.

"We're dating actually," said Jordana.

Lucy slapped Jordana in the arm. "Shut up."

"Ouch," said Jordana as she rubbed her arm. "That actually hurt."

"Reaction." Lucy turned her attention to the guys. "She was kidding. We're just friends."

"Wow," said Noah as he rubbed the back of his head. "For a second I thought you two were actually dating."

"Nope, just friends," said Jordana with a smile. "We should keep going. I want to say hi to Anita and Allenby."

"Wait," said Noah as he grabbed her wrist. "Are you okay? I heard what happened that night. You were one of the people attacked by the bears."

Jordana pulled her hand away. "I'm okay," said Jordana as Lucy walked away. "I'm going to be okay too. Thanks for asking."

"Where have you been staying?"

"That's a little complicated right now."

"Well, if you need a place to stay, you're welcome to come back to my place."

"Thanks for the offer. I'll keep it in mind." Jordana walked off and caught up to Lucy who was still earshot from them.

"That conversation sounded too friendly for you two not to have been dating," said Lucy.

"So you were eavesdropping on us, nice. He likes me, but that doesn't mean I feel the same."

"So you're just leading him on?"

"I'm just being nice. Is that not allowed with people who like me, because if it's not, I can't be friendly to any guy and some girls."

"I don't know. I feel you were more than a little friendly with Noah."

Jordana ignored her as she continued towards Anita and Allenby. "Hey girls," she said with a wave. "Participating in tonight's hunt?"

"Hey," said Allenby. "You two are still together."

"We're dating."

"Stop saying that," said Lucy. She turned her attention to Allenby and Anita. "We're friends and decided to do this hunt together. We are not dating."

"You two would make an interesting couple," said Anita. "I honestly would approve."

"I'm not gay," said Lucy.

"Because you haven't been with the right girl," said Jordana.

"Oh my God," said Lucy. "Would you stop talking like that. You're going to start a rumor about us."

"Might be too late for that," said Anita as she pointed towards the crowd.

Lucy and Jordana looked back and saw people were staring and whispering. "Damn it," said Lucy as she put her hand up to her face. "See what you did. Are you happy with yourself?"

"Yeah," said Jordana, smiling. "I'm a little happy with myself. This is pretty funny."

"What's so funny about it?"

"How red you're getting. Didn't know you could get so embarrassed by something like this."

Allenby and Anita both laughed a bit. "You are getting red," said Allenby.

"Ugh, enough of the jokes. I'm surprised to see you both here," she said to Allenby and Anita. "You didn't participate in the first hunt."

"My son wasn't attacked in the first hunt," said Anita. "How's your daughter by the way? I hope she's doing better."

"She's better. Staying at home until her arm heals up. How about Ken? Is he okay?"

"He seems to be handling everything alright. He's at home with Paloma. I'm surprised to see you here tonight. I thought you would be home with your daughter."

Lucy felt a slight shame at the criticism. "Dori is a tough girl and like you said, it was our children who were attacked. I need to be here for the hunt."

"I'm sorry," said Allenby. "I feel so bad the kids were attacked."

"Thank you," said Lucy. "This town is like a family. We have to protect our own."

Allenby gave her a nod.

"We should get going," said Jordana. "We still need to sign up."

"Stay safe out there," said Anita as Jordana and Lucy walked off.

"Do you suspect them?" whispered Jordana.

"No," said Lucy. "They weren't even at the first hunt."

"I didn't suspect them either, but I got a weird vibe from them just then," said Jordana as she looked back at them.

"Just your imagination," said Lucy. "They're good people. I never had to investigate them when I was a PI."

"How many of these people do you consider good people?"

"Most of them."

"Yet one of them tried to shoot you."

"Shot at me," corrected Lucy. "But you are right. Someone here is not a good person."

"Speaking of that," said Jordana as they reached Ashner who was signing people in. "Hello Ashner."

"You," he said with disdain. "Why are you still here?"

"I'm here for the hunt. What else?"

"I thought you didn't have a place to stay. Shouldn't you be finding shelter?"

"Don't worry about me, I'll find something."

"I wasn't."

"Ashner," said Lucy. "Why the hostility?"

"I just don't like moochers," he said to Lucy while glaring at Jordana. "I bet she found another guy to stay at their place."

"She's actually staying with me," said Lucy, getting Ashner's full attention. "Is that a problem?"

"You two are friends now? I guess you're not such a weird pairing. Two private dicks."

"Mine not saying that so loud," said Jordana. "That is no one's business and I'm only a freelance detective. I'm currently not one since your employer is no longer with us."

"Mayor Isabella is dead," said Ashner. "You can say it. And did you know she was investigating who shot at you?" he said to Lucy.

"I know that now," said Lucy.

"It must be a little annoying to know you aren't the only detective in town, and that detective was doing a job you should have solved already."

"I don't care, and I thought you didn't believe someone shot at me on purpose?"

"I still don't, but I respected Mayor Isabella's wishes. Why are you here anyways?"

"Signing up for the hunt."

"We both are," said Jordana.

"I'm surprised you're actually signing up," said Ashner. "I thought you would only join the hunt without actually signing up."

"Just following the rules, Ashner. Nothing to make a big deal about."

"And you," he said to Jordana. "Why are you with us today when you weren't on the last one?"

"Look at everyone here," said Jordana. "You have maybe triple the men from last time. The bears are a problem and they need to be dealt with."

"May we sign up?" asked Lucy.

