“Laura,” Marissa began. Her eyes softened with a hint of pity. “I know you’ve been through a lot lately, and I wouldn’t blame you if you wanted some time off.”

I shook my head. “I need this, Marissa. I need to work.”

Marissa studied me for a moment, then nodded. “All right. I’ve got something that might interest you. There’s been a series of strange animal attacks in a small town upstate. The locals are spooked. I want you to investigate.”

“Animal attacks?” I echoed, raising an eyebrow. It wasn’t my usual beat—political scandals and crime. But perhaps this was exactly what I needed… something different.

“Yes. A few livestock have been found torn apart. And one man claims he was attacked by a large, unidentified animal. But the locals are tight-lipped. They’re superstitious, especially with the full moon approaching.”

I smirked. “A full moon? Let me guess. They think it’s werewolves?”

Marissa chuckled. “You never know with these small towns. But seriously, Laura, I want you to be careful.”

I nodded, though I didn’t take her warning too seriously. If something was going on in that town, I’d uncover it no matter how secretive the locals might be.