CHAPTER 13

Relief erupts through me.

He's a person. Just an ordinary person.

I spit out. "Has to be a useful skill."

"It might be. Come on, now. I'll give you a tour of the hounds. Before I can tell him that I don't want to be introduced to anyone, least of all the owners of a pub, he turns and stalks into the establishment.

Then, are there three hounds? Considering the three heads? In his wake, I inquire.

He is not too far along. Several steps inside. I saw by looking at him that he wasn't listening. I spoke loud enough for him to hear, but he must have been distracted by something else.

I kept my eyes on him to see what it was. My eyes flit over the rows of black leather booths that flank one wall and the cluster of tables and chairs next to the fairly empty dance floor since, as far as I can tell, people don't go out to clubs until much later than the time it is right now. While holding what appear to be fruity cocktails, two girls in short dresses spend more time chatting in each other's ear