Grey Dawn Read Online Free PDF Page B

“where,” “
’ware.
” Like, beware. At least, that’s what I think they meant.’
    â€˜Well, at least it wasn’t “were,” like werewolf.’ Dulcie tried to make light of her own recent scare. ‘Did you know that “were” in that context derives from “man” …?’
    â€˜Dulcie, that’s it!’ Her mother broke in. ‘I wasn’t sure before, but, of course, the warning was twofold, which is why both of them showed up. Now it’s clear as daylight. They were telling me to warn you on two fronts. Be careful, Dulcie. Please, be wary. You’ve got to beware the moon, Dulcie. And beware the
were.
Because the wolf is on the prowl.’

SIX
    G reat. Just when she had finally been motioned to a seat, Dulcie realized her appetite had gone. It wasn’t just her mother’s usual craziness. She suspected that empty-nest syndrome played a large role in her mother’s constant stream of psychic warnings and dire predictions. It was the mention of that one word –
wolf
– on top of what had happened last night and Rogovoy’s warning less than an hour before.
    She picked up the menu out of habit, only to have it whisked out of her hands. ‘I get you lunch.’ Lala, the hefty proprietor, was standing in front of her, frowning.
    â€˜Thanks, Lala.’ Dulcie wasn’t sure how to explain. ‘I don’t know if I can handle the three-bean burger today.’
    â€˜Huh.’ With a raised eyebrow, the chef-owner turned and walked away, and Dulcie reconciled herself to the inevitable. Maybe she could claim a previous appointment, and get the burger to go. That would be better than facing Lala’s disappointment as she watched a regular customer pushing the spicy creation around the plate.
    She was saved, though, by the rapid appearance of a wide bowl of lentil soup, steaming and savory enough to tempt Dulcie’s appetite back. ‘Thanks, Lala.’ Dulcie looked up, but the chef was already walking away.
    â€˜There you are.’ Trista squeezed into the seat next to Dulcie. ‘I was looking for you. Wow, that looks good.’
    â€˜I had to go talk to someone.’ Dulcie ignored the non sequitur, but gave her friend the spoon for a taste. ‘I thought I knew something.’
    â€˜About the murdered woman?’ Trista leaned in, her eyes bright. Clearly, this was more exciting than scary for her.
    â€˜She wasn’t murdered,’ Dulcie corrected her. ‘Her name is Mina Love and she’s in the hospital, but she’s still alive. But, Tris, I heard something. When I was out last night.’
    â€˜You heard – the attack?’
    Dulcie shook her head no, but Trista was waving down the counter guy and pointing toward Dulcie’s soup. ‘No, I didn’t,’ Dulcie said, once she had placed her order.
    â€˜Did Thorpe?’ Trista turned back to her friend. He didn’t say anything.’
    Dulcie shook her head again. It was a lot to explain. ‘No, but Tris? He wasn’t in the building. I’m sure of it. And I
did
see him on the street. He looked wild, his hair all messed up.’
    â€˜He is kind of a mess these days.’ Trista reached up to take her own bowl from the server. ‘Poor guy, having to host the competition. I sort of feel bad for him.’
    â€˜Trista, it’s more than that. At least, I think it is.’
    Her friend looked up, spoon in mouth, and Dulcie waited for her to swallow.
    â€˜You know, when you said that it looked like the woman had been attacked by an animal?’ Trista nodded. ‘What did you hear – exactly – and from whom?’
    Trista took another spoonful and sucked on the utensil thoughtfully. ‘It wasn’t Jerry, and it wasn’t the news.’
    Dulcie ate more soup while she waited. With that first sip, her appetite had returned. Lala really did have magical powers.
    â€˜I