Redhawk Caldera The safety dance.

As soon as the stranger clapped eyes on them, he halted. Towhee’s own eyes didn’t waver, though she unconsciously maneuvered herself to block Bushtit from his view. She could feel the youngster’s head brushing her chest as he peeked around her, which she decided to allow.

Then the other wolf began moving closer. Towhee stiffened, pushing her son further behind her. She wasn’t entirely surprised that he was approaching, though she silently disapproved. Surely he knew it was a dangerous, uncomfortable situation for all involved. What was so important?

His deferential posture soothed some of the raw tension. Towhee raised her head and tail in return, signaling her low tolerance for chicanery. Her eyes remained fixed on the man’s face, waiting for the inevitable movements of his lips and hoping she would understand whatever words came.

She did. Towhee took a moment to mull his words. She shifted her weight. She didn’t know anyone by that name, of course, and she wondered if Towhee Jr might. There were a number of Redhawks who resembled her, it could also be any one of them.

I don’t know any Soto, she replied, curiosity getting the better of her and prompting her to wonder, Why is he looking for her?