FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

“Hello?”

No response.

He looked through the smudged glass of the payphone, stained by years of cigarette smoke and abuse. The gentle hum of cars was ever-present from the highway behind the motel. Jacob caught a glimpse of a station wagon rolling into the parking lot; eyeing it with suspicion as he kept the plastic receiver in a tight grip.

He relaxed as he saw a middle-aged couple emerge and stretch before beginning their walk over to the illuminated reception building. Jacob finally gave up trying to call Max, the fact he even tried it meant he was deluded at best... and delusional at worst. He pulled the door open hearing, the hinges creak with age. The maned wolf pulled his jacket close as the wind picked up, hearing the payphone door slam behind him. He climbed back up the stairs and quickly slipped back inside as another burst of wind made him shiver.

Jacob sighed as he flopped against the cheap foam bed. He used to love staying nights in places like this, but right now it felt like he was living in purgatory. Soon he sprung to life and grabbed the backpack he’d taken with him. All that was there was a flip phone, his passport and ?$300 in cash. When he poured the contents out onto the bed, it felt strange that this was all he had left. He couldn’t even grab his testosterone before running. All of this because he tried doing something good before thinking things through. If he were smart, he could’ve just played dumb or deleted a few files. Now, he was suspected of torching a police station and running from town. Now they probably knew he was guilty... which he was.

The flip phone began to ring. An annoying bit-crushed tune barely had time to start before Jacob flicked the phone open and placed it against his ear.

“Jacob Anders.” The mysterious voice said, “I have an offer; ?$5,000 if you tell me everything you can about a certain dig site witness.”

“Who are you?” Jacob replied, stepping off the bed and peeking through the blinds.

“No one important, at least not to you.” The voice responded

“How’d you get my number?”

“Enough questions, Anders. You talk and I listen!” The voice replied, growing heated “So who is this mysterious witness? No past? No records?”

“Who do you work for?” Jacob questioned; he scanned the parking lot for anyone who seemed suspicious, though he saw nothing but a few empty cars and the dead payphone.

“A higher power. Now tell me what you know, or things will end up difficult for both of us.” The voice stated, “You gonna do the righ-“ His voice cut off as Jacob flicked the phone shut and tore it in half.

“Fuck” Jacob said as he crumpled down next to the door. ‘Why would anyone want to know about that kid? There can’t be much value in someone who’s devoid of any information? Unless he had something more underneath. An heir to a great fortune? A lost royal? Someone in witness protection?’ Jacob knew first thing tomorrow he’d hit the road and head for the nearest library. Figure out if that lynx was someone or not.

He sat by the door for a few more hours, before putting up every lock and climbing into the cheap bed. He tossed around the used mattress. His mind was filled stressful scenarios that played out at random, who was after him? Why target him?

After a terrible night's sleep Jacob pulled himself up, taking a quick shower before pulling his clothes back on. He slinked out the front door. His backpack in his hand, he headed straight for his car. Last thing he had that was worth a damn, classic Acadian muscle car, 3.4 litre V8. Jacob had considered trying to sell. But nobody who wanted a car without paperwork would take something so... Noticeable. He fumbled for the key in his pocket, jiggling it into the car and hearing her slowly breathe to life. After that he pulled out of the parking lot and onto the road, he had a place in mind... he just had to head west.

For 2 hours he saw little but scattered houses and patches of forest and bush. Not completely in the wilderness, but it felt refreshing to not be constantly shadowed by concrete and glass office blocks and road networks that stretched for miles.

Eventually Jacob reached something.

A small town, maybe less than a hundred residents, the main road was lined with enough amenities for the townsfolk. He scanned the store signs for Internet cafés or libraries, anywhere to search up a name and scour the internet for Max and wherever he’d gone in 10 years. He almost crashed into a sedan Infront of him as he spotted a Library.

