Page 44 of Way of the Wolf

When I returned, Duncan was waiting for me, the metal detector stationary as he leaned on it, hands folded on top. “There’s something else the alchemist wanted to know.”

“What?” I asked warily, afraid I would have to further explain why I wanted such a potion.

“Apparently, she knows—or knew—the alchemist who lived and worked here. An old retired nurse and witch, right? This lady wanted to know what happened to her.”

“I haven’t figured that out yet. Beatrice disappeared from her apartment. So did her furnishings and whatever desiccated doodads she had. I left a message for the only number I have on file—her daughter’s, I think—but I haven’t been able to get in touch with her or any other relatives.”

“Oh. Hmm. This alchemist—Rue is her name—was concerned that there might have been foul play. Or that you or someone else threatened or harmed the other lady. She had some reservations about getting involved with you.”

“I don’t harmtenants.” I didn’t try to hide the indignation in my voice. “I work hard and at all hours of the day and night to make sure they’re well cared for.”

“Oh, I assumed so.” Duncan looked toward the apartment where the plumbers worked. “I just didn’t know anything about the missing alchemist or what to tell this one.”

“I don’t know either. Having Beatrice disappear from under my nose is odd. People usually give notice if they’re moving out. They want their damage deposits back and for me to stop billing them.”

“Naturally.” Duncan scratched his jaw. “I’ll assure Ms. Rue that you didn’t do anything, but… is it possible foul playwasat work?”

“Beatrice was seventy-five and quilted when she wasn’t brewing potions. I can ask some of the local witches, but I doubt she had a lot of enemies left alive.”

“Youseem to have enemies.”

“No kidding,” I replied automatically before twigging to what he meant. “Wait, you think someone got rid of Beatrice because she was my potion supplier?”

Could Augustushave known about her?

“Maybe someone wanted you to run out,” Duncan said.

“I don’t think that makes sense. If anything, my enemies—as far as I know, it’s really only some family members who are peeved with me—would prefer to keep me in this weaker form.” I waved to my human body. “I’d be able to better fend them off if I lost my ability to sublimate the wolf.” I wasn’t sure when I’d started to speak with Duncan openly about this, but, after turning wolf himself and battling my family, it wasn’t as if he hadn’t learned quite a bit already.

“I suppose that’s true. It was just a thought.”

“My ex-husband…” I trailed off, less interested in sharing about Chad.

Duncan raised his eyebrows.

“Never mind,” I said.

“Would he have plotted with someone to make you turn into a wolf? You implied his behavior is, ah, sketchy.”

“He’s an ass. And there’s nothing wrong with your memory, is there?”

“Nope.”

“I guess the magnets aren’t deleterious to your health, after all.”

“No, I snuggle right up to them in bed when I’m bereft of female companionship.”

“Charming. As to the rest, Chad didn’t know about Beatrice. And he’s long gone anyway.”

“Of course.”

“Let me know when I can get the potion, please. I’ll be happy to pay your ten percent surcharge.” A thought occurred to me, and I leaned into the office, delving into one of the drawers where I stashed chocolate. “Here. A bonus for your hard work.” I broke off a number of squares from one of my treasured dark-chocolate bars.

“Oh.” Duncan brightened and stepped closer. “Does that one have bits of pork in it too? I wasn’t expecting to find meat in chocolate.”

“We Americans like to put bacon in everything. We’re a health-conscious nation.”

“Yes, quite. I believe that’s what the rest of the world knows this country for.”

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