By the time he reached the waiting panda car, the officers had caught up with him.

“What do you mean something else has arrived?” the DI asked.

Charly whirled around.

“What do you think caused that bloodcurdling sound eh? A fox perhaps?”

“I would rather not say.”

Charly climbed into the rear and the officers slid into the front seats.

“So what are we going to do about it?” Sergeant Percy asked.

Charly shook his weary head.

“Nothing for tonight. We are all tired and in need of a good night’s sleep.”

“That is not good enough,” the DI countered.

Snatching up the radio, he contacted despatch.

“Issue an urgent APB to all units. Be on the lookout for a large escaped wolf. Armed response units are to shoot on sight.”

“Satisfied now?” Charly asked. “It’s obvious that you know nothing about werewolves.”

As he entered the flat that terrible night, the cat bounded towards him. Knelling to meet her, he said quietly, “I just hope Christine that the DI remembers to cement that rosary to that stone eh? Well, I better close the window.”

As he did so, the terrible howl drifted across the town.

The following morning, a weary Charly climbed the steps to the station. He was quickly shown to the interview room where the officers joined him. He quickly noted that the DI was smiling.

“You seem to have cheered up.”

“I have every right to be. There were no attacks last night.”

“It would seem Nixon, that we have been lucky.”

“I want our luck to hold. What do you know about werewolves?”

“The first transmutation takes place at the full moon but after that they occur every night fall. They can be stopped by silver bullets, unlike vampires of course.”

He paused for effect.

“Did you have the cement job done?”

“It’s underway, though I had a hell of a lot of explaining to do.”

“Then on that score we can all rest soundly in our beds.”

“Are you sure only silver works?” the sergeant asked.

“Positive mate.”

“Well, I can hardly get hold of that,” the DI complained. “It would raise far too many eyebrows.”

“Are there any strangers in town?”

“None that I know of.”

“I see. Well Nixon, I need to buy another rosary. So if there is naught else.”

“You can go. I’ll have patrols again tonight. If any wolf is spotted we will have him.”

“I really hope so,” Charly said as he headed for the door.

He wandered into the busy street and climbed inside the old mini. Driving into Market Street, he wandered into the Christian shop to replace the rosary. As he left, he spotted the local headline outside the newsagent. Crossing the road carefully, he read it slowly.

“I had better visit the theatre then.”

The theatre sat quietly on the street of the same name. As he stared at the wallboard, he read some interesting details. The latest play was due to start that night. A little ditty called Dashed Love, its key actor was a little known chap called Derek Maynard. Thinking this over quickly, Charly hurried home and set about connecting to the internet.

As the cat watched, he trawled the net until the actor’s name popped up.

“I see his last twelve performances were in Europe. That should be easy enough to check.”

He rang the DI and said, “I need you to contact Interpol and find out if any wolf attacks have been reported in the following areas.”

He reeled off the names and waited.

“They are connected to Derek Maynard mate. How long will that take?”

He paused.

“All day? That is really not good enough. Can’t they go a bit quicker? This bloke is at our theatre you know.”

He listened as the flustered DI gave an appropriate excuse.

“Look Nixon, we only have to hold him until sunset. If nothing happens you can release him.”

When there was a negative reply, Charly made an illegal suggestion.

“Try planting pot on him then.”

The DI’s reply was unprintable. Charly disconnected and stared at the loving cat.

“It seems that the DI is rather reluctant dear. I wonder why?”

That night, Greame sat quietly beneath the old bridge that dated back to the second German war. He had been homeless now for ten years and had somehow got used to it. As he drank from his whisky bottle, the howl drifted through the night air.

“There she goes again,” he slurred. “The goddess calling to her children.”

He took another slug and settled back upon his sheets of paper to sleep. He heard a loud growl and opened his eyes to check.

“No worries, probably some lost dog.”

He lay flat and slept as the brown creature eyed him from the near distance. When it was sure that there was no risk, it struck savagely.

The homeless man would never wake up again.

The panda car hurtled into Bridge Lane at high speed. The siren waking those who slept inside their rather posh homes. As it approached the old iron bridge, it drew to a halt and the two officers leapt out.

Nixon saw the early morning jogger sitting upon the bank being comforted by the constable.

“What have we got here?”

“Some bloke sir, torn to shreds. The doc is there now.”

The DI clambered onto the bank and walked toward the bridge where the medic was waiting for him. Gazing down at the blood and dismembered body, the medic was not a happy chap.

“He didn’t stand a chance,” he complained. “It’s the worst case of animal attack that I have ever seen.”

“What type are you indicating,” the sergeant asked carefully.

“A wolf probably. Must be the same one you reported. We don’t have wolves here.”

“You are probably right doc,” the DI said. “Was it a large wolf by any chance?”

“Full grown mate. No puppy did this level of damage. There is another problem of course.”

“Another one?” the sergeant asked.

“Now that it has tasted human flesh, it will strike again.”

The DI took the sergeant aside.

“We should talk to Derek about this. Come along. I’ll read your report later doc.”

The actor was sitting in his makeup room when the officers were shown in. The DI was rather surprised by his short stature; leading men were usually quite tall.