Large windows and simple architecture made the library open and inviting, but currently Jacob only felt exposed. He entered the reception and nodded to the cat at the desk who gave him a smile in return. As he entered the main hall, he gazed upon the walls coated with posters and pamphlets describing the positives of reading... he’d never understood the appeal. He continued the slow jaunt through the shelves, he passed by mystery, thriller, non-fiction and romance. Eventually he spotted the free to use Computers and sat down at the nearest one, looking over his shoulder before heading to the search engine. He typed in “Max Ferrer” and clicked enter. after a second of loading, the page lit up with 30,000 results. Jacob needed something more specific. He punched in “Max Ferrer, Stahlberg” and he was given 200 hundred results. The tall wolf leaned back stretching his spine as he thought of anything else to narrow things down. Of course, there was the possibility that Max had no online footprint which would mean Jacob was at a dead end. Jacob could just barely attempt to trust max... anything less was a disaster waiting to happen. He thumbed his hand against the mouse, as the PC gently hummed in harmony with the ambience of cars passing outside. This reminded him of caffeine and adrenaline addled searches through the police database, digging up what was meant to stay buried. He leant back to the computer. The libraries distant but still pleasant atmosphere gave Jacob a small respite from today’s general sense of looming dread. That call, they were clearly serious, but was that warning meant to lure him out or make him run? If so, he couldn’t tell which option, this mystery caller was betting on. Jacob punched more information in flicking through results on a max Ferrer on auto pilot, while his mind as occupied. Perhaps this was the point of the call, make him overthink it to the point of insanity? Probably not. Right as Jacob felt ready to pull himself out of the chair, he saw one peculiar profile. Max Ferrer, 24. A mangy grey wolf, with an average build and a devilish smirk they looked out from the screen, seemingly laughing at his dishevelled pursuer. He’d changed so little since last time, Jacob scoured his profile for a place of work or residence, most of his posts were brief and sporadic. Something caught his eye in one of the recent posts, showing off an absolutely wrecked Van. It was sitting in a repair shop, nothing much to identify, but he could just barely make out the licence plate. Which gave him an idea.

He quickly pulled up a government ran web page that allowed free access of licence plate records and information on the vehicles, a watered-down version of what the PD used. Jacob entered the plate and received a result for a Yokoro freight master, registered to a Navarre based electrical company.

He decided to check out the electrical company, see what they were saying. He quickly browsed their socials, flicking back through years of posting, mind numbing in its blatant advertising. Eventually he found an interesting post about car insurance, seems they were annoyed with their provider and were calling them out directly, which was useful. He then noted the insurance company's number and decided to have a question-and-answer session with them.

The library had its own payphones all of which were pricier than the ones at the motel, but it was the only phone’s he had access to. He punched in the number and began to wait for what felt like hours, which eventually turned into actual hours, before he began yelling at the intern who’d finally picked up about the status of “His” vehicle, slowly grinding away at their mental stability and professionalism.

“Fine. What is the registration of your vehicle?” The voice replied having finally given in.

“H68CL9A” Jacob stated clearly, he heard a sigh and then listened as the line went quiet for a moment.

“We have already cleared an insurance payment for your vehicle... sir” the voice stated through gritted teeth

“Well, I’m not entirely sure you money hoarding insurance fellows aren’t trying to pull a fast one on me!” Jacob replied “I want to have a full receipt and ledger of how the money was handled! The repair shop I took the van to claims the insurance won’t cover it!”

“Listen!” The voice responded, momentarily snapping put of their soulless tone, only to immediately return to it “If you are having issues with the repair shop finding the insurance inadequate, please take it up with them”

“NO, I WISH-“

“PLEASE TAKE IT UP WITH DENZEL’S AUTO REPAIR!” The voice finally yelled in response, before ending the call abruptly.

Jacob stood for a moment, before wandering over to the reception desk, grabbing a pen and scribbling down his final target.

