FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

_The house sat at the end of a forlorn stretch of road. It was constructed from white-washed wood, but the salty air and spray from the sea had severely weathered it. A couple of tattered, unrecognisable flags were flapping from a pole on the roof. Beyond the house lay the grey expanse of the ocean. From inside the car, Marcus Denman gazed at the house as snowflakes landed and melted on the windshield. His sharp, blue eyes narrowed as he cradled the Beretta 9mm pistol in his paw. In the past, he would have felt sickened at the idea of shooting someone. But inside the house lay the Fur who had torn his family apart and wrecked his life. Now, he was going to take matters into his own paws. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath and then reached for the door. _

One week earlier

Marcus yawned and sat up, rubbing his eyes. He glanced at the clock on the bedside table, it was eight in the morning. He climbed out of bed and gazed at himself in the mirror. Marcus was a twenty four year old Wolf. He had a tall, slim and athletic stature with silvery-white fur and a brown patch that made its way down his muzzle to his nose. His most distinguishing feature were his piercing blue eyes. Being descended from pack canines, he was generally a happy go lucky and sociable individual, if a little sarcastic at times. He enjoyed joking around with his friends, the ruder the jokes, the more amusing he found them. However, this was the personality he allowed others to see. He smoothed down his fur which had become ruffled in his sleep before searching for something to wear. Outside, the red sunrise of an Australian dawn was starting to break. Marcus had arrived in Australia from Britain over a year ago. Before relocating, he had searched on a gay roommate website and stumbled across Ayden, a fox from Essex. Through a letting agency, they had come into contact with Riley, a Dingo whose father owned the apartment they wanted to rent. Riley was the same age as Marcus and Ayden, and after interviewing them, he concluded they were both sane enough to room with him. At first, Marcus had worked as a bartender with Ayden. He grew bored of this, and with the advice of Riley who worked as a lifeguard, took an entrance exam and got a job patrolling the beach. Being a lifeguard was not always easy, with regular tests and long working hours, but Marcus loved being active. Although his kind originated from a family of alpine canids, he had enjoyed swimming since a young age. He had also travelled abroad to get away from his past, something that still troubled his thoughts every now and again. Marcus threw on a wifebeater and a pair of pyjama shorts before making his way to the kitchen. He checked in the fridge and cupboards, discovering he had cereal and milk that was only a day out of date.

Marcus suddenly caught the scent of fox mixed with pungent aftershave as Ayden sauntered into the kitchen. He had his headphones in his ears and was singing along tunelessly to "Boys and Girls", causing Marcus to wince. Ayden had a skinny build with russet coloured fur and white patches covering his cheeks. His ears were tinged with an outline of black and the left one had two industrial piercings through it. He was also grinning from ear to ear, a sign that he was feeling especially cocky "Morning Snowflake!" He called loudly, despite the fact he was less than a step away from Marcus "Hello Ayden, you seem happy" Marcus replied, pouring milk onto his cornflakes "Yeah, I got a Prowlr date last night" Ayden explained, removing his headphones. "Oh" Marcus said, starting to eat "I thought I heard you up to something in your room". Since he had known Ayden, the fox had seemed to get a "date" as he put it, or to be more accurate, a one night stand on a regular basis. Ayden seemed to read his thoughts "I've got a good feeling about this one" he said, rummaging around in the fridge "I see" Marcus replied "didn't you say that about the raccoon you had last week, or was he an opossum?' "No, Blaze is something else, he writes poetry and..." Ayden was cut off by a snort of laughter "Blaze?" Marcus repeated "his time at school must have been a barrel of laughs".

