Chapter 29
Iwasn’t exactly sure how to broach the subject without throwing Taryn under the bus. "We're investigating the werewolf murders. We believe the killer may be someone in the enthusiast community who’s taken things a little too far.”
Rafe’s eyes narrowed, and he didn't say anything for a moment. "What does any of that have to do with me?”
"We’re talking to everyone in the community who might have information."
"Information about what?”
"Someone who may have taken a fantasy too far.”
"How did you get my name?”
I shrugged. "We've been talking to like-minded individuals.”
Rafe’s jaw tightened. "Look, I don't know what you're talking about. This whole thing is nonsense. Some animal escaped from the zoo and is mauling people.”
"That's quite likely. We’re just covering all of our bases.”
A poster of a werewolf movie hung in a frame in his living room. The guy was clearly a fan. I pointed it out. "Cool poster."
Rafe said nothing and shifted uncomfortably.
"What are you going to be for Halloween?”
His face wrinkled. "It's none of your damn business."
"Let me guess. You’re gonna dress up as a werewolf?"
He squinted at me. "So? Is that a crime now?”
"No. But hacking up people while you wear a suit is.”
"I didn't kill those people. What the fuck is this? You can't just come around here and accuse me of shit.”
"I'm not accusing you of anything. I'm asking if you know anyone in your community who may be likely to take things too far.”
"Everybody's got a hobby. Mine just happens to be werewolves.
I love werewolf movies. I love horror movies.
I like to hang out with people who like werewolves and horror movies.
I used to get a lot of shit for that as a kid growing up.
People always said I had an unhealthy fixation with that.
There's nothing unhealthy about it. So, I like to dress up as a werewolf. So, I like to go to conventions in costume. So, I like to hang out with my wolfpack. Big fucking deal.”
"How about you tell me about your wolfpack?”
His face wrinkled. "How about you get fucked?”
"Do you consider yourself to be a werewolf?"
“No!” He replied with a twisted face. “Don't be stupid. I don't transform under the full moon. It's just a thing. A group where I fit in.”
"Who else is in your group?" I asked again.
"I'm not telling you anything."
"Seth? Rowan?” They were names from Taryn’s list.
Recognition flashed in his eyes. "Where are you getting this information?”
"Can you tell me where you were the night of the murders?”
Anger tensed his face again. "I'm not telling you anything. This conversation is over.”
Rafe slammed the door in our faces and flipped the deadbolt.
JD and I shared a look, then plunged down the switchback staircase. The umbrella kept us dry as we hustled through the complex and back to the street.
"That guy sure was uptight," JD said.
"He fits the profile to an extent."
Seth lived in the same complex but in a different building. We hurried through the rain, found his unit, and put a heavy fist against the door. After a moment, footsteps shuffled across the living room, and the peephole flickered. "I'm not talking to you," he said, his voice muffled by the door.
Rafe must have given him a call and warned him.
"We just want to talk. You could help us solve a crime.”
"Fuck off.”
I shared a disappointed look with Jack, then we hustled back to the Porsche and drove to the Shoals. It was another hive complex just off campus.
Rowan wouldn't talk to us either.
It wasn't surprising, but it did make me consider the possibility that all three were working together somehow.
The sheriff called. “That panther has been spotted at Echo Point. Get over there right now.”
“Be there in a minute.”
We raced back to the Porsche and zipped across the island to the beach. By the time we got there, several patrol cars were on the scene, along with Animal Control and recovery personnel from the zoo.
JD and I dawned ponchos, hopped out, and joined the sheriff. “Where’s the cat?”
Daniels pointed to the trail that led to the beach. The same trail where Ophelia had been attacked. “Groundskeeper saw it. Said it darted down the trail. Whatever you do, don’t shoot the damn thing unless it’s the last resort.”