Edited September 20, 2008

Don't own anything but a few OCs. :-) Thanks for the reviews, please keep them coming!

Chapter 2

Although I lived on my own, I did not take the time to acquire many possessions, so packing did not take long. Due to my position on the paper and with the promise to work on the wolf story while in Forks, I was able to get the paper to cover the house I was renting and the rent for my Seattle apartment while I was gone, on top of it being a paid vacation.

'All work and no play' was paying off.

Before I left I had the news newbie, whose name was apparently Tim, get me all current and past news regarding wolf attacks in the Olympic Peninsula. One that caught my eye was a story from a little over five years earlier that spoke of similar sightings and deaths. It had happened just before the Seattle Stalker had hit town and apparently no one followed up on it when the deaths in Seattle had skyrocketed.

At that time I was only 16. A child prodigy, I had just graduated from university and begun my time on the paper. I could still remember the excitement about the Stalker.

Not that we journalists didn't care about those who died, but in a news room, nothing gets adrenalin running like murder. And several back to back murders only sold more papers; especially when the cops had no idea who was behind them.

They never did catch him, although the deaths did stop. It became one of the great mysteries the news newbies dreamed of someday cracking, leading them to Pulitzer glory.

I added the five year old story to my file and added it to the boxes in my Jetta.

After saying goodbye to Greg and making sure he had my cell number, pager number and that all others ways to communicate were covered, I began the trek to Forks, WA.

I covered this town in my column several times, thanks to the help of Sue Clearwater, another old friend of the family.

My mom had grown up in Forks before leaving for the big city, going to get her degree in Seattle. She and Sue were very close, almost sisters.

They kept in touch over the years, maids of honor at their weddings. Their husbands, my father and Harry Clearwater, hit it off and the four were very close friends.

My parents preferred city life and stayed in the Seattle area, gaining high paying jobs: my father an attorney and my mother a highly successful author.

But they made it a ritual to visit Forks and La Push every year for many years.

I could vaguely recall a few of these trips in my early youth, playing with Sue's children, Seth and Leah, while our parents spent time together.

Of course, those trips came to an end when my father first got sick and could no longer travel.

I still recalled my parents anguish at the death of Harry and that they could not be there for the funeral.

Sue was the first person I contacted while planning my trip to, in the hope she sould find me a place to stay. And, she did the job well.

My home for the next few months was a small one bedroom house, whose owners were on a European tour for the next six months and were happy to have me house sit.

The drive was uneventful.

Trees.

Green Stuff.

Cows.

Horses.

Even the writer in me did not rise to the opportunity to paint a more vivid picture.

My mind was busy thinking about the wolves ahead and the past behind.

As it was, I was shocked at how quickly I arrived at Sue's house.

Her door opened as I stepped out of my car and I had only moved a few feet when she had me swept up in a hug.

"Oh, Megan! You look amazing, all grown up. I guess I shouldn't be surprised with two grown children of my own, but I haven't seen you in so long. I read you column though."

Stepping back, I cut off her praise, giving her a small smile.

"It's good to see you Sue."

I could see she make a quick glance at my face, at my eyes, which were so much like my mother's before glancing away.

Not one to waste time, I quickly had Sue get in my car and we headed off to what would be my home for the next few months.

It was situated in the northern edge of Forks, on the road leading to La Push, a perfect location for what I was here to do.

And it was beautiful.

Although, I had never thought about settling down, this house would make anyone dream of coming home to that special someone and your 2.5 kids.

I followed Sue up to the front door, shaking my head as if to empty it of the cliché picture.

When she had asked what was bringing me to Forks, I had told her I needed to get away from the city; that I needed a vacation.

I didn't mention the story about the wolves.

From what Greg and I had gathered, officials in Forks were tired of the press and tribal leaders in La Push were downright hostile. We both decided that until it was legally necessary, I would not reveal my intentions to cover the situation with the wolves. The fact that I had connections with Sue would help make my chosen spot to 'Vacay' seem perfectly reasonable.

After Sue helped me unpack my car, which took no time at all, she left me to unwind after I promised to stop at her place for dinner that evening, which she said several people from the area would be attending, all wanting to meet me.

I was interested, as a writer, in meeting others living in the area. As someone who had grown up in the city, I had little experience with people who willingly lived in small towns.

As it was, I really only knew Sue. Her children I barely remembered. Anyone else I may have met was lost to the shadows of my memory.

I began to wonder who might be attending Sue's dinner and what their stories would be.

And the flood gates opened.

Quickly, grabbing paper and a pencil from my bag, I began to jot down character profiles that were currently running through my head.

As was normal, I got so wrapped up in what I was doing that I suddenly realized several hours passed and I had 30 minutes before I needed to leave for Sue's.

Throwing open boxes, I found a decent enough outfit, A green top and causal black skirt and black flats. I was so used to dressing for work and not having a life out side that work that most of my clothes were either pant suits and dressy office wear or tank tops and sweat pants for around my apartment. I had quite the shopping spree for casual outfits to wear on this escapade.

Grapping my notebook and tossing it in my bag, I ran out the door and drove off.

When I made it to Sue's, I was shocked by the number of cars and the presence of the Forks PD. I felt like I was heading to a rowdy frat party, not dinner at a friend's home.

The only difference was the lack of loud dance music. I could hear lots of voices and some kind of sporting event on the TV, but nothing suggesting the necessity for police attendance.

Moments after knocking on the door, I was quickly greeted by Sue and pulled inside.