He strutted out of the library with a newfound sense of direction. He always felt better after putting together something from nothing. that was the nature of detective work.,Taking the broken shards of violence and misery and piecing them back together to reveal the whole picture. It was a jigsaw puzzle, only more miserable. He turned right and walked along the sidewalk, along with a few other furs who seemed focused on their own business. He felt the warm sun against his back as he tugged his hoodie closer, he was too warm with it on but with only a shirt he felt vulnerable. He went back to his car sitting down into the warm leather as his hands massaged the wheel, he tried to focus on Max and the little hope that it could bring him... his mind was pulling him back to the phone call. A masculine voice, late 20s to 30s and an impatient but casual tone. They seemed somewhat professional, but by no means an expert. Familiar to dirty business but not to extortion? These guesses were all that Jacob could do as he sat alone in his car. He pulled the key from his pocket and wiggled it into the car, hearing it growl and purr as he shifted gears and pulled out his parking space. Jacob didn’t quite feel ready to meet Max, he started driving, hoping that a reason for delaying would be found along the way as he cruised the streets. Nowhere near the city, but nowhere near... nowhere.

As he drove through the streets to the outskirts of town; he gazed out at the treeline passing to the left of him. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been in a forest or somewhere far from a road or concrete underpass. For years it felt the city was the only place on earth. a black hole that sucked Jacob further in as he sunk lower and lower... if it weren’t for the badge to hide behind, he would be in jail. His self-loathing was interrupted as he glanced into his mirror. Close behind him was a silver sedan which seemed to be matching his speed... his mysterious caller. it had no license plate and the windows we’re tinted slightly, making it hard to identify the driver. Jacob's heart tightened as he fought the urge to drive faster. Is a show of force? Or he was trying to push the boundaries, seeing if and how Jacob would react. The former detective tried to keep his speed steady, attempting to focus on the road ahead as he continually glanced at his tail, despite the rationalisation in his mind, he remained terrified. Perhaps this guy intended to simply grab Jacob and torture him until he gave up the information, killing him afterwards to silence a potential witness. The hum of the car felt deafening as he began to sweat, his bag rattling in the back seat as he tried to keep his nerve. He never knew what it felt like to be hunted, the fear in of itself made him want to give up everything he knew, but Jacob didn’t think they’d just forget about him after that. He continued driving for miles, every few 10 seconds glancing back to see that vehicle at the same spot. The trees disappeared as they passed along farmland, they were alone for the entire journey except for a couple passing cars. After an hour of driving in complete fear, they reached a T junction. Jacob went right. The pursuer went left. But Jacob didn’t stop until he reached a gas station a few kilometers along. Finally stopping in the parking lot, letting his jittering hand fall limp from the steering wheel as he felt ready to throw up. He refused to move from the station or sleep at all, even as the sun retreated behind the trees, paranoia and adrenaline kept him from collapsing into sleep.

He needed help.

Eventually he felt his fear blunted enough to exit the vehicle. Stumbling through the parking lot as he approached the florescent lights of the store, he felt his dread subside. The automatic doors parted, letting him into the arranged rows of shelves filled with processed snacks and caffeine packed drinks. Jacob stumbled to the counter and placed a fifty on the counter.

He glanced up at the younger raven behind the counter, his face contorted into a confused scowl and his arms locked at his sides. Jacob spoke in a raspy tired voice “Gimme a coffee and a pack of cigarettes”

He quickly clicked back into customer service mode “sure” he said as he turned to the tobacco shelf grabbing a pack of smokes, placing them on the counter before turning to work the aging coffee machine. Jacob stared at the pack of cigarettes with intensity, he needed to calm his nerves and while he hadn’t smoked in years... well tonight that was the least of his worries. The raven returned handing him the coffee and Jacob's change.

“One more thing” Jacob asked, “could you give me directions to a... Denzel’s auto repair?”

The raven pulled out his smartphone and tapped the name in, instead of speaking he placed the phone on the counter. Jacob took a mental note of the directions, it was a straightforward trip, just head northwest until he hit Greentop and the edge of Great Basin Desert. “Thanks” Jacob mumbled out.

