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“Ah, yes… the cabins,” Steph said, frowning.

“Yeah, Kelvin has paid people to live in the cabins,” Davey said. “Not quite sure how he advertised it exactly. Essentially you’re looking for a certain type of person who is willing to give up their life for an extended period of time.”

“What type?”

“Generally not the best type. They’re all right though. They’re just people. Roger’s OK.”

“And this is to help prove animals and people can learn to live amongst each other again?”

“That’s what I have been told. If they can live here and not die, I suppose it’s a reasonable green light for any leisure venture with the whole thing.”

Steph supposed that was one way of checking safety. A risky one, but a straight-to-the-point test that was in line with what she understood of Kelvin.

“So the people just live out here in the cabins?”

“There are only four of them,” Davey replied. “Occupied by single men. Well, as far as I am aware they are single.”

“And are there fences around the cabins?”

“Nope.”

“Is that wise?”

“In my opinion? No. However, they get paid very well to do it. It’s interesting to see at what monetary figure people will start taking risks with their lives. That said, I am not sure they fully appreciate the danger they’re in.”

Steph stopped. Davey continued walking for a few steps before stopping himself, exhaling loudly through his nose and turning to look at her.

“They are briefed, aren’t they?” Steph asked. “There are enough ethical problems as it is without Kelvin putting that on himself!”

“Oh, they’re briefed all right. It’s just that I doubt they fully appreciate the brief. They must last a year and in exchange, they are paid handsomely.”

“How handsomely?”

“As I said, enough for them to become more liberal with their life.”

“What do you mean by ‘a year’?” Steph asked, deciding to walk again. Davey fell into step.

“Well, although this place has been running a while, you have to think how hush-hush things have been.”

“I don’t get you?” Steph replied. “You’re in a giant fenced-off area in rural Scotland. It is hardly covert.”

“Yes, I know that, but Kelvin is very good at keeping things reasonably quiet. Besides, when was the first time you heard about us?”

Steph thought about this. Maybe a month or so ago. That was when she’d heard of the death.

Davey took her thoughtful silence as a concession to his point.

“Exactly, and you’re someone who actively looks for this kind of thing. The average person doesn’t really give a shit what goes on in the wilds of Scotland. Sure, things are a little more interesting now, but who is going to believe that there is anything massively strange happening here? People tend to shy away from the strange and hard to explain. I know you make a living off it, but I imagine it is a niche living.”

Steph was about to protest when they heard a long howl a few hundred yards behind them. Davey froze. Steph mirrored his concern.

“Fuck!” Davey hissed.

“What’s the problem?” Steph asked. She had dealt with wolves in the wild before. It was not exactly ideal being caught out with them, but they had what they needed to keep themselves safe.

“We need to run,” Davey hissed, grabbing Steph by the armand pulling her forward before breaking into a jog.

“Run where?”