“Can I help?”

“We seem to have a problem sir,” the DI said slowly. “I was wondering, where did you stay last night?”

The actor smiled back serenely.

“Here my boy. Your are pretty lucky to have a theatre which can put up the troop. The kind of digs that I’ve been forced to sleep in would truly shock you.”

“You were there all night sir?” Percy asked.

“All night sergeant. What is this about? I am rather busy right now.”

“It’s the missing wolf sir,” the DI said. “I was hoping for a positive sighting.”

“Oh I see. Thankfully, I stayed in. Wolves frighten me to the core.”

“They seem to follow you around don’t they?” Percy asked.

“What do you mean by that?” Derek asked.

The DI smiled.

“It appears that whilst in Europe wolf attacks followed your performances.”

“I was not aware of that sir. Have you been checking up on me?”

“We check up on everyone sir,” the DI replied.

Charly had been expecting the visit ever since the television news confirmed the wolf attack. As the officers entered his flat, he said rather impatiently.

“Well?”

The DI shook his head sadly.

“That actor is out of the loop, despite what Interpol told us.”

“So there was a link?”

“Quite a strong one too,” the sergeant confirmed.

“He must be involved,” Charly insisted.

“He was staying at the theatre,” the DI said. “Perhaps we are really dealing with an escaped wolf after all.”

“I can’t buy that rubbish. You heard that howl. No wolf sounds like that mate.”

“There is not a lot I can do Charly,” the DI said flatly. “What we need is an eyewitness.”

“That is the problem Nixon. The only witness you are likely to get is a dead one.”

As they left, the sergeant noted the new rosary hanging over the kitchen door.

“Bought another one then.”

Charly nodded.

“That won’t stop it. At least I’m sure it won’t climb stairs.”
He closed the door and shrugged his thin shoulders wearily.

Constable Wilkens was a fairly new officer, only having joined three years previously. Tonight, he had been deployed in Tressle Street. A rather strange location to be sure.

As he passed the swimming baths, the cold full moon stared down upon him.

“It’s damn cold,” he complained. “Just another couple of hours to go now.”

He suddenly felt the call of nature and looked around for a convenient location.

“Oh that corner will do.”

He scampered over to the ‘V’ shaped corner of the baths and took his member out. As he passed water, a loud growling gave him a rather nasty surprise.

As he glanced back, he saw a large brown wolf watching him earnestly.

“Oh tripe! Now calm down mate.”

As the predator snarled, he reached slowly for his radio. He was just about to connect when the animal struck hard. Two great paws smashed him to the ground and the fierce snout ripped at his face and throat. As the teeth tore the naked flesh, the officer groaned his last.

With the prey quite dead, the wolf settled down to feed at last as the town slept behind bolted doors. It snarled and whimpered as it tore off the chunks of flesh, before swallowing easily. It managed to avoid the choking uniform; its teeth simply tore it aside.
Only the sudden crackle of the radio persuaded it to flee.

Charly had woken at nine, and both he and the cat were enjoying their mutual breakfasts. As usual, the television was on, blaring away towards the news.

When the female reporter appeared, Charly nearly choked.

“The young constable was attacked late last night by what the police say is an escaped wolf. The DI has announced that armed patrols will be stepped up and urged everyone to watch their guard and report any unusual activity.”

After making that broadcast, the reporter walked over to the cameraman.

“I would love to catch that beast on film you know. It would be one hell of an exclusive.”

“Where do you reckon its hiding then?”

The reporter smiled.

“Where wolves usually hide Trafford. The damn woods.”

Her next stop was the local library where she read up on the habits of wolves. As a dedicated professional, she was a single-minded individual with one objective.

To be a success.

As darkness descended that night, she and the cameraman were sitting in his car, just beyond the trees. The moon hung overhead as the cold intensified.

“Let’s just hope our quarry has fed eh? You got the night vision activated?”

“What kind of cameraman would I be if I forgot that?”

She smiled back, gazing toward the woods.

“As long as it’s a female it might just leave us alone.”

“What if it’s a male?”

The reporter glanced at him.

“Then it's diner time.”

A movement caught her attention and she pointed calmly. The cameraman zeroed in as a dark shape approached from the town.

“I’ve got it,” he whispered.

“Just don’t lose it mate. Whoever would have thought eh? A wolf in our area.”

The animal knew that it was being filmed. It approached slowly and watched the activity. After another moment, it moved closer until the cameraman got the perfect, side on image.

“This is gorgeous,” he whispered. “Reminds me of Africa.”

The reporter laughed.

“You have never been there.”

He was about to reply when powerful paws leapt upon the window.

“Crikey!”

The snarling killer scratched savagely as the camera whirred, white foam spewing from its lethal jaws.

“I’ve got it!” the cameramen screamed as the reporter gunned the engine.

The wolf refused to follow, simply gazing at the retreating vehicle. It pricked up its ears as a fox darted across the field. Seconds later, it set off in hot pursuit. It finally caught up with the unfortunate animal and tore it to shreds.

The following morning, the DI sat in his office as an officer poked his head inside.

“You had better see this sir.”

“Curious, he entered the room and saw the news cast.”

