They both sat in the forerunner, not speaking. Jacinda was upset. She had lost her prey. This thing was out there- anywhere.
After a moment, she spoke, mostly to herself. "So...this thing is smart. And it eats anything. Can become anything. But....we have to be missing something." She breathed out with frustration. To herself, "Come on Jacinda! What did you see?"
Jill spoke up, then. She had been so quiet she had almost forgotten she was there. "People. It wants people." Jacinda looked at her, puzzled. Jill paused as of to put her words together. "You said it yourself. You can see how smart it is. So why kill anyone that will attract attention? There is a neverending supply of sheep and goats and wolves and bears and coyotes to kill and eat. Not to mention the wandering a'gla'neh'- drunk- or hitchhiker no one would even miss." Her look was sharp. "So why a sh'ma yazh when her children and grandchildren would notice her gone or dead? Why an old nall'eh who will be missed?"
Jacinda thought about it. The strategy at the sheep pen was nothing short of brilliant. This was not a creature acting out of pure instinct. It reminded her of some of the wolfkin she'd faced. Almost terrifying intelligence shining from deep within those golden eyes.
This wasn't a mindless chupe or oni. This was cunning
And it wanted a hunt. A game.
It wanted to play. And Jacinda found herself smiling. Game on, bitch.
Voice firm, she asked, "So....What's around here, Jill? Where does the road lead to?"
Jill looked ahead thinking. "Antelope canyon would follow. Lots of places for an ambush. Then Lake Powell. Lot's of small communities around there. And then Page itself with maybe 50,000 people. It'll be like searching for a needle in a haystack."
Jacinda was silent as she thought. They could go see if it went to any of those numerous communities. Or go to Page and wander around. Or just wait.
She sighed. "It wants a hunt. It wants a game. So it wants our attention. Let's go to Page. If it wants us to follow, it won't make us guess which community it is in. Wait a while and see if it tries to get our attention."
Jill nodded slowly. "I agree. And.... at least we can sleep in a real bed too." Jacinda laughed. Others might think that harsh, the pleasure of a creature comfort when hunting such a killer. But being a hunter didn't mean that you couldn't enjoy yourself. Or have a little fun.
"Tell me about it. And a shower. And a drink or three," that last with a wink.
She shifted the vehicle into drive and they headed off.