“And because of his generous donation, we were able to afford to hire a special drama coach to help us make this year’s drama night our best one yet.”

No applause this time, but the news certainly caused a stir.

“So it’s with great pleasure that I introduce you to Redstone’s most famous actor, Manchoka himself, Mr. Willie Greene!”

The door to the auditorium opened up and in walked Willie Greene dressed in a pair of casual pants, a beige suede jacket, and full wrap-around sunglasses—despite the dim auditorium lighting.

“Willie has just been cast to star in the new production of Mordecai Richler’s The Incomparable Atuck.”

Everyone in the room cheered and applauded.

“But before he heads off to Labrador for filming, Willie has agreed to help us out with our auditions by being our special guest judge…”

Tora’s heart leapt up into her throat. Could it be?

“…casting the roles in the plays however he sees fit.”

“Yes!” Tora said aloud.

Several people stared at her for a moment, then turned their attention back to Principal Terashita.

“So good luck with the auditions everyone,” he said. “I have a feeling this year’s show is going to be our best one ever.”

Tora couldn’t believe her luck. She was going to have a fair chance at winning the role after all.

“That’s pretty exciting, eh?” said Michael.

She nodded, and glanced around the room, noticing that everyone shared Michael’s sense of excitement. Everyone, that is, except for Maria Abruzzo, who looked as if her balloon had just popped.

“It’s more than exciting,” Tora said. “It’s fair!”

* * *

Noble, Argus, and Harlan slipped into the auditorium, careful not to open the door too wide and let light flood into the room from the hallway.

Tora was onstage with Michael performing the final scene from the play, Red Carnations.

Argus jabbed an elbow into Noble’s side. “There she is.”

“Yeah,” Noble said. “And Michael Martin.”

Argus was silent for several moments. “She looks good.”

Noble nodded. He found it hard to think of Tora as being cute, pretty, good-looking, or sexy. It was even harder to think of her like that when she could transform herself into a towering creature that was half-human, half-wolf, capable of tearing full-grown men apart with her bare hands. But Noble had to admit, Tora was developing into a very attractive young woman. He felt proud as he watched her up on stage making use of her newfound beauty. But more than good-looking, Tora was talented. Noble knew that she had a passion for acting, that she wanted to try it out and see if she was any good. Watching her up on stage made it clear that she was a natural. Her smile, body language, tone of voice, and speech all seemed right.