Lost Treasure: Into the City

At Nichols Park I don’t notice anything unusual. The kids that are playing in the playground do smell of wolf pups. However, you wouldn’t know it just by looking at them. School should be starting soon, not for me. I’m looking for a job.

I have this area’s newspaper, more for me to hide behind while I observe my surroundings. I figure I’ll check out the restaurants around, it too worked out for me last time. Maybe I can get the owner to help me.

I notice the teens hang out in small groups. No more than three or four. Some are just females, just males, very few with both. If anyone is coupled up, they’re by themselves making out. I hate starting out all over again, I’ve never been much of a loner.

It’s been two days since I arrived in Chicago. The smell of the air is something to get used to. No one has discovered me at the secluded park near the lake shore. I keep my bed roll, cooking supplies, and bike hidden there.

Yesterday I noticed a group gathered by a fountain. Three girls started brawling with this one girl. Of course, I joined the crowd and watched. All I could smell was wolf. I’m just thankful I have my scent blocker on. All I smell like is a spice rack.

I’m not sure, but I heard she is from a different territory of the city. I’m gathering that even though there is no “wolf pack” here. There are still territories. So far, I’ve gone unnoticed here at this park. I haven’t seen those girls today.

I fold up my paper and head in the direction of Mad Dog Cafe. It is one of the hot spots that was highlighted on the wolf news. After a fifteen-minute walk I’m entering the cafe.

It is a wide-open restaurant with many round dining tables, a bar way on the back wall and a game area to the right for the graveyard customers. The food smells delicious but the place also smells of cigars and cheap perfume.

A young female was cleaning up a table. She didn’t look much older than me. Her honey blonde hair is pulled up into a bun. She was wearing khaki pants, white loose-fitting t-shirt and a black apron with the restaurant’s name on it. Her name tag said Peggy.

“Do you know if ya’ll are hiring?” I ask.

She turns to face me, and her chocolate brown eyes flick down quickly. If I were not a wolf, I would have missed it. Her left eyebrow is pierced along with her nose on the right side. Her full red lips pull up into a small smile. She was a little heavy set, but her makeup drew attention to her face. She’s actually really pretty.

“I’m not sure but we can ask Bill. You look a little young to be working. You’re new in town?” She says as we walk up to the bar.

“Yeah, well I’m on my own right now. So, I need money to get a place to stay.” I reply nervously. I fidget with Ramon’s pendant.

Her eyes flick to my hand. “Do you know anyone in this city? Where are you staying now?” She looks sad now.

I really didn’t want to share so much. She reminds me a lot of Kim. Which makes me wonder if she is okay.

“Uhm, no. My parents used to come here for meetings, but I never came along. They’re gone, I’m alone. That’s why I need to work.” I try to steer the conversation back to why I came here in the first place.

She looks around for a few minutes. Then says she’ll be right back. She disappears in the back. Fifteen minutes later she comes back with a large bald dark-skinned man with tattoos up both arms. He’s drying a glass. His steel eyes look over at me.

“Can you wash dishes?” He finally says.

My anxiety was killing me, so I visually relaxed. “Yeah! Of course. When do I start?” I’m really excited to get started.

He smiles. He has two gold front teeth and I notice as he spoke, he has a tongue piercing. I swear he looks like he just got out of prison. He motions back behind the bar. Peggy hands me a black apron like hers.

“What’s your name and where are you from?” He asks as he guides me to the sink.

“Jewel, from Tennessee.” Keep it short and sweet. I sigh as he looks at Peggy then back at me.

“Well, that explains the country accent. But just Jewel?” Peggy laughs.

“Do you need more?” I say plastering the best smile I can as I put my hands behind my back.

Peggy’s lips thin into a straight line. Her brows furrow. “Listen Jewel. You’ll find we’re straight forward here. We know you’re not human. This pendant covers your scent, but it also smells horrible. Who gave you this, are you in trouble?”

I take a deep breath and look away. I’m frustrated. I don’t know what I’m doing. I’m not fooling anyone, I’m transparent. I hug myself and look back.

“A wolf I met in Knoxville. He also gave me the link to wolf network. Which is why I came here. I may be in trouble but last I knew I lost them in Knoxville.” The words tumble out like vomit.

“You have access to the werewolf network? What are you using?” Bill asks, raising an eyebrow.

“My smartphone. The lady I stayed with gave it to me. I have to go to the museum to charge it and connect to Wi-Fi.” I pull out my phone and show them.

“Well, I’ll get you a better scent blocker if you insist but you don’t need it here unless you’re a spy. There are way too many people and smells in Chicago for you to be found easily. Hiding your wolf just makes you suspicious. Don’t worry girl, you came to the right cafe, we’ll take care of you.” Peggy says wrapping her arm around my shoulders.

Thank the Goddess! I was about to have a heart attack.