The scruffy detective then finally took his leave, walking out to his car. The black coffee’s strong aroma filling his lungs as he fumbled with the cigarette packet. Right as he got one between his paws, he realised that he lacked a lighter to actually smoke one.

“Shit” Jacob said, the cigarette in his hand feeling dirty and unhealthy. He was looking to save on money and a smoking problem wouldn’t be much help, plus he didn’t want to smell or look any worse than now. He tossed the whole packet into a trash can as he unlocked his car door.

A futile attempt to relax, he felt like he was drowning in anxiety. Tomorrow would bring nothing but mixed feelings, Max was someone he barely knew in high school and after that he’d arrested him. From that he learned of Maxs attempts to make quick money and right now Jacob needed quick money. Jacob felt like he was running on fumes, and he needed something to keep him from being pulled into an endless cycle of paranoia, sleepless nights and a nonstop attempt to escape from his past mistakes and to top it all off he had no testosterone meds to deal with the mood swings.

He needed to just shut off and sleep, as had uncomfortable car seat and cold air made it to. But as hours passed the manned wolf finally slept.

Waking up the next morning he was glad that there wasn't a cop questioning his overnight stay in the gas station parking lot. He shifted in his seat slightly before turning on the engine and beginning his drive northwest. The scenery growing sparser with wide fields and forests dotted with solitary homes. It was strange to wonder who the inhabitants of these houses might be. It was strange to think there was 8 billion other souls on this planet, all of them with their own hopes and dreams. Jacob understood why people committed crimes and how the mind can justify a heinous act, but he couldn’t wrap his head around all that other psychological crap about social contracts, love, hate and jealousy. From his perspective you couldn’t truly understand people... at least not all of them.

Jacob sighed and pulled his old vehicle into a side street, taking a deep breath. He then stepped outside into the warm, early summer air and began walking along the pavement, turning onto main street and scanning for his quarry. He didn’t feel confident about this, stumbling through town looking for an old acquaintance who could possibly... Maybe... get him some cash. He slipped past an elderly gazelle nursing a coffee in their hand and stood for a moment recalling the address he’d found for Denzel's and continued his journey. The auto shop sat on a quiet backstreet and had a dozen or so second hands for 2-5k each, every car stolen straight from the early 2010s. At least he wouldn’t be out of place with his ragged and shifty appearance. He heard the glass doors creak as he stepped inside. The waiting room’s cheap lights buzzed, and air condition whirred, the three waiting room chairs looked far from factory new, and the flooring was marked. The young aardwolf barely looked old enough to be behind the counter and gave no greetings, instead watching the scruffy maned wolf inspect the run-down business. Seems he cared as much for this place as Jacob did.

“Do you know a Max ferrer?” Jacob asked stepping towards counter, tapping it with his tensed-up fists.

“He’s working in the shop-” the kid replied, unable to meet his close quarters eye contact.

“Good” Jacob replied walking straight into the employees only area, the kid silently acquiesced and remained at the counter. Jacob passed through the doors into the main repair area, one gutted car sat in the middle of the bay, surrounded with equipment and tools. It was stuffy and the air thick with motor oil and diesel. He walked past the disassembled sedan and went over to the glass observation area across from him, Jacob walked slowly not wanting to be interrupted. He ducked inside the window covered room and immediately locked eyes with his quarry, a similarly scruffy grey wolf wearing a baggy hoodie and jeans. His face quickly turned to surprise upon seeing Jacob, a familiar face. “WOH WoH! The hell are you doing?” Max asked his face turning to confusion as Jacob approached.

“Just need to talk” Jacob replied, as he got closer Max attempted to step back. Jacob lunged forward and pushed him against the wall.

“You don’t strike me as the talking type” Max asked as slowly put his hands up, his face was steady and cam while Jacobs forearm pushed towards his neck. The maned wolf felt his heart pump as they stood there, he knew what he wanted but not how to answer the question.

“Lets go outside and talk” Jacob asked, but from Max’s perspective it seemed like a demand.

“What’s this all about?” Max commented a concerned look on his maw.