Ayden rolled his eyes. He pulled out his phone and handed it to Marcus. "Here he is" Ayden said proudly. Marcus took the phone and looked at a photo of a shirtless Horse taking a selfie. Both his arms were covered in tattoo sleeves and his nipples were pierced. "A horse? Gosh, no wonder you were so loud last night" Marcus said, handing the phone back, "he looks like an... interesting guy" he added, trying to think of something diplomatic to say and resisting the urge to make a Blazing Saddles joke "He is, like I said he writes poetry, uh and he did time until recently" "Did time? As in..." "Yeah, he was in prison" Ayden said. Marcus sighed "I wonder where you find half these people, what was he in for?" he asked, glancing around the kitchen to check that all his belongings were still there "Er, he didn't say. You know sometimes I thought the idea of a Jailbird guy was kinda hot, ooh I wonder if he'll invite his friends round and take me in the shower". Marcus almost choked on a mouthful of cornflakes "Ayden that's awful!" He exclaimed "in fact, how do you know he hasn't got something you don't want to catch?" "Hey relax, he wanted to do it bare but I made him wear a condom" "Well, I'm glad you have a tiny bit of sanity" Marcus muttered. Ayden gave a typical wily fox smirk and sat down opposite Marcus "Did you really believe me that he used to be in jail?" "He certainly looks like he did" Marcus replied, standing up and taking his bowl to the sink. Ayden laughed "Man, you're so easy to wind up sometimes" he joked, grinning again. Marcus responded with a grunt as he washed his things up "Anyway, I'm off to work then I'm seeing Blaze later for a romantic meal tonight" "What, McDonalds?" Marcus retorted, regaining his composure "Pfft, whatevs" Ayden replied "anyway, see you later!" He called, making his way out the kitchen.

Marcus made his way to the bathroom and took a quick shower, massaging shampoo into his fur. He liked to keep his fur trimmed short, partly because of the summer heat, but he also knew that the scent of wet fur could be strong for some. Once he had dried off, Marcus changed into his lifeguard uniform with matching sleeveless top, baseball cap and shorts. He also slung on a hooded sweater for the walk. The apartment was only a short walk from the beach, but the mornings could feel cool as the breeze blew in from the sea. Marcus put on his backpack and made his way down the stairs. He slipped his headphones on as he began his walk down the palm tree lined street, the sound of "Weather With You" by Crowded House filled his ears. He reached the sea front and began walking in the direction of the steps leading down to the sand. The sun was rising and the sky was a glorious mix of gold and red before turning a deep royal blue. The light reflected on the waves gently lapping against the sand. Marcus paused to watch for a moment and smiled to himself, his tail gently wagging. He always enjoyed moments like this, appreciating the fact that he now lived in a peaceful and serene location. The beach itself was a long expanse of white sand and turquoise water stretching into the distance. Despite being near the road, it was secluded by a high, semi-circle rock formation which curved around it. Although Marcus' superior was a Platypus by the name of Johnny, the lifeguard team itself was a friendly group of mixed species. Other than a few joggers, the beach seemed relatively quiet that morning.

Marcus made his way down the sand to a small wooden hut that served as their headquarters. Since Riley liked to go for a jog before work, Marcus guessed that he would already be there. Sure enough, he could see the Dingo standing outside the hut. Riley had a similar toned build to Marcus, with a handsome, sandy coloured face, white muzzle and deep hazel eyes. He raised a paw and waved to Marcus "Hey Marc" he called "how you going?" "Hey I'm not bad, although sleeping was a challenge" Marcus replied as he removed his headphones "Ayden and his horse friend kept you awake?" "He told you about Blaze too?" Marcus asked "Nah, I could tell by the noises" Riley said "he didn't ask you to join in?" he added with a chuckle "Urgh, certainly not!" Marcus replied, pulling a face. Riley laughed "Anyway, Elisa should be here soon. Did Erik not walk with you?" "No, I'm not sure what he's up to" Marcus said "Fair enough, I don't think he talks to anyone much. Ah, speak of the devil" Riley gestured to an Elk making his way along the beach. Erik had travelled over from Sweden and Marcus found him to be the sort of Fur who was amiable, but often kept himself to himself. Erik grunted a greeting at both of them and walked off towards the hut. Marcus and Riley looked at each other and shrugged. Elisa appeared and waved to both of them. She was a pretty snow leopardess who was studying in her second year at university "Morning guys" she called "Hey Elisa, looks like it's going to be quiet today" Riley said, she nodded "Tim and Jeremy are replacing you at eleven" she explained "Great, two whole hours to spend with this fleabag" Marcus said, gesturing at Riley but shooting him a subtle grin "Ha! You can talk" Riley responded, playfully punching Marcus in the arm. Elisa rolled her eyes "Honestly, you guys" she said, trying not smile. Erik emerged, changed into his lifeguard uniform "I think we might be going for drinks at Danny's tonight" Elisa added "ask Ayden if he wants to come along" "Sounds great" Marcus replied with a smile "but I think Ayden has his paws full".

