SKREEEEEEEEECH!

The metal hatch slid back with a protest, revealing a large chute, black with shadow. For a moment, the darkness within was still, then came a glint from animal eyes reflecting the light.

The creature shot out of the chute and skidded to a stop in the centre of the sawdust-strewn space. It lifted its snout and snarled, displaying two long, curving canines, surrounded by smaller, but equally dangerous-looking, teeth.

It looked like a large reptilian wolf, but with much more pronounced rear legs. It had a squat snout and long ears. Its scaly skin was brown, mottled with green, and spines ran from the top of its head, down its back, to the base of its tail.

Pacing the length of the observation enclosure, the creature warily watched its watchers. Coming to a sudden halt, it lifted its front legs off the ground, as if trying to stand like a human. It looked like a hunched person, spine curved and misshapen, unable to straighten completely. Its jaws opened wide, displaying its needle-sharp teeth, then, as it hissed, a long, forked tongue darted from its mouth, tasting the air.

‘Oh my giddy aunt,’ breathed Doctor Gillian Saunders, Director of Research, taking a step closer. ‘What in the name of zoology is that?’

A group of scientists in white lab coats were gathered in front of a glass wall that looked into the observation room.

‘Zoology is the wrong word,’ said Doctor Hikaru Tanaka, the group’s palaeontologist, coming to stand next to his boss. ‘Cryptozoology might be more accurate.’

‘I beg your pardon?’ Doctor Saunders turned from the creature to look at her subordinate.

‘The thing is . . .’ Doctor Tanaka hesitated. ‘It looks like a chupacabra.’

‘Surely, you jest?’ Doctor Saunders had her hands on her hips and an unfathomable expression on her face.

‘No . . . I’m serious. It matches eyewitness descriptions of the famous chupacabra cryptid of Puerto Rico. I realise that no actual evidence of the creature’s existence has ever been produced . . . until now, that is.’ Doctor Tanaka was rambling, caught up in the excitement of the revelations. ‘As a paleontologist and zoologist, I’ve always assumed cryptozoology to be a pseudoscience at best. But I guess I’m going to be rethinking that stance. As a matter –’

Doctor Saunders held up a hand to stop him. ‘That was a rhetorical question.’ The hint of a smile played at the corner of her mouth. ‘I do have a great deal of faith in your professional opinion.’

‘Oh.’ Doctor Tanaka grinned. Then quickly regained a neutral expression. ‘Thank you. Thank you very much.’ He turned to gaze through the window. ‘I call him Chewy.’

Doctor Saunders also looked at the creature. It was back on all fours, pacing the enclosure. ‘I know this island has given us many enigmas, but this is a whole new level. How do you suggest we proceed?’

‘There’s someone I think we should recruit.’ Doctor Tanaka paused, as if uncertain. ‘She has degrees in several disciplines, including zoology and palaeontology, and an extensive research and publication history. She has also conducted some cryptozoological research.’ He hesitated again. ‘I think she would be invaluable.’

‘But?’ prompted Doctor Saunders.

‘But,’ continued Doctor Tanaka, ‘she’s a little unconventional. And . . . well . . . she has just been fired by one of the most prestigious universities in Australia for pursing the study of cryptozoology against the request of her employer. And she’s been publicly ridiculed for her outrageous theories.’

‘Hmmm.’ Doctor Saunders nodded, never taking her eyes from the chupacabra. ‘She sounds perfect.’