So..." Bates crosses his arms across his chest. "What sort of information are you after?"
You take a slow breath. This is it. The reason why you came here. Ed seems to realise it too. He squares his shoulders.
"We... um... were wondering if there are any werewolves in this city?"
Bates frowns. "Werewolves? In a city?"
"Yes." Ed nods. "We know it sounds odd. But we heard of a... eh... lone wolf from one of our contacts. We were wondering if that is common in these parts?"
Bates purses his lips. "Werewolves aren't my speciality."
"Oh..."
"Who's your contact?"
"A... um..." Ed glances at you.