Marcus made his way into the hut and pulled off his hoodie. He sat down, reaching for his walkie-talkie which was stowed under a bench. He turned and saw his reflection in a mirror. His tight shirt emphasised the athletic build of his body, yet in the darker confines of the hut he looked smaller, almost vulnerable. The memories flashed back and he quickly blinked them away. Marcus put his sunglasses on and made his way back out into the warm sunshine. He instantly felt more invigorated as the light touched him. Erik was already doing the rounds up and down the beach. The sun had almost fully risen and there was not a cloud to be seen in the sky. The sparkling ocean stretched off into the horizon. Marcus counted six furs on the beach, a mother Platypus with three small offspring were building a sand castle near the hut. A Tasmanian Devil couple stood with their ankles in the water and a Brown Retriever walked by with a surfboard under his arm. Music was drifting from a nearby radio. Marcus recognised the tune as "Walking on Sunshine". It was a cliché choice but it suited his surroundings. As Marcus watched over the beach someone caught his eye; a Husky about his own age was sitting alone. He undressed until he was sitting in a pair of tight blue swimming trunks. Marcus sighed. He had had several chances to get with a new mate, but had let each opportunity slip. At times he wished Riley was gay, he would make an ideal partner. He was funny, extremely handsome and his hazel eyes were deep and warm looking, always conveying a friendly personality. He had been the subject of many of Marcus' fantasies, but what drew him to Riley was the fact that he always kept his ears and eyes open for any hint of distress in his friends. At the first sign of trouble, he would be the first one standing by your side, whether to fight or provide support. As a teenager, Marcus had developed a deep distrust of other furs, but Riley had restored his faith in friendships. The more Marcus thought about it, Riley had never elaborated on his sexual preference. He had claimed to have had a girlfriend but they had broken up shortly before Marcus had arrived. Riley also didn't seem to mind rooming with two gay furs. Marcus forced himself to concentrate on his job. He was probably over thinking things, as per usual.

Marcus was shaken out of his thoughts by Erik calling him over, he was standing further down the beach by a canine who was lying flat on the sand. Marcus slid off his chair and jogged over. As he drew closer, he noticed that the canine was a grey and white Wolf dressed in shorts and a polo shirt. A sense of unease was growing inside Marcus, surely this was not possible? As he drew closer he saw the Wolf sit up and turn to face him. Marcus stopped dead "This guy is feeling light headed. Could you get some water please?" Erik explained. Marcus was initially too surprised to say anything. He tried to reply yet his brain seemed unable to process the words. Instead, he nodded and turned to jog back to the hut. What was he_doing here? Marcus began to feel a sense of anger. _He had showed up and butted into his life at the time when Marcus had begun to feel stable. Marcus retrieved a bottle of water and made his way back out of the entrance only to see Erik helping the Wolf up towards the hut "He said he wants to sit in the shade for a bit" Erik explained. Marcus didn't reply, but watched as Erik helped the Wolf to sit down in a plastic beach chair "I'll carry on patrolling with Riley, could you keep an eye on him?" Erik asked, but before Marcus could answer, the Elk was already making his way off down the beach. The Wolf turned to face Marcus "Hello Marcus, how have you been?".

