The sunset is turning the sky at brilliant orange pink, as our helicopter touches down on the hospital's helipad.

I'm the first out of the little bird helicopter, the rotor wash, whipping at my clothes, as I trot to the edge of the helipad and kneel down.

I hold my Beretta PMX submachine gun lightly as the rest of my squad exits the aircraft.

We're all wearing light tactical gear that includes vests, but not helmets.

Our vests all have a patch on the back that says animal control.

It's as close to the truth as the foundation is likely to give people.

It's technically true. What we're hunting is certainly

not human, but the briefing I received on the creature tells me it's not like any animal I've ever

seen. There are six of us total, and we'll be splitting into three teams of two. The other two teams

head into the hospital without a word as Farrar kneels next to me.

Behind us, the helicopter lifts off and flies away, taking the rotor wash and the noise with it.

As the roar of the helicopter fades, it's replaced by city sounds as Farah and I look at the sunset,

waiting for the other two teams to head off into

the city before we start our search.

You think we'll find it? I ask.

Probably. It's just a matter of knowing where to look. Where it's likely to feed,

Farrar says. So you've dealt with these things before?

Ferrar nods.

I was on the team that captured the last one.

You lose anyone during the mission?

Nope, Farrar says.

But that one we caught in a small town in West Texas.

...