“I was wondering if anyone else here in town had observed that kind of behavior,” she remarked, watching his face “Could it have been one of those semidomesticated wolves? Someone’s pet?”
Collier’s laugh almost startled her, breaking the odd moment of tension. “I seriously doubt that, Miss Randall. There are places where wolves are raised with people, and I’ve heard that wolf dogs are popular pets down South. But here—no, I very much fear that was a wild wolf you ran into, and the only explanation I can offer is that all wild animals are somewhat unpredictable.”
In spite of the doctor’s casual words, Joey knew he was holding something back. “What I don’t understand, Doctor, is why that wolf got so close to me, as if it weren’t afraid of humans at all. And I got the distinct impression that Mrs O’Brien was upset when I mentioned it. Has there been some kind of trouble with wolves here before?”
Dr Collier shifted in his chair, a restlessness he masked as a stretch. “There are quite a number of people in this part of the country who don’t much care for wolves,” he explained, looking away at the racks of antlers displayed above the hearth. “At one time they were hunted almost to extinction, and they still have a bad reputation with some folk. Old habits die hard.” He sighed “They’re protected in many areas now, but it’s still quite possible to find places where they are hunted down by human sportsmen.”
His gray brows drew together as he spoke, the pleasant aspect of his expression slipping subtly into something darke.r It was anger—a slow, hidden anger as inexplicable as Mrs O’Brien’s antipathy. “It’s human nature for people to want to master, or destroy, what they can’t control or understand.”
For a beat the anger lay revealed in his face, and then the good-natured mask replaced it again. “In any case,” he said briskly, “that probably accounts for Mrs O’Brien’s reaction. You’ll find similar opinions in town. But in answer to your earlier question—no, there hasn’t been any trouble for some time. Not with wolves.” Gathering his long legs under him, Collier rose to his feet “My advice is to stay alert and keep your eyes open whenever you’re out in the wild.”
Joey managed a distracted smile, still considering the doctor’s vague explanations. “Don’t worry, Dr Collier I won’t let it happen again. It was definitely a learning experience—and I’m a pretty fast learner.”
“I’ve no doubt of that,” he murmured. Abruptly he looked directly into her eyes, searching them intently. “In many ways this is a world very different from what you’re used to. If I can be of any help, Miss Randall—”
“Joey Call me Joey,” she interjected, extending her hand.
He took it in a strong, gentle grip. “Only if you’ll call me Allan. And if I can ever be of assistance, Joey, please let me know.” He held the clasp a moment longer and then let her go, gathered up his bag, and headed for the door. Pausing on the threshold, he gave her a nod and a smile before disappearing into the night.
Joey sighed. Her bones and muscles ached from the day’s hiking, she was more than ready for that long hot bath. The lodge was silent now, and there was nothing left but to set aside her worries for one more day. Working the kinks out of her legs, Joey walked across the empty room and hoped for a peaceful span of untroubled sleep.
That night she dreamed of wolves.
When Joey came down to breakfast the next morning, it was with the sense that things were about to change.
She greeted Mrs O’Brien with a quick stop by the kitchen and gazed around the small dining room. The lodge’s two other guests were already getting up from their meal, and Joey was content to have the place to herself. As she settled down at a table, Mrs O’Brien brought out a steaming mug of coffee and tipped her bifocals to regard Joey with raised brows.
“Looks like you’re none the worse for wear. That’s good.” She bustled among the tables to clear the other places and added on her way out, “I hope flapjacks suit you this morning. You’re the last one down.” Joey choked on a mouthful of coffee in an attempt to answer, but the older woman had already disappeared into the kitchen.