Marcus folded his arms. "Fine Ian, I guess" he replied tersely. The Wolf splayed his ears "I'm sorry to just appear like this" Ian said. He spoke with a clean cut, business-like English accent, "I didn't mean to catch you at work, I genuinely was feeling light headed. It took a while to get your address and to find where you worked" "Oh, and did you wonder why I kept it vague?" Marcus replied. He did not look Ian in the eye, but instead kept his gazed fixed straight ahead at the sea. "I feel so terrible having to say this" Ian sighed "I had to fly out to do it in person". Something in Ian's tone made Marcus turn to face him "What is it?" He asked, cocking his ears in curiosity. Ian took a deep breath and looked up to face Marcus "Marcus, I'm really sorry, but your mother has passed away" he explained "Oh" Marcus replied, now feeling a pang of guilt "I'm really sorry Ian" "No Marcus. Your real mum". Marcus stood in silence for a moment "But, that can't be possible, she disappeared ages ago" Marcus sank into a chair next to Ian "Marcus, she'd been staying with a friend in France all this time" "When did she die?" Marcus managed to breathe. "Apparently seven months ago" Ian explained. Marcus sat in silence, not knowing what to do or say. A memory that had been buried deep inside his mind suddenly came flooding back "Madam, I need you to come with us" "What's happening mummy?" "It's all right, we're just playing a game" "Madam, come with us please" "But my son..." "Mummy!" Marcus blinked it away. A mixture of shock and grief was coursing through his mind. Yet he also felt bewildered. Despite the random flashes of memory, he had not known much about his biological mother. The last time he had seen her had been at the age of eight. "Marcus, there's a message I need to give you" Ian said earnestly. However, as he spoke he noticed Erik and Riley walking back towards the hut "I'll wait for you at that bar near the top of the steps, tonight at eight". With that, Ian got up and left. Marcus remained sitting in a daze. It took him a moment to realise Riley was talking to him "Mate, are you ok?" he asked. Marcus was not sure what to do or say "No... no I'm not" he stammered "I think I need to lie down for a moment" he tried to stand and nearly fell over "Marc..." Riley began "I'm ok, just feeling faint" Marcus asserted "Hmm, I'm not sure you can be on duty like that. I'll call Johnny" Erik said, pulling out his phone. Until Tim and Jeremy, a pair of Otter twins arrived, Marcus spent the remainder of the morning sitting in his chair by the hut. Riley stood by him and chatted for a little while, but Marcus barely played any attention to what the Dingo was saying.

As soon as the Otters showed up, Marcus hurried away, racing back up the steps. He thought he could hear Riley calling after him, but Marcus ignored his shouts and continued running without looking back. He let himself back into the apartment and made his way straight to his room. He sat on his bed, wrested his muzzle in his hands and waited with baited breath until it was time to meet Ian.