“That’s the woman who gave us so much trouble,” Percy reminded him.

“Late last night, our intrepid reporter caught this astonishing footage of the Foxley wolf.”

The DI watched the sequence and winced.

“What an irresponsible thing to do. We don’t want a panic.”

He grabbed Percy and hauled him toward the car park.

“I’m going to arrest that ***** for obstruction,” he hissed.

“You may consider seizing the tape too,” Percy added.

“A little late for that sergeant. Put your foot down eh?”

The television station was located at the north side of town and when they arrived, both officers stormed in.

“We need Helen here right now.”

When she arrived, smiling as usual, she got the shock of her life.

“What the hell do you think that you are doing?”

“Calm down Nixon, you are making a scene.

“I don’t care. What a crazy thing to do.”

“It was worth it.”

He grabbed her padded shoulders.

“Causing a panic? Putting yourself at risk? You're under arrest.”

“For what? Telling the truth?”

“Obstruction. Now move it!”

As she was marched toward the door, she shouted to the startled receptionist, “Get me the lawyer.”

Charly had seen the broadcast too. He dressed quickly and took the mini toward the waiting theatre. Ignoring protests, he stormed into the makeup room.

“Who the hell are you?” Derek demanded.

“I know exactly what you are mate. If I were you I’d leave right now!”

“Have you gone mad? Get your arse out of here now!”

Charly was about to attack him when two bodyguards dragged him outside. Charly screamed in protest.

“He’s the killer. You must listen to me!”

When they threw him onto the pavement, he leapt inside the car and drove off home.

Within an hour his door was rapped. Still annoyed he threw it open.

“Oh it’s you Nixon. What can I do for you now?”

“A rather upset actor has made a formal complaint about you. Said you nearly attacked him.”

Charly smiled.

“Two oafs dragged me outside.”

“You just cannot do that sort of thing Charly. Did you see the footage?”

“That is what incensed me.”

“It looked like a normal wolf to me mate.”

“Looks can deceive you know,” Charly retorted.

The DI shook his head.

“You really leave me no choice now. Stay away from him and allow us to handle this case. If you don’t, I’ll be forced to arrest you.”

Charly looked shocked.

“After all I have done?”

“If we need you, I’ll call. It’s for your own good you know.”

Charly slammed the door and stormed into the lounge.

“If they want to keep me out of the loop so be it. Come on Christine, let’s play with the ball.”

The cat gazed up and meowed happily.

That grim night, three young men were staggering along Perky Road after a rather good night at Coopers. At this time of course, the road was particularly quiet. Only a soft growl disturbed the still
night air.

“Did you hear that?”

“Hear what matey?”

“You must be more gone than you think.”

“I tell you I heard a growl.”

“Your imagination. I don’t believe those wolf stories either.”

The animal emerged from behind a parked car and stopped in their path.

“Gracious me.”

“That’s a ruddy wolf mate.”

“It’s only the drink I tell you.”

“It ain’t that strong.”

The animal growled and sprang forward. The drunks had no chance of course. Even had they been sober, the power of the wolf would surely have overwhelmed them.

The latest killing had placed the DI in a rather tight spot. As he sat in his office the following morning, the phone rang.

“That could be the chief super sir.”

Nixon snatched it up and nodded.

“We are doing all we can sir. Armed patrols have been increased but we simply can’t tie it down.”

He heard the gruff response and winced.

“I’ll need your authority sir to clear the streets then. That is the only thing that’ll work.”

He groaned and put the phone down.

“How did it go sir?”

“He wants the animal hunted down Percy. If not, I’m to be replaced.”

“It’s not your fault sir.”

“That’s nice. I would love to get my hands upon the wolf’s former owner. I would ring his bloody neck.”

“I could help you there sir.”

To their surprise, the phone rang again. On this occasion, it was the desk sergeant. After listening, the DI glanced at Percy.

“It seems that Derek has gone missing sergeant. Come on, we have to tread the boards again.”

When they arrived the theatre manager was in a right old state.

“Without him, the production is ruined.”

“Don’t you have a second?” Percy asked.

“Of course we do, but the public pay to see Mr Maynard.”

“Any idea where he could have got to?” the DI asked.

“No idea. If I knew that sir I would have fetched him myself.”

“We will need access to his room,” the DI said.

They were led toward the rear and up a short flight of steps.

“The troop sleep upon this floor. This is his room.”

After unlocking, the officers entered a small and squalid bedroom. Sheets were strewn across the floor, and a note lay upon the exposed bed. The DI picked it up and read the contents.

“Damn fool!”

Without explanation, he dashed back to the car with the sergeant in close attendance.

“Where to sir?”

“The church my boy. We may just be in time.”

It took fifteen minutes to reach the cemetery where the stone built church was located. Racing inside, the DI headed for the Norman tower. The worn steps were a little slippery as they climbed to the top of the bell tower. When they at last reached it, the DI winced.

“What a waste of life.”

They stared at the hanging man, the noose connected to the supporting bar.

“Was it remorse or did Charly drive him to it?” the sergeant asked.

The DI shook his head.

“That’s something I really don’t want to answer Percy. Go ahead, cut Derek down.”