Page 41 of Wild Wolf

"Thank you for your time," Paris said in a compassionate tone. She looked into the lens and said, "And you heard it here first. A $10,000 reward for whoever captures or kills thewerewolf. We will keep you updated on this story as it develops.“

My first call was to Paris. She picked up after a few rings. "Hey, I was just thinking about you."

"What are you doing?"

"We just wrapped up the live shot at Jordan's house. Now I’m heading back to the station.”

"Why are you broadcasting that nonsense?”

"Because it's news.”

"It's going to have every asshole in the state chasing that thing.”

"Is there anything illegal about his ransom offer?”

"Not on its face. But if somebody discharges a firearm within the city limits, that's a problem. What happens if one of these assholes kills somebody or shoots that panther?”

Paris said nothing.

"Are you still at his house?”

“Yes, the crew is packing up.”

"I want to talk to him. Put him on.”

Commotion filled the speaker as Paris handed the device to Jordan.

"Hello?”

"Jordan, it's Deputy Wild. I need you to retract that reward.”

"Hell no!”

"I don't think you realize the legal liability you're opening yourself up to.”

"I don't care. I want the thing that killed my wife. I want it dead.”

"If your offer leads to incitement, or God forbid an accident, you could be held civilly and criminally liable. You could face murder charges if someone gets killed. This little stunt is ill-advised.”

"Well, if you guys would do your job, I wouldn’t have to offer a reward.”

He handed the phone back to Paris, done speaking about it.

"Are you there?" Paris said when she returned.

"Do yourself a favor and announce that any hunting of a werewolf inside the city limits is illegal and will result in criminal charges."

"I will make sure to put that out in the next segment.”

“Please advise against this. In a couple of days, this place is going to be crawling with nut jobs.”

Paris couldn't quite suppress her glee. "Looks like we're in for a busy news cycle. But I promise I won’t encourage this. I’ll put out a warning."

“Thank you,” I replied.

I rousted Jack out of bed, and we ate breakfast on the sky deck. Amber rays cascaded across the marina, and a gentle breeze drifted across the deck. Boats swayed in slips. It was a calm morning, but it wouldn't last long.

I checked the weather on my tablet. The hurricane was still headed south of Cuba. I saw no need to move the boat.