The bar Ian had mentioned was on the opposite side of the road to the steps leading down to the beach. Marcus had drunk there several times. It was a small and friendly place that employed a mixed species of staff but catered mostly to canines. It was often frequented by locals and tourists alike, so new faces were not a rarity. Still, Marcus did not want to have a meeting here. The female Kangaroo who worked behind the bar would surely recognise him. He saw Ian seated at a table in the far corner. He had changed out of his shorts and was now wearing a smart shirt, jeans and dark glasses "Right, what do you want to tell me?" Marcus asked as he sat down opposite Ian. Ian slipped off his glasses and glanced cautiously around the bar, as if someone could be listening. Aside from a middle aged Cattle Dog sitting at the bar and a pair of Koolies playing pool, the place was mostly empty. Most of his friends would be at Danny's "Cut the spy movie crap and tell me, or I'm going" Marcus demanded "Marcus, there's something in the message about your father..." Ian began "I never wanted anything to do with him" Marcus cut in, looking away "Marcus, listen to me. According to this letter, your father was innocent" Ian said firmly. Marcus turned to face him "What did you say?" "He was innocent" Ian repeated "your mum believed someone framed him" "But, what, why" Marcus said, struggling to form a sentence "whatever happened, it destroyed my mum and robbed me of a childhood" he managed to say. For the first time in ages, tears were forming in his eyes. Ian reached into a rucksack and pulled out an envelope "This was addressed to me, it was how I found out she had died. It also contained this message" Ian said, pulling out a silver disc "I don't know who sent it, but they want you to watch it". Ian handed both items over to Marcus. Marcus took the envelope and turned it over in its paws. A smiling teenage kangaroo bounded over to their table "How are you guys doing? Ready to order..." he trailed off as Ian and Marcus, with tears still in his eyes, turned to face him "Uh, I'll give you guys a minute" the kangaroo mumbled before backing off "Look, whatever happened, it belongs to another life. I'm here now, trying to start over again after you rejected me. I may not be rich or have a fancy job title, but I'm finally happy" Marcus explained. Ian nodded and sighed "Marcus, I know I wasn't much of a parent to you, and it's your choice, but maybe it could help you get some sort of closure". Marcus considered Ian's words for a moment. Ian glanced down, and Marcus saw for the first time that he looked ashamed "I realise that the way Christine and I treated you was wrong. I'm sorry" he took a deep breath and leaned in closer "Please Marcus, read the message and then make a decision" Ian said, tears looked as if they were forming in his own eyes "It's up to you" Ian finished. He got up and left, casting Marcus a sad look as he walked away. Marcus sat still for a moment, weighing up the disc in his paw "Uh, you ready now?" The kangaroo asked nervously. Marcus shook his head, got up, and walked away.

Marcus sat on his bed, the envelope was lying beside him. Gingerly, he clawed it open and pulled out a crumpled sheet of paper

Ian Denman,

I'm sorry to say that Catherine Winters has passed away. She had been living safely with a friend in Paris for the last ten years. It was always her belief that Joseph was not guilty and she wanted to find the true perpetrator. We have enclosed this message and ask that it be passed on to Isaac Winters.

Please give it to him in person and ensure that no one else gets a paw on it.

Marcus did not recognise the handwriting, it was neat and written in blue ink. He held the disc on his paw, sighed and inserted it into his laptop. It whirred as he started the media player up. The image fuzzed for a moment before coming into focus. The screen was suddenly filled with the face of a white female Wolf. She had the same blue eyes as Marcus but not a brown patch down her muzzle. Although he had not seen her in years, Marcus instantly recognised her as his mother. He turned up the volume as she began to speak

"Isaac, you must be a handsome, adult wolf by now. It'll be my greatest regret that I never saw you grow up. But I wanted to make this final message for you. I hope it arrives safely in your paws. Isaac, your father was a member of a secretive business fraternity, you may be too young to remember. They were powerful and undertook various illegal activities. I wanted your father to leave but I felt afraid to tell the police. From what I could guess, he had a falling out with some of the members. He said they were up to something devious and he didn't want to take part. We were going to leave the country, but then he was arrested. I believe they framed him. I spent the rest of my life compiling a list of suspects who may have set him up. I was going to track them down, one by one, and get a confession from them. I want you to find the list. Remember the park we used to go to? The one with the stream flowing by the willow tree. Ian and Christine continued to take you there. I've hidden the list in a hollow within the tree, by the single branch facing away from the water. I hope it's still there. Isaac, I fear I don't have much longer. I want you to find the list and finish my work. Please, do it for your father and I. Mummy believes in you"