Jacob shunted him to the door “let’s go outside and talk”

“Alright” Max replied “Whatever you say” Jacob let go of the wolf. They then slowly exited The car shop and walked out into the street, this gave Max a bit of relief this was far to public for a beat down. “What’s this about?” he asked raising his voice as he turned to the maned wolf.

“I... figured you could help me make some cash?” Jacob replied

“No goddamn way!” max pointed out “I don’t know you and your manners leave a lot to be desired!”

“Max... it’s me” Jacob said “Jacob Anders? From high school and... the cop”

He then watched as the grey foxes face widened in disbelief “Shouldn’t you have red me my rights?”

“No longer in that line of work” Jacob replied showing weakness in his voice and face “I know you can make a bit of money... all I need is to be cut in. I don’t have any other options”

“And you’re serious about this?” max questioned, not one for quick trust

“I am sorry for arresting you” Jacob finally said “Can we just talk at least?”

“Fine” Max said sighing as he put his paws at his neck and looked up. “Lets go and chat”

The place they’d gone to was a cheaply decorated 50s style dinner, the one you’d see in outdated movies and at the 3 star position for reviews. Jacob felt on edge as he sat in the booth, the sticky table and uncomfortable chairs weren’t helping. “So why do you need this cash anyway?” Max asked as he glanced over the menu, his low voice contrasting with his more chipper attitude.

“Place to sleep, things to eat” Jacob responded

“at least it ain’t a plasma TV or a diamond ring you want” Jacob replied as he tapped his fingers against the menu “Why did you even quit your financially stable job?”

“I torched the evidence lockup” Jacob replied in a hushed tone

“Well I can see that being a problem with future employment” max quipped as a waiter approached “I’ll have the double cheeseburger and a milkshake” max ordered.

The waiter then turned to Jacob “Im alri-“

“He’ll have the same” Max interrupted, Jacob shot him and angry glare as The waiter grabbed their menus. “its good food! and you look like you could use something to eat, you look like shit Jacob”

“Thanks max, I just wanted a job not life advice” Jacob commented

“Count yourself lucky you’ve gotten my advice for free” Max jokingly replied “Same with the burger, seeing as you are strapped for cash”

“Just tell me how to make some money” Jacob asked

“Fine! Fine! You maybe could help with some things but I’d need to think this through” Max explained as the waiter returned with their drinks.

“You can think things through over lunch” Jacob retorted “Now what’s the gig?”

“Well if you want good money? We’ll be dropping in at the deep end” Max said as he leaned in closer and hushed his voice “I got this guy who sets up jobs for me, mostly burglaries and thefts. Low risk and high reward, he told me about some rich gal in Navvare, a Miss Sandra”

“So we rob her?” Jacob asked

“Nope, he didn’t give the details but said we’d be looking for one specific item, in her mansions basement” Max continued “i looked her up, some chemist or biologist or... somethin”

“Must be quite the chemist if she can afford a mansion” Jacob mused leaning back before taking a drink of his milkshake, the cold milk feeling weird on his parched throat.

“That was all I was told, but it seemed like a two person job. I couldn’t find anyone else but you seem... eager” Max said leaning back and raising his voice slightly, his arm laying along the length of the booth as he talked, making him seem relaxed.

“What’s the pay like?” Jacob asked

“No idea still need to ask Fabian” max responded as their meals finally arrived. Jacob ate the meal cautiously not want to leave a bad impression, while the grey wolf devoured the burger and fries quickly. “So what’s ya been up to?” Max asked with a mouthful of hamburger and flecks of sauce across his snout. Jacob failed to respond.

Max enquired further “Well besides from work? Any girlfriends?”

“No”

“Boyfriends?”

“No”

“anyone at all?”

“...” he knew the answer but didn’t want to say it, denial of his reality. Jacob just stared of at a ticking clock on the back wall wondering why and how.

