down to the river we will run

Tatiana Maslany, Milo Ventimiglia, and Shane Coffey 

                                                    Low Life Grifter

              How old are you?

It had been years since Violet had thought to ask herself that question. Birthdays flew by, the day just as monotonous as the rest blending into the remainder of the year. She was in her seventies, she knew because of the decades, but that wasn’t something she could admit without seeming like a joke. In the natural world, she appeared young. There was a way of figuring out how much but it varied from wolf to wolf. It had been a while since Violet had aged, longer than was usually expected. She settled on the first number that came to mind.

"23. I know it’s- I’m young but I swear I have the maturity of someone much older." At least half of her statement was true. "I can do it. I promise." For once, she might not have to break her word. Her senses were attuned to tracking, listening in on conversations others wouldn’t have a chance of hearing, catching scents no one else would dream of following. This was something she could do. She finally had some kind of purpose, a silver lining to an otherwise vicious curse.

"That is what many people say," River said, "but I trust you." She didn't completely trust her yet, but she did seem earnest. "Do not make any promises you cannot keep either," she added. River held the door open for Violet to leave. "Here is my cellphone number. Call me if there is anything that you need help with. You have one day to find as much information as you can on these people. I need a suspect. Have a nice rest of your day. I will see you tomorrow. And again, congratulations on your new position."

"N- Actually, what’s my job exactly? Am I like an assistant or hired help or a fellow investigator?" Violet blushed as she realized how silly she sounded. She was desperate for affirmation that somehow this was some kind of relationship, not just a transaction. Even if it was kept professional, it would be nice to have someone outside of the pack, or someone human for that matter. If Vi was going to go through with this and not be the coward she felt like being, she had to make this apart of her fantasy. Violet Moore if she had never been bitten. Then by the time reality came to light, she would have something to fight for.

"By the way, I haven’t. Done any research like this before I mean." She was lying but unlike the majority of her lies, this one wasn’t easy to see through. A few years back, it must have been twenty by now, she had looked for her parents and found them. She was going to make her way down to them and show them what they had created. Keep the vow she made to herself the day she was turned that she would come back and kill them for murdering the girl she once was. She couldn’t do it though. Compassionate towards even the most evil of beings.

There was one ghost however whom she hadn't heard from in months. A young soldier named Cristian Castillo. A kind, brave, and somewhat self righteous man. And a loving brother. Perhaps there would be a way that River would be able to communicate with him again. She had lost contact with her younger brother as well. Hopefully he was doing fine and hopefully, he had not been affected by the magic that ran through his veins.

"You will learn then," River said, turning to face Violet. "Do not be afraid to ask for help, but do know that I expect a lot out of you since I do not welcome outsiders very often. How old are you?" She raised an eyebrow, keeping her gaze on the woman. River was not one for rules, but she did respect those she liked. Violet was a rare exception. For now, she was. River still wasn't quite sure what to think of her. "Prove to me that you are capable of this work."