Marcus' mother sighed and looked at the ground. The image then died. Marcus took the disc out and put it on the bedside table. He closed his laptop and sat in a daze. That morning he had been joking with Ayden about his fling with Blaze, but now it felt like a world away. He sat in silence, thinking his mother's words over. Outside, the sun had set and soon his room was almost pitch black, but Marcus was not playing any attention. He then became aware of someone knocking on his bedroom door "Marc? Marcus!" Riley called "are you in there?" The door opened and Riley was standing there with Marcus' hoodie in his paws "You left this, and where the bloody hell where ya?" Riley trailed off as he noticed Marcus staring straight ahead, as if in a catatonic state. Riley frowned and flicked on the light "Marc, mate, what's wrong?" Riley asked, walking over and sitting on the bed "Elisa said she saw you going to a different bar to Danny's, and that wolf from the beach was there" "That was my dad, my adoptive dad. He's called Ian" Marcus replied in a monotone voice "Marc, please tell me what's going on" Riley said, putting his paw on Marcus' shoulder. Marcus took a deep breath "My mum has died" he replied flatly "my real mum". Riley's ears drooped "Oh mate" he sighed. He reached over and hugged Marcus tightly and wrested his muzzle on the top of Marcus' head. Any other time, Marcus would have felt a rush of adrenaline at such intimacy from Riley, but he did not reciprocate the hug "Some else has happened" he continued. He did not want to talk about it, but the words had escaped his mouth "What else?" Riley asked, breaking the hug. It suddenly occurred to Riley that Marcus had never told him anything about his family background. Marcus paused, unsure if he wanted to continue "If you don't want to, it's ok..." Riley began "No, I will" Marcus cut in. He took another deep breath before he began.

"Marcus Denman isn't my actual birth name. My real dad ended up in prison when I was five. He was a successful businessman, but he was accused of... various illegal activities" Marcus explained, choosing his words carefully "the police came and took him away. He died a year later. My mum tried to hide what was really going on. She then had a mental breakdown and couldn't look after me properly. I was adopted by my mum's best friends, Mr and Mrs Denman, but I lost contact with my mum. The Denman's couldn't have pups of their own and wanted to adopt a son. They had my name changed to reflect that I was now in their family" Marcus sighed "I always knew I was adopted, but the Denman's seemed like nice parents to begin with and I was doing well at school. But my problems started as a teenager when I discovered what had really happened to my parents. I skipped classes and flunked my exams. My reports were all bad and needless to say, my adoptive parents weren't happy with me. Ian had served in the army as an officer, he taught me a lot of survival skills, how to fire a gun, how to camp by yourself. He wanted me to follow in his paw-steps so they sent me to a boarding school, hoping that would discipline me. It was a terrible idea. At that point I'd also accepted in my mind that I was gay. At school, I could play around a lot with the other furs and get up to stuff I couldn't at home, but I was caught one day. Ian went ballistic when he found out. He said it was a phase I'd grow out of and they became distant to me at home. Being a wolf, I'm naturally inclined to be around others, so becoming isolated was hell at first, but then I got used to it. I started to revel in my misfit status. I started getting up to no good again, even getting in trouble with the police. The problem for the school was I got straight A's when I did study hard and won medals for the swim and athletics teams. They weren't sure what to do with me. Eventually, I was asked to leave. Again the Denman's were angry, but I was mad too. I knew that even though they resented my sexuality and now rarely spoke to me, they'd always turned up to brag about me at award ceremonies or tell the neighbours how well I did in my classes. I felt they were using me as a trophy son to show off, so I didn't care that I was expelled. I eventually got decent grades through a cram college, then a university degree but worked through a series of menial jobs. Eventually, I saved up enough money and moved here. I wanted to get as far away as I could. But in turns out my mum had been alive all this time, she died recently and that's why Ian had come to speak to me".