“I remember back in high school you were practically a ghost” Max commented “You were just known as “that kid” nobody really took notice of you”

“look how far I’ve come, now I’m the depressed and homeless detective!” Jacob replied wish sarcastic venom “Maybe I should’ve stayed as my parents little girl, least then I could’ve gone to college-“

“Don’t say that for a second!” Max blurted out, Jacob continued to look tired. He was tired of feeling sad and bitter he wished things would just work. “As bad as things are now... at least you’re doing at as you”

Jacob let go of the burger and let it flop onto the plate. Max was right but considering the circumstances Jacob would rather be anyone but him right now.

“You know the place has a very good apple pie” Max said after the disheartening silence.

“Apple pie?” Jacob questioned

Max looked straight at Jacob and raised an eyebrow “you ever had any?”

“No, don’t really eat much junk food” Jacob said, last time he’d had desert was for a sergeant’s retirement party and it was some cheap store-bought birthday cake, loaded with sickly sugar and excessive icing.

“it’s not junk food it’s desert” Max replied, he then thought for a moment “Finish that burger and I’ll order us some to try?”

“alright”

“Sweet, it’s great with custard or cream” Max said, he then pointed at Jacobs plate “Better eat up”

“Fine I’m eating it” Jacob said

“Don’t want my cash going to waste” Max said smiling

“Such a gentleman, Max” Jacob jokingly commented before biting into the burger, it had been a while since he’d eaten a full meal. For weeks he’d been living off cheap coffee and stale pastries. It felt weird to be eating normally again.

It was late afternoon as Jacob drove and Max directed him towards Mr Grey’s abode. Max blurted out directions as he ate forkfuls of apple pie, finishing what Jacob couldn’t. “Left... ‘ere” Max said in between bites, Jacob followed his order and turned left onto a sparsely built-up street. A condemned building and a pawn shop, sat on either side of the road and right at the end sat a small warehouse. As the pair exited the car and walked forward, Jacob felt a gentle wind on his back and the sun on his face. As they entered inside Jacob noted the scratched-out sign offering storage units that were 50% off, the went through the empty entrance room and into the hallway in the back. The pair moved slowly Max seemed at ease as Jacob tried to find himself some hope. Fifth door on the left, Max knocked before hearing the door unlock and opening it, inside was a makeshift office in in amongst a dozen unmarked boxes. Sitting at the desk with his hands clasped together was presumably Grey. He was half hyena and fox; his orange and cream fur was immaculately cleaned and brushed. His short hair expertly cut and styled, topped off with the expensive light grey suit, He looked like a consummate professional.

Grey’s face remained scornful for a moment as Max sat down, Jacob following his lead. He then let a smile creep over his face quickly and he seemingly relaxed his body “Glad you finally got a date max!” he laughed

“Yeah, real funny Fabian” Max replied as Jacob shifted slightly in his seat

“I assume you two aren't here to talk about men's fashion?” Fabian asked

Max gave a knowing look in response, “The job... you said we needed a pair?”

“Well, if he's up for it that's fine by me.” Fabian replied, before looking over at Jacob “You good at sneaking?”

“Guess so” Jacob replied

“What about lockpicking?”

“No idea, usually I'd just kick the door down” Jacob said, causing Fabian's face to twist again into one of disapointment

“I'll vouch for him. He’s skilled and dependable” Max interjected “He’s former NRPD a detective” Fabians ears flicked up at the mention of police in his office, his fur seemingly standing on edge and tail stopping its gentle sway across the cheap rug covering the floor.

“He’s a cop!” Fabian exclaimed, clutching his brow “Fucking hell”

“Former cop” Jacob added as Fabian got heated

“What's the problem?” Jacob asked

“I don't like working with former cops they've proved many times to be... unreliable” Fabian explained “Most of them are corrupt and would sell us out, or demand an extra “working fee” it's too much trouble”

“Don’t need to worry about that with me” Jacob replied “Just let me run this job with max, won't ever speak a word of this business and I don't need any “working fee” just a fair pay”

“Yeah, i vouch for Jacob he's not some corrupt, money hungry bastard. He does things without a fuss and he's loyal” Max said in agreement, catching Jacob slightly by surprise.

