Synbat (31 page)

Chicago

_10:20 P.M._
Holly slunk under the fence surrounding the construction site for a new skyscraper that was to grace the Loop. She moved toward the pile of metal rods and assorted lumber that she was making her new home when she suddenly froze, the hair on the back of her neck standing up. She recognized the scent immediately, and her eyes strained to pierce the darkness and find the source. Moving slowly, belly low to the ground, she made her way forward, the faint smell growing stronger.
Something scuttled around in the opening between two trailers. Holly froze and waited. It moved again  --  now there were two. They were a foot and a half high, and moved with jerky movements. One of them turned toward her and grimaced, displaying fangs that already were larger than Holly's. The two began moving toward her, separating to trap her between them.
Holly's tail twitched and she half-turned to run. Then she stopped. This time she wouldn't run. She exploded out of her stance and charged, taking the young Synbat on the left completely by surprise. Her teeth closed on its neck and she furiously shook the hapless creature until its spine snapped.
The other Synbat ran. Holly dropped the first one, the body sliding onto the ground like a rag doll, and went after the second. It hit the fence and scooted under, Holly less than five feet behind. It headed for the park, but Holly caught it halfway down the street and took it down from behind, teeth clamping down on the back of its neck. As the small hands pounded at her side, she let go briefly, but chomped down again, this time with a death grip.
In thirty seconds the last Synbat was dead. Holly placed a paw on its chest and raised her bloody muzzle to the moon.

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