Holding up the small picture found in Fraser’s camera, I made a quick comparison–yes, this creature peering up at me from below was definitely the one in the picture. I attempted to take a picture of it myself, but it trotted back into the water urgently, as if it knew my intentions. It disappeared underwater, giving away the fact that it was not like any other horse. Well. . . unless it had a death wish.

When I was back at the station, my partner suggested calling animal control. One other detective suggested a paranormal team. I couldn’t decide which one sounded more reliable.

Another disappearance was reported the next day–a young woman who was simply a visitor of this town entered the area of the lake and never returned. Urgently, I went back to the lake accompanied by my partner. We had full intention to come face-to-face with this creature.

“I heard about kelpies when I was a boy,” he said, “They lure people into mounting them, and then rode off into their watery doom. A similar concept to sirens.”

“Then we’ll ban any horseback riding until this is solved.” I immediately concluded.

We entered a small cave and sat on the rocks, watching for something. The lake was much more silent than I remembered. It was the kind of silence that could make even the strongest stomachs feel nauseous. After only a few short minutes, we witnessed the kelpie emerge from the water from afar. Like any horse, it began to eat away at a patch of grass. If this creature was still able to show behavior of a normal horse, then perhaps our plan could work.

“Take the lead rope,” I demanded of my partner, “and go trap that equine.”