…and let her transform us permanently into merfolk. That way, we’ll be less of a danger to anyone!”
“And all three of us will be beyond the reach of this Doctor Bright.” Caroline smiles, then kisses you on the lips as she holds you tight. “It’ll be…interesting…to be both a werewolf AND a merperson, I guess.”
“Whatever happens, we’ll see it through together,” you tell your friend. Without thinking about it, you find yourself nuzzling her.
Caroline laughs as your expression, when you realise you’re acting on new-found instincts. She playfully nuzzles you back – and the gesture helps you to relax. You feel happier.
Stepping outside, the two of you tell Topaz the latest news. That you are now a werewolf, like Caroline. The mermaid looks worried – but her expression changes when Caroline adds you both wish to spend the rest of your lives in the sea, as merfolk, with her people.
“That is wonderful!” she gushes, and splashes the pool excitedly with her tail. “I am ready to leave when you are!”
Back in the house, you and Caroline consider the people and things you’ll be leaving behind. Suddenly, you have a long list of people you’d like to speak to one last time. Should you tell them the truth? Or that you are just moving away – never to come back…?
“Maybe I should take a last tour of my home,” you consider, holding back tears.
Caroline sucks in her breath, and lays a restraining hand on your shoulder. “I forgot! I wouldn’t go to your house, Neil! This morning, I rang your house first – before ringing here. In case you were there, instead. I think somebody answered the phone – but didn’t say anything. I put the phone down, rather than speaking.”
“Rats,” you snarl. “If that’s Doctor Bright’s team, then they must know who I am! They might find my contacts book, and…”
Caroline suddenly grips you, her eyes wide. Your now-sharper senses alert you to the presence of intruders!
Outside, Topaz screams. You open the side door, to see four black-clad individuals, spreading out from the hole in Caroline’s fence – where they’ve crawled through. Two of them throw gas grenades towards you and Caroline…
Despite your efforts to fight back or escape, the invaders soon have three unconscious prisoners in their van, close by…
*****
“Neil – wake up!” A hand gently pats your cheek, repeatedly.
When you come to, you find that Caroline and yourself are locked behind bars. Silver bars at that. The smell irritates your nose. You sit up, groaning. At least the two of you seem unharmed – and you’re still both wearing your clothes.
“Let me guess – we’re in the manor.” You sigh.
“Correct, Neil.” A curt voice alerts you to the presence of the white-haired, forty-something woman standing nearby. She’s wearing a white lab coat and black skirt. Burke and Hare – the goons from last night – stand to either side of her. Tranquilliser guns at the ready.
“You must be Doctor Bright. Topaz’s marine biologist.” Caroline’s lips twitch with distaste.
“That’s right, Caroline. Or Stella – as my friends call me.” The woman gives a cold, clinical smile as she steps forward. “Your blood tests were both positive for lycanthropy. I’m happy to have two werewolves – in addition to the mermaid you stole from us, Neil! By the way, Topaz has been returned to her quarters. With extra security around her.”
“You can’t do this to us – or Topaz!” You get to your feet, confronting the marine biologist. “We’re human beings, too!”
“Actually – we’re half-human, Neil…” Caroline whispers to you. Then she asks aloud. “Who are you people, anyway?”
“Us? We’re a secret executive of the government. We investigate crytozoological and supernatural life forms, such as yourselves! You are here for our studies. The government hopes to create soldiers who will have superior powers. The capacity to live in the sea, for example. Or shape-shifting assassins. You two could work for your country! We’ll look after your needs.” The doctor flashes a wide smile at your both. “I apologise for the bars – but safety comes first. Now – Caroline and Neil. We don’t have to be enemies. Are you prepared to meet us halfway, and work for the benefit of your nation?”
You turn to Caroline. Looking into her lovely green eyes, you sense unspoken agreement with your own feelings. Facing Doctor Bright once more, you reply…