The citizens of Eureka managed to all seat in the Auditorium of Tesla High School. Carter stood on the stage accompanied by Henry and Fargo. Henry stood first and approached the podium. He called the hall to order, silencing everyone on the auditorium.
"Ladies and gentlemen, if I may have your attention. Several hours ago, I received notification from Director Fargo and Sheriff Carter that an unknown animal escaped from Global Dynamics." Henry explained.
The crowd immediately burst into a buzz filled with questions.
"Now at this time, no one has been able to identify what kind of creature it is." Henry explained.
Jack rose from his chair and took over the explanations. "Um as a safety precaution, Mayor Deacon and I have agreed that a curfew should be in place. All children under the age of eighteen must be with an adult at all times if not in school. After sunset, I advice against going outdoors. If you must, travel in groups, and carry something for defense.
"I don't want to alarm anyone here, but until we know what we're dealing with, the curfew will be in effect starting today." Carter finished.
Henry retook the podium. "Thank you Sheriff. Director Fargo has also informed me that an expert is on their way to Eureka to assist in this situation."
A man raised his hand.
"Yes?" Henry asked.
"Will this effect research at GD, or anywhere?" he asked.
Henry shook his head. "No. At this moment, I see no reason to halt research at GD, nor closed down any businesses within Eureka. I do however stress that everyone be extremely cautious in your daily routines. That is all."
The town of scientist rose from their chairs and started dispersing from the auditorium. Carter walked off the stage toward Allison and Kevin. Jenna was in her mother's arms asleep.
"Jack, did you have to give us kids an escort?" Kevin asked.
"Sorry Kevin. But my jobs to keep people safe. Even little people." Jack replied.
Kevin's brow arched. "Who're you calling little?"
Allison laughed.
Jo joined the small group. "Well, that was a thrilling meeting."
Jack nodded. "Yeah and what's better, Fargo's expert should be here tomorrow morning."
"Are you going to look for it?" Kevin asked.
Allison shifted her eyes back to Carter.
Carter paused. "At some point, we will. And the sooner we do, the sooner I can give you kids back your freedom."
Kevin smiled.
Jo turned back to Carter. "I'm heading home, do you need a ride?"
Carter shook his head. "Nah, I have my car. I'll see you home."
Jo nodded. She looked to Allison. "Night."
"Goodnight Jo." Allison replied.
Carter looked back to Allison. "So, can I offer an escort home?"
Kevin rolled his eyes and Allison laughed. "I see you're taking advantage of this situation, Jack."
"Well, you know me." Jack said.
"Yes. I think we'd all appreciate and escort home." Allison answered.
"Hey, can I ride in your car, Jack?" Kevin asked.
Carter and Kevin were in the car when Allison pulled up. Carter and Kevin climbed out as Allison turned off her car. She stepped out of her car and picked up Jenna.
"Hey, thought we'd lost you back there." Carter joked.
Allison smirked. "Oh, well had I known we were racing, you would've given me a ticket."
"Yeah, mom's driving should be illegal." Kevin said.
"Kevin, could you get Jenna's bag from the car?" Allison asked.
Kevin rolled his eyes but went for the bag anyways. Allison and Carter headed toward the door.
"Here, I'll take her." Carter said.
"You sure?" Allison asked.
Carter nodded. "Yeah."
Allison smiled and carefully placed Jenna into Carter's arms. Allison unlocked the front door. She opened the door and entered her house. Carter followed with a sleeping Jenna. Allison closed the door partially for Kevin.
"Someone needs to go to bed." Allison said. She took Jenna from Carter. "Make yourself comfortable."
Carter smiled as Allison walked upstairs with Jenna in her arms. Carter looked around the house. He hadn't been inside Allison's alternate house yet, but everything looked the same. Carter glanced at the door, still partially opened. Carter frowned and walked to the door. He stepped onto the front steps, looking for Kevin.
"Kevin!" Carter called. But he could see him.
Then Kevin's face appeared in Allison's car. He looked scared. "Carter, watch out!"
Carter pulled out his gun and slowly walked out toward the car. He grabbed the door handle and opened the door. "Where is it?"
Kevin pointed to his left.
