"When did you kill the werewolf?" - Brian's calm voice sounded from behind. Everyone turned at the same time. The man has already managed to clean up and righten his close, so no stack could be found on his perfect appearance. There was not the slightest sign of the previous scene on his face.
Vicki was still sobbing, and her eyes were swollen and reddened. Brian put his arm around her shoulders and led her to the sofa, setting her down and settling beside her. He continued gently stroke his niece on the back, but his expression had no softness already.
"About a month ago, during the previous full moon," - Greg finally answered, when everyone sat down. He didn't look particularly shocked or frightened. Rather thoughtful. As if carefully trying to remember all the details of what happened. Finally, after a short silence, he continued addressing Brian primarily.
" We were attacked in the Park. At first, two shifters attacked Lana with the children. They had their run, or how it called, there that night. I didn't know about her secret back then, only that she went somewhere at night with kids. I got worried and went after her.
Then he described in detail what happened, but on the moment of that shifter's death suddenly faltered.
" This is strange. First, this wolf was shot several times by Tony. And then he gave me his guns. I remember that they were unusual, but then there was no time to pay special attention. The last shots, which knocked down that werewolf were also made from Anthony's pistols. And then I lost consciousness. Where did the weapon go, I do not know. When I woke up, I did not have them anymore."
"But Kiki said he gave you guys everything back. Even that terrible machete of the third man." - Immediately caught on Lana. Her eyes were frightened, but she diligently tried to control herself. - "Besides, you didn't know anything about us then. You were attacked, and you had every right to defend. You can not be blamed for anything."
Greg wanted to stand to calm his girlfriend, but Nicky was ahead of him. Holding his mother tightly by the shoulders, he soothingly stroked her arm. Lana threw him a grateful look.
"This is true. If you prove that you didn't know anything, then you won't be accused of killing a werewolf. Especially if he attacked first. But the second murder could no longer be an accident." - In the meantime, continued to argue Brian.
"I think it's obvious that I have nothing to do with the second corpse," - Greg spat in a cold tone. - "Furthermore, as I said, I did not even have these weapons after this incident. Why would I go and kill an unknown werewolf?"
"What about your friend, Anthony? Isn't that the odd boy you kicked out of the meeting today?" - Brian seemed not to notice how Greg started to get angry. Or did it intentionally to tumble him.
"That's why I drove out Tony back then, he doesn't know anything about you yet. And even if he knew, why would he go back there and kill someone? Besides, this person has a big mouth. You saw it yourself, if he had learned everything, he would have come running to me a long time ago with questions." - Greg said with undisguised notes of irritation in his voice.
"Maybe you just do not know him so well, what do you think? He does not give the impression of a man who constantly carries a weapon with him, but on that very day, he suddenly had two pistols at once on him. Why?"
Greg winced. In fact, he began to have some doubt a little under the pressure of Brian's arguments.
He did not even know that Tony was able to shoot. But in the end, it turned out that he also carries a weapon with him. Indeed, on this day Anthony could not have foreseen that they would have such an adventure. And what does that mean?
Greg met Tony when he went to college for the second time. He and Frank got accepted there straight after leaving the army. For Frank, it was a tough year, and he missed a lot of classes. Then Greg had run into Anthony and Michael. And fate brought them to Paul, who pulled Frank from the dead.
Each of them had their skeletons in the closet. And Anthony was no exception. He never told directly, but friends guessed what darkness was hiding this smiling boy. But trust for Greg was not built on a resume, but on actions and Tony repeatedly proved that for the sake of friends he was ready to go much further than many.
"I'll ask him," - Greg said suddenly, his voice suddenly became hoarse. - "But I more than sure that this is not him."
Brian measured Greg with a look, then nodded.
"Well, then I will try to find out from my side. I certainly can not get through to the Council. This will attract the extra attention of the father. But I have a couple of channels. Perhaps it will be possible to find out all the details of the second murder. We must make sure that the bullets were really the same." - Brian said, slightly diluting the atmosphere.
