During the day it slept. From what they could gather from witnesses, the creature only came out at night to stalk its prey. It preferred solitude until then and would rage against anyone disturbing it. In the dead of night it infiltrated nearby villages, grabbing the easiest targets and dragging them back to its lair. While some believed it lived in the sewer systems, others were positive the woods were its residence, simply because no one ever ventured in there. If someone was foolish enough to go into the forest, they never came out.

The locals believed the woods were haunted by the creature’s victims, such as any brave hunting and recovery parties, which would explain the power drain of their cell phones. At first, Mike was shocked since this was a creature grab not a ghost case, but it became apparent that the souls of this thing’s victims walked the area, desperate for release from this plane.

Mike’s stomach lurched with fear for the briefest moment as he drove his team toward the woods. Was the forest a deathtrap for them? A dense wood that would completely cut them off, turn them in circles, and lead to their death? Mike hated when he second-guessed himself. He hated feeling like he was making the wrong decisions. That was the mistake he made when Reina almost ended up dead. If he had gone with his gut she wouldn’t have been on that floor alone.

The ride toward the trees was quiet. Nathan stared out the window at the desolate open field that ran parallel to the road. Reina kept checking her phone as if they’d suddenly have battery and service. Mike laughed to himself. No matter how many of these trips they did together, they never got used to the power drain. For people who relied so heavily on their cell phones for everything, it was hard to be disconnected from the rest of the world. Sometimes it forced them to talk to each other and have a decent conversation, but today no one felt like talking so he continued thinking to himself, praying this was the best route.

The El Dorado slowed to a stop at the entrance to the woods. There was a wide trail that led directly into a thick, lush line of trees with glorious green canopies of leaves, branches, and twigs. If they weren’t searching for supernatural beings, Mike would love to hike here. Take in nature and enjoy the quiet.

Reina stepped out of the vehicle and shoved her useless cell phone into her back pocket. She exhaled dramatically and started walking toward the entrance, not waiting for the boys to unload any equipment. Nathan called out to her that she needed to help with the bags, but she ignored him. He shrugged and grabbed her bags for her. Mike helped him and tried to make eye contact with his teammate, but the other man looked away.

Mike took inventory of their equipment and made sure they had what they needed to trap the thing. Electrified staff, tripwire, tranquilizer gun. Reloads. Mike smiled and looked at the entrance. If they were successful he would regain his team’s trust. He would get redemption for putting Reina in that room alone and trapping her with a dangerous entity. He met Reina’s gaze and her annoyed expression told him to hurry up.