Wolves and Wild Roses 9

I hope this next section is as enjoyable to you guys as it was for me writing. You'll notice the first thing I do is answer the niggling question : What about the servant? I could've added this to the end of the previous chapter, but it seemed to end perfectly with the rose scene. I felt like adding this first part would've detracted from the ending.

Well, the time is almost here. Just a few more post and Wolves and Wild Roses will be put to rest and moved over to the bonus content section. Have you guys been enjoying it? I certainly hope so. 

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The carriage stopped at the docks, the morning sun burning away the light layer of fog that lay over the city. Inside, Sonia stared at the list of ingredients to the Wolf's Bait. Some of them were expected, but others seemed quite far fetched. She wondered if hornet's honey was something she could even get in America. That was hardly her greatest concern at the moment, however. She had tied up nearly all the loose ends in her trip, but what could be the most important still remained.
    Outside, the coach driver groaned gestured toward the door. Unaided, it swung open. He sat still at the head for several moments, waiting, before he turned back to the open door.
    "I'm dreadfully sorry, but I need your assistance," came Sonia's voice. The gaunt servant dropped from the driver's seat with an audible thud, the carriage bouncing slightly as he approached the door.
    "In here," she urged, motioning for the servant to enter. With a low sigh, the driver stepped inside the carriage. It first sized up Sonia, then examined the coach interior. Upon seeing nothing impeding the hunter's exit, it turned to stare at her.
    "Do you not see it?" she asked. The driver only stared at her. "I simply can't leave until... oh my, what happened to your face?" The servant carefully ran a hand along his face. "No, around the mouth," she said. The servant touched his fingers to his parted lips, head cocked curiously.
    "No, no... Come here, I'll get it," Sonia instructed, the driver leaning forward. With a quick motion, the hunter's gloved hand darted in and out of the servants mouth. His eyes slowly closed and he fell back against the opposite seat of the carriage, stiff as a board. Sonia grinned and stepped out, hoisting her considerably lighter trunk from the roof.
    "Don't worry, dear," she said before closing the door. "I'm sure he'll find you when he eventually escapes. Or perhaps he'll just make another." With a shrug and a smile she approached her ship, handing her trunk off to a porter.
    As she ascended the gang plank she tossed aside a small, withered scroll wrapped in twine. As it floated down into the water, she smirked. "Golems."


                                                          ***

    "I must say, your new hair suits you, Madam."
    Sonia rolled her eyes as she dropped a folded piece of paper on the table before him. With a sigh she took her seat at the cafe table, Mr. Roosevelt opening and scanning through the list. A waiter approached, setting a cup of tea before her, which she accepted with a nod. "Mr. Roosevelt, if you only knew what I went through to end up with this look," Sonia replied as she sipped her tea.
    "Is this everything?" he asked, adjusting his pince nez.
    "My source is trying at times, but reliable. If your people can get everything, we should be ready to mobilize in a day."    
    "Bully!" Roosevelt exclaimed as he looked over the list. "Incredible work, my dear. You are sure this will do the trick? I've not heard of some of these... items."
    "My source told me that every werewolf within a hundred miles would be able to smell it. We should have it brewed and set up at least a day before the full moon," she continued.
    "Ah, so the beasts can smell it even as men."
    "Indeed. They won't know why they're attracted, but it will lure them just same."
    "Good work, Mrs. Trevor. I will have my men begin copying the book right away. Expect it waiting for you when this is over."
    Sonia set her cup down, trying not to let her mind dwell on the hell of the last few days. There was fresh hell waiting for her that required her attention. "Have you set a location?"
    "By all rights, we should wait another month and try to lure the beasts out west," Roosevelt said, handing the list to a waiting agent, "but I fret to think what damage will occur if we delay the operation further. I've selected a relatively isolated forest near the border. It should keep us away from the eyes of the public."
    "Is that wise?" Sonia asked. "These creatures will have an advantage in a forested area."
    "Mrs. Trevor, I led my men through hellfire at San Juan. I have no fear of untrained beasts."
    "I hope that confidence is warranted," she replied, standing. "Please send me the exact location. I have preparations to make."