Carter followed Kevin's arm. Then in the blackness, Jack saw a pair of bright yellow eyes. "Kevin, when I say so, run for the house."
Kevin nodded.
Carter aimed his gun. "Now!" As he watched Kevin run behind him, he fired several shots and followed Kevin to the house.
They ran through the front door and slammed it shut. Jack locked the door and stepped back. After the initial shock had worn off, Jack heard Jenna crying. Allison ran down the steps with Jenna in her arms.
"What the hell was that?" Allison asked.
"Kevin saw it outside." Jack answered.
"Oh my god." Allison gasped. She looked to Kevin, who still looked shook up. "Are you two alright?"
Kevin nodded. "Yeah. But I'm glad for the curfew now."
Kevin walked from his mom up the stairs.
Carter looked to Allison. "You know it's bad when your kids want the curfew."
Allison nodded. She gently rocked Jenna, trying o calm her down.
Carter turned and headed for the door.
"You're not going back out there, Carter." Allison said.
Carter looked back. "Well I…I still have to get home."
"Carter you don't know it that thing's still out there." Allison replied.
"I have my gun." Carter stated.
"Carter, just…stay. Please." Allison urged.
Carter nodded. "Okay."
"Thank you." Allison said.
"I think you might be taking advantage of this situation." Carter said.
Allison laughed. "Maybe a little."
Carter smiled. "I'm going to give Jo a call and let her know what happened."
Jo pulled up to the bunker. Zoe's car was already parked near the door, along with someone else's car. Jo sighed, mentally preparing herself to see Zane for the umpteenth time today. Jo cut her engine and climbed out of her car. As she walked to the bunker door, Jo kept her ears and eyes one her surroundings.
Once Jo was inside the bunker, she relaxed and hoped the stairs to the front door. S.A.R.A.H. opened the door for Jo before she asked.
"Welcome home Jo." S.A.R.A.H. said.
"Hey Sarah." Jo said. She hung her coat up and walked into the living room.
Zane was sitting on the couch, unmoving. His head was leaning against the back of the couch, asleep. As Jo walked around the couch, she found Zoe asleep in his lap. If it hadn't been Zane, Jo would've let them sleep.
Jo gently shook Zoe's shoulder. She woke quickly, but groggily. "Jo?"
"Hey Zoe." Jo said.
"Did you just get home?" Zoe asked.
"Yeah, I came straight from the town meeting." Jo explained.
Zoe frowned. "What meeting?"
Before Jo could answer her phone rang. Jo reached into her pocket. She pointed to Zane. "Wake him up so I don't have to."
Zoe nodded. She shook Zane awake. Which wasn't very hard.
"What's up?" Zane asked, rubbing his eyes.
"There was a town meeting we missed." Zoe explained.
"Oh damn that's right." Zane said. He rose from the couch.
"Lupo." Jo said.
"Jo, it's Carter." Jack said.
"Hey, you heading back?" Jo asked.
"Not tonight. Kevin and I saw it near Allison's place. I'm staying here tonight." Jack explained.
Jo turned away from Zoe and Zane. "Carter, you're not too far from here. Do you think it could come around here?"
"I'd bet on it. Keep Zoe inside until morning." Jack ordered.
"And Zane?" Jo asked in a hushed tone.
"Zane's at the house?" Jack yelled.
Jo nodded. "Yeah. I came back to find them asleep on the couch."
Carter sighed on the other end. "God I wished I'd never say this. Keep him there until morning."
Jo winced. "Got it."
"Good luck Jo." Carter said.
Jo hung up her phone.
"I better head out." Zane head. He walked past Jo toward the door.
"You're not going anywhere." Jo ordered.
Zane turned. "Excuse me?"
"You're not leaving, not now." Jo stated.
"Why?" Zoe asked.
"Carter saw the…creature near Allison's. There's a chance it could come this way at some point. And since you both missed the town meeting, you have no idea what's going on." Jo explained.
"Well, I know most of it."Zane stated.
Jo glared at Zane. "My point is, it's not safe, so you'll stay the night here."
Zane shrugged and dropped his jacket. "Cool." He walked past Jo back over to Zoe.
Jo took a deep breath. "You're a dead man, Jack."