Both canines sat in silence for a moment after Marcus finished his story. Marcus felt slightly queasy revealing his past to Riley, he had never told anyone in that amount of detail before, although he had kept some details out. "Woah" Riley eventually breathed. He reached over a squeezed Marcus' shoulder "Mate, whatever happened back then, it's in the past. I know you as a kind, funny and all round great bloke and that ain't gonna change. I'm always gonna be your best friend, no matter what" he asserted "Riley, that really means a lot to me" Marcus replied "but the thing is, Ian said something else. My mum reckoned my father was innocent and set up". Riley frowned "Do you believe that, are you sure she was ok in the mind when she thought this, or that Ian is not just full of shit?" Marcus mulled the question over in his head "I don't know, it's true my mum wasn't at all well" he eventually said "but then again I'm not sure why Ian would randomly turn up and play a trick to hurt me. We didn't always get on, but I at least know him well enough to know that he's not that petty" The front door suddenly crashed open and slammed shut again. Marcus and Riley heard Ayden stomping around in the kitchen "Stood up! Unbelievable, un-fucking believable!" He shouted "The fox is back in the house" Riley said, forcing a smile in spite of the situation. Ayden stormed past Marcus' door "Wait 'til I get my paws on that horse!" He exclaimed. He cocked his head to one side and put his paws on his hips "You two on the same bed? I knew that'd happen one day!" his anger vanished and was replaced by a grin. Ayden then noticed the vacant expression on Marcus' face "Are you two all right?" he asked. Marcus repeated that he had lost his mother. Ayden walked into the room, joined them on the bed and took hold of Marcus' paw. He squeezed it gently "I'm really sorry" he said "uh, I'm normally really bad at this sort of thing, but I'm always here for you Snowflake. Always". Marcus forced another smile "Thanks Ayden" he said "you two mean the world to me". The three sat in silence for a while. Ayden held gently onto Marcus' paw and Riley sat close, with his arm around Marcus' shoulders. Eventually Ayden sighed "Um, guys I'm feeling tired" he leaned over and hugged Marcus "stay strong, I'll come and see you in the morning" he added, before leaving the room.

"I'll stay with you for a minute" Riley said "I hope you won't do anything dumb, but I wanna make sure". Marcus changed out of his lifeguard uniform and into his pyjamas before getting under the covers. Riley sat on the edge of the bed "Do you think you'll go back and find out what really happened?" He asked "Right now, I honestly don't know" Marcus whispered back "I know this probably isn't for me to say, but I wouldn't. You've got a new life here. Going back might just open old wounds". Marcus considered Riley's words but did not reply. He rolled over and faced the wall, wrapping the covers around him. Riley listened as Marcus' breathing grow deeper until he was sure the wolf was asleep. There was a desire burning in his heart, but he knew now was not the time to act on it. Instead, he reached over and gently pulled the covers up to Marcus' neck and stroked his furry white cheek "I love you more than you know" he whispered. He stood and left the room, but kept the door ajar.

However, Marcus was not asleep. Thoughts were churning inside his head like a raging ocean. He had just made out what Riley had said and was surprised. He was also torn about going back. Riley was right, his life was here now. But the memories of his mother came flooding back, her anguish as she became trapped on a downward spiral. No matter how hard he tried, he could not block out the image of her intense blue eyes from the video. If his father had indeed been set up, whoever had done it had torn his family apart. He could have had a normal upbringing like all his canine friends. He opened his eyes and checked that Riley had gone before grabbing his laptop. In the gloom, he gazed into the white light of the screen and began typing. He searched his father's name, scrolled down and clicked on an archived news article.

Respected Businessman Found guilty of Terror Charges

_Joseph Charles Valentine Winters had been taken into custody after it was alleged that he was sponsoring various proscribed terrorist groups around the world. Today, police have announced to have found substantial evidence to support these claims. Winters, CEO and co-founder of Winters-Fawcett-Slobov, was accused of fostering links these groups and providing money for propaganda efforts. Winters was also photographed meeting guerrillas in Zaire who were later accused of the bombing of the French Embassy, killing eight furs. _

Marcus clicked off the article. There was an unpleasant feeling in his stomach. Part of his mind was screaming at him to stop, but he continued searching the web. He found a flight going to London that was leaving tomorrow evening. He took a deep breath and booked a seat. He was going home.

