Lizzie was surprised by Kenna’s observation. She had always thought that she wasn’t quite thin enough, or maybe not funny enough. Or she was just too average to stand out in a crowd. It wasn’t something she dwelled on, but it was always a thought in the back of her mind. And the very public and humiliating break-up with her last serious boyfriend likely wasn’t very helpful. She’d dated since, but nothing serious and not at all recently. Thoughts about dating were better left for another time and place, though.

“You’re right, I could date. But not a potentially mass-murdering werewolf.” At which point she erupted in giggles, laughing at the image she had just described.

“What’s so funny?” said Kenna.

“If you met him—he’s very serious and responsible looking. My initial impression was of a large, intimidating guy. But after he stopped looming in my doorway, well, I don’t know. He’s a statistician. Conservative haircut, nice manners. The overall impression is more buff accountant, than deranged serial killer. Although, I suppose some deranged serial killers look like accountants?” pondered Lizzie.

Lizzie shook her head. “How did we even get there?” Another headshake. “Here’s the important stuff. He’s a werewolf. The book is magic, and he can’t read it, either. He initially thought I could read the Book, so he was surprised that I didn’t know about him or about werewolves. He doesn’t want the book—he wants me and the book. Or, maybe, me to read the book? I’m not clear on that last bit. But I’m the key to reading the thing, somehow. He’s not sure exactly how.” This last was accompanied by a small nose wrinkle. “Got it?”

“Not even close. Why now? Why you? Where did the book come from? There are just too many questions John the Werewolf didn’t answer. Do you believe him?”

After considering for a moment Lizzie replied, “I think I do.” Everything had happened so quickly, Lizzie hadn’t stopped to evaluate the truth of John’s claims. But now she did, and she wanted to believe him.

“As for the unanswered questions—” Lizzie produced his business card. “I have his cell. I’m going to set up another meeting, but this time I’m not leaving until he answers all of my questions.”

Chapter 9

John agreed to meet with Lizzie. He didn’t seem surprised by her call. They met at three o’clock, at the same small café as before. She decided going in that she was going to act as if nothing unusual had happened yesterday.

After ordering tea for Lizzie and coffee—John’s second cup—they moved into a corner with a small table. There were only two other customers, none seated near their table.

After confirming Lizzie had recovered fully, John asked, “Is your friend going to join us, or is she just here to make sure I’m not a mass murderer?” Lizzie blinked three times. Surely that was no coincidence? Strangers and mass murderers were starting to crop up as a theme. Unless werewolves were psychic…. How else would he know the customer sitting on the other side of the shop was her friend? Unless…