Fabian seemingly relented “Alright, so you two want to hear about this special job?” the pair nodded in unison.

“The job is rather risky; you need to sneak into this chemist's mansion and relieve them of their valuable information” He explained

“Chemist?” Max asked

“Yep, some big shot. Won awards for it, did some really cutting-edge stuff. She’s got a mansion in Navarre it's got guards and a top-of-the-line security system to boot. Tough nut” as he explained, Fabian pulled something up on his bulky laptop on the desk, it looked like model from a decade ago but factory new.

“What's our target?” Jacob asked

“It'll be in the basement most likely a server room, you’ll plug in an external drive and download everything. Quite the take as well the creep who wanted this job done is offering something to the tune of ?$200,000” Fabian continued

“How's that going to be split?” Jacob enquired

“The usual, I take 20% you two split the rest 40/40” Fabian explained “but that’s counting on the fact you make it to the finish line, with the data”

“We can handle that” Max interjected

“Well before you get going, I suggest you two get acclimated” Fabian added

“What do you suggest?” Jacob asked

“Trust falls, team building!” Fabian joked before turning serious “Max you just make sure, he can follow your lead” the half fox said pointing his soft paw at Jacob. Seemed Fabian wasn't quick to trust.

“Any more background on the target or their mansion?” Max asked

“Let's see” Fabain replied again looking at something on his laptop. “Well, the chemist in question is Ellie Blackburn, she's a skunk, short and has become something of a foodie and party queen, even to the determent of her work”

“So, we break in while she's out having dinner?” Jacob suggested

“Yep, simplest plan is often the best” Fabian said “Plus you'll need a head start, as soon as you start wiping her data you'll need to get out and fast, cause the system she uses is alarmed so you’ll have 2 minutes to ensure the data is gone, then get running”

“And the guards?” Jacob asked, shifting in his seat knowing that the sly mister grey would have an answer.

“I’ll get back to you on that, in the meantime don’t do anything stupid?” Fabian said pulling out an old landline telephone and slowly press a few buttons.

“Nothing you wouldn’t want us to do, boss” Max joked as he stood up, Jacob followed, and they exited the building.

“So, what next?” Jacob asked

“First thing you drive me back to my work” Max said as they walked towards the car “Second: I get chewed out by my boss, third: we do a little research and recon of the mansion find vulnerabilities, security specs, floor plans, ectara, ectara. That make sense?”

“Apart from working at some shady auto repair shop” Jacob commented as he swung the door open

“Jacob you ever hear of a little thing called a safety net? Can't spend all my time on elaborate burglaries” Max replied as he sat down in the passenger seat. Jacob thumbed his key in the ignition as he looked through the lightly smudged windshield. The street hadn’t changed but things for Jacob were seeming a little brighter.

As Jacob pushed into first gear and began driving along the road, he scanned every window and doorway for his mysterious tail. Luckily or unluckily, he was nowhere to be found now he felt excessively paranoid. As he turned along the road and retraced his steps to the auto shop he felt the nagging at his chest, he wasn’t being followed but that nervous energy was still there. He endeavoured to simply focus on the road and drive well, he didn't want to be distracted behind the wheel.

As the neared the auto shop Max called attention to something “Hey” he said with a serious tone,

Jacob quickly responded with “What?” quickly glancing over at the grey wolf his relaxed posture now gone as he sat up straight, glaring at the rearview mirror.

“Keep your eyes on the road, this guy has been following us” Max said, “A silver sedan, ever seen something like this before?”

“A day ago, he tailed me for 30 minutes outside of Greentop” Jacob replied as they stopped at a red light, the silver sedan turned left into a side street as they waited for the colours to turn green.

“Shit” Max exclaimed “Think he's a cop? Cause if he tailed us the whole day that ain’t good for anyone”

“They ain't a cop I know that much” Jacob replied as tried to keep his driving steady, he quickly looked back not spotting the silver sedan “Where’d he go?”