Five hours later, the rays of dawn began peeping through the windows of the apartment. Riley made his way down the hall, he had previously checked on Marcus at three in the morning and saw that the wolf was fast asleep. Gently, he nudged the bedroom door open, expecting to see the same thing "Marcus?" he said softly. The covers were ruffled but there was no sign of him. Riley made his way into the room. He saw a handwritten note sitting by Marcus' pillow "No, no, no!" Riley growled under his breath. He picked it up to see Marcus' messy handwriting

Riley and Ayden,

I'm really sorry guys, but I've gone back to the UK to see if my mum's theory was true. I don't want to run or hide anymore. I want to confront whoever ruined my life and clear my father's name if he is indeed innocent.

I don't if or when I'll be back,

Marc

Riley cursed under his breath. Clutching the note, he raced out of Marcus' room and into the kitchen. Ayden was mixing some ingredients in a bowl, sloshing most of it over the floor. He was also singing along to the radio "Morning!" he called "making some pancakes for Marc. Thought I'd try and do something nice". Riley would have pointed out that Ayden's cooking and singing were more likely to make someone feel worse, but now was not the time "Ayden, we have a serious problem" he said gravely. Ayden put down the bowl, took the note and frowned as he read it "What does he mean?" Ayden asked. Riley filled Ayden in on Marcus' story "Oh shit" Ayden breathed. He sank into a chair by the table and Riley joined him "What do we do?" Ayden asked hopelessly "Nothing we can do" Riley grunted. Ayden picked up the note and turned it over "You didn't think to look at the back?" He said, fixing Riley a sly grin "Ayden, if you make that fucking face at me again, I'll throw you out the window" the Dingo growled "Hey calm down!" Ayden replied, "he's written an address" he added sheepishly, handing it over to Riley

Mr and Mrs I. Denman 17 Fenwick Green Upton Abbott England CT6 7AB

"Maybe it's a hint for us to follow?" Ayden continued "if I wanted to go it alone, I wouldn't have put an address". Riley considered this and nodded "Right, I'm going after Marcus!" he announced "Me too" Ayden replied, jumping to his feet and accidentally throwing more pancake mix on the floor "Ayden, I'm sorry about the window thing..." Riley said, getting to his feet "It's ok, but we've got to stick together" "For once you're talking sense. Let's pack out stuff. I don't know what flight he's on, but we could try and catch him. If not we're getting the first one to London" "Wait, uh, how much money do we have?" Ayden asked "Screw that, I'm getting my Dad on the phone. I'm telling him it's an emergency" "You really do care for Marc, don't you?" Ayden observed. Riley looked down and nodded. He fished his phone out of his pocket and dialled his dad's number.

Marcus gazed out of the oval window of the Boeing 747 as it taxied towards the main runway. He vaguely noticed a feline air hostess was making her way up and down the aisle to check everyone had their seatbelts fastened. There was a heavy feeling in the pit of his stomach, he turned and half hoped to see Riley sitting beside him, convincing him to get off the plane. Instead, all he could see was a middle aged Ferret engrossed in a newspaper. The captain's voice crackled over the PA system, calling for the cabin crew to take to their seats for take-off. Outside, clouds were gathering in the sky and Marcus saw a fork of lighting in the distance. It lit up the cabin as it stabbed into the ground. The engines howled as the plane thundered down the runway. Marcus felt a lurch as they became airborne. The cabin shook as the plane was buffeted by the wind, the ferret threw down his newspaper and gripped the armrests, but Marcus continued to look out the window. Below, he could see a clear panorama of the city below, and a vast golden expanse of sand before it reached the shining ocean. Then, the plane was swallowed up by the thick, grey storm clouds and the cabin went dark. Marcus turned to face forwards and reclined in his seat. He prepared himself for whatever lay at the other end.