"By the way, about the idea of a house in the mountains," - Risa spoke, pulling everyone's attention. - "I think it's a great idea. The full moon is a dangerous time. Better for Greg to be away from the city. And with a lot of witnesses. Therefore, we will go with you. "
Everyone looked at each other. The atmosphere was not quite suitable for a family trip. But the investigation will take time, it is really better for them not to stay in the city for this period. Who knows what going to happen this time?
***
The next morning, Greg was able to find Tony without much trouble. It was enough to go in the direction of the most significant noise on the floor.
He found the guy in a small lounge near the department of the secretariat, surrounded by three young girls. Tony, as always, made jokes, and the girls giggled like hyenas. But as soon as the company saw who visited their small party, smiles immediately fell from the secretaries' faces.
" Oh! Look who visited our humble place" - as always, enthusiastically waving his hands, exclaimed Tony. - "Isn't it the Great and Terrible Big Boss himself?!"
But Greg did not let him finish, and snarled in a sinister voice,
"We need to speak! Now!." - and silently went to his office.
Anthony faltered a bit. Even the smile froze on his face as if painted. But as always, having quickly recovered, the guy tsked and winked at the girls,
"Beauties, I beg your pardon, but the duty is calling. If you hear my cries for help, call Frankie, only he is able to satisfy our Dark Lord fully, I am to pure for this demon."
The secretaries in response burst out laughing, and Tony trotted after Greg.
When he entered the office, Gregory was already seated in his chair, and with his elbows on the tabletop, was strictly looking at his friend. His gaze immediately made Tony grow serious.
"What happened?" - He asked lightly, sitting down opposite. -" Something with your fantastic lady?"
"Your guns, do you have them?" - asked Greg not beating around the bush.
Anthony frowned instantly.
"Yes, what's the matter?"
"That night, in the Park, they were returned to you immediately?"
Tony hesitated a little, remembering.
"Well no. Only when Martin and I were dropped off at our building. They helped raise him to the right floor and then gave me back all our belongings. To be honest, I'm still worried about this incident. I tried to dig up through my sources, but this National Park is crystal clear. There is indeed registered a reserve for rare species of wolves. Security is also explainable somehow. We maybe not the only hotheads in search for some adventurers on out arses, right ?! But something still does not give me peace. As if I missed something."
"Did you go there after?" - Greg's voice became cold, and in the eyes flashed suspicion. But Tony seemed calm and answered readily. Although with his acting skills one could never know for sure.
"To tell the truth, yes I did. About a week after. It's just that feeling doesn't leave me, like I forgot something there. But there was nothing lost. This is some kind of nonsense, but it seems to be pulling me in there. I just walked a bit, even went to the house of this big bold guy. But I did not find anything particular."
"You didn't shoot the wolves there again?" - Greg asked the main question directly.
Tony choked on a laugh.
"Firstly, my beautiful ass is still dear to me. In any case, doing it alone is not so exciting somehow. It's always more fun to run away from predators in the company, plus I am smaller than all of you, Frank or you look tastier. And the hunter from me is so-so. Their outfits are usually disgusting, khaki doesn't suit me at all."
He replied chuckling. Greg watched his every move but was never able to notice anything suspicious. Although knowing Tony, if he didn't want to tell the truth, it was hardly possible to crack him so easily. Therefore, he decided on the last option.
"What do you think about werewolves?" - He asked.
Tony froze with his mouth open, staring at his friend's too serious face. They played this staring contest for a second or two, and then Tony could not resist and began to chuckle again.
"You know, Greg! I'm more fairies and witches type of a guy. But if you're talking about tails and ears, then go on, you have intrigued me."
Greg exhaled. It didn't seem like Anthony was lying. Although the last question remained.
"Tony, where did you get these guns from? We have been working with the military for a long time, and this is the first time I saw something like this."
He asked carefully. The man in front of him immediately broke off his laughter. His face changed so quickly that Greg even flinched. It was as if a mask suddenly fell from Tony's face, and under it ...
The guy's eyes seemed to have turned black and cold, like an abyss. He tilted his head slightly and spoke softly, in a deep voice Greg had never heard before.
" And this, my friend, you better off not knowing."