“He turned left into a side street, keeping his distance” Max replied as the car shifted forward at the green light.

“So, he can't see us?”

“Yes”

“Alright” Jacob slammed on the breaks and shunted out Max, “You get to your car and park at the dinner!” Jacob blurted out before slamming the door and driving off. Max was confused, but eventually got what Jacob was thinking and set off to fulfil his end of the plan.

Jacob continued to drive through the town, he assumed that his tail knew he had noticed him and hoped he was trying to do the same thing as last time, make Jacob scared and erratic, grind down his capacity for reasonable thinking. As he backed into a side street and turned his car around, he spotted the silver sedan in his mirror, looking back it was still hard to make out the driver and the licence plate was covered with a metal panel. His heart felt strained as he began driving towards the diner, he’d perhaps put too much faith into Max or maybe the wolf just didn't understand what Jacob was getting at? Either way he felt terrified as he struggled to think of a plan B. Jacob decided to increase his speed driving as fast and as reckless as the speed limit would allow, the sedan continuing to keep pace as he violated the rules of the road.

Max sat in the car, he’d borrowed from Denzel’s, they wouldn’t mind, it was scheduled for scrapping anyway. He was somewhat unsure of what Jacob wanted from here, he assumed that he would just tail the silver sedan in turn. But as Jacob tore past the diner, max saw the sedan following behind, he quickly sprang into action shifting into first gear and following the silver vehicle as it barrelled along the main road desperate to keep pace with Jacob, in less than a minute they’d exited onto quiet country roads framed by the setting sun.

Jacob stopped looking back once he’d started seeing trees in his peripheral vision, he knew there was still a pursuing sedan behind them. He shifted up in gears, Jacob was now going well over the highest speed limits and even then, he still heard the roaring of a V6 behind him. All they wanted was where the lynx was, that innocent guy who deserved a chance at a happy life... even if Jacob didn’t get that. Jacob slowed his car to a halt and the sedan matched his movement; both of the vehicles stopped on the road 50 meters apart. Jacob breathed deep, hearing a few sounds of nature as a car door swung open, he looked at the crimson sunset and held his breath.

He coughed as he heard a thunderous slam, quickly looking out the back window he saw presumably Max’s car shunt into the silver sedan, the hunter had quickly turned to the crash, Letting Jacob see him in full glory. They were a jackal, 5,10- 5,11, average build and wearing a boiler suit and cap. Last thing Jacob saw was that bastard kneeling down at the crash before his foot slammed on the gas. He kept driving until he knew he’d lost the sedan, eventually turning back to the diner and going to wait for Max there.

Again Jacob was exhausted from this pursuit, and he was terrified that max may have gotten hurt trying to bail him out of a mess situation. He pulled his car into the parking lot of the diner; he saw no car that looked like it could’ve been Max’s. He walked inside it was now dark and the diner was mostly empty, serving a few late dinner and drinks to a few men at the bar. But what caught Jacob’s eye was the grey wolf in the corner, smile cocked with a bruised-up head, sipping an ice cold milkshake as he tapped on a folded piece of paper, seemed like max was in good spirits.

“Fancy meeting you here toots” Max joked at the maned wolf who was looking forward to collapsing asleep.

“How?” Jacob asked sitting down next to him, his head and heart were ready to give out. Jacob couldn’t even think, all he felt was exhaustion.

“I kept him busy for 10 minutes playing a concerned citizen looking to exchange information. When I was taking to long, he tried to grab me and received a sharp kick in the nuts for his troubles. Then i quickly drove off. Simple as” Max said, looking at Jacob and watching his bleary eyed stare “You look like you could do with some sleep, I’ve written down everything on this paper, including his plates” he said stuffing the paper in his pocket.

Jacob shrugged as max grabbed him and dragged him to his car, for once Jacob actually felt vulnerable... but in a comfortable way, as max drove him off to his place. The car gently rumbled along Jacob slowly faded into and out of consciousness as the shadows from streetlights crossed his face.