"Here you go," said Ashner as he pushed the clipboard forward.

Lucy and Jordana signed and left Ashner without another word.

"I really dislike that guy," said Jordana.

"You're in good company there, but I'm not convinced he was the one who shot at me," whispered Lucy.

"Interesting how you and Isabella didn't think he was capable of that."

"Look at him," said Lucy as she took a quick peek back at Ashner. "He might be sleazy, but he's no killer."

"Now you think the person who shot at you tried to kill you?" asked Jordana.

"I'm agreeing it was possible," said Lucy. "And I don't see him doing something like that."

"Lucy," said a voice from behind.

The women turned around and found two police officers. "Larry, Roberto," said Lucy.

"I accept Deputy or Tirado when I'm on duty."

"Alright, I'll call you Bobby then," said Lucy.

"Don't you dare."

"How are you?" asked Sheriff Lawrence. "Shouldn't you be at home with your daughter?"

"I'm fine, and so is my daughter. She'll be fine at home, but I wanted to be in the hunt."

"Dori is okay?" asked Robbie who was hiding behind his father.

"Robbie!" exclaimed Lucy. "You're here. Why are you here?" She directed that question to Deputy Tirado.

"He's old enough to hunt," said Deputy Tirado. "And he was one of the ones attacked by the bears. He deserves his revenge. As do you."

"I'm not here for revenge," said Lucy.

"Then what are you here for?"

Lucy hesitated.

"To make sure you men don't get out of hand," said Jordana. "And I have to say, you're already getting out of hand bringing your son here."

"Don't worry about me," said Robbie. "I'm tougher than most people here."

Jordana smiled at him. "I believe it."

"Where are you staying now?" asked Sheriff Lawrence.

"Why do you care?"

"I care. I'm sorry that we had to kick you out a second time. I hope you were able to find a place to stay."

"She's staying with me," said Lucy.

"With you? Really?"

"Why does that surprise you?"

"For one, you've always been a very private person, and Jordana is basically a stranger."

"Not really," said Jordana. "I'm an open book."

"I don't know about that," said Sheriff Lawrence. "I feel like I don't know you at all. The fact you were working with Mayor Isabella was a shock to me."

"Well, I'm an open book when it comes to other women."

"Now that makes more sense. Can I ask you, why are you participating in the hunt? I was there when we found you. You were terrified."

"I was," admitted Jordana. "And I would appreciate it if you didn't mention it to anyone."

"There's no shame in being scared of what happened to you. Everyone would have been scared in that situation. Isn't that right, Robbie?"

"I wasn't scared," said Robbie.

"I guess he's the exception."

"Just don't repeat it," said Jordana. "I don't like the idea of people thinking I was a scared little girl."

"I'll remember that," said Sheriff Lawrence. "And I promise I won't repeat it."

"The hunt is starting," said Lucy. "Let's get going." She grabbed Jordana's arm and pulled her along. "I'll see you later guys," she called back to the men. "We need to get away from the police officer or I don't think our assassin will take another shot at me," she whispered to Jordana.

"They're assassins now?" said Jordana, raising an eyebrow.

"We need to call them something. I don't think they are actually assassins, but what they almost did qualifies."

"Noted. We should probably separate from the group."

"Do you have a gun?"

"No. Do you?"

"Yes," said Lucy as she lifted her shirt to reveal it, then quickly covered it. "I should have told you to bring one."

"I don't need one."

"If someone starts shooting at us what do you plan to do?"

"I'm resourceful, I'll figure something out."

Lucy and Jordana were slowly separating from the group when Mattias began to play his guitar. It was a faster melody than his usual thing. It had a suspenseful touch to it.

Jordana grabbed Lucy's arm before she could get too far. "Wait a second. I want to listen." Lucy didn't say anything but she did stop.

Mattias began to sing in a whisper and suspense.

A Hunt

The town gathers

It prepares

Everyone with their guns and pitchforks

Ready for what they have to do

Hunt

The town hunts to avenge their fallen

They will not rest until their prey is done

So the town hunts

No bear, deer or wolf is safe as the town

Hunts

"Hey Lucy," said Molly, cutting their attention away from Mattias' song. She grabbed Lucy's hands and embraced her in a hug. "Thank you for being here."

"It's no problem," said Lucy as she pulled away.

"For some reason I thought you wouldn't show up after we last spoke, but I'm happy you're here. I should have known you would want to protect your daughter."

"Of course," lied Lucy.

Molly noticed Jordana next to Lucy. Jordana gave her a slight wave. "Hi," said Molly as she took a step towards Jordana and offered her hand. "I don't think we've met. I'm Molly."

Jordana shook her hand. "I'm Jordana. Newest person in town."

"Yes, I've heard. Sorry it took this long for us to meet."

"Molly is the town's doctor," said Lucy. "By the way, I'm a little surprised you're not in the hospital with Mr. Souza."

"I have to be here. I need to protect the town for his and your daughter's sake. But there is some good news."

"What's that?"

"Mr. Souza is going to be okay," said Molly.

"Did I hear that right?" said Liam who was walking behind them. "Is Mr. Souza really about to make a full recovery," he said in a loud voice so everyone could hear.

"Yes he is," answered Molly. "It might take a while, but Mr. Souza will be okay." Molly looked at Lucy. "Isn't that wonderful news."

"Yes it is," said Lucy as she gave her a hug. "That is the best news I've heard in a while. I'm so happy for you both."