Stopping in Amarillo, Texas in front of a gas station, everyone stepped out to stretch their legs so to speak. Pulling her shoulders back and listening to the popping of her joints, Kate noticed Rath staring at the horizon.

Walking towards him, "Did you see something?"

Motioning his head, "Out there something's watching and waiting."

"The dark man?"

She didn't believe that she just mentioned his name. However Jane mentioned about her dreams about the dark man, but Steve didn't need to know about them. He didn't believe in them. Jane had the bruises of his refusal to listen.

Why Kate never confided in Rath? Simply, she liked the idea that Rath didn't know everything. It wasn't really something he needed to know.

"Liar," said that familiar voice of doubt.

"Lets go in," said Rath turning and walking towards the gas station.

They entered the restaurant section of the gas station. Their ears detected the sound of searching. When it stopped, Steve and Jane joined them in the restaurant.

"Nothing," said Steve.

"How about in front of the counter?" asked Rath.

"Why would I look there?"

"Humor me."

With reluctance, Steve walked to the front the counter.

Staring at the floor, "Nothing," he said.

"Strike the floor with your foot," Rath remarked.

Steve did. Before he could respond, Rath's foot struck the floor. The difference in sound was evident. Steve's strike had a dull thud to it while Rath's had more substance behind it. Getting to his knees, Steve's hands moved the edge of the carpet. Pulling it back, his eyes saw misaligned boards. His finger found the latch.

"Look," he said pulling up the cellar door.

Howling filled the air.

"Get in," ordered Rath.

First Jane, then Steve finally Kate, last glimpse was Kate looking up at before Rath slammed the cellar door down and locking it. He stood on it as snarling grew louder.

Pushing up on the closed cellar door, "Rath!" yelled Kate, "Help me!" went towards the cowering Steve.

His bo went to its full length as a wolf jumped through a glass window. Two entered through the front door. Snarling from behind him was from three that used the backdoor.

Rath kept his eyes on the big one with gray fur on its face. The three that used the backdoor rushed at him. He hit one with the bo. His foot hit one in the stomach. Caught the last one and threw it over the counter.

Something rammed him in the back knocking him to the floor. Teeth bit into his hands that were covering the back of his neck. Throwing an elbow allowed him to turn over and see a gray furred muzzle staring at him.

Its teeth tried to rip into his throat. Grabbing its throat prevented it from getting Rath's. Holding its throat, Rath was kicking his legs as two went for his legs.

Below him was the cellar door trying to open. As left hand held the throat, Rath's right swung backhanded the gray face wolf off him. With two well placed kicks removed both wolves from his legs.

Growling all six faced him.

"Come on flea bags," Rath growled back.

Five lost their nerve. With tails between their legs, they went out the front door. However the gray faced wolf didn't budge. Slowly Rath walked towards it. Bending down, grabbed it by its head with both hands. They stared into each others eyes. Bright light flashed before their eyes. Letting go, Rath walked backwards with his eyes still on the snarling wolf.

Unlocking the cellar door, Kate's head popped out. She froze before the sight of teeth bearing towards hers. Something touched her shoulder causing her to jump. It was Rath's hand.

"It won't attack," he said turning towards the wolf, "Ain't that right, Randall."

Shock appeared on its face as Rath helped Kate from the cellar. It left before Steve and Jane appeared from the cellar.

"What happened?" asked Jane.

"Got smart," remarked Rath, "after meeting a bigger predator."