“Nice,” Minette said. She took the digital camera, pulled up the shots, and showed them to Wolf.

“They’ll do fine,” Wolf replied. “You might want to mention that the barn is as secure as the White House, and anyone who comes here with evil intent will end up in the backseat of a patrol car, handcuffed.” He pursed his lips. “I still have my handcuffs, just in case.”

“We’ll mention that security is tight.” Minette laughed.

“He really is a neat bull,” Michelle added. “Thanks for letting us come out and letting us take pictures.”

He shrugged broad shoulders. “No problem. I’m pretty much available until next week.”

“What happens next week?” Michelle asked.

“A World Event on World of Warcraft,” he mused. “The ‘Love Is in the Air’ celebration. It’s a hoot.”

“A world event?” Michelle asked, curious.

“We have them for every holiday. It’s a chance for people to observe them in-game. This is the equivalent of Valentine’s Day.” He laughed. “There’s this other player I pal around with. I’m pretty sure she’s a girl. We do battlegrounds together. She gets hung on trees, gets lost, gets killed a lot. I enjoy playing with her.”

“Why did you say that you think she’s a girl?” Michelle asked.

“People aren’t what they seem in video games,” he replied. “A lot of the women are actually men. They think of it as playing with a doll, dressing her up and stuff.”

“What about women, do they play men?” she persisted.

He laughed. “Probably. I’ve come across a few whose manners were a dead giveaway. Women are mostly nicer than some of the guys.”

“What class is your Horde character?” Minette broke in.

“Oh, you know about classes, huh?”

“Just what I overheard when Kilraven was raving about them to my husband,” she replied, chuckling.

“I play a Blood Elf death knight,” he said. “Two-handed sword, bad attitude, practically invincible.”

“What does the woman play?” Michelle asked, curious.

“A Blood Elf warlock. Warlocks cast spells. Deadliest class there is, besides mages,” he replied. “She’s really good. I’ve often wondered where she lives. Somewhere in Europe, I think, because she’s on late at night, when most people in the States are asleep.”

“Why are you on so late yourself?” Michelle asked.

He shrugged. “I have sleep issues.” And for an instant, something in his expression made her think of wounded things looking for shelter. He searched her eyes. “You’re staying with the Brandons, aren’t you?”

“Well, yes,” she said hesitantly.

He nodded. “Gabriel’s a good fellow.” His face tautened. “His sister, however, could drop houses on people.”

She stared at him. “Excuse me?”